Davies on a Ducati in WSBK for 2014?
Davies on a Ducati in WSBK for 2014? Chaz Davies is rumoured to be closing on a deal that will see him join Ducati for the 2014 World Superbike Championship season, possibly alongside Ben Spies.
Embarking on his second season in the WSBK series, the Welshman is currently fifth in the standings with three wins to his name but is without a ride for 2014 following the announcement that BMW is withdrawing from the series at the end of the year.
With one less factory-assisted team on the grid, Davies’s hopes of landing a similar role with another manufacturer are slimming, particularly as Honda has now confirmed its riders, Kawasaki are expected to keep Loris Baz alongside Tom Sykes, and Aprilia are leaning towards Marco Melandri and Sylvain Guintoli.
Leaving just Suzuki and Ducati as comparative options for 2014, notwithstanding a raft of privateer entrants, Davies is subsequently being targeted by the Italian manufacturer, five years after it approached him to join its MotoGP testing team.
Should a deal come to fruition, Davies could be joined in the team by Ben Spies. The 2009 WSBK champion is understood to be in negotiations to join the Superbike team as a compromise over his faltering two-year deal to race in MotoGP, the American having started just two races this season due to shoulder injuries.
Heading in the other direction, meanwhile, could be Eugene Laverty with the Irishman having revealed he is in talks with Pramac Ducati about joining MotoGP next season.
Despite some public disagreements between himself and Ducati manager Bernhard Gobmeier this year, Francis Batta’s Alstare team is still in line to continue running the ‘de facto’ factory Ducati effort next season, while leading Superstock team Barni Racing is expected to join the series with Niccolo Canepa.
From Crash.net
- Published in Motorcycles
New Ducati Corse General Manager
New Ducati Corse General Manager, Ducati announces the appointment of Mr. Luigi Dall’Igna as the new General Manager of Ducati Corse. Having played key roles for many years in both MotoGP and World Superbike championships, 47-year-old Mr. Dall’Igna has acquired significant experience in the world of motor sport. His expertise will enable the Bologna-based manufacturer to increase its focus on the technical aspects of its racing activity, continuing to lay the foundations for a new phase of development and improving its competitive results. Mr. Dall’Igna will report directly to Ducati Motor Holding CEO, Claudio Domenicali.
Bernhard Gobmeier, who has been the General Manager of Ducati Corse for the past ten months, will return to Germany to pursue the opportunity of a prestigious and strategic position within the Motorsport organisation of the Volkswagen Group. In his new position, the 54-year-old Engineer from Bavaria will continue his upward professional curve within the VW Group.
Paolo Ciabatti, who has been the MotoGP Project Manager since January, is confirmed in his role and will report directly to the new Ducati Corse General Manager, as will 39-year-old Engineer Ernesto Marinelli, Ducati Superbike Project Manager for the past two seasons. The new appointments become effective from 11 November, 2013, immediately after the end of the 2013 racing season.
- Published in Motorcycles
Ducati reveal Senna 1199 Panigale S in Brazil
Ducati reveal Senna 1199 Panigale S in Brazil,
Ducati has unveiled this special edition of its Panigale S to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of F1 star Ayrton Senna.
Unveiled at the Sao Paulo motorcycle show and to be sold in Brazil only just 161 examples will be built to signify the number of GPs raced by the Brazilian star.
The bike replicates the special livery chosen by Senna himself during a visit to the Ducati factory only a few weeks before his last race at Imola in 1994, and later used on a special, limited edition 916 SP ‘Senna’, of which just 300 were built, in 1997 and 1998.
The Panigale version also features a race exhaust and special numbered plaque on the top yoke.
source: ducatiforum.co.uk
images from: Ducati 1199 SENNA per il Brasile – DaiDeGas Forum
- Published in Motorcycles
A torrid weekend for Ducati in the Malaysian heat
A torrid weekend for Ducati in the Malaysian heat,
Early race mistake leaves Andrea Dovizioso finishing well down the order
Andrea Dovizioso
“It was a very difficult race. I made a good start and tried to follow Smith but I made a mistake at turn 14 trying to pass him. You have to brake on angle and I lost the front. I tried to stay on the track but lost the rear so I had to pick up the bike but I was on the asphalt but it was very dirty and I almost crashed. It took me six corners to get the right side of the rear tyre clean afterwards.”
