Motorcycle Smack

Comments on new bikes for 2011

Tim — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:23:38 +0000

Here in the USA we don’t get all the bikes that the Japanese manufacturers make. Sometimes that’s a real shame, in my humble opinion. But I understand the manufacturers have substantial costs involved in bringing in a new model and, despite what I think, they don’t believe it will be cost effective to sell a particular model on this side of the pond.

Sometimes they take a chance. A few years ago Yamaha announced they were bringing the FJR1300 to the states, after selling it in Europe for a while. Yamaha was smart, they asked customers to pre-order the bike, and they only brought in a limited number. The limited supply of bikes sold out quickly, and Yamaha didn’t have to worry about excess units gathering dust on showroom floors. From my armchair perspective, the FJR1300 was a gamble that worked.

For 2011 there are a few truly new bikes coming to America.

The Ducati Diavel is Ducati’s first stab at a cruiser in quite a while. Ducati’s previous effort at an American style cruiser was a styling disaster. The new Diavel, on the other hand, is quite a smart looking machine. It’s not your typical cruiser, more of a power cruiser I suppose. The look is chunky and mean, like a pit bull with wheels. No ape-hangers here, the bars pull back only a little, and the front end has rational geometry that looks cool and should also handle well too. The 300 mm wide rear tire might appear to cause difficulty going around corners, but I’ve got to believe that the bike will handle decently. Hey, it’s a Ducati, right?

I’ve seen online discussions about who the Diavel is supposed to be aimed at. Traditional Ducatisti looking for something different in their garage? Or is Ducati trying to expand their customer base to new customers? I suspect the latter. Time will tell if the Ducati Diavel is successful, but I’m optimistic. I think Ducati has carved out a new niche in motorcycling.

On a side note, the seat on the Diavel is awful. It’s practically a big “U” shape, effectively locking you into one position. Uncomfortable for my 6′1 body. The good news is that Ducati has created an opportunity for aftermarket companies to build seats for the Diavel.

The Honda CB1000R is a new naked bike from Big Red. I saw one of these at the Isle of Man a couple years ago, and really liked it. Over the years there have been many so-called naked sportbikes sold in Europe that have never made it to these shores. I’ve heard a lot of guys complain that, if only the OEMs would bring in such-and-such a bike, it would sell like hotcakes. But you have to remember bikes like the CB1000, Hawk NT650, W650, GB500 and B-King, which seemed like a good idea at the time, but sold in numbers too small to justify keeping them in the lineup for more than a year or two. Again, the jury is out on how well the CB1000R will sell. I’m not so optimistic about this one.

The Yamaha Super Tenere is also coming to America after years of availability on Europe. Europeans have a different attitude toward bikes, riding them to work much more often than we Yanks do, no matter what the weather. The big adventure bikes have been popular in Europe for years, and are starting to catch on in the USA. Yamaha is taking aim squarely at BMW’s R1250GS, with a more palatable price point. Will non-Beemerphiles line up at their Yamaha dealership for a Super Tenere? I’m not terribly optimistic about the Super Tenere either.

And then there’s the Honda CBR250R. It’s a very neat looking little sportster. Tiny compared to most other full-size motorcycles. It’s only competition is the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which has been selling well in America since God was a small child. Many years ago Honda also sold the VTR250, which was quite a forgettable little bike that didn’t last long. My guess is that the time has come for a bike like the CBR250R. Have you seen gas prices lately? After one more spike in gas prices, I suspect Honda dealers will be scrambling to keep enough CBR250R’s in stock to meet customer demand. I think Honda has a winner here.

Ducati unveils new models for 2011

Tim — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:58:44 +0000

DUCATI UNVEILS ITS 2011 SUPERBIKE RANGE AT COLOGNE’S INTERMOT SHOW

Ducati enters the 2011 model year with an aggressive new Superbike lineup.

Cologne, Germany (5 October 2010) – Ducati Motor Holding unveiled the first of its 2011 models today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Fair; highlighted by the new 1198 SP Superbike.

