Just Lovely! Ducati Teams with Edelweiss - Ducati Travel Experience World

The Ducati Travel Experience World (DTEW) is premiering at just the right time. The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is debuting to the world all over and Ducati decided to hook up with Edelweiss Bike Travel to create a special tour series using that lovely machine (I hate to admit it, but I desire one myself...). There are four tours which cover parts of Africa, Australia, Europe and the Western USA. Just take the link as you do owe it to yourself to see how the other half lives...it would be sweet if I could sell my kidneys!

http://tinyurl.com/yjgzbtd

MORE Afternoon Moto News - AMA Supercross Results & Ducati Multistrada 1200

The AMA Supercross Championship held a round in Atlanta this past weekend, but I have yet to post any results from the event. So, now I am addressing that oversight and have placed a link to the results below. Suzuki's Ryan Dungey is again in the points lead for the title. He won the race, and his closest competition in the points, Ryan Villopoto crashed hard while trying to catch him. Dungey is in first overall with Josh Hill and Villopoto in second and third.

http://tinyurl.com/yjjnznm

Well, we will have to buy the weekly in order to get our hands on the full test, but we do have a nice preview available on the MCN (UK) website on the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200. They seem to believe that this bike will change its category and motorcycling in general forever. I am not so sure about that, but it may certainly challenge the big players in the adventure motorcycle class - KTM and BMW. At least you can take a look at the preview video and an another article or two on the new machine.

http://tinyurl.com/ye8kx3f

Another riding impression: http://tinyurl.com/ya6s9u9

Another video: http://tinyurl.com/y8z4to9

MORE Afternoon Moto News - First Multistrada & Fast by Ferracci Teams W/ Doug Polen

The very first 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 has come off the production line - about time! The first model was an Ohlins-equipped S model, which should reach dealerships by April (though, not sure if that means Europe, USA or everywhere). The base model will be available shortly after that in May.

http://tinyurl.com/yjoqong

The first 20 people to purchase a Ducati superbike from Fast by Ferracci will not only get a special track day event at New Jersey Motorsports Park (16 August 2010), but they will also get help from VIP, and former FbF racer, Doug Polen. Polen will work with each of the 20 lucky fans to setup their bike for the track - he will be their personal technician. For all the details, see the press release.

http://tinyurl.com/yz2tvtn

More Afternoon Moto News - Ryan Farquhar & Claudio Domenicali

Ryan Farquhar was interviews by the Crash.net website about his work in the 2009 Irish road race season. He participated in just about every event held on Irish soil for his class and managed to bring home 60 race victories! That's a new record which eclipsed Joey Dunlop's total. Farquhar also won the 2009 Duke Road Rankings title - his fourth. His toughest race last year, though, was the Southern 100. To hear it in his own words, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yzvmybh

MCN (UK) has gained an exclusive interview with Ducati man Claudio Domenicali about the Multistrada's new active suspension and other neat features. It is a short piece, but rather educational. The new Multistrada 1200 is the most advanced bike Ducati has yet released...can't wait to demo one!

http://tinyurl.com/yzstda2

More Afternoon Moto News - Alfabeast & Multistrada 1200

This machine is a real work of art from Englishman Chris Barber of (his own shop) Crossbreed Cycles. He has taken an Alpha Romeo 156-horsepower 2.5 liter V6 and plopped into a Harley-Davidson hardtail frame and a H-D four-speed gearbox (would have put a better tranny on it myself) - and he calls it the Alphabeast. Take the link and you will see why. Finally, an auto engine from Italy stuffed into a custom! Who else is tired of 350 V-8 engines being stuffed into a bike frame?

http://tinyurl.com/yj2co3c

The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 was the product of some of the most intensive engine development that Ducati has ever done (I wonder if that means fewer warranty claims on this model?). It is said that the new Multistrada will go for 15,000 miles between services; if true, it will be a phenomenal leap for the Italian marque. Maybe owning a Ducati - leaving out the initial purchase price - will start to cost more in line with the Japanese manufacturers...we can hope!

http://tinyurl.com/ylzhtul

More Afternoon Moto News - Ducati Multistrada UK, Motorcycle Cannonball & AMA Motocross

This is a bit old news, but it is worth mentioning again. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 will be making the rounds of U.K. Ducati dealers this month until March. They have also announced that they will also bring along a Multistrada 1200S Touring model to show. That's great news if you are thinking seriously of the up-rated model.