Like the rest of the field Dovizioso struggled with tyre wear problems and the significant drop off in grip of the rear tyre in the hot conditions. When a greasy track surface, due to the higher than expected track temperature, is taken into account it made for a very difficult race for Dovizioso.
After his near miss in the early stages Dovizioso settled into position behind fellow Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Iannone, both of whom retired.
Andrea Dovizioso
“I had quite a big drop so I don’t know if they [Hayden and Iannone] had continued the race what sort of pace they could have kept. In these conditions it is difficult for us so the gap [to the front] was bigger. On this track nobody had grip so you need to use the bike differently. You need to make the speed in the middle of the corner and pick up the bike and make acceleration. With our bike we have to open the throttle on angle because the bike doesn’t turn in so we’re waiting and waiting and opening the throttle [gently].”
So what did happen to Nicky Hayden?
An engine failure during Sunday’s Malaysian MotoGP has left Nicky Hayden in a perilous position for the remainder of the 2013 season.
The American, who had switched to his freshest engine for today’s race, retired on lap eight with his Ducati smoking on the front straight.
When asked about the status of his engines for the rest of the year, Hayden said that the team needed to analyse the mileage but admitted that they couldn’t rule out starting from the pit lane at one of the remaining races.
Nicky Hayden
“It was my freshest engine and it’s unfortunate. We just can’t catch a break at the moment. At Philip Island we’ll have to put in an older engine but it was already high mileage so it’s not good. Starting from pit lane [the punishment for opening a sixth engine this season] is a possibility but we’ll obviously look at what we have available.
“I’ve used all my engines so we’ll go back and see the mileage on them. I was hoping to get to the end of the season on these two engines. I know I’ve got one engine with some life but I don’t know if it’s enough to do three more races. I’d hate for it to be Philip Island to start from pit lane because it’s one of my favourite tracks.”
Hayden had made a strong start and was pleased with his early race progress having started the race from eleventh on the grid.
Nicky Hayden
“It wasn’t a good day for us and it’s a real shame because this weekend we have gone better.”I messed up qualifying by riding too conservatively in the wet parts but I was fast in FP4 and was sixth in the warm-up and the closest I’ve been to the front in recent races. The race wasn’t going spectacular but it was better than the last ones and we were pulling away from Dovi and closing up on Smith when I had an engine failure.”
Hayden was given warning about his impending failure but having just come up close behind Bradley Smith he had some hope that the issue was with the Tech 3 Yamaha rider rather than his own machine:
Nicky Hayden
“It was making some bad noises and I had just caught Smith at the last corner and I heard a noise. It was the closest I’d been to him in the whole race so I hoped that maybe it was his bike but when I opened the bike on the exit it was clear that it was smoking and the engine was done. We’ve looked at the engine but don’t have the tools to examine it fully so we’ll send it back to Bologna and see what happened.”
- Published in MotoGP
Shifting into 5th gear with WordPress SEO
Shifting into 5th gear with WordPress SEO,
Our SEO company has kindly been in contact due our hard work at making our website SEO friendly. Below is a short story of our success with Squirrly’s SEO……..
Conquest Carbon is a great company for all you passionate motorcyclists out there, but the appealing sound of the engine was not enough to get across to their online audience. That’s why Squirrlys plugin for WordPress Seo gave them the helping hand in getting on track to become as popular as Valentino Rossi.
Who are Conquest Carbon?
They are a small business near Wimborne that transformed their passion for motorcycles into a successful company. They realized they don’t simply love the sound of the motor, but the perfecting of the engineering masterpiece and the trill of motorcycle speed races.
