Ducati has given a preview of its highly-anticipated 2013 range by revealing exciting new Multistrada models that introduce new features such as enhanced aesthetics, a second generation Testastretta 11° engine, the very latest ABS and, on the “S” versions, the innovative semi-active suspension system, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).

The brand new range, full of owner-inspired improvements, signals the next stage of the Multistrada journey with a long list of fascinating and high-tech features. It includes the Multistrada 1200 with the associated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) in addition to the very latest in ABS, while the Multistrada 1200 S Touring is now equipped with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), R-b-W, DTC and ABS with additional side luggage, heated grips and centre stand. The new touring flagship of the range for 2013 is the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo with increased side luggage capacity, top case, additional LED illumination, enhanced wind protection and long-distance tyres, while the latest Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak celebrates the sporting side of the model’s character with a replica of the famous 2012 mountain race bike in its stunning new race-winning livery.

The Multistrada’s award-winning Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro electronic Riding Modes enable a truly enjoyable and customisable riding experience separated by just one click of a button. The four-bikes-in-one concept makes instant adjustment to power and torque delivery in addition to electronic adjustment of suspension settings, traction control, and now ABS and Ducati Skyhook Suspension, instantly transforming the Multistrada 1200 to suit its rider and environment with even more precision.

Hailed as a true ‘game-changing’ motorcycle, Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 has attracted all types of riders to the Italian brand by removing the borders between different motorcycle categories and creating a model that is not only powerful and playful, but also a comfortable and versatile adventure on two wheels. The eight-level DTC and new three-level ABS introduce the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) concept to the Multistrada family, further underlining Ducati's focus on performance safety.

Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 International Press Test is set to take place in Bilbao, Spain from 20-27 September, while the first public showing of the 2013 Multistrada range will be at the INTERMOT motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany from 3-7 October. The brand new Multistrada 1200 models will be available via the official Ducati dealer network from January 2013.

www.ducatiuk.com

In fact the weather forecasters have suggested this balmy Indian Summer could last well into October!

The next two weeks look set to be perfect for a camping weekend, a trip to the coast and/or last minute holidays in the UK... in fact it could be very warm with glorious sunshine reaching temperatures of up to 27C.

It is possible the rest of the month could follow suit (fingers and toes crossed) for what could be the longest spell of dry fine weather we have seen so far in 2012.

In recent years the most significant growth in motorcyclists has been in female riders and with this the rise in longer stays, rather than in a place for one night... Many riders know there is nothing worse than arriving somewhere after a long ride, unpacking, showering, eating, drinking, sleeping and then up the next day to pack up and move on - hence the rise in finding a great place to stay as a base for a few days to go out each day to tour and explore the area.

Did you know? •Motorcycle-related tourism spending in the UK is over £565 million each year, supporting over 13, 000 tourism jobs. •Overseas motorcycling tourists spend £17 million on trips to the UK •More than half of all motorcyclists are over 40, with the vast majority of motorcycle tourists being in this age category.

“The lack of interest in the motorcycle tourism sector may be due to a perceived image of rebellious youthful bikers which is at odds with their current demographic" (Dr Cater, lecturer at Aberystwyth University).

Please note this article was based on the UK weather forecast 7th September, 2012, which is of course up for change!

Following the announcement that the Manx Motor Cycle Club and the Department of Economic Development (DED) had reached an agreement on the future direction of the Manx Grand Prix Festival, the Department has published its outline proposals for the newly introduced Classic TT Races which will form a key part of the new festival.

The proposal features three Classic TT Races taking place over the traditional middle weekend of racing and the August Bank Holiday Monday. The Manx Grand Prix Races are scheduled to run on the following Wednesday and Friday with practice and qualifying for both series of races taking place during the previous week.

Early plans include the potential for a four-day festival of motorcycling nostalgia to support the Classic TT Races. The festival will feature period events, exhibitions of exotic classic racing motorcycles, chat shows and autograph sessions with legendary riders, parade laps, air displays, Vintage Motorcycle Club Events and family entertainment.

