Ducati 900 Supersport Motorcycles, page #42

Moto blog

Traction control? Yawn...

My long-term Fireblade went back to Honda last week and, seeing as it’s sunny and mild outside now, I’m already missing it. It is one of the best 1000cc sports bikes out there, I don’t care what anyone else says, the way it makes its power is just perfect for fast road use. With the Power Commander 5 fitted and the fuelling sorted my 2011 Blade performed as well if not better than the 2012 version.

Ducati Diavel gets more Öhlins treatment

Here's a look at some tasty black Öhlins forks for the Ducati Diavel. This is what Öhlins have to say about them: We've developed a set of performance forks for the awesome Ducati Diavel to give increased handling capabilities to this already unique ‘muscle bike’.The FGRT 301 ‘Road and Track’ forks have been especially designed with black outer tubes and gold fork sliders to retain the mean and moody look of this 160bhp monster machine, something that reflects the front suspension on the Ducati MotoGP machines.Featuring 48mm forks containing Öhlins NIX 30mm cartridge technology, the new forks offer improved road manners and high performance capabilities for when the pace increases. With adjustment of compression and rebound split between the two fork legs, the new forks offer unrivalled control and feel whatever the conditions.The forks follow the successful introduction of the Ohlins rear shock for the Diavel and it is expected many customers will combine the two suspension systems for the ultimate in comfort and handling for their machine.Öhlins has a fantastic relationship with Ducati with models such as the Multistrada 1200S and the eagerly awaited 1199S Panigale utilising electronically adjusting Öhlins suspension systems.The Öhlins FGRT 301 Road and Track forks are available now and are priced at £2597.90 + VAT.

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?