Category: Ducati

1. Ducati launch the Monster 796 – The 'Urban Icon'

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 20th Apr 2010

   The Monster family introduces the 796, an exciting addition to the line-up that combines the user-friendliness of the 696 with the sports character of the 1100. Delivering 87hp (64kW), a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb) and optional ABS, the stylish new Monster 796 returns the magic of mid-range to the Monster family. 
   
   The Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard and features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching. Additional new features also include a rear sub-frame constructed ready to accept new accessory grab-handles designed to provide a confidence-inspiring grip for the passenger, while blending into the natural line of the tail-end.
   
   The riding position has also been revised by reducing the seat height by a full 10mm (compared to the Monster 1100) to 800mm, whilst the handlebars have been raised by 20mm. These changes, together with the redesigned seat shape have improved posture and increased comfort. With the brand new Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swingarm and revised ergonomics, the Monster 796 perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to enhance the original Monster spirit.
   
   The new Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati red, new arctic white silk or diamond black silk. All three colours are set against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new short-style red flash around the rim side that creates a full red stripe at speed.
   
   Commenting on the launch, Tim Maccabee, Ducati UK MD said “The new 796 Monster is a welcome addition to the family and will be a great bike for people upgrading from a first bike 600 or looking to switch from a Sports 600 whilst wanting to retain style with plenty of real-world performance”.
   
   Launched as an early entry model year 2011, the Monster 796 will be available in the UK from May 2010 onwards and will be priced at £6,995, with the ABS version at £7,695.

    

   www.ducatiuk.com

2. Ducati rides out the recession in style

   Posted on 8:41am Tuesday 18th Nov 2008

   Whilst the rest of the European bike industry misfires, Ducati is running on all cylinders and returning muscular financial results.

   Ducati's sales revenue for the first nine months of 2008 grew by 25 per cent year-on-year to £346m and net profit shot up by a stunning 84 per cent to £27.7m. Motorcycle shipments from the factory to dealers increased by 19.1 per cent to 36,979 units and worldwide retail sales were up by 8.3 per cent to 37,572 bikes, compared to a reference market (ie directly competing products from other manufacturers) decline of 6.8 per cent during the period.

   The boys from Bologna say they are still on track to achieve a forecast 20 per cent growth in sales for their full financial year - a target increased from 15 per cent at the announcement of half-yearly performance data in August.

   KTM, meanwhile, has admitted to a dramatic fall of almost 50 per cent in operating profit for the full 12 months of its financial year to 30 September to just £16.8m, blaming this on the plunging dollar-euro exchange rate and that it will cut motorcycle production for the 2009 season by ten per cent.

   Piaggio is also cutting back on production across all its motorcycle and scooter brands after depressing results for the first nine months of 2008. Overall sales were down by 5.9 per cent and fell by ten per cent across Europe - which accounts for about 80 per cent of its two-wheeler market - while net profit dropped by 6.8 per cent.

   BMW is feeling the pain too, with global motorcycle sales down by 2.5 per cent in the same period, and profit from bikes falling by 15.8 per cent.