“We decided to consolidate our presence here in Cologne because we believe in the importance of this event, which opens the European motor show season;” stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding.

Ducati is a premium brand which conceives and develops sport motorcycles with exclusive Italian design and superior performance proven on racetracks around the world. Ducati chose the 2011 INTERMOT show to reveal the significant improvements to its Superbike model family- all of which are testaments to the mission statement above. The 2011 Superbikes feature new trickle-down technology from Ducati’s World Championship racing team, and an attractive pricing structure. All three Superbike offerings for 2011 are brand new or significantly upgraded from their 2010 variants:

The 1198 SP is the new crown jewel of Ducati’s formidable Superbike family. It features a massive 170hp and 97 lb/ft of torque combined with a flyweight of 370lbs. Making the package work for the rider is a combination of electronic rider aids and performance oriented hard parts found on no other sport bike available. The electronics include a MotoGP derived digital dash, Ducati Traction Control, the new Ducati Quick Shifter and a Ducati Data Analyzer to review all measures of performance data. The top of the line suspension includes Ohlins front forks and an Ohlins TTx rear shock. These match up with a Ducati Performance Slipper Clutch, aluminum fuel tank and Brembo Monobloc calipers to ensure world class performance for only $21,995

Setting the standard for Superbike lust is the Ducati 1198. For 2011 the 1198 features a host of upgrades at no extra cost as a reminder to new market competition that Ducati is still the class of the field. The 1198 will now come with the Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) fitted as standard; improving rider safety and lap times in spades. Supporting the DTC system is the new Ducati Quick Shifter, (DQS) which will further assist riders in their never ending conquest for speed. The Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) enables riders to download traction control and six other performance parameters in order to better understand and improve their riding habits. The 2011 1198 will arrive in showrooms this December at $16,495; just in time to prep the bike for racing season.

The 848EVO was announced as an early 2011 model this past July. Packing 140hp and weighing a featherweight 369lbs, it is the best performing middleweight sport bike on the market. Already available in Stealth Black and Ducati Red, Intermot saw the addition of a limited production scheme: Arctic White with a red frame and red wheels. Pricing for the 848EVO Dark is an aggressive $12,995.

For more information on the 2011 Ducati model range, please visit www.ducatiusa.com.

For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact:

John Paolo Canton

Public Relations Manager

Ducati North America

Ph. 001.408.343.4414

jcanton@ducatiusa.com

Ducati Desmosedici RR To Be Raffled Off

Tim — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:28:27 +0000

LOS FELIZ CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS RAFFLES A DUCATI DESMOSEDICI RR

Los Angeles, Calif. (June 22, 2010) – The Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts in Los Angeles announces today a “Dream Ducati” raffle for a Ducati Desmosedici Desmosedici RR.

The Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts; a parent-initiated, non-profit, public elementary school, is excited to launch their auction for the most exotic road going motorcycle ever produced. The auction is the result of collaboration with Pro Italia Motorcycles in Glendale, California.

Bill Nation of Pro Italia – who donated the motorcycle-, noted that “At $40 a ticket, this is somebody’s chance to own the world’s only street-legal Grand Prix Motorcycle. This raffle is a chance for Pro Italia to help a local, pioneering elementary school.”

The Demosedici RR is the first-ever road-going motorcycle to offer such a stunning wealth of performance and technology. Derived from the Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6, the same bike which competed in the MotoGP World Championship, the Desmosedici RR is the ultimate expression of the most extreme Moto GP racing machine today.

Beginning today, the public can visit http://losfelizarts.org/support-lfcsa/ducati-desmosedici or call (818) 249-5707 (extension 4) to purchase individual tickets at $40 each;. Only 2500 tickets will be issued and the money raised will prove invaluable to the ongoing growth of the Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts.

The winning ticket will be announced at Ducati Island on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the United States Grand Prix, held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The winner need not be present to win.

Additional information about the raffle can be found on the LFCSA (http://losfelizarts.org) and Pro Italia web sites. (www.proitalia.com)

For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact:

John Paolo Canton

Public Relations Manager

Ducati North America

Ph. 001.408.343.4414

jcanton@ducatiusa.com

New Ducati Multistrada is Almost Here!