Their shop specializes in performance parts for Sport bikes and carbon fiber that can be professionally fitted for your motorcycle. The attitude of perfecting the ride to accentuate the adrenaline rush, was there even when they were thinking of WordPress SEO. They operate a policy of 100% customer satisfaction, proved by their work with motorcycle manufactures such as Ducati, Triumph and Yamaha and their showroom and site prove it too.
Squirrly, speeding up the traffic
When they choose the Squirrly plugin for better WordPress SEO, they weren’t searching for the same rush as from being in a racing competition. But by using the Live Assistant they make sure that every article on their blog is at high performance, with the best title and keyword density. It is like the pit garages where you make sure everything is working at high performance before the WordPress SEO big race, getting more people on your site and in your online shop.
The Squirrly keyword research tool helps them keep their motorcycle site clean. It doesn’t matter if it’s presenting reviews of their products or writing about the latest speed race, they always know which words are best suited to bring the right customers to their site. And it doesn’t stop here. In WordPress SEO Squirrly offers detailed analysis about your ranking. About the traffic you get on your every post and on the overall site. How well you stand in social media and the power your content page can generate on the web, are just a few extra information that come in handy to the content creators.
And now each week on their email they get the Audit of their site to tell them how they’ve improved in the last weeks race for traffic. They get to have specific statistics on their site and it’s evolution. They also get tips, so things are pretty straight forward, just how they like to make things for their own customers.
The real results in WordPress SEO
But performance is not credible if not measured. So let’s put it into perspective. Squirrly helped Conquest Carbon perfect their skill in writing content an getting more audience, by increasing their traffic by 500% in just a few months. And the important part is that it got them the right people that are interested in speed racing and motorcycles. Those people are the ones that are going to become their customers in the future. The ones that will appreciate their showroom and their professional attitude.
Our plugin refines their content, so their passion for the adrenaline that only motorcycle rides give you, transpires. We want each one of you, interested in motorbikes to get closer to them. The sooner you find them, the sooner you’ll get on your better performing ride.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Ducati Superbike 899 Panigale to make UK debut at Brands Hatch
Ducati Superbike 899 Panigale to make UK debut at Brands Hatch. The highly-anticipated Ducati 899 Panigale makes its UK debut this weekend at Brands Hatch at the final round of the British Superbike Championship, giving the UK racing public an early glimpse of the latest Ducati Superbike.
The 899 will be on display outside the Ducati hospitality which will be located behind the Pit Straight Grandstand. There will also be a selection of the latest model range to view and Ducati clothing available to purchase in the retail area adjacent to the hospitality unit.
As well as a static display of the 899 Panigale, there will also be a chance to see the bike on track as four-times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty leads a demonstration lap of the Kent circuit on Sunday at midday. The 899 Panigale will be a familiar sight on UK tracks next year when it will line-up on the grid in the new Ducati TriOptons Cup as a support series for British Superbikes.
This stunning 899 Panigale is intended to provide a new way to access the exclusive world of Ducati Superbikes and is described as a “Supermid” version of the award-winning 1199 Panigale. The 899 still provides the thrill of the flagship model but with the refined character of an everyday road bike.
Its brand new Superquadro engine features a revised bore and stroke for a broad power delivery, producing 148hp (109kW) with a torque of 73lb-ft (10.1kgm). The super-smooth power unit continues to be a fully stressed member of the innovative Panigale monocoque construction, achieving both an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and ride-enhancing agility with a dry weight of 169kg (372.5lb). An 1199 silhouette underlines the family DNA, while the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) and the fully integrated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire, triple stage ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC) continue the benchmark ingenuity introduced with the new generation Superbike.
Price
The 899 Panigale will be available from November, priced a £12,495 in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning arctic white with red wheels.
