Letko Cycles

Changes

2010-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, the Letko Cycles motoblog pretty much was abandoned this year in hopes that we wouldn't need it after the new website... That never launched.

So despite a massive Facebook and Twitter effort along with joining Yelp! and a whole slew of other things, we still had a nice big gap in our social media assortment.

No longer.

We are relaunching the Motoblog! It's called Go!Letko! and can be found HERE.

Yes, it is no longer a part of the blogger network due to some complications with expansion, but I'll share more on that at a later time. Sorry for the lack of updates and the general wussing it out, but we're at it again and I hope that you can join us this time for more fun, more info and more Letko!

-Keith

Updates

2010-02-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Updates? Well, there haven't been any. Not on this blog anyway. With the relative ease and quickness of using Facebook and Twitter, we've -since the last post- updated the FB and Twitter pages nearly 200 times!!

So, while I haven't forgotten about the Letko Blog, the Letko Facebook and Twitter pages are way easier to update and I do so, on average six or more times a day! So, I either have to figure out a way to make our blog interface easier to update or beg all of you to join us on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Until we figure out where we're going, take a look at our Facebook page and take a peek at the Twitter account and see what you think.

Post count hoorahs and KTMs off the truck

2010-01-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hey, we had our 100th post today! (This is no. 101). In celebration of the awesomeness that is our blog, here's a little video treat for you KTM off-road fans!

MotoGP: Ducati GP10 Video up and live!

2010-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Ducati GP10. Check out the exhaust!!

Ducatigp10
by motopippo1

Ducati resolutions for 2010

2010-01-12T11:07:00.001-08:00

A great post from DucatiNewsToday.com:

Its a new year, a new decade and the middle of winter for the majority of our readers. The ideal time to make some New Year Ducati Resolutions and Ducati News Today is here to help. After the jump you will find the Top 10 Ducati Resolutions for 2010 that range from free to tens of thousands to suit every budget.

10 – Participate in a Forum.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Ducatisti is their enthusiasm for the brand. If you haven’t participated in the various online forums yet, make 2010 the year to get started. Sign-up is free and uncomplicated, and you can lurk for awhile before actually posting if you want. When you do you will become part of a large, like minded community that will help you solve problems, debate topical issues and of course just shoot the breeze.

There are many choices but Ducati News Today is an active member ofDucati.ms, and participates from time to time on the Ducati Monster List, Ducati Superbikes and Ducati Spot forums with the username ‘Whippersnapper’.

9 – Setup your Suspension.

These days the suspension on Ducatis is of a high quality even on the base model machines. However suspension settings need to be idealized for the weight, riding style and situation of every individual rider. If you haven’t at least set your static sag for your weight (in full riding gear) for the everyday low price of Free, then you are almost certainly not riding a machine that is as good as it could be.

So read up about the basics of setting up suspension and get some friends around to help you transform your Ducatis performance by simply twiddling some knobs.

8 – Join an Official Club

There are literally thousands of Ducati fans just like you who you can meet if you join an official Ducati Club. Clubs hold rides, social functions, track days, tech sessions and more for their members and usually charge very modest annual dues. Being in Atlanta, Ducati News Today belongs to Wild Ducs, but you can find your nearest club using Ducati’s Club Finder.

7 – Get Some Swag

Just like Ferarri, Ducati has a thriving business in merchandise that can allow you to subtly or not so subtly advertise your affection for the beasts from Bologna. If you are in the Northern hemisphere and not riding it gives you the chance to keep something Ducati close to you even if you aren’t riding.

Ducati helpfully provide their entire catalogue for 2010 online and Ducati News Today holds the leather Ducati wallet and Breil Ducati Watch amongst its most cherished items.

6 – Get Some Rider Training

Motorcycling is demanding, dangerous and rewarding. How much of the mix is danger depends in some part on our level of technical skill and mental attitude to the task at hand. Just like with any sport, everyone can benefit from expert tuition even just to practice rusty skills.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation now offers a course custom made for sports riding on the road and if well worth the modest price of admission. The MSF Advanced Sportbike Techniques Course takes a full day and is a mix of classroom and riding sessions.

5 – Do a Track Day

With modern road machines offering the performance of factory Superbikes of just a decade ago it is impossible, illegal and extremely dangerous to take more than a gentle lick of the performance envelope of our impressive machines on the street.

The answer? Do a track day. Numerous organizations exist all around the country that will allow you to ride you bike at your own pace on a closed circuit free from oncoming cars, unexpected shingle and speed limits. A track day allows you to explore more of the performance of your machine whilst at the same time honing your braking, cornering and throttle control skills.

Track days usually follow the same formula. Riders are split into three groups representing differing levels of ability and experience like Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. The Novice group is for riders with little to no track experience or for those who ride at a more gentle pace. Control riders usually orient the group to the track and passing is strictly controlled. By contrast the advanced group is for experienced riders and racers where overtaking is allowed even up the inside into turns, with the intermediate group somewhere in the middle.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming the groups only relate to motorcycle performance or that you should jump straight into the advanced group because you are handy on the road. At a track day you will find 60 years olds on air-cooled machines lapping handily in the Advanced groups along with Desmosedici’s in the Novice group and everything in between. Few experiences are as exhilarating as being on the track. Most regular track day riders subsequently take it a lot easier on the road as a result.

US Desmo offers track days focussed on Ducati riders.

4 – Modify your Ducati

Ducatis used to be rare but nowdays you don’t have to go far to see one just like yours, unless you happen to own a Desmosedici. For the rest of us, aftermarket parts from either Ducati or a host of alternative suppliers supply us with an opportunity to customize our bikes to suit our unique needs and make our bike definitively ours.

Obvious choices are a dashing of carbon fiber, aftermarket exhausts, rear sets, clutch covers….the list really is endless. Here are a few links to get you started.

Official Ducati Accessories
Shift-Tech
Desmo Works
Moto Wheels

3 – Sort out the Fueling

Noise and emission laws have made it increasingly difficult for Ducati to deliver us motorcycles with finished fueling systems. If you suffer from surging, rough or abrupt throttle response at lower revs then there is a solution but it isn’t necessarily cheap. The solution on the Ducati News Today Monster S4Rs required a full exhaust system, Ducati Performance ECU, a Power Commander and a custom map but the results were transformational. You can read all about it in the Modding the Monster series.

2 – Lose Weight

Before you come out swinging, I meant the bike okay! Less weight means your bike accelerates, turns and stops better with exactly the same horsepower. Lighter bikes are more fun and Ducati has been one of the many manufacturers supplying us with ever lighter bikes over recent years.

One of the best, trickest and most expensive modifications is to swap out your wheels for some carbon fiber ones. Carbon rims are not only many lbs lighter but the lower moment of inertia provides additional turning, accelerating and stopping benefits beyond the weight loss. They cost around $4,000 for a set. Gulp.

1 – Buy a New Ducati

The obvious new model is the hot, new Ducati Multistrada 1200 but new for 2010 models include the Hypermotard 796, Monsters with ABS, 848 Dark and 1198S Corse and 1198R Corse Special Editions.

MotoGP: Casey and Hayden getting ready

2010-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

From CycleNews.com

Hayden anxious to get going

"Nicky Hayden starts his second season with the Ducati Marlboro team with a more complete understanding of what it's going to take to get the job done after a difficult 2009 campaign.

When Hayden last arrived in Madonna di Campiglio,the idyllic ski resort high in the Italian Dolomites that hosts the team intro, he was full of promise and hope for the year ahead. But the season was a disappointment, beginning with a massive highside during qualifying for the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix. That set the tone for the first half of the season, during which he'd often finish Friday practice in frustration near the bottom of the time sheets. His results picked up in the second half, with the highlight being a podium finish in his home grand prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The season ended on an up note, with fifth olace finishes in the final two races. Still, he was well behind the ‘aliens' - Stoner, Rossi, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa - the four riders who dominated the front of the field.

A year on Hayden is again excited to get going and now with a new weapon. When he visited the Ducati Corse workshop in December, he was so enthused at the sight of the GP10, that he posted a photo on his website, which he soon realized was a mistake. Still, his motives were pure and he could be forgiven for enthusiasm.

"I was just like a kid," he said. "Any time you get a new toy you want to show all your friends. And the bike didn't have the graphics on it or anything and I thought most people had pretty much seen it at Valencia. So I just put the picture on my website and shared it with my fans and probably got me in the doghouse a little bit, but I was just excited. So it happens and just lesson learned."

With the limited amount of off and in-season testing, "it's not like you can go and make a bunch of radical new changes [to the GP10]."

The team took the GP09, which Stoner proved was a race winner at the end of the season, and made improvements. Hayden said "some stuff with the engine certainly will help us next year to make it more rideable and more consistent as the season goes on and we got a couple different little tweaks and stuff. Sure the bike is good. We have a strong package for 2010 and some changes with the team and a lot of things that I think has got a lot of excitement about the season for me and for everybody involved and going to be some big changes. But with changes you get big opportunities and we brought in some new guys and the enthusiasm's there and some fresh energy and we see what it amounts to."

The personnel changes began during the season and continued into the off-season to improve communications. Longtime team manager Livio Suppo was replaced late in the year by Vito Guareschi, the former rider who's done most of the development work, and Alessandro Cicognani, who will take over Suppo's marketing tasks. Suppo was a vital part of the team, a constant presence who always seemed to have his cell phone pressed to his ear. It was Suppo who made the decision to use Bridgestone tires, which, at the time, weren't in vogue. It would later prove to be a wise choice.

Though Hayden admits he'll miss him, he says that Guareschi and Cicognani aren't two guys who were "pulled off the production line who was putting kickstands on 848s. These guys have been around and I think can be a big help to us. I mean we'll have Alessandro now focus more on the sponsoring side and Vito in the garage, which, before, Livio was doing it all and was a big job for one guy. Was too much to ask."

Hayden pointed out that, as a rider, Guareschi had been on the podium of World Superbike and "is the one really responsible for this bike. He's the one who's done all the testing and we think having him around will help have a closer link to Filipo from the track to the factory and we see. So I think that's the biggest change. We've made a few little changes within the team, a few mechanics swapping around, which is a normal deal. But I think everybody is excited about the opportunity and definitely got some fresh faces and some new energy. Sure they've big shoes to fill, because Livio, as we all know, did a lot, was a big part of our team. But these guys I think have been around him enough to learn from him and now they got a big opportunity so let's see what they can do."

For Hayden to improve he needs to be better in all areas, he said.

"I think it's a combination; it's bike, rider, team. It's all one package. You have to use the bike as a tool and obviously I didn't get the most out of it, but I think now I have a better feel for it. In the beginning it was always really difficult. I could never get a good understanding from lap to lap and get the feedback and know where the limit was. so I don't think it's just one area. I think part of it is adjusting my style, my approach to the bike. But also adjusting the bike and the set-up to me. So I think it's a combination."

Asked if the past few seasons had been frustrating, he said, "Well, yeah, it's been frustrating. You go from being the world champ to running around mid-pack is tough at times when I expect a lot from myself. And, sure, it's not fun. But the bike, I have no doubt about my bike, my team and even my potential. I know we have all the ingredients we need, it's just to put it all together and make it happen, so it's pretty simple."