Tim — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:31:09 +0000

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 ARRIVES AT DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE

2010’s Hottest Motorcycle Arrives Just In Time for Riding Season

Cupertino, Calif. (May 6, 2010) – Ducati North America is excited to announce that dealerships across the country will take delivery of the highly-anticipated Multistrada 1200 S this May 14-15.

Just in time for the prime riding season, the Multistrada 1200 S will make its debut in a showroom premiere at participating dealerships across the U.S. The Multistrada 1200 S combines innovative design and advanced technology allowing the rider to experience a new dimension of motorcycling. The Multistrada 1200 can be ridden in Urban, Sport, Touring and Enduro modes while balancing impressive levels of performance, comfort, and enjoyment for both the rider and passenger.

Amongst the Multistrada 1200 S’ technological advancements are the New Ducati-Ohlins electronic suspension, traction control, ABS and ride-by-wire-throttle control. All of this allows for a truly customizable riding experience.

Pricing starts at $14,995, an aggressive figure for a handmade bike that boasts 150hp and 87.5lb/ft of torque. There will be three option packages available to suit the rider’s taste – Multistrada 1200 including the Bosch-Brembo ABS system ($16,495); Multistrada 1200 “S Sport” package ($19,995); and the Multistrada 1200 “S Touring” model ($19,995.)

Over the weekend, select dealerships will also host special events to introduce the new Multistrada to enthusiasts and the local community, including demo rides for those who are eager to experience Ducati’s latest masterpiece first hand.

For more information about the Multistrada 1200 S and participating dealers, please visit www.ducatiusa.com.

For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact:

John Paolo Canton

Public Relations Manager

Ducati North America

Ph. 001.408.343.4414

jcanton@ducatiusa.com

Ducati Expands the Monster Family With the New 796 and the Monster Art Body Kits. Ducati’s newest Monster arrives with ten additional color selections

Tim — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:52:05 +0000

Cupertino, Calif. (April 19th, 2010) – Ducati North America is excited to announce the newest member of its internationally acclaimed Monster range- the Monster 796. The 2011 Monster 796 combines the top level components and style of the Monster 1100 with the user friendliness of the Monster 696. Priced at $9,995; it will be invading streets nationwide this June in white, black and Ducati red. All three colors share the lightweight Ducati trellis frame in red, along with red wheel striping. The Monster 796’s air-cooled engine produces a potent 87hp and 56lb/ft of torque, which is enough to propel the svelte 367lb bike to any destination in a rapid fashion. In the interest of rider comfort; the Monster 796 has adapted a comfortable new seat, higher handlebars and optional passenger grab handles to enable an optimum riding experience. Borrowing from its 1100cc sibling, the Monster 796 features a single sided swingarm and four piston Brembo brakes. These features combine with an APTC slipper clutch, blackened foot rests, and new five spoke wheels to make the ultimate middleweight Monster. Arriving alongside the latest Monster are the new ‘Monster Art’ body kits for all three members of the Monster family; giving riders the chance to accessorize and customize the look of their bikes with ten all-new color choices. The new Monster Art body kits allow Monster 696, 796, 1100 and 1100S owners to extend their personal style by changing up panels to suit any mood or event. Monster lovers can ‘dress’ their bikes in as little as ten minutes, giving a new look to their two-wheeled beauty each day. The Monster Art kit includes tank covers, a mudguard, a micro-bikini fairing and seat cover- everything needed to change the color of a Monster in rapid fashion. The ten new color options include three vibrant solid colors, and seven historical Ducati liveries as follows: * “Giallo Ducati” Ducati Yellow * “Lilla Glamour” Lilac * “Arancione Scrambler” Ducati Scrambler Orange * “Ducati Corse” Inspired by the new Ducati Corse logo * “Imola 72” In honor of the Imola 200 winning 750SS * “Darmah” Modeled after the legendary black and gold striping of the late seventies. * “Isle of Mann 79” A tribute to Ducati’s 1978 Senior TT Win * “Pantah” Ducati’s iconic logo from the eighties * “Mach 1” A vibrant red in the spirit of the 1960’s * “Sport 100” A historic blue from Ducati’s of the past The Monster Art panel accessories can be purchased at local Ducati dealerships from $599.99. For details on the Monster 796, and the Monster Art kits, please visit www.ducatiusa.com. For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact: John Paolo Canton Ducati North America Ph. 001.408.343.4414 jcanton@ducatiusa.com

