Category: Ducati

1. Ducati Multistrada D-air and Dainese - a partnership for motorcyclist safety

   Posted on 10:26am Friday 4th Apr 2014

   Dainese is very proud to announce the first D-air® airbag to be fully integrated with a motorcycle. The Ducati Multistrada D-air comes as standard with a system for wireless communication with D-air® Street Ducati and Dainese jackets.

   D-air® is the only motorbike airbag system to have passed the rigid tests set by TŰV SŰD to obtain its prestigious certification. The system protects the rider from first impact with a total bag deployment time of just 45 milliseconds. This deployment time has also obtained certification from TŰV SŰD and verification from the ADAC (German Automobile Club), as well as the French SRA (Sécurité et Réparation Automobiles) who, for the first time awarded five stars to an airbag of this type.

   The creation of the Multistrada D-air is the result of a partnership between Ducati and Dainese, which is a very significant step in motorcyclist safety. For the first time, motorcycle and rider are no longer seen as two separate entities, but merge together and communicate "wirelessly" to provide maximum protection.

   Dainese is happy to make this technology available to all other manufacturers who find this solution an interesting way of providing their customers with improved safety. At the same time Dainese will continue selling its own D-air® Street system, which can be fitted to all motorcycles that do not have it as standard.

   For more information

2. The eagerly awaited Monster 1200 arrives at Ducati dealerships throughout the UK

   Posted on 2:00pm Thursday 13th Mar 2014

   Monster 1200 demonstrators now available in dealers throughout the country
   • New Superbike derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS engine
   • Innovative adjustable seat
   • Available from £129 per month on Ducati TriOptions finance

   Ducati dealers throughout the UK have now taken delivery of their Monster 1200 demonstrators as this eagerly awaited icon arrives on UK shores.

   Customers now have the opportunity to see for themselves a bike that that has been praised for the performance and fluidity of its engine, its neutral, yet agile handling and for the comfort that entices riders to come back for more.

   It is twenty-one years on from the Monster’s first unveiling and Ducati now introduce the iconic model’s latest generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S powered by the formidable, Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS engine. The brand new flagship of the family presents an entirely new chassis and muscular styling designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

   High-spec brakes, suspension, single-sided swingarm and lightweight wheels combine with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics to offer the Italian manufacturer’s most attractive Monster ever. Super comfortable and introducing an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

   The standard 135hp Monster 1200 is available in red, priced at £10,695 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £129 per month. The higher spec ‘S’ version is available in red and white liverie, priced at £12,995 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £149 per month.

   To discover the Monster 1200 and how Ducati TriOptions can make every Ducati more affordable, visit your local dealer now.

3. The 2014 Ducati Grandstands ready for MotoGP and World Superbike

   Posted on 9:22am Friday 28th Feb 2014

   Dates and circuits now defined for 2014 MotoGP and World Superbike Ducati Grandstands
   
   • Key European venues for both championships confirmed. Ducati make an official return to WSB events and debut a MotoGP Grandstand in South American
   • Tickets for the first events of the season now available online

   Borgo Panigale (Bologna), 25 February 2014 – With last weekend’s race at Phillip Island, Australia officially opening the World Superbike season and the first MotoGP race arriving soon, Ducati are preparing to support their riders with special Grandstands full of passionate Ducatisti.

   The Ducati Grandstands, organised to follow both World Championships, offer a great opportunity to see races from the most spectacular viewpoints of the circuits, with additional giant video screens ensuring that no action is ever missed. Ticketholders not only enjoy a fantastic atmosphere, but also benefit from access to reserved motorcycle parking facilities, a cloakroom service and a Ducati welcome kit.

   The first MotoGP Ducati Grandstand for 2014 will host fans at the opening race in Qatar on 23 March before moving on to the exciting Circuit of the Americas in Austin (Texas) on 13 April. The Ducati Grandstand then makes its debut in Argentina on 27 April, hosting over 2,000 Ducati enthusiasts and attracting Colombian Ducatisti to see fellow countryman Yonny Hernandez in action on the Pramac Racing Team Desmosedici. As usual, the Ducati Grandstands will also provide energy-fuelled support at European races like Jerez (Spain), Le Mans (France), Mugello (Italy) and the Sachsenring (Germany) before returning to the US for Indianapolis. The Ducati Grandstand then crosses the Atlantic again and heads for Silverstone in England on 31 August, ready for local Ducatisti to welcome Cal Crutchlow as he competes in front of his ‘home’ crowd.

   The championship heads back to Italy on 14 September for the San Marino GP at Misano, where Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Andrea Iannone (Pramac Racing Team) will enjoy the benefits of racing in front of their second ‘home’ Ducati Grandstand. Chances to experience the incredible atmosphere of these Grandstand events for the 2014 MotoGP season will close with the exciting three races of Motegi (Japan), Sepang (Malaysia) and Valencia (Spain).

