Cool Ducati video... I haven't seen it in the US though.  Not sure where it is aired.

By Chuck Tannert MSN autos blogger Thanks to MSN.com

The 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show rolled into New York City last week, bringing with it some stunning new bikes, classic works of art and slick custom hardware. In fact, 500 or so of the latest model street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers and ATVs from dozens of manufacturers -- including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Indian, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and more -- were on display. We had a chance to roam the halls of the Javits Center to look at these stunning 2-wheelers. Here are our picks for the most enticing:

Honda NC700

Is it a spirited adventure bike, a comfortable tourer or a convenient, reliable commuter? According to Honda, the NC700 is a little of each -- as well as simple, functional and inexpensive. Powered by a new 670-cc parallel twin engine with electronic fuel injection, the NC700 is aimed at those riders more interested in usability than strict horsepower one-upmanship. With a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the bike will have a range of up to 240 miles and get more than 60 mpg. Unlike most bikes, the gas tank isn’t positioned in front of the rider. Instead, it is concealed beneath the rider and accessed by flipping up the passenger seat. Where the gas tank normally resides is a flip-top storage compartment with 21 liters of space, enough for a helmet. The bike’s upright seating position should make for good visibility. Touring-friendly accessories include a 45-liter top case and 29-liter saddlebags. Also available are crash guards, LED fog lights, heated grips, 12-volt DC socket and center stand.
 

Price: $6,999 for the standard 6-speed transmission; $7,999 with dual-clutch transmission version with anti-lock braking system.

BMW S1000RR

BMW totally revised the S1000RR for 2012 with an emphasis on improving response, power delivery and handling. The S1000RR is still powered by a 999-cc, water-cooled inline-four engine that pumps out 193 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements include a reconfigured throttle for crisper response and an optimized torque curve throughout the four ride modes: Rain, Sport, Race and Slick. In addition, the suspension was tweaked along with the ABS and Dynamic Traction Control. Externally, the 2012 SS1000RR gets an upgraded instrument cluster, revised rear end, redesigned side panels with the addition of two winglets for improved aerodynamics, and a new range of colors.
 

Price: $15,050.

Husqvarna Baja Concept

Husqvarna is a legendary name in off-road circles, but its new concept bike isn't just about dirt; it's about having a blast getting there. The classic dirt-track styling is accented with a number of forward-thinking and modern touches. The headlight is a spray of LEDs across the front number plate, and although it looks more decorative than functional, it produces plenty of light. An ingenious multifunction instrument display is tightly integrated into the handlebars, providing at a glance all the most important information. All in all, the Husqvarna Baja looks like a great bike to have in the stable, and we hope it makes its way into production. It is equipped with parent company BMW’s 650-cc single-cylinder engine and a steel-tube perimeter frame. For a dual-sport, it has a relatively low seat height and friendly looks.
 

Price: TBD

2012 Can-Am Roadster Spyder RSS

Changes to this unique 3-wheeler are minimal at best, leaning more toward aesthetics and rider amenities than performance. For 2012, there are two “S” models to choose from: the Can-Am Spyder RS and the Can-Am Spyder RT Roadster. The 2012 RS is the sportier package, aimed more at the solo rider, with a slightly more aggressive riding position and less body work, while the RT is a full-on luxury tourer. Add-ons include an improved sound system with iPod compatibility, AM/FM and (optional) satellite radio; handlebar-mounted push-button controls; adjustable rear air suspension; GPS navigation; and LED lighting. The RS-S model also gets the new LCD display as well as new gas-charged Fox Racing Shox front suspension with adjustable pre-load.
 

Price: $18,099.

Steve McQueen Edition Triumph Bonneville

Who doesn’t like the classic World War II epic “The Great Escape”? You have Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner and, especially for bikers, Steve McQueen. This motorcycle is a tribute to the Trophy TR6 that McQueen rode in the film. It is a throwback, featuring blacked-out wheels, hubs, handlebars and other parts, along with a cool Wehrmacht-style matte-green paint scheme, a solo seat and a military-style stenciled Triumph logo. To confirm the bike’s provenance, each will be individually numbered with a plaque placed on the handlebar clamp. Collectors will love it. A limited run of just 1,100 is planned, about 300 to 400 of which will be available stateside.
 

Price: $11,299

Zero S Streetfighter

Zero Motorcycles has completely overhauled every model in its 2012 lineup. The aggressive-looking Zero S models (XF6 and XF9) were developed to take on urban streets while still being able to take occasional adventurous detours. Improvements include new powertrains and upgraded power packs that promise greater longevity, speeds of up to 88 mph and a significantly improved range -- in excess of 100 miles for the XF9. Recharging time for the XF6 is quoted at six hours using a standard outlet, while the XF9 takes nine hours. Quick-charge options can cut recharge times by up to 75 percent.
Price: ZF6, $11,495; XF9, $13,995.

Ducati 1199 Panigale S

Ducati’s new 1199 Panigale S is a race-tuned version of the Italian bike builder’s Panigale series. In addition to shedding 22 pounds from the outgoing 1198, the new Panigale cranks out 20 more horsepower. The Superquadro twin-cylinder engine generates 195 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque -- enough power to set anyone’s hair on fire. Traction control is standard equipment, though anti-lock brakes are a stand-alone option. The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale is also the first superbike to feature an electronically adjustable suspension.
 

Price: The package will set you back $17,995 for the base model, while S trim nudges the price to $22,995. The top-of-the-line S Tricolore will fetch a heart-stopping $27,995.

