Ducati Super Sport Motorcycles, page #47

Moto blog

848s head to Castle Combe

The penultimate round of the 848 Challenge is being held at Castle Combe this Saturday as part of the Fowlers Probike National event. The event is celebrating 60 years of motorcycle racing at Castle Combe with a huge variety of races including 125s, 350 and 500cc solos of the British historic Grand Prix Championship and of course the  Ducati 848 championship. In the 848 Challenge, Leon Morris leads the championship and just needs a couple of podium finishes to see off the hard-charging Mike Edwards who's currently in second place.

Capirossi Announces Retirement at Conclusion of 2011 Season

Loris Capirossi announced he will retire at the end of the 2011 MotoGP season, closing off a quarter century of racing including 22 years at the Grand Prix level and three World Championships. “It’s an important moment in my career, and the decision I made has come about after a lot of reflection,” says Capriossi. “I’m happy that after 25 years, of which 22 were in the world championship, I’m at a point where I can still have a smile on my lips as I part ways, even if it’s difficult to think that I won’t be riding a bike next year.” The announcement was made during a press conference at Misano for the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix, the final Italian stop of the 2011 season.

MSF Begins Year-long Real World Motorcycle Safety Study

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has started what it calls the first-ever naturalistic study of motorcycling, with 100 motorcycles equipped with data logging equipment to record real-world riding situations over the course of a year. The information will valuable data that will help shape the MSF’s rider education and rider training program and other safety initiatives. “Our priority with this research is to observe the participants on a day-to-day basis,” says Dr.

Remus launch slip-on for Ducati Diavel

Remus have launched their Hypercone slip-on kit for the Ducati Diavel. It's almost 5kg lighter than the stock exhaust and helps the Diavel gain 5bhp over the stock system too. The slip-on reduces what some designers call 'the visual weight' of the stock twin-stacked exhaust.

Ducati Island Returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Ducati Island is back with a new layout for the 2011 Indianapolis Grand Prix, Aug. 26-28. Located between turns two and three of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit, the Ducati Island offers a number of attractions including Ducati fashion shows and technical demonstrations from the Ducati Service team and Öhlins representatives.

2011 Ducati Diavel Recalled for Weak Kickstands

Ducati issued a recall for the Diavel because of weak kickstands. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the side stands on the 2011 Ducati Diavel was not manufactured with sufficient material at the pivot point. Under certain circumstances, the stand may bend and possibly break at the pivot area, causing a resting Diavel to tip over.

Tough battles at Brands in the 848 Challenge

The unique prospect of racing on both the Indy and GP circuits at Brands Hatch meant that Round 5 of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge was very much a tale of two halves. Having already raced the Indy circuit earlier in the season, the first part of the weekend was going to be reminiscent of previous rounds, while the switch to the GP circuit would favour those few who had previous race experience on the longer track. A full schedule on the opening day of the round saw Mike Edwards (MSKWorks.com) top the qualifying table to claim his first pole position of the season with a storming 48.86 sec lap, despite a low-side reminder of how slippery Druids can be in early morning free practice.

2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848 Spied

A photograph has emerged of what is reported to be a new, smaller version of the  Ducati Streetfighter featuring the company’s 848 engine. The photograph, posted by a user on the Ducati.ms forum, was reportedly snapped outside Ducati’s factory in Bologna. The banana yellow motorcycle sports a five-bolt hub on the rear wheel, similar to the Ducati 848EVO, whereas the current 1098cc Streetfighter has a six-bolt rear hub (pictured below from our 2009 Ducati Streetfighter review).

The Ducati Island at Laguna Seca [Video]

Motorcycle.com stopped by the Ducati Island during our visit to the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca (and if you haven’t yet read the event report from Kevin Duke, here’s your chance!). Here’s a quick look at what Bologna company offered to any Ducatisti who dropped by.

Track days, I love em!

I never tire of track days. Well I wouldn’t as I’m out most weeks earning a crust instructing on them, however, there is usually an amusing story at the end of each event. I get great pleasure helping riders (especially if it makes them safer) although I do come across some weird and wonderful riding in the process.