Italian Muscle Revealed

ITALIAN MUSCLE REVEALED

Ducati hunts the Yamaha VMax

AFTER AMATEUR SPY SHOTS OF Ducati’s secret musclebike appeared on the Internet, England’s Motorcycle News staked out the Bologna factory and snapped the pictures you see here as the as-yet unnamed 1200cc V-Twin underwent an evening of final prototype testing. The new Ducati will be unveiled at this November’s Milan motorcycle show. The bike is expected to be a 150-plus-hp, 1200cc V-Twin that has the appearance of a sport-cruiser but the performance of a superbike, with brilliant handling, according to insiders who also say it will weigh dramatically less than its imposing size suggests. Ducati is remaining extremely secretive about the details, and little is known for certain about the mechanicals of the bike. But according to Motorcycle News, it will use an engine similar to the new Multistrada 1200’s Testastretta 11-degree V-Twin, so named because of its reduced valve overlap (the interval of crankshaft rotation during which both intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time) compared to Ducati’s superbike engines. This has the effect of smoothing out power and boosting low-end and midrange torque. It also improves fuel efficiency, emissions and the cost and frequency of scheduled maintenance.

It’s also thought the bike will incorporate the sophisticated Ducati Traction Control system used on the Multistrada 1200, which means multiple riding modes and ABS, too.

This test mule appears to have its sidepanels missing, but we can see what appears to be one of a pair of side-mounted radiators. It’s also clear that the bike has a trademark Ducati steel trellis frame, a new long, singlesided swingarm, chain drive and a large-diameter adjustable fork.

Apparently, Pirelli has been tasked with developing unique rubber for the new bike. The huge rear tire looks to be a 240-section meat, but with a more triangular profile than is usual at that size, meaning decent handling can be retained. This is integral to what Ducati says it has set out to achieve with every new model, regardless of the niche into which it fits. Whatever else it might aspire to be, this new model has to keep the Ducati values of good handling, high performance and unmistakable style. Insiders say it comfortably out-handles and out-performs rivals such as the Yamaha VMax.

Ducati still has a lot of work to do on the bike, but rumors suggest it may go on sale before the end of the year.

Andy Downes