The Hayden family will be represented in three championships this year; Tommy Hayden is now the senior rider on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and Roger Lee Hayden (Pedercini Kawasaki) will be the first in the family to race World Superbike full-time after a number of Moto2 deals fizzled. After laying out the various calendars, Hayden said he planned to take in both AMA and World Superbike races when his schedule allows.

"So it's going to be cool. One racing in AMA, one in World Superbike, one in MotoGP is pretty neat. I was hoping he [Roger Lee] would go Moto2. He had a couple opportunities that it was a possibility and I thought that would be really cool to be able to share the weekend and go to the races together and be like the old days. I mean, I shared a room with him until I graduated high school, so on the inside, being a bit greedy, I thought that would be cool. But he's got an opportunity in World Superbike. The situation in America now is really tough with the series, with the economy. That championship is not as strong as it once was, so this'll be a good deal for him if he can make the most of it. You know, starting a little bit behind. He hasn't ridden that bike yet or anything, so he'll get his chance later this month. But let's hope he can get some results."

Results weren't something Hayden got in 2009, admitting he had a "little bit higher expectations than how we went. It was tougher than we had hoped, but life is like this sometimes and things don't always go exactly how you draw them up and how you lay in bed and envision them. And, sure, we started off the season and had a couple big crashes and got beat up and just really couldn't get any momentum going. But I think the thing that we gotta be positive about is the progress we made, thankfully with a lot of hard work from everybody at Ducati to really listen to me and give me the help I needed to make the progress and the people from Philip Morris. We were able to slowly but surely start working our way toward the front. And finish the season really positive. I mean, was it enough? No, but was able to get on the podium at Indy and then finish the season with two top fives in a row and make some big steps with myself, with the bike, with the team, with the set-up in a lot of areas. So we're really excited for the new season. Need to pick up right where we left off and keep trying to close that gap to the front."

But he knows that words don't mean a thing unless he can back it up on the track.

"No need to sit here talking about it and blowing a lot of smoke and making a lot of predictions. Just need to get ready to when we get to Qatar and the lights go out to be able to get up front."

Stoner Ready for 2010

"As long as he stays away from milk, cheese, and other dairy products, Casey Stoner likes his chances for this year's MotoGP World Championship.

The 2007 MotoGP title-winner said his doctors had isolated his mid-season illness as lactose-intolerance and that since adjusting his diet, he's become increasingly stronger as he sails through his first injury-free off-season in years. For the first time since he joined the MotoGP class, the Australian can work at full strength over the winter in preparation for what he believes will be a successful 2010 campaign.

Stoner said that for the last three years "we had a really good start to last season and we thought things were going to go a little bit more our way," at the start of a wide-ranging press conference at Wrooom 2010, the combined Ducati Marlboro/Ferrari Marlboro press intro in the Italian Dolomites. "We thought we'd at least take the fight for the championship to the end and when we finally hit the right set-up with the bike I started having a problem with myself.

"At first we thought it was just a slight illness-that I had a cold or something-and it was affecting me quite a lot. And as the next races went on, we realized it wasn't going away, and it was just continuing to get worse. I just wasn't able to do anything on the bike; after three-four laps I was completely destroyed. We went and had as many appointments with as many doctors as we could, and nobody really had any answers. Everybody started immediately pointing to my head, that it was a mental problem, psychologically, and all these kinds of things. I knew better; I've been doing this sport long enough that I'm not just going to have a mental breakdown in the middle of the season when everything's going well."

By the British Grand Prix at Donington Park, "things were becoming a little dangerous in my riding. I was becoming too tired to control the bike well and decided just to have time off and figure it out."

Stoner saw seven or eight doctors on three different continents throughout his ordeal. The breakthrough came when one suggested lactose intolerance, "which ended up being our Achilles heal, which ended up being our fault. We figured that out over the two-month break that we had and came back strong again in racing. It was basically like racing for the first time again; being so uncompetitive for so long and then being able to run at the front in a race again and last until the end was just an unreal feeling. So a big thanks to everybody who supported me, but we definitely had a lot of critics over that time, so it was nice to come back and end up with a few good results before the end of the season and end things on a strong note, ready for next year. Now we won't be able to run into that problem anymore."

As for 2010, Stoner said he was "definitely looking forward to this year. It's the first off-season that I've had in the last three years where I haven't had an injury or some sort of operation, so it's been very nice to have the off-season free and be able to train throughout.

"The last test in Valencia, we tried the new bike-the new engine configuration-and I really loved it. We had a lot more traction, we were able to do a lot more with the bike, and considering Valencia is a very good circuit for our bike anyway, we were still able to do a very good job with the new engine configuration, so I was very happy with that, and we believe it's going to help us on the tracks-at the circuits that we struggled with a little bit more in the past, make the bike a little more balanced throughout the season. At the moment, we're very happy, and confident we can take the fight a little bit further in the season."

To do that he'll have to beat three other riders, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa, the other three riders who, along with Stoner, have dominated the past few season. Rossi stands out as the one to beat "because he's won the championship for the last two years in a row now. Both rivals," Rossi and Lorenzo, have their strong points because sometimes Valentino can be very fast and strong during a weekend but in a race struggle a little bit. But other times you think he's struggling and he'll put it out for the race and do very well. Jorge sometimes is a little easier to understand. If things aren't going well for him, then he normally doesn't improve for the race. But normally he's very strong throughout the weekend and that continues for the race. They both have different strong points and different ways of approaching the weekend."

Asked by a Formula One journalist what he thought about the longevity Rossi and the return of Michael Schumacher, the Formula One legend who's returning to the track after a three year absence, he said, "the more people to fill the gaps at the front then the better it is. It's something I think MotoGP and F1 is struggling a little bit with the numbers, and that's why the gaps are so big: there's nobody filling the gaps. Valentino has been there for a long time now. He once was the young gun and now he's the old hen, but we'll have to try and take him down next year. As for Michael, he hasn't been there for a few years now, and it'll be interesting to see how he reacts to it. He's always been a great racer, and I think he'll definitely be running at the front; it'll make F1 quite interesting."

What may make his season more interesting is a promise to be more aggressive. Stoner said he'd been "too clean and too polite with my passing, so when people would try and block me, I didn't want to make people run wide, but nobody cared when they did it to me. From now on, I didn't really care, and I made my overtakes when I wanted to.

"Those five races in the middle of the season when the bike was working well and they're my kind of circuits where I normally have much better results, and it didn't happen. I'm definitely looking forward to this year. I'm not going to change too much from last year. We were fast enough, and I was ready to fight, and I'll just try and take things step by step. And if something goes wrong, I'll try and roll with the punches and come out fighting the next week. No season can be perfect, so I'm going to try and be as consistent as possible."

Farewell to Mario Part Two

2010-01-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Farewell to Mario Part Two from Keith Kennedy on Vimeo.

Farewell to Mario Part One

2010-01-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Finally figured out my encoding issues (for the most part) and have the first of three videos up. This one has those who, up until recently, worked with Mario, speaking their thoughts on his leaving.

Farewell to Mario part 1 from Keith Kennedy on Vimeo.

Mario's Farewell Party

2009-12-24T06:29:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few pictures floating around, and here are just a few. I have a few videos that are taking days (yup, days) to render, but once those are complete, I'll share as well. Also, look for Jim K's photos soon!

FIM green enduro

2009-12-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

While the world leaders continue to argue about climate change restrictions and whether to force China to keep track of it's pollution or not... There's a different green event going on in Copenhagen.

The first international Ride Green Enduro event was held during this week in Denmark to showcase to the world that the off-road motorcycling community is more than ready to do their part and help preserve the planet for more fun.

You can read more about the event here or check youtube for footage from the event.

Marc Coma and others prepping for Dakar Rally

2009-12-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

Coma and Despres, along with other privateers are prepping for the 2010 Dakar Rally with KTM support, despite KTM's withdrawal from factory racing.

Check the link for the 411

848 Challenge TV dates announced

2009-12-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned, the Ducati 848 Challenge, an 848 superbike-only race is coming soon (to Europe) and the TV dates and race dates have just been posted!

TV coverage for Ducati 848 Challenge

The dates and venues have now been announced for the inaugural 848 Challenge race series. The 848 Challenge will be held over eight rounds including two televised BSB rounds and two overseas rounds at Misano and Assen.

New Era Motorcycle Club in association with Ducati UK and Ducati Desmo Due series organiser Chris Bushell have joined forces to launch this prestigious one-make series based on Ducati’s stunning 848 Superbike.

The Assen round will be held during the ‘Ducati Club Races’, Europe’s biggest amateur race meeting. This will be followed by the double race at the Misano Circuit during the famous Ducati festival - World Ducati Week.

The new one-make Ducati series kicks off with a visit to Silverstone on the 25th April followed by a round at Oulton Park on May Bank Holiday, the first of two BSB support races that includes the Brands Hatch GP circuit in August.

Three other UK rounds include Snetterton, Castle Coombe and the final round at Cadwell Park on the 2nd and 3rd of October. Interspersed between the UK races are two back to back overseas rounds with visits to Assen on the 29th and 30th May and Misano 12th and 13th June.

Chris Bushell, Ducati Desmo Due series organiser for past five-years said: “This is a race series for modern Ducati Superbikes run to Superstock rules.

“The big news is the chance to race at the World Ducati Weekend in front of over 50,000 Ducati fans at Misano. The opportunity to race at international circuits inside and outside the UK is a unique aspect of this Championship.”

A new or used Ducati 848 will be needed to compete and many Ducati dealers have prepared ‘race packages’ to assist potential entrants. There will be a maximum grid of 38 riders and registration to the eight round series will cost £250 (including Misano round fees) and then just £145 per round.

Chris said, “Serious cost control is built into the Ducati 848 Challenge. Apart from crash damage, you’ll be able to work out your budget and stick to it .There is no other way to race nationally or internationally so easily or cost effectively.”

For more information, contact Chris Bushell on 01959-522249 or 07711-047748 or email: chris.bushell@sgrassociates.com

2010 KTM street order list

2009-12-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

Some of you have expressed interest in the number of units we have on order for next year. I've had curious parties both from the KTM side and the Ducati side, so here's the list, give or take a unit.

KTM STREET

Enduro 690 (2 units)
Duke 690 R (1 unit)
990 Adventure (1 orange, 2 white)
990 Adventure R (2 units)
990 Supermoto R (1 unit)
990 Supermoto T (2 orange)
990 Superduke R (1 unit) NOTE: There is NO non-R Superduke in 2010. All or nothin'!
1190 RC8 (1 White)
1190 RC8 R (1 standard, one Red Bull limited edition!!)
950 Super Enduro Erzberg edition (1 unit)

*Note: The above listed are for the ENTIRE 2010 YEAR! If you're interested in a model, put some money on one now or risk not being able to get one. PERIOD!

Hypermotard owners rejoice!

