What will Ducati Reveal this Weekend?
Ducati have announced that a new model will be revealed at this weekend’s US MotoGP at Laguna Seca and this naturally led to speculation as to what it will be. The suggestions range from a new Desmosedici to a Pikes Peak Multistrada 1200. Let’s take a look at the possibilities.
We should begin with the Ducati Press Invitation itself which is reproduced below.
‘On behalf of Ducati I would like to invite you to the unveiling of a new 2011 model. We are excited to reveal this bike and its class-leading performance to the world this coming Saturday the 24th at 1:00PM on Ducati Island at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Hosted by four very excited guests to whom this new model means quite a lot to, the event will take place at the Ducati Island center stage.’
Immediately some key phrases grab your attention.
New 2011 model
Class leading performance
To the world
4 excited guests to whom this new model means alot to.
With these phrases in mind we can now run through the possibilities.
Another Paint Job Special like last year’s Hayden replica 848
This one is pretty easy to dismiss. The Hayden Ducati 848 was a US model only so doesn’t match up to the ‘world’ comment in the invitation. There wasn’t any invitation to the press last year so if all we get is a replica paint job we’ll be sorely disappointed.
Ducati News Prediction Won’t Happen
Debut of the Ducati Power Cruiser
This one is also pretty easy to dismiss. Ducati Power Cruiser Spy Photos have been conveniently leaked so we know the model is real but Ducati is on record saying this model will be revealed at the EICMA show in Milan this November.
Ducati News Prediction Won’t Happen
Debut of a new 800cc Desmosedici RR
There are rumors that Ducati are planning an 800cc Desmosedici road bike at a significantly higher price than the Desmosedici RR. However the logical time for this is the transition of MotoGP back to 1,000cc machines which doesn’t occur until 2012, making 2012 not 2011 the optimal time for this model.
Ducati News Prediction Unlikely
Ducati 848S / R
A lot of people seem to like the idea of an upgraded 848 model but it has 3 problems. Firstly Ducati stated when the 848 was introduced that there would be no S model. Secondly, there is no room in the pricing ladder for such a machine since the 848 is just $2,495 less than the 1198. Lastly the just announced Ducati 848 EVO shows Ducati’s approach is to upgrade the single base model.
Ducati News Prediction Won’t Happen
New Ducati Superbike
A new Ducati Superbike has been rumored for some time and there is some evidence the factory is working on at least a new shorter stroke engine, perhaps with gear driven cams. More radical still is the possibility of adoption of the monocoque chassis which has been subject of a patent application and used in the Desmosedici GP10. Ducati News sources suggest this major model update is still targeted for 2012 rather than 2011.
Ducati News Prediction Unlikely
Pikes Peak Ducati Multistrada 1200
With the recent victory in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on an almost stock Multistrada 1200, many feel the announcement could be a replica of the machine with a smoked, cut down fairing screen and the attractive Corse paint job. As appealing as this is, it would seem a strange choice to add a new variant to the range so soon after the launch. Furthermore it is hard to see how it would have Global appeal or classify as a new model.
Ducati News Prediction Unlikely
Ducati Streetfighter 1198
With the expected launch of the Aprilia Tuono replacement utilizing the RSV4 engine, Ducati will soon once again have some serious competition in the Streetfighter market. Add to that the fact that the 1098 power plant is only used in the Streetfighter, it stands to reason that Ducati will upgrade the Fighter with an 1198 power plant. Although the testastretta 11° engine would be best for most riders, the expected performance of the Aprilia means a near full power version of the 1198 will be slotted in. Expect 165bhp. Nevertheless this wouldn’t constitute a new model so will not be the basis of Saturdays announcement.
Ducati News Prediction Unlikely unless it is part of the Streetfighter 848 announcement
Ducati Streetfighter 848
Hello! Ducati doesn’t build families of one and the Streetfighter would be a fine package in 140bhp free revving 848 form. Call it $13,000 and you split the Monster 1100 variants. A big hint is the announcement seemingly out of the blue of the 848 EVO, necessary since the new baby fighter will share the engine. How does this model fit the press invitation details? Well it would be the global launch of a new 2011 model and would offer class leading performance. Who are the four specials guests? Ducati factory riders Noriyuki Haga, Michel Fabrizio, Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner who all raced Streetfighters in a drag race during the recently completed World Ducati Week.
Ducati News Prediction Ducati News Pick
So 2011 Ducati Streetfighter 848 it is then!
Have your say. Have we nailed it or are we so far off we’re on a different planet? Sound off in the comments. Stay tuned for coverage of the announcement at the US GP on Saturday.
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Mark,
I think your logic is very good here. Most people think it is an announcement of the 848 evo but that cat is out of the bag.
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The new Ducati the world will be introduced to is the GP11 with the number 46 on it. The “four very excited guests to whom this new model means quite a lot to” are Valentino Rossi and his crew.
I agree with Stewie’s prediction.
My Source from Ducati states that the 848EVO will be actually shown at the race and released to the public.
@Liquidsmile It looks like you are right which represents a huge #FAIL for Ducati on the marketing department
This might have been cool…if they hadn’t done a largely hyped press release before hand. Yes, marketing fail.