Travis Okulski Businessinsider.com January 23rd, 2012

The evening before the New York International Motorcycle Show, we had a chance to visit Ducati's flagship store in Manhattan to take a look at the recently revamped space.

We also had an opportunity to chat with Dominique Cheraki, the General Manager of Ducati North America, about the astounding growth the brand saw in 2011 and what the plans are for 2012.

Ducati's North American sales grew by 43% in 2011 over 2010, which also made North America their number one market for the first time ever. Cheraki, who took over as General Manager in February, said that they were on a conquest.

A number of bikes saw solid gains over the previous year. The Multistrada, which is capable of more than just riding on the road, and the Diavel cruiser were key parts of this growth.

It did not hurt that the Diavel also won multiple "Best Cruiser" awards from respected outlets like Motorcycle News, Cycle World, and Motorcycle USA.

One of the big intros of the weekend was the Diavel Cromo. This edition of the popular bike has the same mechanical features as the standard Diavel, but a unique livery. A chrome fuel tank and throwback Ducati logos add a classic touch to the decidedly modern cruiser.

Ducati also made a lot of news last year with their new partnership with noted Mercedes tuner AMG. What seems like a mismatched pairing is actually a perfect fit, according to Cheraki. AMG and Ducati share the same passion and values for premium performance products.

The AMG Edition Diavel, like the Cromo, features a unique design to set it apart from the rest of the line. And this is just the start of their partnership; look for more bikes down the line with input from AMG.

But where does Ducati stick out? Competitors in the market like Aprilia and MV Agusta offer high end superbikes that do compete with Ducati's offerings. But Cheraki believes that their models set them apart.

He says that the combination of unique bikes like their halo model, the 1199 Panigale, as well as the investment  of dealers and customer commitments are key to their growth.

Finally, as MotoGP fans, we had to ask about the rough year that Ducati had in the sport. Stars Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden were non-factors in the championship. We asked Cheraki if he foresaw an impact on sales due to the lackluster performance in 2011.

He said that while Ducati had a rough year in MotoGP, they did win the 2011 World Superbike Championship. The old mantra of "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" has obviously not had an effect on the brand.

Cheraki said that the passion of the customers  for their road bikes was not dampened by the rough year in MotoGP. As he noted, racing is ups and downs, so hopefully they will be back up to speed and fighting for the championship this year.

We'll have to check in next year to see if this great growth continues into 2012.

businessinsider.com

Thursday, 29 December 2011

Nicky Hayden’s winter vacation was marred on Tuesday, December 27, when he broke his left scapula and fractured two ribs while training near his home in Owensboro, Kentucky.

SOURCE:  http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2011/Hayden+injured+in+training+accident

MOTOGP: Ducati Looks For Answers At Aragon

Ducati Marlboro's Valentino Rossi (Photo: Evan Williams)

 

This Sunday’s Aragon Grand Prix marks the MotoGP calendar’s fourteenth round and the Grand Prix series’ second visit to the new motorsports facility in central Spain. In 2010, the Ducati Team perfectly understood the circuit, and both of its riders finished on the podium.

For Nicky Hayden, it was one of his best results aboard the Desmosedici, as he used a beautiful last-lap pass on Jorge Lorenzo to achieve his third-place finish. The American hopes to continue improving his feeling with the GP11.1 so that he can be consistently fast from the free practice sessions on.

Valentino Rossi finished sixth at Aragon last year, but he approaches the Aragon weekend with determination and focus for the work that he’s carrying out with the Ducati technicians and his team.

VALENTINO ROSSI, Ducati Team

“Last year at Aragon was the best race of the year for Ducati, so we approach this round with our expectations a little higher than usual. In addition, after the difficult practice sessions at Misano, we found a good setup in the end and I had a better feeling with the bike and managed to ride it better in the race, especially in the early laps. Now we’ll try to combine the two things—the track that seems to work well with the Desmosedici and the good setup work—in order to find the same feeling on Sunday.”

NICKY HAYDEN, Ducati Team

“It’s nice to go back to Aragon, which I like. We haven’t been there a lot, so it’s still new and fun. Last year, it was clearly our best weekend of the season, and in theory, it should suit me and our bike a little bit this time as well. The track was brand-new then, and it was grippy and completely smooth, so we’ll see how well it’s held up. It has a lot of ups and downs, and quite a few corners with open exits, which should be good for us. I’m 100% okay from my crash at Misano, so no excuses there. Hopefully we can catch a little break and have a good weekend at Aragon.”

VITTORIANO GUARESCHI, Team Manager

“We have some great memories of Aragon from last year, so we’re happy to return. Every season has its own story though, and we’re obviously currently working not only for this weekend but also beyond. Our riders and team are completely focused on the goal, and they’re giving us a collaborative working group that I think is extremely important. At Aragon, we expect to continue gathering data and information on the Desmosedici and to speed up the setup work during the practice sessions.”

PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Grand Prix of Aragon from Aragon, Spain will air LIVE on SPEED Sunday, September 18 at 8:00am ET.

 

Source:  http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-ducati-team-looks-for-answers-at-aragon/

There's no doubt that Ducati puts 100-percent passion into building its machines, and this was no different for the 2011 lineup of the Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and the 848EVO and 1198 superbikes.

And just as it puts passion into its motorcycles, so does the Italian marquee when it comes to exposing the machines.

In this Duc short, the 2011 motorcycle lineup is highlighted, giving fans something to gawk at. For additional information of Ducati's 2011 motorcycles, click here.