2009-12-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Look what we just got in: The Ca-Cycleworks extended capacity fuel tank for the Hypermotard 1100! Now, you can except a range of 200 + miles per tank! Not only does this 6.4 gallon tank make the bike more of a real world machine, but it adds the option to tour. Good stuff!

Check out this link for more info.

Giant Loop

2009-12-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Terry got in a couple of Giant Loop baggage systems today (as you can see in the above sexy pics). They're spacious, lightweight and stay in place! You can check out the website here, or stop by and see one for yourself.

KTM ads another two it's IDM race roster

2009-12-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

After a successful rookie year in the IDM, KTM is adding another pilot to it's factory superbike program by the way of two-time champion Martin Bauer. It's a pretty good interview and worth the short read.

From a press release issued by KTM:

Two-time German IDM Superbike Champion Martin Bauer.

Stefan Nebel.

After an impressive debut in the International German Superbike championship (IDM), the KTM Germany factory -supported team headed by Konrad Hefele is already working at full speed to be perfectly prepared for the IDM challenge in 2010.

KTM Racing News spoke to both riders just before the team left for Valencia in Spain for the final tests in 2009 and asked them about their expectations and feelings about the coming 2010 season onboard KTM RC8R racing bike.

KTM Racing News talks to Stefan Nebel about his success in the 2009 IDM racing season and about his plans on the track onboard his KTM RC8 R for 2010

KTM Racing News: 2009 was an extremely successful year for you. You finished the season as IDM vice champion in your first year with the team - have you managed to digest that by now?

The success we had was, for sure, the result of some luck and a lot of hard work so even though we didn't expect to do as well as we did, I have to say the team deserved it. Actually even at the last race at Hockenheim I was already thinking about the next season and we considered that race to be the first test for 2010. Of course it was great to do so well in 2009 but it's going to be hard to top that and this means there's a lot of pressure on us. Also, the competition is going to be very tough next year. But I know we all will take it as always and push as hard as we can to be on the top.

What do you feel that the team managed to learn from the 2009 season?

The whole team learned a lot and every member was engaged with a real passion. It goes far beyond being just a job. They really worked day and night to make sure everything was the best it could be. They are all completely focused on racing and there is a very strong team spirit. That means if we do have a weekend when things don't really go according to plan, then we can get together, analyse it and quickly move on to the next goal.

Do you have a favourite circuit?

Well I know them all and I am happy racing on any of them. I just have to sit on a motorbike and I'm happy! I always try to give 100% and sometimes a bit more. But if I had to pick out a couple of real favourites, the first would be Nürburgring because it's near where I grew up and where my dad used to race. I grew up in and around the paddock at Nürburgring so it has always been important for me. I was a "paddock kid"! Also I like the Salzburgring very much. It's a lot of fun to ride there. It's a high speed circuit. It's very decisive and it's interesting. It was great to ride there last year because there were so many of the KTM family came out to watch us. That was really a lot of fun.

Now you are a father. How has that changed your life?

Yes our son Maximilian was born a year ago and of course being a parent means your life perspectives change. I'm very lucky that my wife supports me so well and manages our family life so that it fits into my training program. She understands my job and she gives me the space to be able to do what I have to do. Maximilian has already been introduced to the racing scene and was in the paddock with us last season. He's already got his KTM outfits and he's also going to grow up around racing!

You have just come away from tests this week. Did everything go according to plan?

Yes we were at the Cartagena circuit in Spain and everything went very well. The bike was very fast, astoundingly fast and that's a good sign. Also we had a good rhythm and we're running according to our timetable. Until now a lot of the work we've done was on paper but now its time to try it out. We tested a new electronic package and this is going to give us a lot of valuable information. I had some slight problems because I've dislocated my right thumb on a trial bike - but it's almost better now. I'm used to dealing with small injuries and I've got a good physiotherapist.

And the team is testing again in December in Valencia?

Yes, we're going to Valencia but this time Martin (Bauer - Stefan's new team colleague for 2010) will be riding the RC 8R. He was sick this week so he wasn't able to test with us. Of course I'll be there to work with the team and follow the progress.

What is your personal goal for the coming season?

Well any rider will tell you it's to go out and win the title and that's what I hope to do!

Thanks and good luck for the rest of your pre-season preparations

KTM Racing News talks to Martin Bauer

Austrian racer Martin Bauer is to join Stefan Nebel in the KTM Superbike Team Germany to race the RC8R in the IDM (International German Superbike Championship) for the 2010 season. With two titles already in his pocket, Bauer has proven more than once his great Superbike skills. KTM Racing News called Martin at his home near Vienna to ask him about his impressions of his new team:

You are the newest member of the team. How do you feel in Orange?

I feel really good with the KTM team. It's the first time in my racing career that I've raced for a team of an Austrian brand and that's naturally very exciting. It's great to be racing for KTM, a company from Austria and it's also great to have the whole weight of the KTM factory team behind me. That makes a big difference when you compare it to racing for a private team.

Why did you decide to make the switch to KTM? What were the most important reasons?

It was the challenge of joining a new team and racing a new type of bike. I had been racing for Honda in the IDM, we had an excellent time and partnership, and I had pretty much won everything there was to win. I won two titles and if things had gone differently this season I could have won again. I've already had a long contact with KTM right from the time they started to develop the RC8 R. This is a completely new concept and of course that's exciting to work with. Also I've been riding in the IDM for a number of years and I would like to have a shot at riding in the Superbike World Championship before I finish my racing career. I know that this won't happen for KTM in the next couple of years but I also know it's their medium to longer term goal to race in the world championship and I would like to be around when they give it a try. I'm 33 now and I still have some good years racing left in my career.

How do you feel in the team with your teammate Stefan Nebel?

We get along well. Stefan and I have known each other and raced against each other for a long time so I feel very comfortable with him in the KTM team.

You missed the tests this week because of illness, but you already spent some time on the KTM in Spain?

Yes, luckily I was able to ride the IDM RC8R for two days in Almeria right after our agreement - and it was a 100 percent positive experience. I already thought that the bike must have a good potential, as I raced against it in 2009. The bike feels and sounds very special, like a real race bike and I want to be on it again as soon as possible!

When are the next tests planned?

We will go to Valencia on December 10-12. It's a long time since I've ridden there but I like it a lot and I'm looking forward to the tests.

What are your favourite IDM circuits?

I like the Sachsenring very much and I also like Schleiz (Schleizer Dreieck). That's a street circuit that they close off for the race. The layout is great and it's very curvy, quite technical and tight.

On what circuits would you like to test before the IDM season begins?

I think it would be important for the team to test on circuits where it didn't do so well last season. We should get to know those circuits because it's going to be important that we ride the RC8 R to be consistently up with the fastest in 2010.

What do you think will be the team's biggest challenges in the 2010 season?

The season will be tight next year. It won't be easy because there will be more teams that are more competitive. We're every bit as good as all the rest but we have to aim to be up in the top three in every race. That shouldn't be a problem. The bike and the concept are quite new. We just have to keep working to find that bit of extra hp wherever we can and go for it!

And finally, you own personal goal for 2010?

That's easy: I want to win the title!

Good luck and we look forward to some great results for you and the team!

2010 Ducati 1198 Corse R confirmed for arrival

2009-12-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

After a happy accident of sorts it looks like we have a Ducati 1198 Corse R coming in next year! We had a lot of interest in this machine since it's annoucement. And now it looks like you'll have your chance to purchase one of these rare beasts! If you want to put a deposit on it, do so with the quickness (if you remember the Nicky Hayden 848, it was sold before it hit the floor).

For more technical info, check here.

KTM prepares for the 2010 Dakar Rally

2009-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Although they are not supporting any factory riders this year, KTM is already prepping for the upcoming Dakar rally (January 1 -16th, 2010) and getting their support vehicles ready.

Click here for deets.

Shell oils and fuels and your Ducati

2009-12-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how your Desmodromic engine stays lubricated?

David Knight to receive factory KTM support

2009-12-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

Although Knight isn't a KTM factory rider anymore, he's still going to receive factory support while riding the World Enduro Championship for the Farioli KTM team.

Click here to read more.

New meaning to "Running with the Bulls?"

2009-12-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

Cruise and Diaz on location during the filming of the upcoming action flick "Knight and Day." The relevance to the blog is the Hypermotard 1100. For more info about this pic, click here.

Ducati: 848 one-make race series

2009-11-19T12:08:00.001-08:00

Looks like fans and owners of the Ducati 848 Superbike will have a chance to race against others... in the UK anyway. The 848-only race will see 6 rounds in the UK and two in Europe. Competitors are encouraged to purchase an 848 or 848 Dark and get to it!

Bike sketches of a creative mind

2009-11-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Oberdan Bezzi is an Italian graphic artist with a blog to discuss and share ideas in regards to motorcycles. You gotta check it out!

Ducati Multistrada 1200 wins bike of the show

2009-11-18T14:58:00.000-08:00

Although we don't expect to see the bike until next year, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 won bike of the show at the EICMA. Click here for the deets.

Rizoma Streetfighter Special

2009-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

More info on the KTM 350 SX-F

2009-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, more info is trickling out every day about this game changing MX from KTM. Stefan Everts, the multi-world champion who is credited with designing the bike was available for an interview with Dirtrider magazine to discuss the machine and it's development.

(Man, that was a long sentence!)

Some excerpts:

"But the unique engine size is not the only fresh ground the bike breaks for KTM. The 350 SX-F sports fuel injection, a linkage rear suspension system (yes, a KTM with a link), and a new frame. And for those of you still needing more, the bike had the magic button - electric starting. The model on display did not have a kick starter on it, but the cases look ready to accept one."

"Actually, with a 450 you can more choose if you want torque or top. With a 350, you're a bit limited with cc's, [but] we've tried to look for all ranges. Good bottom power, which the fuel injection helps a lot with. The power is very direct, it's very fast, and it's always there, even after a jump where you go a bit [into the] low revs, it still attacks. It still pulls."

" And I guarantee you if you can't have fun with this bike, than you can't have it with any other bike."

To read the full article, click here!

Letters from Leigh

2009-11-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bossman Leigh is hanging out on track at Laguna Seca this weekend for the 2010 KTM On-road product intro.

No word yet on what he thinks of the bikes, but he has hinted in an email that the new RC8 is the new weapon of choice. He promises to share more after the street ride this afternoon. Until then, here are some pics to enjoy.

KTM RC8R first look at Laguna

2009-11-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Although bossman Letellier is on his way to Monterey Bay as I type this, the Journos got a sneak peak at some of the 2010 KTM road motorcycles on offer ahead of the dealers. One of the bikes, the super rare RC8 R was on tap and ridden by the crew at Motorcycle-usa.com. They were kind enough to take pics!

Gallery!

P.S.

Leigh promised to send pics after he gets done flogging the bikes at Laguna Seca. I'll make sure to share them!

MV Agusta F4

2009-11-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

The mountain top shop that is MV Agusta has revealed the latest in their superbike series, the new F4. This super narrow, 186hp with traction control powerhouse will be coming out alongside the new Brutale next year.

You can read more here.

Multistrada 1200 spec press release.

