Super-league performance Ducati

supEr-lEaguE pErFormanCE

Ducati is an iconic Italian motorcycle brand that leads the field in both style and performance. Philip Yorke reports on a company that continues to launch world-beating models and to capture the imagination and admiration of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

IN 1926 Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons founded ‘Societa Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati’ in Bolgna to produce vacuum tubes, condensers and other radio components. By 1935 they had become successful enough to enable them to construct a brand new factory. Following on from the huge success of a Turin based company called SIATA that sold small, motorised bicycles, known as the ‘Cucciolo’ (Italian for ‘puppy’), Ducati decided to produce its own Cucciolo-based motorcycles. This first Ducati motorcycle was a 48cc bike weighing 98 pounds (44kg) and called the 55M. This was followed by the 65TL.

Consistent growth followed and in the 1960s Ducati earned its place in motorcycle history by producing the fastest 250cc road bike then available, the Mach 1. In April 2012 Volkswagen Group’s Audi subsidiary announced its intention to buy Ducati for €860 million. A number of new, ground-breaking models followed including the Monster 1200 and 1200S, the flagship Superleggera superbike, and the Multistrada 950, which is a highly capable touring bike.

New strategic direction

The launch of two new ‘SuperSport’ models marked a significant change of direction for the traditionally sports bike-focused Italian motorbike manufacturer. According to official press releases these new bikes ‘blend Ducati’s sporting side with road-focused performance and accessibility’. In a nutshell, this means that what they have produced is an ‘everyday Ducati sports bike’.

The target customer for the new SuperSport bike is one that desires a good-looking sports bike which is fun to ride and can be used in everyday life. In order to achieve this goal, Ducati have achieved something

special where others have failed, by designing ground-up an entirely new model, rather than taking the easy route by sticking a smart faring on an existing machine. Therefore, although the SuperSport models appear to share many components with the Hypermotard and Monster range, in fact they have very few components and design features in common.

The SuperSports model’s sporting credentials have been confirmed with bike geometry that is similar to the Panigale’s, thus giving it agile handling with a possible 48 per cent of lean, whilst a longer wheelbase adds greater overall stability. Both the trellis frame, which uses the engine as a stressed member, and the single sided swing-arm are unique to the Ducati SuperSports models, as are the wheels.

Super-smooth ride

Ducati’s latest Multistrada 939 benefits from a Hyperstrada-derived engine, which is both smooth and linier in its delivery. In addition, the softly-sprung suspension delivers a super-smooth ride and excellent comfort characteristics. The fully-adjustable suspension is set on the soft side as standard and provides a superb mix of comfort and control on the road. The power derived from the 937cc Testastretta

engine is impressive with delivery that is perfectly fuelled at slow speeds, and it is a similar story for the softly-sprung set-up.

Ducati have done an excellent job of keeping the steering precise and easy despite the increase in size of the front wheel to a 19” rim.

All those who have test-driven the latest Ducati Multistrada 939 agree that it has a lot to offer.

In addition, the new Multistrada 950 is a highly capable smaller capacity adventure touring bike with the comfort and commanding ergonomics of the larger Multistrada 1200. The Multistrada 1200 and 1200 Enduro globetrotter bikes have been travelling around the world as part of Ducati’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

enhancing the ‘monster’ spirit

The latest Monster 1200 and 1200S incorporate many new changes, with styling becoming even more compact and purposeful and reinforcing the original and iconic Monster spirit. The model features a significantly revised Testastretta engine which adds power whilst providing much improved power delivery. The electronics are also advanced, with the incorporation of an internal measurement unit, which permits the addition of Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati’s renowned Wheelie Control (DWC).

The brand new Monster 797 captures entry riders to the world of Ducati, with easy to use performance coming from its 803cc aircooled engine, stiff trellis frame and Brembro brakes with standard Bosch ABS safety features.

Meanwhile, the superbike family welcomes the addition of Ducati’s flagship 1299 Superleggera, which represents the ultimate in sports bike technology. Built around the same Superquadro engine, it is the world’s first and only production motorcycle with a full carbon structure. This is a limited addition dream bike with only 500 units being produced in total.

As well as these exciting new editions to the Ducati range, many of the bikes launched last year will be on display in 2017, including the XDiavel, Hypermotard 939, Monster R and other current models such as the Monster 821, Diavel, 1299 Panigale and the 959 Panigale models. For further details of Ducati’s unique range of superbikes and customer services visit: www.ducati.it