   With the return of the official Ducati Superbike Team to the World Superbike Championship series, Ducati fans will also have the chance to support Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies on their 1199 Panigale Rs from the exciting viewpoint of a Ducati Grandstand. The Grandstand venues start on 27 April at the famous Dutch circuit of Assen before moving on to the historic circuit of Imola (Italy) on 11 May. Just a few miles from the Ducati Factory, Imola is expected to attract thousands of Ducati fans from the surrounding area passionately following the official factory riders as well as Italian Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Team) competing in the new EVO category aboard his Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

   The World Superbike 2014 Ducati Grandstands will paint the circuits of Sepang, Misano, Laguna Seca and Magny Cours in Ducati red before moving on to South Africa on 19 October, where local Ducatisti get their chance to experience the passion that surrounds the iconic motorcycles from Bologna.

   Full information on Ducati Grandstands, including ticket purchasing, is available on the official Ducati website, where subscription is already open for the first events and more events being added soon.

4. Ducati UK announce Roadshow dates for 2014

   Posted on 8:49am Tuesday 18th Feb 2014

   Ducati UK Roadshow will visit 18 locations across the UK
   • Extended test rides up to one and half hours long
   • New 899 Panigale and Monster 1200 will from part of the test fleet

   The Ducati Roadshow will again be travelling the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland this summer, bringing an extensive demonstrator fleet to 18 locations. The Ducati event truck and demonstrator fleet have proved popular attractions over the last few years and now the Roadshow has evolved to further enhance the customer experience.

   Demonstration rides will now give the customers an extensive period of time to evaluate the bikes with accompanied test rides lasting up to one and half hours taking in a variety of roads and conditions to fully assess the bikes capabilities. Pillion riders may also join in the test rides for the chance to appraise the ergonomics of these machines.

   The demonstrator fleet showcases the 2014 range including the acclaimed 899 Panigale and the soon to be launched Monster 1200. Although the 899 Panigale and the Monster 1200 will grab most of the attention there will be an extensive variety of models to choose from. The Diavel is a must to test ride appealing to all types of riders - once ridden many riders fall for the Diavel’s versatility and performance. The Multistrada and Hyperstrada are bikes that will benefit from the extended test ride allowing riders to gauge the renowned touring and sporting abilities of these bikes.

   In addition to these popular bikes there will be the flagship Superbike – the 1199 Panigale and the entry level Monster 696 with an optional low seat for shorter riders and novices.

   To take a test ride at any of these events, riders must have a valid motorcycle licence (both parts required) and appropriate clothing and safety gear. Local dealership staff will be on hand to give expert technical, sales and service advice and trained riders will be there to guide all test rides.

   The Ducati UK event truck along with a fleet of demonstrators and display bikes kicks off at Rosso Ducati in Dublin on the 8th March before going to Moto Rapido in Winchester and then another 16 dates.

   For the latest information on the Ducati Roadshow and to find your nearest dealer visit www.ducatiuk.com or contact 08456 718500.

5. Ducati star at MCN London Motorcycle Show

   Posted on 10:38am Monday 17th Feb 2014

   This year’s MCN London Motorcycle Show certainly had a Ducati theme with three former Ducati World Superbike Champions, four World Championship winning Ducati’s and one current Moto GP Factory rider attending.

   Four times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty kicked off proceedings on Friday morning with ‘Foggy Friday’ a tribute to the most successful World Superbike rider in history. An emotional Fogarty was reunited with his quartet of title winning Ducati’s in front of a packed audience. The Four Championship winning bikes from '94', '95', '98 'and '99' had been shipped over from the Ducati museum in Bologna for this historic reunion with ‘King’ Carl.

   Another historic bike that had made its way from the Ducati Museum was Mike Hailwood’s 1978 TT winning bike that was part of a display of Hailwood memorabilia.

   BT Sport used the London Motorcycle show to publicly announce their commentary line-up for the 2014 Moto GP season which included former Ducati Word Superbike Champions Neil Hodgson and James Toseland as well as former Olympic Athlete and Ducati rider Iwan Thomas. They were joined by the new Ducati factory rider and MotoGP ambassador Cal Crutchlow who took time to visit the Ducati UK stand, sign autographs and chat with fans.

   One of many Ducati fans to visit the stand was the acclaimed celebrity baker, Paul Hollywood. Paul who owns an 1199 Panigale tried a number of bikes for size including the Streetfighter 848 and the 1199 R Panigale. Paul also took time to see the Ducati display of World Superbike Championship winning bikes.

   The Ducati UK stand would not have been complete without some race bikes on display. The centre piece of the stand included a race prepared 899 Panigale which will compete in the Ducati TriOptions Cup and an 1199 Panigale which is the Ducati Coventry entry into the British Superbike Championship.

   Although racing is the lifeblood of Ducati, it was the company’s stunning range of bikes that the visitors came to see. The highlights of the 2014 range are without doubt the 899 Panigale which has received rave reviews since its launch towards the end of 2013 and the Monster 1200 which has yet to hit the market place. The Monster 1200 had been tested by the international press the previous weekend to the show and is also receiving extremely favourable reviews.

   Elsewhere at the show, the California Superbike School displayed for the first time with Ducati as a partner. The highly regarded cornering school has entered into a new agreement with the brand and will be using a selection of 899 Panigale, 1199 Panigale and Monster 1200’s. For further information on the school and the upcoming dates visit www.superbikeschool.co.uk