Ducati Monster Motorcycles in Rancho Palos Verdes, page #28

Moto blog

WSBK: 2012 Moscow Results

The historic race first-ever World Superbike Championship round in Russia provided plenty of drama with several top riders crashing out of both races and a new leader emerge in the chase for the 2012 WSBK Championship. Superpole qualifying made for four different manufacturers lining up in the first row of the grid, with Carlos Checa taking pole position for Althea Ducati ahead of Kawasaki‘s Tom Sykes, Aprilia‘s Eugene Laverty and BMW rider Leon Haslam. A slightly damp and unfamiliar track likely contributed to a number of crashes and collisions.

This looks more like Rossi

At Brno today Valentino Rossi had a positive session in free practice, finishing closer and within half a second of the fastest time set by Dani Pedrosa. With a best of 1:57.315 and only .457 off Pedrosa's 1:56.858 lap. But it's not just the time that is encouraging, it's the first time in a long while that Rossi has looked more like his old self on the Desmosedici. "I’m happy because we went pretty well today, and in particular, the gap to the front makes us fairly optimistic," Rossi said after free practice.

Up Pikes Peak in under 10 minutes

Join Grey Tracy as he romps up the Pikes Peak hill climb in under 10 minutes on a Ducati Multistrada. Tracy finished second to Carlin Dunne, but still managed an impressive time of 9:58 as he tackled the daunting 14,000ft climb. He's quick and as a YouTube commentor pointed out: "Every time you were on the white line I cringed for a second" To which Tracy replied, "Me too!"

Ducati 1199 Panigale Subjected to Five More Recalls

Ducati has issued five recall campaigns for 1199 Panigale for a number of issues. These five new recalls follow an earlier recall in June for a “non-compliant” swingarm mounting screw. One of the new recalls, campaign ID #12V401000, is also related to the swingarm connection.

Shane Turpin on the 848 at Cadwell

AMA rider and World Superbike wildcard, Shane 'Tornado' Turpin will be riding the 848 Challenge VIP bike this weekend at Cadwell Park. Turpin is an experienced AMA rider and raced as a wildcard at this year’s World Superbike event at Miller Motorsports Park on board a Boulder Motor Sports prepared 1198RS. Asked about the opportunity, Turpin said, “I’m really excited to have this opportunity to race in Europe in the 848 Challenge race and am honored that Ducati UK, JHP Performance, Boulder Motor Sports and my personal sponsors have given me this great opportunity.

Official: Dovizioso and Ducati Ink Deal

Ducati announced today that it has reached an agreement with MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso that will see the 26-year-old Italian racing with Ducati in the 2013-14 seasons. Dovi, as he’s commonly referred to by fans, recently finished in third place at the Indianapolis GP on August 19. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider currently sits in fourth place in overall standings.

Audi and Ducati Announce “Come Together” Contest at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Ducati and its new owner Audi announced a new contest ahead of the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The two brands used the rescheduled competition as one of their first collaborative promotional opportunities since Audi acquired Ducati earlier this year. The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb also provided the opportunity to present two models, the 2013 version of the Ducati Multistrada 1200S Pikes Peak Edition and the Audi RS 5.

Official: Rossi Leaving Ducati for Yamaha Return

In a pair of carefully-timed press releases, Ducati announced it will part ways with MotoGP star Valentino Rossi at the end of the season and Yamaha announced it has signed Rossi to a two-year contract. The arrangement had been in the works for some time now and the two manufacturers had reportedly wanted to wait until Aug. 15 to make their announcements.

The quietest Panigale in the world

For 1199 Panigale to be eligble in Japan, Ducati have had to make it quieter by adding a longer exhaust and a different clutch cover to pass noise tests. The exhaust adds 4kg to the overall 164kg weight, it also requires a unique Japan-only engine mapping. Further dampening the sound is a plastic clutch cover that extends up to cover the rear cylinder.

Niall Mac on a Panigale at last!

I’ve had to be patient but I finally got my leg over a Ducati Panigale at Donington Park this week. Focused Events handed me a zero miles bike to play on but with the rain hammering down, I opted to fit some wets for my first run out. With no instruction manual I still found the dash easy to navigate so I was soon in wet riding mode and ready to roll.