http://tinyurl.com/ylfknsl

Out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a press release lets us know that the race will be stopping there for two nights and one day during the cross-country trip on pre-1916 model motorcycles. This is the first of its kind in in US in modern times, so it will be very interesting to follow the progress - who makes it and who breaks down, as well as how well it all works out for everyone. The event will be in Hot Springs during 16 - 18 September 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yebko6l

AMA Motocross is scheduled to have a meeting in San Francisco this coming weekend. Representatives from everyone involved in the sport should be there to work out what the 2010 series will look like. It is being held in conjunction with the AMA Supercross event on 30 January 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yewf8yq

Ducati Announces US Pricing for 2010 Multistrada 1200 Line

There will be four versions available to the US riding public in 2010. The base model of the Mutlistrada 1200 will retail for US$14,995; the ABS version of that one will sell for US$16,495; the uprated S Sport model will go for US$19,995; the S Touring model will be sold for US$19,995 as well. There are some significant differences between each of these versions, but the price is not bad considering all of the updated technology and that lovely extra power! I might just have to think about one of these...if I ever make any money. We won't see them until next year, though.

http://tinyurl.com/ya2m9xw

Canadian pricing: http://tinyurl.com/y8myx48

Lost in Translation? Multistrada 1200 Voted More Beautiful Than MV Agusta F4

Somehow it happened again - the Ducati Multistrada has won in a vote against the other new motorcycles at the EICMA show in Milan based in pure aesthetics. Just like last year's Streetfighter win, this one boggles the mind. Maybe the attendees at the show are coming from an alien world or something? I do agree that the new Multistrada 1200 looks much better than the bike it replaces, but in no way is it more beautiful than the 2010 F4 or even the 2010 Aprilia RSV-4R! Someone should analyze the voting system...

http://tinyurl.com/yafjlse

Addendum: Ducati Launches More Than Just 2010 Multistrada

Ducati is also giving details on the 2010 Hypermotard 796 & 1100, the Monster models, new livery for the 1198, and - of course - the Multistrada 1200. After the link there are many press release pieces from the Ducati announcement in Milan today. If you want to know more, please take the link - it's all there!

http://tinyurl.com/yh4ozc8

Hypermotard EVO and EVO SP: http://tinyurl.com/ya377ss

Ducati Premiers 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA Milan

The Multistrada will come in two versions (as if we did not expect that) - a standard model and an 'S' upscale model. The S model will come in two versions, a touring model with panniers, heated grips and a centre stand and a Sport model which comes with lots of carbon fiber and the Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension. Prices have not been released and more information will be available later this week...looks like a huge step up from the previous Multistrada!

http://tinyurl.com/ylx24qu

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Photos Leaked

Well, there were rumors about the photos starting yesterday at some point, but none of them seemed to be up anywhere. This morning, though, I cam across this site with several good photos of the new Ducati Multistrada 1200. It certainly takes some time to get used to the look, but it certainly seems to have some rather interesting lines in the design. It does look to have a very low C of G, a huge air intake, and an 'underslung' exhaust - which should help stability even more. Have a look and see what you think...

http://tinyurl.com/yeh9qxh

P.S. I think it will grow on me as long as it has rock-solid reliability.

Some Details of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Have Come to Light

Now, I cannot verify the source for the linked article, but the author did take the time to evaluate each claim made about the 2010 Multistrada 1200. It may have 150 HP - at the crank, likely - a 425 lb. (193 Kg) dry weight - not likely, but possible - and a fly-by-wire throttle - probably true - and many other impressive features. Take the link to read more.

http://tinyurl.com/y9k2aga

Plus, there are some photos which have been taken from the Ducati Multistrada website and altered so that you can see the motorcycle better. Have a look and see if you like what is coming a week from today.

http://tinyurl.com/ybrnwt9

Here You Go: Preview of Ducati's New Multistrada 1200

There is not much here but a few fancy graphics and a countdown to the unveiling, but it is worth a look if you are looking forward to the new Multistrada 1200 (or Cayenne or Strada Aperta). Take the link and enjoy the little bit of mechanical wonder that Ducati will show you...

http://multistrada.ducati.com/

More information: http://tinyurl.com/yzyk9yz

Even more information: http://tinyurl.com/y89m53k