2009-11-11T12:35:00.001-08:00

For 2010, the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 has arrived. The Multistrada concept design combines all the demands of a motorcyclist into one bike: a Multistrada with the emphasis on Multi, a sportbike which is powerful and fun but also easy to ride and whose first priority is safety and comfort.

Ducati wanted to produce a motorcycle to tackle any kind of journey and road surface, a motorcycle that used technology derived from the Bologna-made race bikes in MotoGP and World Superbike. A bike without limits, which could transform itself to suit the rider’s needs and not the other way around. A motorcycle that is four bikes in one.

From a supersport to a tourer for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, to an everyday bike which could breeze through the daily commute and also tackle off-road routes with the agility of an enduro. The goal was a versatile bike able to achieve impressive levels of performance at all times and in all places. A bike that didn’t exist until now!

Ducati have once again pushed the limits of motorcycle design by adding Italian innovation to the elegance, style and technology which characterises the motorcycles that come out of its Bologna factory. All it needed was a heart, the perfect engine to realise the potential of this new design. The obvious starting point was the World Championship-winning engine, the Testastretta, used on the Superbike 1198 and work started to create the perfect power characteristics for the Multistrada 1200. Engineers in Bologna have succeeded in harnessing the immense power of this engine, making it smooth and adaptable to suit to any occasion. They have created the new Testastretta 11° engine, a significant step forward in balancing performance with usability.

MULTISTRADA 1200: FOUR-BIKES-IN-ONE!

Four different motorcycles, available at the touch of a button, change the fundamental characteristics of the new Multistrada 1200. Power and torque delivery, suspension settings, and traction control can be changed – even while riding – to enable the motorcycle to adapt to the needs of the rider and not the other way around. With the Multistrada 1200, Ducati introduce the concept of four-bikes-in-one with four Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro.

The Sport Riding Mode provides the rider with an adrenalin-fuelled ride, where 150hp and incredible torque delivery are combined with a sports-oriented suspension set-up. To impart precise and focussed handling like a sportbike, it also slightly reduces Ducati Traction Control intervention to level 3 for expert riders whose ‘comfort zone’ is closer to the limit.

The Touring Riding Mode is still programmed to produce 150hp; however, the power characteristic is designed in a touring configuration with much smoother torque delivery, but ready to respond when needed. Safety is enhanced with the most advanced ABS technology and with the Ducati Traction Control system set to level 5 (intermediate intervention), specifically intended for a stable and relaxing ride. The suspension set-up is ideal for touring, ensuring maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger.

Navigating through the urban jungle requires an even more manageable motorcycle that can be used 365 days a year, whether travelling to work or grabbing a coffee in town. Selecting the Urban Riding Mode instantly changes the power to 100hp, and the suspension to the perfect setting for tackling the maze of city streets full of speed bumps and drain covers. The traction control level is set to 7, providing high system intervention so the rider can enjoy enhanced safety even in the most chaotic of stop-start traffic.

Should the journey aboard the Multistrada 1200 leave the beaten track, it has the capability to take off-road routes in its stride. Agile and lightweight and with high, wide handlebars, serrated footrests and specially designed tyres, the Multistrada also features an Enduro Riding Mode which instantly transforms the bike with a smooth 100hp engine, higher suspension, and the option to disable the ABS. Traction control is reduced to the minimum of level 1 for almost no intervention.

The four-bikes-in-one concept uses three technologies which interact to instantly change the chassis set-up and character of the Multistrada 1200. Fitted as standard equipment on all versions, the electronic ride-by-wire system administers three different engine mappings to change the character of the engine, while Ducati Traction Control (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control. For the ‘S’ version, Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) instantly configures the suspension set-up to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’.

RIDE-BY-WIRE

The ride-by-wire system is an electronic interface between the throttle grip and the engine which decides the ideal power delivery of the engine depending on the Riding Mode selected and the rider’s throttle input. The throttle grip no longer uses a throttle cable, but instead delivers a signal to the control unit, which in turn operates the throttle body butterflies.

The ride-by-wire system enables three different engine mappings to adjust the total power output and the way in which it is delivered. The three maps offer 150hp with a sports-type delivery, 150hp with a progressive delivery and 100hp also with progressive delivery.

DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL (DTC)

The racing-derived DTC is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and then control rear wheel-spin, considerable increasing the bike’s safety and performance. The system offers eight ‘levels of sensitivity’, each programmed with a level of rear wheel-spin tolerance in line with progressive levels of riding skills classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the least amount of interaction while level eight uses the most amount of interaction. DTC is an integral part of the pre-programmed Riding Modes on the Multistrada 1200; however, its setting can be customised by the user.

ÖHLINS SUSPENSION WITH DUCATI ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION (DES)

The ‘S’ versions of the Multistrada 1200 are equipped with the latest generation 48mm Öhlins suspension featuring the innovative Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES). The brand new fork technology enables spring pre-load and rebound and compression damping adjustments electronically controlled via the instrument panel. The Öhlins rear monoshock is also adjusted electronically in spring pre-load and rebound and compression damping.

The electronic suspension adjustment can either be made by using the pre-set riding modes, which have been developed by Ducati test riders, or in independent mode, which allows riders to use their own personal settings. Adjustments made via the instrumentation send a signal that initiates electronic actuators mounted on the suspension units.

TESTASTRETTA 11° power and control, the ideal travelling companion

The starting point for the complex and innovative Multistrada 1200 project was the engine.
As a prestigious model the motorcycle had to be powered by the most advanced, evolved twin-cylinder engine to come out of the Ducati factory. It had to be the Testastretta Evoluzione used on the world-beating 1198.

The challenge, however, was to produce an engine that would be enjoyable to use in all conditions and able to adapt to the rider’s character and not the other way around. Making the best ever L-Twin performance engine smoother and more user-friendly was indeed a challenge, but Ducati’s innovative designers and engineers met the challenge by creating the revolutionary Testastretta 11° engine.

WHY 11°?

For a motorcycle intended for touring, the smoothness and user-friendliness of the engine is key to achieving an effortless and comfortable ride. The main engine characteristic that enabled this configuration was the valve overlap angle.

The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation, measured in degrees, during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke. High performance engines, which are subject to compromising smoothness for extreme power delivery, use high values of this parameter in order to benefit from the pressure waves to improve engine performance by maximising volumetric efficiency.

On the new Testastretta 11° engine, this angle has been reduced from 41°, used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powers the 1198, to just 11°. As a result, the fresh inlet charge flow is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, resulting in a much smoother combustion in addition to improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. Unburnt hydrocarbon emissions (pre-catalyser) are reduced by up to 65% and specific fuel consumption (and consequent CO2 emissions) by up to 15% (Euro3).

With its 150hp and 12.1kgm (87.5lb-ft) of torque, the new Testastretta 11° sets a new standard for Ducati twin-cylinder engines. Tests on fluid dynamics through the ports and in the combustion chamber have resulted in a modified power delivery profile and specifically the torque. New intake and exhaust ports combined with a radical adjustment of the cam timing and slight reduction of the compression ratio have enabled Ducati to achieve a favourable torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wide range. This particular characteristic considerably enhances the Multistrada 1200’s ridability.

The gearbox and final drive ratios have also been optimised to enable the use of a higher-ratio 6th gear. This solution not only enables reduced fuel consumption, but also achieves increased riding comfort by reducing vibration. To give a practical example, if the 1198 reaches its top speed in 6th gear, the Multistrada 1200 is able to reach it in 5th gear and maintain it effortlessly in 6th.

The Multistrada 1200 features an oil bath clutch with ‘slipper’ function and super-light feel at the lever. Its design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar, ideal in stop-start traffic or long journeys. When the drive force is reversed, the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like ‘slipper’ action, which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and provides a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or down-shifting under normal riding conditions.

189kg sets a new benchmark

Constantly reducing weight is part of the design brief for all Ducati models. Less weight enables maximum performances both in terms of dynamic behaviour and safety. A lighter motorcycle will brake in a shorter distance, accelerate faster and be easier to steer. Every single component of the Multistrada 1200, therefore, has been designed to achieve weight reduction without compromising its load-bearing capacity. With a dry weight of just 189kg (417lb) the Multistrada 1200 is lighter than any other road enduro, touring or sport touring bike currently available. The light weight combined with an excellent chassis set-up ensures exceptional handling, a key factor for sports, touring, urban or enduro riding.

This weight saving is the result of applying new technologies to Ducati’s design and engineering of all major components. Crankcases are now cast using Vacural® technology and frame components use welded Trellis tubes, cast alloy elements and hi-tech polymers. Further savings have also been made with the single-sided swingarm in aluminium and the fuel tank has been developed using blow moulding technology in pursuit of the best compromise between capacity and weight.

Furthermore, the layout of the exhaust system, which is simple and minimalistic, uses two primary manifolds flowing directly into the triple chamber single silencer. Apart from carrying out the 2-1-2 compensator function, the silencer also contains the catalyser and sound-absorbent materials. The two compact and lightweight aluminium alloy end pipes depart in a low, lateral configuration to keep the overall weight to a minimum.

ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT

The Multistrada 1200 has undergone an extensive ergonomic study using both CAD and repeated prototype testing, in order to guarantee a high level of comfort with a fully loaded bike for long-range touring.

The ‘ergonomics triangle’ of handlebar, seat and footpegs has been designed for both the rider and passenger, in order to optimise comfort while providing a commanding and upright riding position. The Multistrada 1200 feels spacious and seats two people in complete comfort, even with the top case and panniers in place. Underlining its multi-tasking intention, ergonomic attention was even applied when designing the riding position while standing on the footpegs, off-road style.

The wide, tapered steel handlebars have been designed for maximum comfort and ensure a commanding riding position enhanced by a generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and right). In addition, the handlebars have been mounted on anti-vibration isolators, specially designed to balance riding comfort with precise road ‘feel’.

The Multistrada 1200 seat immediately transmits a sense of comfort. Constructed in two separate sections for the rider and passenger, they were designed with particular focus on form and cushion density to ensure maximum comfort during long journeys. A confidence-inspiring passenger grab-handle offers a secure and comfortable grip.

The footpeg position represents part of the optimum ‘ergonomics triangle’ for both the rider and passenger with added consideration to ground clearance during maximum lean angle and position of pannier luggage. The footpegs have rubber inserts that insulate vibration, removable to expose a motocross-style serrated edge that provides enhanced boot grip when riding off-road.

The Multistrada 1200’s rear view mirrors have both vertical and horizontal adjustment and increased surface area to provide the most efficient visibility.

Two handy onboard stowage areas are built into the motorcycle, one suitable for mobile phones or toll road tickets situated in the right cockpit side panel and a larger 3 litre area situated under the passenger seat.

IDEAL FOR LONGER JOURNEYS

The Multistrada 1200’s screen is designed with 60mm of vertical adjustment to ensure efficient wind protection for all rider heights and effortless high-speed riding over long distances.

The fuel tank has been developed using a new moulding technology which enables a favourable balance between capacity and weight. Subject to riding style, the 20 litre (5.3 gallon US) capacity provides more than 300km (186 miles) of riding pleasure between fuel stops.

