Ducati v2 Motorcycles, page #48

Moto blog

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.

Ducati Art Releases Valentino Rossi Collection

Ducati has revealed a new art collection featuring nine-time Grand Prix World Champion and current Ducati MotoGP factory rider Valentino Rossi. Available at DucatiArt.com, the collection features five vividly coloured pieces created by Polish artist Patryk Kuleta. The five pieces are titled The Fight (pictured above), 46 Reasons, First Ride, Front Runner and Perpetually Stronger.

US Motorcycle Sales First Half 2011 Results

The U.S. motorcycle industry saw a 4.6% decrease in year-on-year sales over the first six months of 2011, thanks mostly to a 17.3% drop in ATV sales. Motorcycle and scooter sales however saw a 1.7% bump in the first half .

Ducati North America Reports Q2 2011 Results

Ducati North America announced  a 61% increase in sales over the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Following the 68% increase reported from the first quarter, Ducati can claim four consecutive quarters of year-on-year increases in North America. Over the first six months of 2011, Ducati‘s North American sales are up 63% from the first half of 2010, with over 5,200 new motorcycles registered.

The Diavel rocks!

The Diavel is my new bike of the year. Not being a huge Ducati fan, when I was thrown the keys of this monster at Silverstone on Tuesday I was expecting an ill handling, weighty beast that would run out of revs and scare me to death. Well I couldn’t have been more wrong as I had an absolute blast.

Monza: Brown and Morris share the spoils

After a month off, the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge took to the air for the second of its fly-away rounds this season; this time to the historic Monza circuit. Scene of so many memorable races, a quick glance at the circuit map surely raised the expectation just a little higher than normal as the riders faced the prospect of tackling one of Europe's fastest circuits. Free practice on Saturday afternoon was fought out in over 31 degree sunshine as the riders took advantage of the three sessions available to them to learn the circuit.

Recall for 2011 Ducati Diavel

Ducati is recalling certain 2011 Diavel units due to a risk of the license plate holder coming loose. The license plate holder on the Ducati Diavel floats over the rear tire thanks to a bracket attached to the swingarm. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, brass inserts in the chain guard may become deformed over time, potentially loosening the screws attaching the bracket to the swingarm.

Ducati Opens First Airport Retail Store

Ducati has opened its first in a planned chain of airport retail locations at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome. The 322 sq-ft. Fiumicino location will sell Ducati-branded products such as official Ducati apparel, Oakley sunglasses, Puma shoes.

Marco Simoncelli: Every Good Story Needs a Villain

The MotoGP World Championship had a lot of compelling storylines going into the 2011 season. Valentino Rossi joining Ducati for an Italian match made in heaven. Jorge Lorenzo defending his title and escaping from Rossi’s shadow.