Ducati Streetfighter 848 And Diavel Amg

Ducati Streetfighter 848 and Diavel AMG

ON THE HEELS OF THE 848 EVO’s SALES SUCCESS this past year, Ducati has created a naked version of its middleweight superbike called the Streetfighter 848. And at the other end of the model spectrum, the Italian bike maker has taken advantage of its marketing partnership with Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance brand of the Mercedes car group, to create the Diavel AMG Special Edition.

The naked 848 will be powered by a new Testastretta “11 -degree” variation of the 848 engine. The relatively short 11 degrees of overlap between the opening of the intake

valves and the closing of the exhaust valves provides more flexible power delivery with an emphasis on bottom-end and midrange output. Ducati Traction Control will be standard. Chassis geometry is specific to the Streetfighter 848, but actual figures were not available at presstime. A single-sided swingarm, radialmount Brembo front brakes and a more-upright seating position courtesy of a higher moto-style handlebar are some of the highlights. Look for the Streetfighter 848 in dealer showrooms this coming January in either red, yellow or a matteblack version called “Dark Stealth.” Pricing was not available as we went to press. Ducati’s partnership with AMG goes beyond the logos on the sides of Valentino Rossi’s and Nicky Hayden’s MotoGP racebikes. AMG styling enhancements on the 2012 Diavel AMG Special Edition ($26,495) include forged aluminum five-spoke wheels, carbon-fiber air intakes with aluminum trim, an all-new exhaust system and an Alcantara seat cover with horizontal ribbing. A unique color scheme features a Diamond White frame, gas tank and passenger seat cover,

Blake Conner