Two 12V power outlets situated on either side of the area below the rider’s seat can be used to power up to 3A (fused) accessories such as thermal apparel, intercoms or mobile phone chargers.
A special connection point for powering the GARMIN satellite navigator (optional feature) is situated near the instrumentation.

DESIGN: “Character” of the Multistrada 1200

EXHAUST: style and sound

For Ducati, design is not just creating an attractive look. It is about knowing how best to combine exciting appearance with intelligent function and outstanding performance. The Multistrada 1200’s exhaust tail pipes are a feature that perfectly demonstrates this concept.

Their innovative design is well integrated with the motorcycle’s overall shape and positioned so as to improve overall weight distribution. The tailpipes are short so they do not impinge on the space needed for the large panniers. The internal structure of the silencer is designed to achieve the characteristic Ducati sound without compromising compliance with sound and hydrocarbon emission standards (Euro3).

The frontal air intakes, which are carbon fibre on the ‘S’ Sport version, are not just a characteristic design aesthetic, but carry out the important function of acting as air flow conveyors, one to the oil coolers and the other to the airbox to feed the engine.

The single-sided rear swingarm is also a good example of Ducati’s blend of design and functional engineering. It is made using a single piece casting, with fabricated and welded sections creating a strong, hollow and lightweight component that contributes considerably to the Multistrada’s sure-footed handling.

The headlight is a characteristic feature of the face of the Multistrada 1200; its symmetrical layout uses four halogen lamps, two for low and two for high beam to provide excellent illumination. In addition, the front and rear side lights use LEDs, and feature a special shape of intense white light guidance, which both improves road illumination and makes the motorcycle more visible to other road users.

CHASSIS SET-UP: frame, brakes and suspension

All components used on the Multistrada 1200 are of the highest quality both in terms of design and build, and technical specification. Their selection and subsequent assembly is the result of a design brief based on uncompromised performance.

Chassis geometry, such as wheelbase, swingarm length, and rake, trail and offset is the result of a quest for the best balance of stability at high speeds and dynamic agility. The chassis is designed to achieve lean angles of up to 45° and the combination of reduced weight and generous steering lock of 76° (38° left and right) makes tight manoeuvres at low speeds very easy to manage.

FRAME

The Ducati signature Trellis frame uses large diameter, light gauge tubing with two central cast aluminium sections and a Trellis rear subframe. The frame has 19% more torsional rigidity than the Multistrada 1100.
The high pressure, die casted, magnesium front subframe reduces the high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis feel and control. Even if the front subframe is hidden below the fairing, it is precious and beautiful designed: why? Because we want our bikes to be beautiful inside as they are outside.

TYRES

Pirelli worked alongside Ducati as its technical partner throughout the project, developing the new Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres specifically for the Multistrada 1200. They represent the first dual compound tyre for on/off road use with the central section of the tyre a harder compound than the outer sections. Combined with a special tread design and carcass structure, their 190/55 section delivers racing performance on the road in terms of grip and lean angles, while ensuring high mileage for touring and good off-road performance. The new generation tyres are purposely designed for the four-bikes-in-one concept.

BRAKING SYSTEM

The front brakes use twin radially mounted Brembo four piston, two pad callipers actuated by a master cylinder with an adjustable lever. The front is fitted with 320mm discs, while a single 245mm disc on the rear is gripped by a single Brembo calliper. Typical of all Ducatis, these components ensure high performance braking and set the standard in this segment. The Multistrada 1200 is also equipped with a Bosch-Brembo ABS system, optional for the standard version and fitted as original equipment on the ‘S’ version. It delivers outstanding braking performance in all conditions and provides a major contribution towards performance safety. An option to disable the ABS is available via the instrumentation, but is automatically reactivated at the next ignition-on.

SUSPENSION

The standard version Multistrada 1200 uses 50mm Marzocchi front forks, featuring a special forged fork bottom and full adjustability in spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping. The rear is controlled by a Sachs monoshock adjustable in spring pre-load, and rebound and compression damping. Both front and rear have 170mm of travel, the extra-long movement providing excellent comfort even when fully loaded and even if the rider decides to leave the asphalt for an off-road route. The ‘S’ version features the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system, developed in conjunction with Öhlins.

TECHNOLOGY

HANDS FREE

The Multistrada 1200 ignition is not actuated with a normal key. Instead, an electronic key in the rider’s pocket communicates with the Multistrada within a distance of approximately 2 metres, recognising the dedicated key code and automatically enabling the ignition. Pressing the key-on switch then activates the motorcycle’s electrics and the engine can then be started.

The electronic key, which consists internally of a circuit with two radio systems, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key, required to open the seat and fuel tank cap. When parking the motorcycle an electric steering lock, which is actuated by pressing a button, is automatically disabled upon the next ignition-on.

ON-BOARD COMPUTER

The on-board computer system is made up of a large, high visibility LCD with the main data and a dot-matrix circular LCD which visualises various functions according to whether the bike is stationary or moving.

The main LCD displays speed, rpm, gear, total mileage, trip1/trip2, tyre pressures (as standard on the ‘S’ version Touring package), engine coolant temperature, fuel level and time.

When the motorcycle is in motion, the dot-matrix LCD displays the selected riding mode, remaining fuel/distance, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average speed, air temperature, trip time, and ‘freezing conditions’ alarm. When stationary, it enters a setting menu from where adjustments to the various functions can be made.

The Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro Riding Mode can be changed while either stationary or in motion, as well as the load settings for ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’.

‘S’ VERSION

The main features of the ‘S’ version consist of the ABS system and the innovative Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system, developed specifically for the Multistrada 1200 by Öhlins in partnership with the Ducati engineers. The ‘S’ version is available in the two equipment options of Sport Edition and Touring Edition.

SPORT EDITION

The Sport Edition is enhanced with special carbon fibre components which further accentuate the distinctive character of the Multistrada 1200. They consist of front air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors.

TOURING EDITION

The Touring Edition focuses on comfort and convenience. A centre stand not only provides parking practicality, but is also essential in the event of tyre maintenance during a long distance journey. Easily connected heated grips are controlled via the instrument panel to three settings and are a must for any tour where adverse weather conditions threaten rider comfort.

Stylish luggage panniers, designed together with the bike, offer a load capacity of 57 litres (or 77 litres with large lid versions) and use a fast and secure attachment system that blends perfectly when the panniers are removed.

TAILOR-MADE ACCESSORIES

With its wide range of potential uses and benchmark performance, Ducati decided to manage the development of some key Multistrada 1200 accessories in cooperation with both the product development and the design departments. This integration right from the start of the project has optimised both style and performance.

Accessories such as the Garmin GPS system, a lower seat, panniers with capacity-increasing lids, a matching top case, an anti-theft alarm, electric filler cap, carbon fibre spray guards and front mudguard and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The current collection of accessories is in addition to those already included on the Sport and Touring Edition, which are also available individually. They include carbon fibre air intakes, cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors, panniers, heated grips and centre stand.

Garmin GPS

The synergy between Ducati’s experience in the world of motorcycling and that of Garmin, the leading producer of satellite navigation systems, has led to the creation of a navigation system which offers advanced performance and perfect integration with the Multistrada 1200. Its various customisation options include the addresses of the entire official Ducati dealer network in addition to the main MotoGP and World Superbike circuits, which are pre-loaded into the system. The Ducati navigation system has an anti-glare touch screen, 18 bit LCD display, a lithium battery which remains charged for up to 8 hours, and a microSD expandable memory. It includes a mounting kit and dedicated plug-and-play cables.

Low seat

The lowered seat reduces height by 25mm and provides sure-footed confidence when fully loaded.

Top case

With 48 litres of capacity, the top case is able to hold two full-face helmets. Combined with the side panniers it provides the ideal way to pack for long journeys, or when used on its own, ideal for the daily commute. It comes with a soft cushion to provide passenger comfort with a backrest and an integrated fixing system that makes it easy to attach. When removed, its support plate acts as a practical luggage rack.

Anti-theft alarm

Ducati has developed an integrated anti-theft system, including movement, anti-tamper and lifting sensors, as well as a sound alarm to act as a further deterrent.

Electric filler cap

Thanks to the hands-free system, the Multistrada 1200 can be started without the key leaving the rider's pocket. With the electric filler cap there is also no need to use the flip-key or remove gloves as it is opened simply by raising a tab and closed by pressing it down. At every power-down, the hands-free system allows 60 seconds for the electric filler cap to be opened.

Carbon fibre spray guards

From a protective part to a designer accessory – the carbon fibre spray guards on the rear wheel not only carry out their traditional function but also make the bike lighter and add enduro style details.

Carbon fibre front mudguard

The carbon fibre front mudguard with its criss-cross pattern enhances the aggressive beauty of the front end.

Tyre pressure monitoring system

As well as the ABS, DTC and ride-by-wire, Ducati offers an additional safety tool. The system is made up of two sensors inserted inside the special tyre valves which communicate via the radio system inside the hands-free electronic key. This real time communication displays temperature and pressure information on the instrument panel and signals any problems.

VERSIONS

• Standard
• ABS Package
• ‘S’ - with ABS and Öhlins suspension fitted with Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) in Sport Edition or Touring Edition version

MULTISTRADA 1200 S

SPORT EDITION TOURING EDITION
Carbon fiber engine covers Side Bags
Carbon fiber front air intakes Heated handgrips
Carbon fiber rear mudguard Center stand
Carbon fiber spoilers

COLOUR SCHEMES
The new Multistrada 1200 will be available in the two color schemes: red or arctic white for the standard version, while the ‘S’ version will be available in red, arctic white or diamond black.

KTM 350 is GO

2009-11-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

To be unveiled at the Carol Nash show in the UK, KTM is lifting the sheets off of their not-so-secret 350 SX.

New frame? Check. Rear supsension linkage? Check. Fuel Injection? Uh... Not sure yet. But be sure that we'll be sure to let y'all know here... When we're sure.

Source info.

Vicki shares her pics, direct from EICMA

2009-11-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Ducati.net member and US DOC club coordinator, Vicki Smith is at the EICMA and taking lots of pics and adding commentary as well. Very good stuff!!

See the pics!

2010 Ducati model range revealed

2009-11-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

More Ducati info from EICMA: the 2010 model line-up!

Hypermotard 796
Hypermotard 1100 EVO
Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP
Multistrada 1200, Sport and Touring
1198, S, S Corse, and R Corse
Monster 696, 696ABS, 1100, S, ABS and S ABS

A gallery is up on Ducati's international website.

I just perused through the gallery and it looks like there's a BLACK 848 for 2010 as well... Hmm...

More EICMA Ducati goodness

2009-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

EICMA is in full effect in Milan and with it, new bike reveals. You've already seen the new Multistrada 1200, and Ducati Corse, Ducati's racing arm, has decided to modernize their logo. Check out the reveal video below.

More Ducati Multistrada 1200.. and Arlo Guthrie?

2009-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

and..

and for Mario...

Multistrada 1200

2009-11-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

So the sheet has come off and we now see what the new Multi looks like as well as obtain some hints of it's road-going (or not) purpose.

