Ducati Monster Motorcycles in Stuart, page #22

Moto blog

Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies Ride the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R at Circuit of the Americas

Ducati was absent at a recent MotoGP test at the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas, attended by Honda and Yamaha‘s riders. But that doesn’t mean Ducati‘s American riders Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies won’t get a chance to ride their newest home track. The Kentucky Kid, Hayden, and Texas’ own Spies recently hit the COTA track on the new Ducati 1199 Panigale R for the sportbike’s press launch.

1199R: wrapped and ready

Here's a pic from inside the Ducati factory in Bologna. These Ducati 1199R Panigales are destined for the USA; the bikes are being shipped to Texas for the 1199R launch at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The picture above reminds me of the picture on the right, which was one of the first wallpapers I had on my PC way back in 1997.

Ducati Announces Record Sales in 2012

Ducati sold a record 44,102 motorcycles in 2012 while reporting a 16% increase in revenue over 2011. The positive news was announced as part of new parent company Audi‘s annual press conference in Igolstadt, Germany. Worldwide revenues totaled 606 million euros (US$789 million) including more than 200 million euros since Audi officially acquired Ducati in July 2012.

FIM Superstock 1000 Homologation List Updated, Adds MV Agusta F4RR and Ducati 1199 Panigale R

The International Motorcycling Federation has updated its homologated model list for the 2013 World Superbike, Supersport, Superstock and Endurance racing seasons. The list is largely unchanged from the list released in February with the exception of a couple of additions. The Superstock 1000 and Formula Endurance World Championship list now includes the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R and the MV Agusta F4 RR.

Filippo Preziosi Resigns from Ducati

Former General Manager of Ducati Corse Filippo Preziosi has resigned from the company, ending his 19-year career with the Italian manufacturer. Preziosi led Ducati‘s racing program for the last decade including its lone MotoGP championship in 2007, but the 44-year-old engineer also carries a lot of the blame for Ducati’s recent struggles including the doomed Valentino Rossi era. Preziosi held the position of GM of Ducati Corse until last November when he was replaced with former BMW Superbike manager Bernhard Gobmeier.

WSBK 2013: Phillip Island Race Report

Max Biaggi who? The Roman Emperor’s retirement after winning the 2012 World Superbike Championship marked the end of an era for Aprilia, with the 2013 campaign marking the first without Biaggi since the Italian manufacturer came back to the WSBK scene with the RSV4. If Aprilia misses its two-time WSBK Champion, it sure didn’t show it with a dominating display at the 2013 season opener in Australia.

Former World Champion Franco Uncini Named Grand Prix Safety Officer

The International Motorcycling Federation has named Franco Uncini the FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer and circuit inspector. The 1982 500cc Grand Prix World Champion (pictured on the left above) takes over for the retired Claude Danis (right in the photo) to oversee safety in MotoGP. The now 58-year-old Uncini won the 1982 World Championship for Roberto Gallina‘s factory-backed Suzuki.

Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13 unwrapped

Maybe I'm wired up wrong but these pictures of the Alstare Ducati 1199 Panigale are, to me, more exciting than the latest Sports Illustrated cover. Just look at that tight chassis, the flowing curves and those cans tucked just out of sight and then compare that to the model on the right. I know what I'd rather spend the day with.

FIM Updates Superbike Racing Homologation Lists for 2013

The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has released an updated list of motorcycles homologated for the 2013 Superbike, Supersport, and Superstock racing season. Notable additions include the new BMW S1000RR HP4, the MV Agusta F3 and the Superbike-spec Ducati 1199 Panigale R. To qualify a production-based racebike for FIM homologations, manufacturers have to meet certain production thresholds.

Ducati Releases 2013 Hypermotard “License To Thrill” Video

Next week, I’ll be headed to the Ascari Circuit in Southern Spain, as Ducati is set to launch the all new 2013 Hypermotard to the world’s motorcycle press. To get everyone excited about the event, the boys from Bologna decided to have a little fun. Together with its factory MotoGP pilot, Nicky Hayden, and a cameo by Ruben Xaus, Ducati has filmed an exciting video to showcase what the bike can do.