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

Never Ending Morning News - MotoGP & Motorcycle Trading Cards

There is a great deal of activity in the MotoGP series this week. The teams are already on location and have set up for practice at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. The overseers of the series will also be on hand as they continue to firm up rules for the new 1000c.c. displacement rules, which should go into effect in 2012. And, we also hear that every single rider on the MotoGP grid will be wearing Ohlins suspenders - can someone say spec-suspension? And, new Ducati team manager, Vittoriano Guareschi, actually took 10 of the 2010 Ducati Desmosedici bikes out on the Sepang track for some practice - all on his own; talk about dedication. Of course, Guareschi was also factory test rider for Ducati before taking his current position.

Teams - http://tinyurl.com/ycbu9zw

MotoGP rules - http://tinyurl.com/yc953jx

Ohlins - http://tinyurl.com/yb8jxnj

Vittoriano Guareschi - http://tinyurl.com/ye6tels

Bongothedude has just released its first ever custom trading card service for motorcyclists. There are several packs already available online and they will even make a custom card for you or custom cards for your entire club or organization. As with baseball trading cards, there is a color image of the motorcycle on the front and a detailed information panel on the back. It's a good idea for any riding group - and, it could be fun to use them as business cards as well. Take a look and get some for yourself.

http://tinyurl.com/yaurnyl

Stig Pettersson Has Moved in With Öhlins USA

Stig Pettersson has decided to work much more closely with the Öhlins USA office in the mountains of North Carolina. Pettersson is rather well-regarded and has worked for many American road race champions. He has worked with Fast by Ferracci, Muzzys, Erion Racing, Ducati Austin, Vance & Hines, Yoshimura Suzuki, M4 Suzuki and Michael Jordan Motorsports. Talk about an amazing resume!

http://tinyurl.com/ybcupwz

First Ride: New Norton Commando 961 SE

So, it has finally been given to at least one journalist for a test ride, after all of these years of waiting. MCN (UK) managed to get a test ride on the new Norton Commando 961 SE at a sunny English track. The author loved the ride and said that the riding position, the handling, the engine - all of the aspects are top-notch, though the suspension is firm, as it should be for this kind of ride. It does behave like you would expect a parallel-twin to, which is what Norton was trying for, and it just looks oh-so-good.

http://tinyurl.com/y9zxjve

Information Released About Canadian Version of Norton Commando 961 SE

The Commando 961 will actually be shown at the Toronto Motorcycle Show next month - as you should know from previous posts. So, now Norton has released some details about the units which will be sold in Canada. It's a rather sweet list of components all linked together by a lovely design courtesy of Kenny Dreer. Really, it is something to behold. Anyway, take a look at how the only 20 machines to be sold in the Great White North will come equipped...

http://tinyurl.com/y87dnjl

First Look: 2010 Ducati Monster 1100S

The Monster 1100S is the same old naked that we are used to - light, powerful and very pretty. It speaks to Ducati fans of time spent riding twisted roads and backroads riding with no end. The S model has the sweet Ohlins suspension, plenty of carbon fiber, and nice and light five-spoke gold colored wheels. You probably already know what to expect, but take a look to see the 2010 model in all of its glory...

http://tinyurl.com/yk67l7e

Ohlins and Yamaha Join Forces in World Motocross Championship

Ohlins is not too far removed from motocross as it started in the off-road world back in 1976 and only left the dirt in 2003. So, now they have teamed up with the Yamaha Monster Energy world motocross team, which consists of riders David Philippaerts (MX1) and Gautier Paulin (MX2). It should add to the competitiveness of the all new 2010 YZ450F and its little partner, the YZ250F.

http://tinyurl.com/ykf7do4

Kenny Noyes Gets Practice Time on His Antonio Banderas Racing Moto2 Motorcycle

Noyes was only recently added to the Banderas team due to his performance in a Spanish Championship (where he still has two races to run this year for Kawasaki), and he had to share the one race bike they have with teammate Joan Olivé. The team will be using a Harris frame, Ohlins suspension, and Brembo brakes. Noyes enjoyed the easy handling nature of the Moto2 machine and he feels that he will be able to handle this machine in any race in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yfp2f2o

EICMA: Triumph Speed Triple Show Bike with Ohlins Suspension

It is just a show bike - no signals, no numberplate and slicks - but it is a great demonstration of what can be done with the Triumph Speed Triple now that Ohlins suspension is an option. Ohlins will be available for the Speed Triple, Daytona 675, Street Triple, Street Triple R, and Tiger. The rest of the accessories on this bike come from the Triumph accessories catalog. Have a look...it is a sweet ride.

http://tinyurl.com/yetnjuw

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

Sweet Yamaha YZF-R1 Rossi Motorcycle Auction for Riders for Health

The project was started by Don Emde, publisher and ex-racer and much more, and includes Yamaha USA, Roadracingworld.com, Aldo Drudi and Valentino Rossi. The YZF-R1 was donated by Yamaha, the bodywork was designed and painted by Drudi - he of Rossi helmet fame - based on the 'Five Continents' Rossi/AGV helmet and approved by Valentino Rossi. Many others are involved and adding services and parts, including Roland Sands Design, AGV, Ohlins and Akrapovic. No photo has been released as of yet and the auction time and location are also still up in the air. All proceeds will benefit Riders for Health.

http://tinyurl.com/yzhgntg

P.S. You may see the Riders for Health logo on my blog; from here you too can donate to the cause or just get to their site for details on the charity, its projects and much more...

This bike was shown at the Long Beach IMS: http://tinyurl.com/yj6oc6u

A better photo of the bike: http://tinyurl.com/ycpd7w8

Even more information on the bike itself and how it was prepared/modified: http://tinyurl.com/ygswt5j

Honda Rider Andrea Dovizioso Will Run Ohlins Suspension in Portugal

As we already know, Dani Pedrosa switched to the Swedish suspension manufacturer and it helped him challenge for the race win in almost every race since. At Estoril, Dovizioso will also run with Ohlins, and we will probably see some improvement in his finishing...

http://tinyurl.com/ye2gpkz

A Review of the Yamaha-Ohlins 2WD R1

MCN (UK) is the only magazine which has been given access to test-ride the Yamaha-Ohlins 2WD R1, so it goes without saying that this is the only article about this sweet machine. read through it and develop your own opinion...but, I like it! It is only too bad that they did not try it on the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere...it would be awesome for an adventure bike.

http://tinyurl.com/n8qcpf