For further information on the 899 Panigale and the Ducati TriOptions Cup visit Official Site Ducati UK – Bikes, Equipment, Accessories, Racing, Company, Dealer
- Published in Motorcycles
Triumph Speed Triple R Review
Triumph Speed Triple R Review
| New price | £11,299 |
|---|---|
| Engine size | 1050 cc |
| Power | 133 bhp |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| Insurance group | 14 of 17 |
The Speed Triple R has the same 133bhp, 1050cc, inline-three cylinder engine as the standard model, but uses a new-design gearbox, which will feature on the next generation of Triumph’s 1050cc triple engines. 10 of the 12 gears have been redesigned with new shafts, selector drums and selector shafts. There are now five, instead of four dogs on each new gear and the new shape and material offer a claimed increase in strength over the old design. Shaft spines are new and are formed instead of cut, reducing friction. The 6th gear ratio is now 3.4% lower.
The motor has loads of grunt, the power delivery is linear and easy to use and there’s enough oomph to easily see the naughty side of 150mph. On-track, the fuelling mid-corner at low speeds is a little snatchy.
The Speed Triple R has new Ohlins NIX fully-adjustable forks and a TTX rear shock, which gives excellent ride quality and loads of feedback and confidence in the corners. Small changes to the damping settings make a noticeable difference to the ride and handling, which you don’t get on cheaper equipment. New forged aluminium wheels are 20% lighter than cast items, reduce inertia and help the Triumph turn and stop better. New Brembo radial monobloc calipers are race-grade and offer a 5% improvement in braking, according to Triumph.
You don’t get any form electronic of rider aids, but the power delivery and chassis is so good, you don’t need them. Triumph offers a switchable ABS version for an extra £600. This R model also has a one-piece handlebar riser cap, carbon fibre radiator cowls and tank cover infil and mudguard pods, made by same company who produce carbon fibre parts for the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. It also has a red painted subframe and accents on the wheels, brake calipers and side panels and black-painted handlebars with an ‘R’ graphic.
Click here to view Triumph speed Triple 1050 Carbon Fibre.
The quality of the new chassis parts is unquestionable and according to reader-feedback inwww.motorcyclenews.com’s Bike Review section on the standard Speed Triple of this generation, there are no reported reliability or build quality problems.
If you want a bike that can genuinely put a smile on your face, road and track, it’s worth the extra cash over the standard model. With its designer labels, it’s now as sexy as any piece of Italian exotica and all the ‘R’ parts alone would tot-up to nearly double the £2500 premium, if you bought them separately – that’s before fitting and figuring out how to set-up the suspension.
It’s cheaper than the Ducati Streetfighter, MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR and the Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC with all the electronics, but more than the Super Duke R and the non-APRC Tuono.
But, if you’re only going to ride the Speed Triple on the road, it’s probably not worth it, like, if we’re honest with ourselves, most special-edition R and SP model super nakeds and superbikes from any manufacturer. The Triumph looks the part, handles and stops brilliantly and has better ride quality, but you only really get these benefits flat-out on-track. The rest of the time, the standard version is more than good enough.
Based on the Speed Triple launched at the beginning of 2011, this high-spec R version has Ohlins suspension, lightweight wheels, Brembo monobloc brakes, cosmetic changes, a brand new gearbox and a 2kg reduction in weight. It’s added a dynamic new dimension to the hugely popular Speed Triple, turning Triumph’s feisty street-fighter into to a hugely competent trackday tool.
Specifications
| Top speed | 155 mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Max power | 133 bhp |
| Max torque | 82 ft-lb |
| Weight | 221 kg |
| Seat height | 825 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.5 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Annual road tax | |
| Insurance group | 14 of 17 |
| Engine size | 1050 cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | 12v, inline-three-cylinder |
| Frame | Twin spar tubular aluminium frame and single-sided |
| Front suspension adjustment | Fully-adjustable Ohlins 43mm upside down forks |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Single Ohlins shock, fully-adjustable |
| Front brakes | 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 255mm single disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Source: MCN
- Published in Motorcycle Review
First Glimpse of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera
First Glimpse of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera
An ultra-exclusive limited edition model of the Panigale R superbike, our sources spoke of jaw-dropping figures: 220hp at the crank, and 40 lbs shed from what was already Ducati’s lightest superbike ever.
