Ducati 851 Corsa SBK Motorcycles, page #42

Moto blog

New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 – Motorcycle Manufacturers Draw Battle Lines for World’s Second Largest Market

In past years, the biennial Auto Expo in India slipped under the radar while the industry was focused more on shows such as EICMA in Italy and Intermot in Germany. But with India’s middle class starting to flex its financial muscle while other markets continue to struggle, the New Delhi show is becoming much more prominent, with major OEMs positioning themselves to claim a piece of the India’s 13 million vehicles-a-year market. We’ve already looked at India-produced Royal Enfield’s new Thunderbird 500 and Hero Moto’s hybrid scooter concept which debuted at the Auto Expo, and today we’ll look at what the major international OEMs presented.

Looking after number 1

There was a time when a rider’s number indicated his position from the previous season, with the ultimate accolade being the number 1 emblazoned on the front of the champion's bike. The rise of branding in MotoGP and a rider wanting to market themselves, born from Barry Sheene and his retention of no.7, saw riders decide against displaying their finish from the year before. Rossi, who on winning his numerous championships, stuck with his famous #46 in defence of his titles, instead of stamping a great number 1 on his bikes.

Ducati never made an 848R

There never was an 848R, or S or SP. Ducati just made the 848 and then tweaked it by adding Brembo monobloc brakes and a slightly more powerful motor to produce the 848 EVO. The owner of this 848 has really gone to town, billing his bike as an 848R.

Motorcycle.com Presents 1199Forums.com, the Ducati 1199 Panigale Forum

Motorcycle.com is proud to announce the addition of a new Ducati 1199 Panigale forum to our network of motorcycle enthusiast communities. 1199Forums.com will offer owners and fans of the Ducati 1199 Panigale a place to connect with other enthusiasts, share photos and stories, discuss upgrades and modifications and find great deals on aftermarket accessories. The new Ducati 1199 forum joins the Motorcycle.com forum network which also includes Ducati.ms, DucatiMonster.org, Sportbike.net and TwoWheelForum.com and dozens of other communities for motorcyclists and enthusiasts.

2012 Ducati Riding Experience Featuring 1199 Panigale S and Troy Bayliss Academy

Ducati has announced the 2012 edition of its Ducati Riding Experience riding school program, including the return of the Troy Bayliss Academy and the addition of the new 1199 Panigale S. The five-event 2012 Ducati Riding Experience Calendar will be held at some of Italy’s top circuits including the MotoGP-hosting Mugello and Misano circuits and the Imola and Monza circuits which host World Superbike. The Ducati Riding Experience offers six courses, covering a range of skill levels and using different Ducati motorcycles.

2012 848 Challenge calendar announced

The 2012 Ducati 848 Challenge calendar has been announced. The eight-round championship will support the British Superbike championship for six of the eight rounds and will also head to Assen for the third year in a row and also to Misano as part of the World Ducati Week. The one-make series is open to riders of the Ducati 848 and 848 EVO models.

Leo Vince Ducati Multistrada 1200 exhaust

Leo Vince have released this exhaust and decat kit for the Ducati Multistrada 1200. Rather than just a plain old link pipe to replace the cat, Leo Vince's decat replacement includes a silencer to cut noise. The exhaust can be fitted to the standard cat, or you could fit the stock exhaust to the Leo Vince decat, or run both.

Five minutes with Neil Hodgson

Commentating on Eurosport, demo riding at bike shows, instructing on track days and being the Ducati 848 Challenge ambassador are just a few of the jobs that keep Neil Hodgson amused these days. Last week I tripped over the 2003 World Superbike Champion in Almeria so a few personal questions had to be asked. N.M. You seem to have a permanent grin on your face these days, any particular reason?

Best of British

Enigma 1050 is a new, all-British motorbike based around a Triumph 1050 Speed Triple engine. It's being put together by a small team of people headed by former MCN editor and lifelong fan of British engineering, Jim Lindsay. "The driving force behind the project," says Lindsay, "Is to showcase some of the amazing expertise that exists in the British motorcycle industry." Enigma is being designed as a sharp-handling road bike with all-day comfort as one of the key goals.

Keanu Reeves on the Ducati Diavel

Keanu Reeves recently took time out from filming his latest movie for GQ magazine by doing what he loves, riding motorcycles. Back home in L.A Keanu has three Norton Commandos amongst his collection - a Fastback, a Roadster and an Interstate. For the shoot Keanu was tasked with ridng around the Chobham Test Track near Chertsey on the Ducati Diavel, commenting on the bike he said: "I love this bike.