Ducati 2010 New Models – What We Know
On November 9th Ducati will reveal details of it’s 2010 model range to the press prior to the public unveiling at the EICMA show in Milan which commences the following day. Ducati promises some surprises are in store to go along with other models that have either been already signaled or subject to intense speculation. In a series of posts Ducati News Today will outline what to expect at the show based on What is Known, a round-up of the Rumors and finally a Wish list. First up, What we know.
New Models
Ducati Hypermotard 796
The most solid information concerns the Ducati Hypermotard 796 which was officially announced last month and will be publicly unveiled for the first time at the EICMA show. The bike features a new engine utilizing Ducati’s latest construction techniques to reduce weight, something also achieved in the frame that includes redesigned top and bottom fork clamps and an improved frame layout which eliminates almost all of the forged elements previously used with the 1100. All of this results in a machine which weighs in at just 167kg (368lb), 12kg (27lb) lighter than it’s bigger brother. A lower seat height and the APTC ‘wet’ slipper clutch is further differentiation from the 1100. At the Hypermotard 796 launch, the new model impressed with its engine performance, light weight and the ease of corner entry due to the slipper clutch. In the USA the bike will sell for $9,995 and be available in December. Ducati USA already has the model up on their official site.
Ducati Multistrada 1200
At various times thought to be a replacement for the air-cooled Multistrada 1100, at first the new model came to be known as the Strada Aperta although Ducati has now declared their hand by promoting it as the Ducati Multistrada 1200 in a teaser video. It is a member of the growing Adventure tourer class, bikes that look like they could do the business off-road but are usually confined to the road. Unlike the leader in this segment, BMW’s R1200G/S, the Ducati will be lighter, sportier and more powerful in keeping with the brand’s values. In a press release Ducati has confirmed it will be powered by a version of the 1198 engine as used in the Ducati 1198 Superbike producing around 140bhp in this form. Ducati is referring to it as the Testastretta 11 degrees engine - that refers to a new narrower valve angle. Spy photos show that an Ohlins equipped ‘S’ model will be available as is Ducati’s custom. The Multistrada 1200 will be a competitor in the vein of Triumph’s Tiger and KTM 950SMT machines. Despite leaked photos showing the bike performing off-road on a Motocross track in Sicily, the bike will no doubt best be suited to the road. The styling remains as controversial as the current Multistrada model!!
Model Updates
Ducati Monster 696 ABS
ABS seems poised to go mainstream and Ducati will once again make ABS available next year when a variant of the entry level Ducati 696 will sport new ABS technology. The technology comes with no weight penalty and is tuned for more aggressive riding in keeping with Ducati’s sporty brand positioning. Documents lodged with the California EPA in July confirm that the new model will exist alongside the non-ABS model and the expected premium is expected to be around US$500.
Ducati 1198R
The more astute amongst you may have noticed that the factory Xerox Ducati 1098R’s have 1198R marked on their fairings. Given that the Superbike range now all feature 1198cc engines, it makes sense that the factory will introduce the Ducati 1198R for 2010. With Aprilia and BMW now offering their take on a 180bhp Superbike, Ducati is expected to boost the 1198R to 190bhp. There is much speculation on the interwebs about the California EPA document filed by Ducati which mentions a Double Seater. A dual seat model doesn’t make any sense and yet Ducati has filed it since the 2008 model year so make of that what you will. Ducati News Today is discounting it for now.
Ducati Hypermotard 1100
The über Hypermotard will benefit from the same kind of design improvements that it’s new little brother has introduced. Specifically the bike will get a power boost and pick-up the revised chassis changes seen on the 796. Consequently the Hypermotard 1100 will likely be lighter and just maybe the Desmodue engine will crack 100bhp for he first time.
With wider handlebars, the Hypermotard 1100 will inherit the structural improvements found in the Hypermotard 796, such as its strengthened and lightened chassis. The HM 1100 is also expected to get an update to its DS motor, but will retain the 1100cc displacement. With this news, it is therefore expected that the 1100 will get an increase in power to further differentiate it from the HM 796.
link: Asphalt & Rubber
Ducati has a lot of momentum at the moment in it’s product range. Ducati has promised 4 new models for 2010 and as you can see so far we have only covered two!! Stay tuned for the next installment, Ducati 2010 New Models -The Rumors.
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Why not a Ducati Custom ? It will be one of the 2 surprises left !
a v-rod -like with the 1198 of Streetfighter engine.
wait and see
@Ben²: Yes! That exactly what I’m also hoping for! Ready to put my money and M620 for that next spring.
I’m thrilled to see ABS hit the Monster 696! I don’t care for the nose on the new Multistrada, but the idea of an adventure-tourer is really starting to grow on me, as long as they fixed the riding position over the last Multistrada.