Here are the tech specs:

4 valve L-Twin (vs. the previous style's 2 valve air-cooled motor) liquid cooled
150HP @ 9250 RPM / 87.5 lb-ft @7500 (!!!)
Wet clutch
Marzocchi 50mm or Ohlins 48mm fully adjustable fron forks / sachs monoshock or Ohlins electronic (choice depends on which of the three trim levels is being ridden)
417 lbs
850mm seat height

Apparently the bike can cycle between sport, touring, urban and enduro modes with the press of a mode button the handlebar. I don't know how that works, but Ducati apparently believes that a cartoon can explain it all...

With an electronic suspension system and computer controlled power management, this is a very ambitious bike to come from the Borgo Panigale crew.

Moo Chew gets after the Bayliss 999

2009-11-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

Famous artist Moo Chew Wong who worked on the Monster Art Print project created with his special technique an artwork at the Ducati Factory Museum reception, inspired by Troy Bayliss' Ducati 999 Superbike .

The Mavizen TTX02. Based on some familiar KTM delish

2009-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

That bike look familiar? It should: it is the KTM RC8.. Or was.

Mavizen took the RC8 and made an electric race bike out of it.

No, I'm serious.

Its made to compete in the eGP, a race series for electric motorcycles.

Check out the story, here.

KTM street legal quad unvieled today

2009-11-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

The new KTM 525XC cross country ATV is KTM's first street legal quad (for Euro markets only), featuring lights, turnsignals, a reverse gear and parking brake. Supposedly, it's still a competition model (as if KTM make anything else), but with street tires and gear. Interesting concept that I'm sure would sell well in the Dakotas or near lake side communities.

check here for more info

MotoGP: FINAL ROUND OF 2009 THIS WEEKEND

2009-11-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

The all-caps title means I'm screaming. I'm screaming about the Valencia, Spain round of MotoGP because I'm excited! Not only is Ducati's Casey Stoner already the pacesetter in the opening practice rounds, but Texan Ben Spies is going to be riding as wildcard this race before he leaves WSBK to join MotoGP next year!

If you haven't watched any MotoGP this year, there's no better race than the final round in Spain to start and get hooked!

Ed Hardy + Ducati + stunters = OMG

2009-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

OMG is what the kids are saying these days, and since the kids seem to still love Christian Audigier and his popularized revival of the Ed Hardy name, I figure this post can be tagged: For the kids.

Kids who stunt, that is.

2WheelTuner takes the Ed Hardy Ducati Monster out on the PCH for a day of riding.

Multistrada 1200 site live

2009-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

If you like looking at teasers with a large countdown timer, you can click here and catch a glimpse of the new Ducati Multistrada 1200

Ducati Multistrada being teased today

2009-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

At 3PM our time, Ducati launches a new site. It'll have all you wish to see...

KTM wins again. And AGAIN!

2009-10-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

On the heels of Taddy's EnduroCross win, KTM gets two more wins, one in the World Offroad Championship Series, the other at the Klotz Ironman GNCC.

Mike Brown takes home the championship.

Nate Kanney king of Ironman.

Got the need for speed? In your stomach?

2009-10-29T09:14:00.001-07:00

File this under WTF and AWESOME! The custom black Ducati Streetfighter with the Ohlins fork you see in the above picture is actually... Cake.

Seriously.

The functional (horns, ignition start, lights, etc) cake was made by the Food Network ace of cakes Duff Goldman for GoDaddy.com CEO and lady lover Bob Parsons.

Click here for more pictures and info!

AMA EnduroX: Taddy and KTM takes it all!

2009-10-26T09:15:00.001-07:00

Taddy B. earned his fourth win of the season in Denver over the weekend and thus the AMA EnduroCross championship title! There's still a $10K bonus to be had if he wins the next round so stay tuned.

Check here for more details on Taddy Blazusiak's achievement!

Overall Results:
1) Taddy Blazusiak – KTM
2) Colton Haaker
3) Damon Huffman
4) Geoff Aaron – Christini/KTM
5) Kyle Redmond
6) Bobby Prochnau – KTM
7) Jamie Lanza
8) Patrick Smage – KTM
9) Cory Graffunder
10) Cody Webb – KTM
11) Ryan Rodgers

BTW, if you're wanting to stay directly involved with KTM's progress and perhaps live the fan experience at the final round, click here to request more information!

Road racing: Gotta love Sundays!

2009-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you happen to have access to Speed channel (or network, whatever), there are four hours of motorcycle road racing to be watched today.

I'm going to repeat that.

THERE ARE FOUR HOURS OF MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACING TO BE WATCHED TODAY!

There. Now you know.

Today is the finale of the WSBK season with four contenders battling for the title and on the MotoGP front, the Sepang circuit hosts what may prove to be Valentino Rossi's stage for owning the world championship.

It's gonna be an exciting day!

Of course the races are already raced as I write this, but unless you subscribe to MotoGP or WSBK.com, you have to wait for Speed's coverage anyway.

DON'T CHECK MOTOGP.COM OR WSBK.COM UNLESS YOU LOVE SPOILERS!

Ducati: Find your moto-match!

2009-10-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Just posted on Twitter via Ducati North America is this awesome little program for discovering which bike is truly your match. Apparently, I'm destined to be with a SportClassic. No arguments here.

Click the below link to find your match!

DUCATI DATE

You know you want one

2009-10-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks Rod!

Hypermotard 796 first ride... part 2

2009-10-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago, we caught wind of a Hypermotard 796 first ride via Motorcycle-usa.com only to find that it was still in process of being edited...

Boo and hiss!

Well, it looks like it's up and they sorta like it.

Check here for the full monty!

MotoGP: Stoner owns the weekend

2009-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this weekend's MotoGP race, you owe it to yourself to try and watch it! Not only did Malboro Ducati's Casey Stoner comeback from his sickness and win it all, he did it in style! I don't think I've seen a race this year where someone was sliding the bike through the corners like that and still turned in hot times lap after lap! Exciting racing for sure!

You can catch the highlights and if you're a member, the full race on MotoGP.com

Official highlights are also available on MotoGPs YouTube channel.

Action highlights

Stoner Interview after race.

Carl Cox interview at the race (for you house heads!)

Ducati Hypermotard 796 press wrap-up

2009-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Ducati had a press invite to the early unveiling of the now-not-a-surprise, Hypermotard 796. A direct quote from motorycle-usa.com's Adam Waheed:

“Before riding the bike today, I presumed that this bike would be

nothing more than an entry-level Ducati machine more adept at

posing in the parking lot than ripping around the streets…how wrong

I was.”

Ducati's email in regards to that quote says there is more info to follow on Motorcycle-usa.com's website, but nothing has shown up as of yet. As soon as it does, i'll post it up!

Ducati: Steve Jones joins la familia

2009-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sex Pistols alumni, Steve Jones takes delivery of a customized Hypermotard and Ducati wants you to know about it!

The former punk guitarist and LA radio show host picked up the HypM at the Ducati headquarters siting his return to the airwaves as a factor in him picking the bike he'd been eyeing all year long.

You can check out the 411 on Ducatiusa.com

ISDE: KTM riders get to go off piste

2009-10-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Just up on KTM's site and twitter,

"Some 500 Enduro enthusiasts gathered in Figuera da Foz on Monday for the first of six days of grueling riding as the 84th FIM International Six Days of Enduro got underway. The ISDE is the oldest offroad event in the FIM calendar."

You can read the rest of the post on KTM's site, here.

Shane Watts Update

2009-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Posted on his site, Shane Watts.com, Wattsy gave an update to his condition after crashing here in KC:

"Thanks for the outstanding support I have received from everyone since I crashed last Thursday while setting up for a Dirt Wise school near Kansas City. Pretty much is was just one of those dumb, slow crashes at only about 5mph (which probably should not have even happened). Amyway, as I went off a 3 meter high creek bank the engine stalled, which resulted in an abrupt endo and trip over the hangers. I landed sprawled out flat on the creek bed and the bike proceeded to have an intense, direct impact on my spinal column just below my shoulder blades. This resulted in three broken ribs, but more importantly multiple fractures to the six vertebrae between T3 and T8.

Following several days of hospitalization in Kansas City and a flight back to Charlotte, NC to see our specialists here, there were conflicting opinions about the severity of the injury and the best option for total recovery. With more consulting today it was determined that one of the vertebrae had started to collaspe and that surgery was the only option.

Therefore I'll be heading in tomorrow (Thursday Oct 8) for surgery to have the fractured vertebrae fused together. I'll spend approximately 3 days in hospital for observation and pain management but then will be able to walk on out of there and begin light, every day activities as I continue to heal. Following about three months of recovery and rehab the specialist says I'll be ready to get back out on the trails again and get into it!

So again, thanks heaps to everyone for their emails of support as we really appreciate that. We will post updates to our website every few days following the surgery to let those who are interested know what my progress is.

Also, check us out on Facebook for additional updates-just search "Shane Watts" and become a fan.

I can tell you though that I am pretty disappointed that this injury prevented us from attending the ISDE (6-day) in Portugal, from Oct 12-17. I was planning on making this my last ISDE ever. Unfortunately this is not the ending I was looking for....

There are still about 5 shirts available for giveaway for groups for fundraisers/raffles. If your group is doing something to raise money, drop us a line and tell us about it and we will send you out a shirt to raffle off!

We'll see you all back out on the trails again soon!

Thanks for reading!

Wattsy"

Shane Watts Update

2009-10-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

Due to Watts getting hurt, the school has been called OFF for this weekend :(

'Nuff said

2009-10-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Watts: Got some?

2009-10-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Shane Watts arrives in town today in anticipation of the Dirtwise off-road school he is conducting this weekend to be followed by racing in Letko's Warrensburg, MO hare scramble. We've been getting ready for Wattsy & Co for the last few weeks, and even built him a bike to use for the school and the race!

For those attending the Dirtwise school, it should be an amazing time. For those who couldn't get in, the Sunday event is a rare chance to see this world champion perform amongst your local riders!

Hope to see you amongst Wattsy this weekend!

KTM X-Bow in GT4?

2009-09-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess cutting production of a vehicle in half for the upcoming year doesn't mean you can't go and race! KTM's X-Bow race vehicle, which has been qualifying pretty well in the British GT championship race for this weekend, is moving up a class from GT3 to GT4!!! In GT3, the X-Bow (in on invitation) finished 0.45 seconds behind the MTECH GT3 Ferrari Scuderia and ahead of of the GT4 Ginetta G50 by a consistent and solid 3 seconds! So, for this race, the X-Bow got the bump and is in GT4.

"While we have enjoyed success in the Supersport class, it's not been as popular as the British or European organizers had anticipated. KTM in Austria therefore took the decision to develop a full GT4-specification X-Bow for the 2010 season. The objective for KTM is to position X-Bow as the leading contender in British and European GT4 racing next year, while also being cost-effective," said Jeff Lau, manager of KTM U.K.

Check out more information in the article posted on Edmunds.com here.

Puma motorsport and... Tyson Beckford?

