Quick thinking camera jockeys in Italy have caught what appears to be the finished Ducati Diavel power cruiser out for a test run. Due for an official unveiling in Milan next month the Ducati’s big gamble, though from the way everyone is drooling over it it’s bound to sell very well, appears to be ready to hit showrooms.
For more pictures head over to Motoblog.it
Marabese Design are an Italian design company based near Milan that you may or may not have heard of.
You will however have seen some of their design work as they have had a hand in some 460 bikes including the current Triumph Tiger, the Moto Guzzi Griso, and the Piaggio MP3. It’s the last one that’s of interest as Piaggio’s three wheel scooter has been very successful and Marabese is going one step further, with the new four wheeled Quatro 4D shown above. With four independently suspended wheels the scooter leans and performs just as it should but with added stability and traction. It looks like great fun and may just help keep you right side up in the coming winter weather. See it in action below.
Last year there were many spy shots and rumors of a 675cc sports bike under development from MV Agusta, and promises of reveals at different shows across Europe. Unfortunately due to the company’s previous faltering fortunes under Harley Davidson’s control, the bike was shelved until the sale or dissolution of MV. Thankfully now that MV has been saved by former owner Claudio Castiglioni, his first act has been to dust off the F3 bike and make it the model to lead the resurrection of the Italian brand. So it’ll be cameras at the ready again around Schiranna in the hopes of some new spy shots.
Spy Shots featured previously on http://www.motoplanete.com
After a brief flirtation with its american buyer Harley Davidson, MV Agusta returns to its Italian roots following the sale of the company back to former owner Claudio Castiglioni. While this is great news for Italy’s resurgent motorcycle industry, it’s unlikely that the funds will make a dent in Harley’s failing finances, with rumors again swirling around HD leaving its Milwaukee home for pastures cheaper.
It would seem the world of bikes has been focussed like a laser on Italy for most of 2010 with revolutionary bikes from Ducati, and more to come, Moto Morini breathing life on the embers of its business, Moto Guzzi showcasing some great concepts for its future plans, and now MV Agusta has its country men at the helm once more.
The press release from MV Agusta is below;
Varese, August 6th 2010 – Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni, through their family holding company have repurchased from Harley Davidson 100% of the shares of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. which owns historic brands MV Agusta and Cagiva. Harley-Davidson announced in October 2009 its intention to sell MV Agusta to concentrate on its core business and brand. In connection with the repurchase transaction Lazard and Co. have acted as the financial advisor along with counsel Alessandro Varrenti (CBA) and Giuseppe Galeano whom provided legal and tax assistance in conjunction with family counsellors Giuseppe Carteni (Leadlaw), Andrea Lanata and Sergio Caramella.
Along with Giovanni Castiglioni, the company will be headed by Mr. Massimo Bordi, a well known Italian manager. A 62-year-old engineer, Bordi took Ducati to success during the years when that company was owned by the Castiglionis and continued to manage it successfully under the ownership of Texas Pacific Group. Since 2003 Massimo Bordi has been the CEO of Same Deutz Fahr, contributing largely to the success of the company. Massimo Bordi commented that “MV Agusta has full capacity to once again become a major player in the high luxury brand motor bikes, this brand is one of the most recognized worldwide. We will implement a number of reorganization and managerial actions in the near future. Both the current and new models under development have a very strong character, great innovative features and a very unique design, I have no doubts about their future success. “Claudio Castiglioni, the historic intimate soul of MV Agusta will continue as chairman, and will concentrate on the development of the new products.
Upon signing the agreement with Harley-Davidson, Claudio Castiglioni stated “MV Agusta is the crown jewel of Italian motorcycles, I am thrilled to have completed this transaction. I have already won once together with Massimo Bordi, we made the most beautiful bikes in the world and we will continue with this tradition”.
After making an appearance at the Milan Motorcycle Show last November Moto Guzzi’s V12 concept bike has been lurking in the shadows, until now. New studio pics have appeared showing the tech heavy bike in all its glory, and personally (Editor Nick) I still think it looks awesome. Some people don’t like Moto Guzzi’s unique styling but I’ve always had a soft spot for it.