Eslick Jumps Start to Daytona 200 with No Penalty

Tim — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:41:11 +0000

There’s an interesting opinion article on Superbike Planet, check this out:

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2010/Mar/100306c.htm

On the restart of the Daytona 200, Danny Eslick very clearly jumped the start. I’m guessing that anyone who knows anything about motorcycle road racing figured Eslick would be looking at a stop-and-go penalty. But it never happened. Because Eslick immediately stopped (with his front wheel several inches in front of the mandatory box) the DMG decided “no harm, no foul”, and let Eslick continue without penalty.

After 2009’s numerous DMG debacles, this was quite a change of attitude. It seems that, maybe, the DMG has actually been listening to the chorus of complaints from long-time roadracing fans and participants.

Roger Edmonson is gone. The controversial Buells are out of the picture. DMG officials asked participants for their suggestions. My oh my, it looks like there may be hope for the AMA Superbike series after all.

Danny Eslick ended up fourth in the race. Without the help of duct tape.

The Cycle Guys Go Green! FastPack For Electric Motorcycles

Tim — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:19:54 +0000

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about electric motorcycles. The inaugural TTXGP was held at the Isle of Man in 2009, featuring electric road racing motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are quickly becoming more mainstream, with ever-lower prices and ever-increasing range.

The Cycle Guys (www.TheCycleGuys.com) worked with Hollywood Electrics (www.HollywoodElectrics.com) to fit the FastPack Universal to Electric Motorsports GPR-S and the Zero S electric motorcycles.

FastPack from The Cycle Guys is a retractable tail bag that attaches to your motorcycle’s passenger seat. When you don’t need it, zip it down and it functions and looks like a padded seat cover with a carbon-fiber look. When you need to carry stuff, just unzip the perimeter zipper and FastPack expands up to provide useful cargo capacity, similar to a small tank bag. With FastPack you can carry lunch, gym clothes, shoes, a six-pack, whatever! FastPack is available in 7 sizes to fit a variety of modern motorcycles, including the electric motorcycle noted here. For information contact The Cycle Guys at www.TheCycleGuys.com or 714-357-1102.

Zero S Electric Motorcycle with FastPack expanded.

Electric Motorsports GPR-S with FastPack in down position

Electric Motorsports GPR-S with FastPack expanded

The Cycle Guys Sidemount Luggage System – The Future of Sportbike Luggage

Tim — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:43:26 +0000

HE CYCLE GUYS’ SIDEMOUNT LUGGAGE: THE FUTURE OF SPORTBIKE SADDLEBAGS

Saddlebags and sportbikes have never really worked well together.

Affordable, yet low-tech, most saddlebags require mounting straps to be draped over passenger seats, rubbing on a bike’s bodywork, ruining paint and then—adding insult to injury—need to be tied down so they don’t fall off or flap in the breeze.

Until now, the solution to this problem was an exorbitantly priced set of hard saddlebags with expensive, bike-specific mounting brackets–if the company even made an application for your motorcycle.

Today, the revolutionary Sidemount Luggage System (SLS) from The Cycle Guys changes the saddlebag-mounting game.

Utilizing stock passenger footpeg brackets as mounting points, the SLS magically mounts in minutes without touching bodywork or seats. No brackets are bolted to subframes. No drilling or other modifications are necessary.

Making all of this possible is the Sidemount Luggage System’s unique Locking Rotational 360 Degree mounting system. Each bag’s angle is fully adjustable to clear turn signals and exhaust pipes, allowing them to sit properly and securely lock in place on every bike.

