Ducati Refines the Line

Ducati refines the line

ROUNDUP

PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT is the term Ducati uses to describe its 1992 lineup, which includes one new model and revised versions of three others.

Stealing the headlines is the new 750 Supersport. essentially a smaller displacement version of the 900SS introduced here last year. But where the 900 mated six-speed, dry-clutch 851 crankcases with sohc, two-valve Pantah heads, the 750 is all Pantah, right down to the five-speed trans mission and wet clutch. Also significant is the 750's use of a single front disc brake-a four-piston Brembo caliper grasping a 12.8-inch rotoras opposed to the pair found on the 900. And where the 900's 1 7-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin ra dial tires, the 750's identical hoops wear Dunlops.

Otherwise, the two SS models are mechanically indistinguishable. Both share the same tubular-steel chassis sporting Showa suspension, and both air-and-oil-cooled, 90-de gree V-Twin powerplants are fed by a pair of 38mm Mikuni flat-slide carburetors. Ducati claims 60 horse power at the rear wheel for the 748cc motor-not overly impressive, perhaps. until you learn that the bike is said to weigh just 388 pounds dry. Suggested retail price is $7350, making it the cheapest of the `92 Ducatis.

Last year's sensation, the 900SS, returns for the new year unchanged, save for the addition of a solo seat cowl, black-painted wheels, plus your choice of black or red paint, and halfor full-fairing. Fairing style determines price: The former sells for $8295, while the latter costs $8490.

Also updated this year is the Paso 907, which now features the same Brembo brakes as its siblings, plus a more comfortable saddle, and re vised headlight and mufflers. Price: $8950.

Rounding out the `92 Ducati range is the 85 1 Sport, revamped this year with new bodywork and minor engine refinements. Though no photos were available at presstime, those who have seen the new bike describe its appearance as striking.

Down in the engine bay, the liq uid-cooled, dohc V-Twin has been lightly massaged, netting a claimed 6-horsepower increase for a total of 95. All eight valves were increased 1 mm in diameter, matching those used in the 888, and compression was bumped up a point to 11: 1. Engine cooling has been improved with a new curved radiator and re vised coolant circuitry. Suggested re tail price is $ 1 2.500.

Although details are sketchy. a Cagiva North America spokesman said that both the 888 Sport Produc tion and Raymond Roche Replica racebikes would return for `92, though both will likely undergo name changes. A photo of the for mer has been seen sporting Quauro Va/vole (Italian for four valve) on the tailpiece, while "Doug Polen Replica" would seem a likely can didate for the latter. Both will be available in limited quantities, at severely limiting prices.

All in all, a bang-up lineup for Italy's largest motorcycle manufac turer, and one which should help Ducati further cement its position as the only true alternative to Japanese sporting hardware.

Brian catierson