The Le Mans adds a distinctly futuristic edge to the regular Guzzi look and adds a plethora of technology some interesting such as the frame being made from rotational moulding nylon polymer, some for tricks i.e. rear cameras with monitors for mirrors.
Hell For Leather has picked up some details on the new bike so head over there for more info on what could be the start of another Italian company revitalizing itself. Ducati can’t have all the fun.
Ducati is all over the bike world at the minute and just keep going from strength to strength. With the Multi-strada 1200 the darling of high-tech adventure bikes, and its power cruiser causing a stir, the Italian company has now revitalized its middle weight sports bike, the 848, making it a 140bhp rocket.
The new 848 EVO features a tuned Testastretta Evoluzione engine producing 140hp at 10,500rpm and 72.3lb-ft of torque at 9,750rpm making the 848 the most powerful sportsbike the company has ever produced. Giving the bike this set of awesome specs challenges, and technically surpasses, the current class leader the BMW’s S1000 RR.
Ducati seem to be making a challenge in virtually every bike market at the minute, and are putting some fantastic bikes in competition against their fellow motorcycle companies. Best of all though is that while the company bosses have made this somewhat bold decision to regenerate Ducati, none of the Ducati quality, or essential ‘cool’ seems to be being sacrificed.
Technical Specs for the 848 EVO are below and head over to Ducati’s web site for more details.
–
Spy shots showing what may be Ducati’s next monster have been doing the rounds on-line. Clearly a sizable roadster, using the company’s monster trellis frame, dash, single swing arm, coupled with side mounted exhausts. Is this the newest monster Ducati will unleash on us? Hope so as it looks like a pretty mean road warrior even in these hastily taken shots by a sharp eyed photographer. Ducati have once again with a quick test ride generated a wave of interest in their bikes in much the same way they did with the Multi-Strada, which has gone on to take the world by storm.
More images are available on Italian bike site www.motoblog.it
Ducati is launching the definitive history of its company’s history in a new DVD to be released this July. Ducati – The Story features archive footage and photographs never seen before as well as interviews with almost anyone related to the success of the Italian company since 1926 when it was formed.
The official word on the film states ; ‘Ducati presents its history on a stunning movie on DVD. Premiered at World Ducati Week 2010, the DVD is now available at the Misano World Circuit, the Ducati Museum bookshop and Factory Store and will be available in Ducati Stores around the world. Soon, it can also be ordered online.’
The web site for ordering http://www.strikevideo.it/ is still under construction but worth keeping an eye on.
You can see the trailer for Ducati -The Story below.
The DVD will be available from Ducati outlets and dealerships from July 2010
Ducati will officially launch their new Monster 796 this Wednesday from Ducati HQ in Bologna, and it’s a bit of a looker. The latest Monster will be a direct competitor for the new Fazer FZ8 and the already established Triumph Street Triple R, and gives the Monster brand a three bike range alongside the 696 and 1100. Ducati had this to say of their latest creation;
The Monster 796 is the perfect synthesis between sports performances, aesthetics and daily riding pleasure. Cared for in each single detail, it is the ideal bike for each riding style and represents the utmost evolution of the Monster family.
Technical specs for the 796 are below along with a couple more images, and further details can be found on Ducati’s web site
Italian motorcycle manufacturer Moto Morini, which filed for bankrupcy in September 2009, has found a buyer in the form of Paolo Berlisconi, brother of scandal attracting Italian President Silvo.
Not a stranger to the world of Motorcycles Paolo already owns the small scooter mark Garelli, and has recently been a rumoured buyer for MV Augusta currently up for sale by its owner Harley Davidson as part of their efforts to save themselves from going under. Slowly but surely Paolo is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Italian motorcycle world and possibly beyond if he can make something of these ailing brands.
MOTO GP News WSB News BSB News Write To Ride News
Ride The Wild Wind 