2009-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

Model, Car and moto enthusiast, Tyson Beckford gets to play with the Puma motorsport Ducat team. Lucky guy.

This is the third blog post today and it's not even 9 A.M. yet... Lucky you!

This was apparently apart of the '09 Misano Ducati Experience program. And yes, it's no coincidence that the rider is also a model and happens to be wearing PUMA EVERYTHING!

WSBK: Watch the next round of Superbike.. from you desk!

2009-09-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

This could be listed under BIG.

Ducati Xerox is teaming up with Ducati.com to bring live streaming of the Imola Superbike weekend to your computer! From the Xerox Ducati Garage!!!

Check out the link for the deets!

Nitro Nori FTW!

Ducati Hypermotard 796

2009-09-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

So, on Ducati's Facebook page, they decided to reveal news about the new Hypermotard 796, AHEAD of the EICMA show! It looks to be a lighter, shorter Hypermotard with hopefully a lighter price-point.

The machine comes on new wheels and a black front beak in comparison to the Hypermotard 1100. Check out the link for more info straight from Ducati's website!

EDIT: I don't think we were supposed to jump the gun and let out the price point yet, as the emails from Ducati said it was confidential, but Ducati Seattle just posted it up on their facebook page, so I'm treating it as fair game! Price for the Hypermotard 796? $9995.

Pretty nice eh? The Hyper is definitely my favorite Ducati and I may have to reconsider my vow to never own one because I'd "kill myself and die smiling" on it... Hmmm.

nice Ducati GT1000 comparo

2009-09-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Motorcycle-usa just did a comparo on the Ducati GT1000 Touring and the Triumph Bonneville. Apparently, they discovered what we already knew: With the premium price tag, you get a premium bike that can't be beat!

Check out the article here!

New Model Rumors: Hypermotard 796

2009-09-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just posted on Motoblog.it, It looks like Ducati may grace us with a "lean" version of the Hypermotard, the 796.

Check out the post and note that it's been translated via Google's translation service, so it may be a little funky reading.

The bike (along with others) will be officially revealed at the November EICMA show.

Letko Service Notice

2009-09-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

The week of September 13th, Mario and Jared will be out for Service Training. That means the service department will be closed for the whole week. Heads-up!

2011 MV Agusta F3 caught in the wild

2009-09-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Previously posted here in concept art form, new pix have shown up on the internet of the Italian three-cylinder sportbike. Asphault and Rubber.com have more on the source of the photo and you can read about here.

Ducati + Ferrari Meet pt 1.5

2009-09-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

Okay, you ask and you shall recieve. Here's more info in regards to the upcoming Italian meetup:

FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA KC CHAPTER

Ferrari Car Show

Downtown Lawrence, KS

Sunday, September 27th, 2008

11:00am to 2pm

Special Guests:

MID-AMERICA DUCATI OWNERS GROUP

Ferrari and Ducati Parking ONLY

7th Street between Vermont and Mass will be blocked off to create space for parking.

The Historic Eldridge Hotel will reserve tables fo rthe goup for Sunday brunch. RSVPs are needed for the Brunch and it will give the car show organizers an idea as to the numer of cars and motorcycles that will be a the show from 11 to 2.

Ducati + Ferrari Meet

2009-09-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's happening again folks: The Ducati + Ferrari meet is going down via MADOG on Sunday, September 27th. I don't have too many details at the moment, but 7th and Mass St. is the location and more info is available from the MADOG site.

EnduroCross: Shane Watts to ride in South Carolina

2009-09-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Big news! Shane Watts (who is coming to town to do a DirtWise school in October) has just announced that he's going to be riding the GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross this month! Watts, a super accomplished off-road champion, has many impressive wins under his belt but hasn't competed in too many races recently, and as far as I can remember, never an EnduroCross. This should be an exciting race!

“This is big – getting Watts in the starting gate at Florence,” said Mike Karsting VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. “It’s not like a well-known pro motocross racer coming in and racing GEICO EnduroCross for the first time. Watts’ got a legitimate shot to make the podium,”

Set your TiVos to record and watch the action September 12!

MotoGP: Hayden is on for 2010

2009-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

It looks like everyone knows where they're going to be next year in MotoGP, including the Kentucky Kid, Nicky Hayden. He was the big hold-out as far as whether he wanted to continue to struggle with the Ducati GP bike, and it looks as if his recent successes have proved that maybe he can tame the beast!

“This has been a very good week and this news just adds to that. After the good result in Indy, now to renew the deal with Ducati is exactly what I wanted. I’m very happy. I always had faith and believed that we could achieve good results.”

Yay!

You can find more info on the MotoGp.com site here.

Moto2: The new-new.

2009-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

This really isn't Ducati or KTM or MV Agusta-related, but if you're a fan of road-racing you may be interested in this..

FIM, the governing body of MotoGP is replacing the 250cc class with an all-new approach called Moto2. The bikes are all Dunlop-equipped, Honda-engined 600cc 150HP machines which should prove to make for exciting racing. With teams on the same tires and engines, it could really be NASCAR on two wheels... But with right-hand turns!

Keep your eyes peeled for Moto2 in 2010!

MotoGP: Hayden's season looking stronger

2009-09-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for posting this so late; I thought I already made a post about it....

If you're not in the know- which if you're not then you don't care anyway- Nicky Hayden took home his first podium for Ducati this past Sunday in Indianapolis.

This is such old news at this point for Ducatisti that I'm just going to link to MotoGP's site if you want more in depth info. Check it out here.

WSBK: The Ring. It's coming.

2009-09-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

The six week holiday is over! Time to get to some racing! Xerox Ducati and pilots Haga and Fabrizio are joining the rest of the paddock soon for some exciting racing soon at Germany's infamous Nurburgring.

Last year was the 1rst year in a LONG time that WSBK was hosted by the 'ring, and I'm hoping that this year's event doesn't get rained out!

Current World Superbike standings:

1. (1) Noriyuki Haga - Ducati Xerox 326 points

2. (2) Ben Spies - Yamaha WSB 319

3. (3) Michel Fabrizio - Ducati Xerox 273

4. (4) Jonathan Rea - Ten Kate Honda 206

5. (6) Max Biaggi - Aprilia 200

6. (5) Leon Haslam - Stiggy Honda 180

7. (7) Tom Sykes - Yamaha WSB 150

8. (9) Carlos Checa - Ten Kate Honda 145

8. (10) Shane Byrne - Sterilgarda Ducati 135

10. (8) Jakub Smrz - Guandalini Ducati 132

11. (11) Ryuichi Kiyonari - Ten Kate Honda 119

12. (12) Yukio Kagayama - Suzuki Alstare Brux 96

13. (13) Shinya Nakano - Aprilia 86

14. (14) Regis Laconi - DFX Ducati 77

15. (15) Max Neukirchner - Suzuki Alstare Brux 75

16. (17) Troy Corser - BMW Alpha 53

17. (16) Ruben Xaus - BMW Alpha 50

18. (18) Broc Parkes - Kawasaki WSB 31

19. (22) Matthieu Lagrive - Althea Honda 19

20. (19) John Hopkins - Stiggy Honda 17

21. (20) Leon Camier - Airwaves Yamaha 13

22. (27) Fonsi Nieto - Suzuki Alstare Brux/DFX Ducati 13

23. (21) Gregorio Lavilla - Guandalini Ducati 12

24. (24) Lorenzo Lanzi - DFX Ducati 10

25. (23) Jamie Hacking - Kawasaki WSB 9

26. (35) Makoto Tamada - Kawasaki WSB 8

27. (25) James Ellison - Airwaves Yamaha 8

28. (26) Sheridan Morais - Kawasaki WSB 8

29. (28) Simon Andrews - MSS Colchester Kawasaki 6

30. (29) Tommy Hill - Althea Honda 6

31. (30) Karl Muggeridge - Celani Suzuki 4

32. (31) Brendan Roberts - Guandalini Ducati 3

33. (32) Roberto Rolfo - Stiggy Honda 3

34. (33) Matteo Baiocco PSG-1 Kawasaki 3

35. (34) Luca Scassa - Pedercini Kawasaki 3

36. (36) Jake Zemke - Stiggy Honda 1

37. (37) Alessandro Polita - Celani Suzuki 1

38. (-) Vittorio Iannuzzo - SCI Honda 1

Manufacturer Points race:

1. (1) Ducati 412 points

2. (2) Yamaha 362

3. (3) Honda 306

4. (4) Aprilia 207

5. (5) Suzuki 133

6. (6) BMW 87

7. (7) Kawasaki 53

Ducati hoolaganism in the streets of Indy

2009-08-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

Just up is a video of Randy Mamola with Antron Brown riding monkey on which sounds like a Ducati D16 Biposto. Don't let this guy borrow your bike! Mamola is a 13 time MotoGP 500 champion so it goes without saying that the man can ride... But man, I'm not sure I'd like to be Mr. Brown during all that angry bike piloting. Enjoy the video!

KTM.. uh.. Dance?

2009-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just found this and thought I'd share it so I wouldn't have to suffer alone. Actually, it's pretty funny.

I think.

KTM Fall Sales Promotion

2009-08-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Letko Cycles

SEPTEMBER SELL-OUT

Fall Sales Promotion!

This Fall, Letko Cycles had the opportunity to purchase additional '09 model bikes from KTM and would like to pass some $aving$ on to you.

Here's how it works:

Buy a NEW in stock KTM and recieve a FREE pair ofBULLETPROOF DESIGNS radiator guards and choose one of two savings options..

OPTION A - $500 PARTS CREDIT (good on anyKTM brand hard parts, accessories, or apparel. Includes Leo-Vince brand exhaust, Flatland Racing or Bulletproof Designs add-ons.
OPTION B - FULL suspension service (including springs) by Letko Cycles and Liechti Racing/Race Tech Service Center.

What a better way to get your new bike set-up than to start with FREE stuff!?!?

Contact Letko Cycles for eligible units! Offer ends October 31rst 2009.

Get your NEW bike now and SAVE $$$$$$!

Video of the Letko Track day at HPT

2009-08-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

It took a bit, but we have video of the Heartland Park track day up! The above video is the "Letko Lunch" where during the lunch break, riders were encouraged to try our demos for a couple of laps around the park to see the Ducati difference first hand. Streetfighter, M1100 S and M696 all make an appearance as well as the 848 Superbike.

Video is via the HPT control rider video crew. Special thanks to Joel Brooks who sent the vids to us!

RoMANIACS!

2009-08-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for 2009 KTM RedBull Romaniacs highlights? Got em!

If you're not sure what the RedBull Romaniacs hard enduro is... I'm not really sure how to explain it. You really have to see it to believe it. Especially the urban stages!!

IDM racing: KTM starting to make waves

2009-08-26T07:08:00.001-07:00

Well, starting to make waves isn't exactly appropriate as the Austrian manufacturer KTM and it's RC8 superbike have podium finishes already this season. However, for the Assen race, there were 5 RC8s on the playing field and three finished in the top 10! That's impressive for a company that most folks here in the U.S. still don't realize make road-bikes. Now that I think about it, most folks never even heard of KTM here, so... SURPRISE! You can read more about the Assen race on KTM's site.