SLS bags are rated at 10 pounds each, with enough space to carry the necessities of a well equipped adventure. Once their expansion flaps are unzipped, they’ll easily shelter full-face helmets. To keep smaller items organized inside, each bag features an elastic cargo net pouch.

The Cycle Guys Sidemount Luggage System comes complete with two SLS bags and a simple mounting system for most sport and standard motorcycles. They have a suggested retail price of $299.00 and will be available in May.

Contact The Cycle Guys directly at TheCycleGuys.com or 714-357-1102.
-end-
Contact: Tim Monroe

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Ducati Multristrada 1200 New Engine Technology

Tim — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:23:09 +0000

DUCATI’S NEW 11° ENGINE’S TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCES GROUND-BREAKING SERVICE COST REDUCTIONS

Cupertino, Calif. (5 February 2010) – Ducati North America is excited to announce a significant milestone in the company’s engineering history: 15,000 mile major service intervals on the 2010 Multistrada 1200.

The Multistrada 1200 is the product of Ducati’s most intensive development program ever. Entering the arena of adventure touring motorcycles, Ducati set its sights on the class benchmarks. With the goal setting a new class standard, Ducati developed revolutionary new features such as the Multistrada’s “4 bikes in 1” adjustability.

The Multistrada 1200’s aggressive development process also encompassed build quality and servicing. Ducati is now excited to announce the fruits of its labor: a 15,000 mile period between major services.

Doubling the mileage between valve clearance inspections has been made possible due to the introduction of a new valve seat material. This material enables the new “Testastretta 11°” powerplant to go the distance- both literally and figuratively. Incorporating improved combustion efficiency and a new temperature management system, the Testastretta 11° engine ushers in a new era of service and reliability. The engine lowers the cost of maintenance, improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions- all while retaining exhilarating performance capabilities.

The game-changing Multistrada 1200 will arrive in North American showrooms this coming April. For more information about this revolutionary new Ducati, please visit www.ducatiusa.com.

For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact:

John Paolo Canton

Public Relations Manager

Ducati North America

Ph. 001.408.343.4414

jcanton@ducatiusa.com

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, SportClassic and Hypermotard. The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, North American and Japan markets. Ducati competes in the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In World Superbike, Ducati won both the 2008 Manufacturers’ title, bringing the total to 16 of the last 19 Manufacturers’ titles and 13 Riders’ titles. Competing in MotoGP since 2003, Ducati won both the Constructors’ and Riders’ world titles in 2007. For more information, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com

Indy Powersports Trade Show 2010 Report

Tim — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:48:42 +0000

My very small company, The Cycle Guys Inc, recently attended the Dealernews Powersports Expo in Indianapolis. This is the largest motorcycle industry trade show in the United States. This is where many manufacturers and distributors of aftermarket motorcycle parts show their goods to motorcycle dealers from across the country.

As you might expect, the number of exhibitors was down this year. In years past, exhibitors filled up not only the Indianapolis Convention Center, but also the adjacent sports stadium. This year the Lucas Oil Stadium was dark and silent, with vendors only filling up the convention center.

There are lots of really cool moto-parts to touch and ogle at this trade show. Lots of good ideas. And a fair amount of bad ideas.

High up on my list of Indy weirdness was this Chinese copy of a Can-Am Spyder. From across the room it looked pretty good. But, to borrow a phrase from my single guy friends, it looked “good from far, but far from good”.

: Chinese copy of Can-Am Spyder; Upon closer inspection, this little jewel was a bit smaller than the real Can-Am Spyder. I’d estimate it to be about 7/8 scale. It’s powered by a 250cc, single cylinder 4 stroke motor. I’d guess something like 25 to 30 horsepower pushing the beast. Owners of Porsche 911’s, McLaren Mercedes’, and Hyosung GT650’s would have little to worry about in a drag race.; Sadly I’ll probably never get to ride one of these Can-Am clones. At the show I was informed they are not legal in California, where I live. I’m guessing I’m not missing much.