The proposals also include a revamped race programme and race regulations with races for the traditional MGP 500cc and 350cc class, rebranded as Classic TT Races, along with new Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic TT Races.

The plans would see the Formula 1 and Formula 2 Races run concurrently and would represent the original FIM World Championship classes of the same title from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. These new classes would open the Classic TT to a new generation of machinery including iconic machines such as the Honda RC30, Kawasaki ZXR 750, Yamaha OW01, Suzuki GSX-R 750 and Ducati 888.

A number of sub classes are also being proposed to ensure competitors of all abilities and experience, and machinery of varying specifications, can compete in the Classic TT Races in an environment that promotes equality and sportsmanship.

All competitors in the Classic TT would be given a classification as either a GP Rider or Clubman Rider depending on their previous results and experience, with further sub-divisions relating to the specification of the machinery they are competing on.

Whilst there would only be one podium presentation per race, based on the overall race result, the sub classes would be used to determine qualification times, the awarding of replicas and other trophies and would be clearly identified in the official results and recognized as sub-class winners in the official post race press reports.

The Department is inviting comments from interested parties via e-mail at [email protected] by Monday 24th September 2012.

Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development commented:

“We have had a remarkable response to the idea of a Classic TT from the international classic motorcycle movement, which confirms our research that our motorsport heritage is unrivalled anywhere in the world. We have spoken to people from all corners of the globe including existing and potential competitors, machine owners, parade participants and race fans and all are keen to be a part of this new event.”

“We have also had a very encouraging response to our plans for the race regulations from existing MGP classic competitors and machine owners, teams and riders who have competed at the MGP in the past who are keen to return and also potential new participants.

“We now have a huge amount of work to do to develop our plans alongside our key stakeholders including the Manx Motor Cycle Club, the TT Marshals Association, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and our commercial partners. We intend to release the regulations for the event by the end of September to allow people the maximum possible time to prepare for the inaugural event. We then plan to release details of some of the riders and machines expected to compete along with further details of the supporting festival events, ticket options and travel packages at the Motorcycle Live event at the Birmingham NEC in November.”

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Nearly half of motorists (48 per cent) say they would not consider a more eco-friendly vehicle if Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) tax breaks were increased according to a poll by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists)1. Fifty per cent think that it is fair that VED on cars is based on the CO2 it produces.
 
Thirty-two per cent think parking permit prices should be based on the size or length of the vehicle (the more space it takes up, the more you pay). While twenty-nine per cent think everyone should pay the same. Only five per cent of respondents felt that the CO2 emissions the vehicle produces should influence permit costs.
 
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are slightly more popular.  LEZs were introduced in London in 2008 to reduce pollution from heavy diesel vehicles.  Forty-six per cent of drivers think they that they should be introduced for private vehicles, 41 per cent disagree. 
 
Twenty-two per cent of motorists think that driving has no impact on global warming.  This is in line with other surveys that show 7 per cent of people think global warming is not happening and seventeen per cent believes it is panic about an exaggerated threat.2
 
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Eco-friendly vehicles haven’t got the appeal so much so motorists are willing to pay higher costs in VED to compromise. Motorists aren’t fully convinced of how low CO2 emissions are beneficial to them, or society.”
 
“While more can be done to increase awareness about the benefits of eco cars, drivers can do their bit by changing to green driving to help reduce CO2. Looking ahead and anticipating hazards will mean less stopping and starting and a smoother journey.”
 
IAM eco driving tips:
 • Keep your vehicle moving for as long as possible, even in traffic queues. This is far more fuel efficient than stopping and starting, so slow down earlier, to avoid braking as harshly and often.
• Stick to the speed limit. This offers a good compromise between economy and getting somewhere. Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target.
• Reverse into parking bays. If you do all the manoeuvring with a hot engine you can drive straight off when you come back and warm the engine up more quickly.
• Check your vehicle regularly to ensure it operates efficiently. In particular check the condition of your tyres, and measure tyre pressures when they’re cold.
• Remove unnecessary weight, including roof racks, car clutter and heavy items in the boot. The more weight you carry in the car, the more fuel you’ll burn.

www.iam.org.uk