Current standings in the IDM league:

1. Joerg Teuchert, Germany, Yamaha, 248
2. Stefan Nebel, Germandy, KTM 175
3. Werner Daemen, Belgium, 150
4. Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, 149
5. Arne Tode, Germany, 141
11. Kai Borre Andersen, 60
12. Didier van Keymeulen, Belgium, 59

MotoGP: Indianapolis on Deck!

2009-08-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

The 12th stage of the premier international motorcycle racing theatre known as MotoGP is happening this weekend at Indianapolis for it's second time in as many years. Nicky Hayden, home-favorite, former world-champion and Ducati pilot will be wearing a special one-off Make-A-Wish Foundation helmet which will be auctioned off afterwards to benefit.. Well, Make-A-Wish.

Let's hope he doesn't use the helmet before they auction it off!

Mika Kallio, Hayden's temporary team-mate will be at Indy in his first U.S. race with Casey Stoner still recuperating in the wings. Ducati says that they believe Stoner's recovery will have him back in the saddle by the time the Estoril stage arrives.

Personally, I kinda enjoy having the untested Kallio on the field as it brings a level of excitement and mystery (not to mention anxiousness!).

Make sure you wear your Ducati GP Red this weekend, and if you're like us and can't make it to the MotoGP extravaganza, you can buy your Ducati shirts here at Letko and support from home :)

On the horizon with MV Agusta

2009-08-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the info that I was searching around for:

A couple of print mags recently published that MV had a middleweight triple in the works. I immediately thought of it as a typo ("They've must of meant Triumph right?"), but concept pictures seem to prove otherwise.

It looks like Castiglioni's old company is utilizing some of that new Harley-Davidson money to produce new engine designs and thus open up their market. Good job!

The 675cc triple catagory, once dominated by Triumph is getting some attention from BMW and Benelli as well perhaps now that the 675 is World Supersport legal. Having the Daytona 675 be the brand's best-seller in 2008 probably attracted a small bit of attention too.

Flashback: The MV Agusta... That wasn't

2009-08-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Since I'm at home sick today, I find myself with all sorts of time to update the blog. You have to see the treasure I just found!

Apparently, MV Agusta isn't immune to the waste that is cross-platform promotion. It looks like, last year some time, they teamed up with French auto manufacturer Citroen to produce a one-off special edition "Brutale" based on the Citroen C2 hot hatch.

Special seats and Brutale paint scheme doesn't exactly equal coveted in my book, but its worth a look all the same if not for the pure gonzo-ness of the idea.

Check out the MCN article here for more deets.

Ducati Cayenne?

2009-08-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Apparently, the new Ducati Multistrada replacement for 2010 has changed names. It's unofficial title was previously the Strada Aperta, but now it is the...

Wait for it!

Ducati Cayenne!

Yeah, I'm not too hot on that one either. (Pun intended) Porsche already has an ugly soft-roader of the same name, and now, so does Ducati. Allegedly.

The offical info release of the Triumph Tiger-esque BMW GS-like do-it-all bike has yet to be released by Bologna Panigale, but there are plenty of spy shots and concept renderings available if you're into Google Images. The only information that seems to be confirmed by those in the know is that the bike will be seeing the 1098 superbike engine instead of the previously rumored 1200 dual spark motor.

155 horsepower in a psuedo dual-sport? Yeah, that is hot!

The teaser!

2009-08-20T10:03:00.001-07:00

What does BBQ, Mario and Ducatis have to do with each other?

Oh yeah, it's coming...

RedBull Air racer gets grounded via KTM

2009-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

2008 RedBull AirRace champion and current 2009 points leader Hannes Arch recently took delivery of a KTM 990 Super Duke and apparently its news. Already an owner of an LC4 enduro, the Duke will join his stable of toys alongside his... plane? Allaboutbikes.com has the full monty on whats what; click here to check it out!

For more on Hannes Arch, click here to peruse his site.

Shaken AND Stirred

2009-08-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is awesome!

Martini-Ducati? Yes please! This special one-off was revealed recently at the Historic Races in Monterey. You can read the where and why here.

MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo... For Ducati?

2009-08-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

It's arguable that Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo is the best of the next-gen riders in the premier class of motorcycle road racing. In fact, if not for the best of the current-gen riders still winning races (Valentino, obviously) Lorenzo would currently be first in the points standings.

Apparently, Malboro and Phillip Morris have noticed this as well and have made Lorenzo a 13 Million pound bumper deal to join the Ducati team if Stoner doesn't regain his fitness. The two-year deal was optioned out this week during the testing in Brno. The 22-year old Spaniard apparently acknowledged the Ducati option, but did not say whether or not he was seriously considering it, despite his issues with Yamaha.

You can read more here.

AMA Enduro: Taddy wins.. Again!

2009-08-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

Taddy Blazusiak wins his second Endurocross event in a row this weekend in Gunthrie, OK. The RedBull KTM rider ran first after second lap and despite two crashes, carried enough gap to take the first finish. Other KTM riders Aaron and Haaker finished fourth and fifth.

You can read more, here.

Road Racing: Weekend Results

2009-08-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Lots of road racing this weekend with the MotoGP in Brno and an AMA weekend at the Virginia International Raceway.

AMA:

Foremost Ducati rider Larry Pegram had a decent weekend following the last race double-header win in Topeka. He finished fourth behind Bostrom, Hayden and Hayes.

Results:

1. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki)
3. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha)
4. Larry Pegram (Ducati)
5. Aaron Yates (Suzuki)
6. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki)
7. Blake Young (Suzuki)
8. Neil Hodgson (Honda)
9. Mat Mladin (Suzuki)
10. Jake Holden (Honda)

MotoGP:

With Casey Stoner out for three races it was up to Nicky Hayden and Stoner replacement Mika Kallio to make up for his absence and hopefully gain some manufacturer's points for Ducati. While the race was really a battle between Yamaha riders Rossi and Lorenzo, Hayden did have an impressive finish after fighting with Edwards for sixth. This week at Brno, the manufacturers are getting rare testing session time which is a bit unfortunate for the Malboro Ducati team as Stoner is on sick leave.

More info is available here and here.

The KTM you never knew existed

2009-08-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

The KTM X-Bow (crossbow) has been in development and thus limited production for a while overseas. This four-wheeled monster is a track eating, corner conquering beast of which we may never see here in the states... At least, anytime soon. Powered by an audi 2.0L engine and wrapped in lots of carbon fiber, this car comes in three different trims. Watch the video above for Fifth-Gear's review, or check out KTM's site for official info.

Wanting a race 848? Look no further than to Larry Pegram Racing!

2009-08-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

While tooling around on the Formost Ducati rider Larry Pegram's site this morning, I found some toys that might interest you wannabe racers out there. He has two 848s with race engines in them ready for the track! Features include:

Race bodywork
Vortex Sprockets and gas cap
Sato rearsets
Ohlins ttx shock
revalved Ohlins forks
Adjustable ride height
Quick-remove cases
Titanium rods and valves
High compression Wiseco pistons
Slipper clutch
Ported heads
Lightened flywheel
close-ratio transmission
race-kit camshafts

All for $25K. If you want more info (You know you do!), check out Pegram Racing!

2010 KTMs have arriveth!

2009-08-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

We just recieved three new '10 KTM dirt bikes... All special editions! One of the three is a Six Days edition 450 XCW and the other two are Redbull Championship edition EXCs; one 450 and one 530. They're not setup yet, but you can still come by and check them out! And if you've been waiting for the 2010 models to show up so you can get a killer deal on that '09 you've been salivating over, now is the time!

MotoGP: Casey Stoner out for three races.

2009-08-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

image snagged from motogp.com

Looks like Stoner is out and Kallio is in. In a crazy chain of events, the fatigued Casey Stoner (Australia) is stepping out of the GP in hopes to recover is health whilst satellite Ducati rider, Mika Kallio(Finland) will replace him on the Malboro Ducati team.

You read the Reuters India article here.

You can read the MotoGP.com post here.

Letko Track Day: Aftermath

2009-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

I used to laugh about how excited John and James Avelluto were about taking their bikes on the track; it was as if they were getting ready to go to sleep on Xmas eve and had all the Ninja Turtle toys listed on their Xmas list.

Yeah, just like that.

Well, two days after my first track day experience, I find myself, and everyone else here, still excited and ready to go back for a second helping of road race pie. Leigh, Josh, Mario, Jared.. We're all itiching for another day of tarmac, bumper strips and leather onesies in 97 degree heat.

Delicious!

I believe another track day is in the works. If you haven't done it before, or haven't in a while, we highly suggest you come and join us in the fun!

Letko Track Day well represented

2009-08-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Heartland Park Topeka, The Letko Crew participated in a special track day. Besides someone whom I won't mention dropping our 848 demo during a corner braking miscalculation, it went pretty smooth. Everyone had plenty of chances to ride and we even let folks ride our demos on the course during the lunch break.

There were a good number of Suzukis, Yamahas, even a few KTMs (!!) but we were all very surprised about the number of Ducatis that showed up to ride the course; we hear a lot of our customers present and future talk about not wanting to damage their bikes by taking it out on the track, but after a number of laps, you realize that the track is what Ducati built bikes for. And because there is no traffic, unknown road conditions, etc. you're more likely to wad up your bike on the street anyway.

I was out on the track quite a bit and didn't get very many pictures, but you can view the ones I did take here.

STAR coming to town

2009-08-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Jason Pridmore and his STAR motorcycle school is coming back to Topeka this year (Sept 31 and 1rst). If you're like me and have been dying to learn yourself some sportbike skills, this is the place to go. Jason, former AMA racer and FIM endurance nice guy, is reknown in his teaching ability. So not only do you get the tips you want from a guy who has experience, you also will learn something. Awesomeness!

I've already signed up to become a better rider, and hope to see you at Heartland Park!

You can learn more about Jason, his staff, and the upcoming school by visiting his website.

New bikes in: KTM ADVENTURE 990

2009-08-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've called everyone I promised to call (Sorry David, your voicemail inbox is full buddy!), so now I'm going to let everyone else know what's what! We just recieved a (apparently super rare) 2009 KTM Adventure in adventure white.

We are trying to carry more, but KTM dual-sports and adventures are very, very hard to get at the moment (blame the rocky trails of Colorado).

If you're interested, don't call. Don't email. Just come down and get it.

Old but good news

2009-08-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

In case you weren't aware, this past weekend in Topeka at Heartland Park, Larry Pegram and his Ducati 1098R superbike pretty much owned the weekend. He had that fastest time on Friday in free practice and superpole, won his first race on Saturday and won his second race on Sunday. It was Pegram's first double-header win in the AMA and we at Letko Cycles were there for it!

We have pictures up and if you'd like to take a look, click here.

New Blog, new way to keep you informed!

2009-08-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

We've been wanting to do this for a while... Figured it be a good way to keep those who care abreast of what's going on at Letko, especially if those individuals aren't privvy to Facebook or Twitter.

This is the first post; it's kind of a test of sorts. Expect more. Lots more!

-Keith