With only 500 models to be produced, this halo bike from Bologna will be available only to the upper-echelon of Ducati customers, with the Italian brand setting up an online ordering form for the chosen Ducatisti.
With copious amounts of carbon fiber, titanium, and magnesium used in its construction, we reckon the Superleggera has been a hit with everyone who has seen it, which is number that is rapidly growing.
One such lucky person was Jim Gianatsis of FastDates Calendar fame, who thankfully posted up his invite for the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera on his company’s Facebook page.
Showing a layout of the special parts that Ducati has used to make the Superleggera live up to its “superlight” name, we see that Ducati will use a magnesium piece for the frame/headstock, while a self-supporting carbon fiber seat/subframe will be used for the rear. Unsurprisingly magnesium engine pieces abound, and as we expected Ducati has chosen Marchesini forged magnesium wheels.
In equal application is the drool-worthy carbon fiber, which is naturally used for all the bodywork pieces — our favorite piece has to be what looks like a two-tone carbon/titanium exhaust can though.Choice. Other pieces include a titanium spring on the rear shock, an aluminum fuel tank, and other premium components from the likes of Öhlins and Brembo.
Using only the Superleggera’s internal name of “Project 1201″ Gianatsis’s invite goes on to mention a privatewebsite where the machine can be viewed, something we already knew existed. Going there now shows no login screen, and instead simply says “From October 10th” below a Ducati logo and the “Project 1201″ designator.
The date would seem to suggest that more could be coming this Thursday, which affirms what our spies have been saying about Ducati plan’s to leak photos of the Superleggera sometime this week. It would seem that we don’t have to wait long until more details drop about Ducati’s Superleggera. More as we get it.
Source: FastDates (Facebook)
10/10/2013 @ 12:10 AM, BY JENSEN BEELER
- Published in Motorcycle Review
Coming Soon: Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera
Coming Soon: Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera,
Ducati has gone to great lengths so that you won’t know this, but in about a month’s time, the Bologna Brand will debut perhaps the most ostentatious machine ever to come from the Borgo Panigale factory, the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera. An ultra-exclusive version of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R, the Superleggera edition is exactly what its Italian name suggests, a super-light version of the Panigale R.
With the Panigale R already the lightest sport bike to ever come from Ducati, the Panigale R Superleggera goes even further, employing titanium, carbon fiber, and magnesium throughout the machine to drop its curb weight by an additional 40 lbs. Ducati isn’t stopping there though.
Heavily reworking the 1,199cc Superquadro engine, the engineers at Bologna have bumped the bike’s peak horsepower figure, somehow finding a way to shoehorn 220hp into the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera.
It’s ok if you need to take a minute to readjust yourself in your chair before reading further — we’ll wait.
Other features include top of the line Öhlins suspension pieces and Brembo brakes, but the real treat is the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera’s next-generation electronics system. A direct descendent of the electronics used by Ducati Corse in WSBK and MotoGP, the Superleggera’s electronics package is highlighted with Ducati’s first wheelie control system for the street and is a direct response to Aprilia’s venerable APRC package.
At over double the price of Ducati 1199 Panigale R, the Superleggera should retail for around $65,000 when the 100 or so models that are allocated for the United States finally actually arrive.
Don’t rush out to your Ducati dealer just yet to place your deposit though, purchasing a Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera is an invite-only affair for the 500 models being built — as it would seem that Bologna is taking a cue from show business’s tagline of “don’t call us, we’ll call you.”
Similar to the Ducati Desmosedici RR launch, only pre-selected Ducatisti will be given the opportunity to own one of the Panigale R Superleggera. The chosen few will receive a special access code from their local dealers, which will then allow them to order the Superleggera from Ducati.
With Ducati already contacting certain selected buyers, we imagine further details (hopefully some images) about the Ducati 1199 Panigale R Superleggera will break ahead of the machine’s EICMA debut. Stay tuned loyal Ducatisti.
Source: asphaltandrubber.com
- Published in Motorcycle Review
Ducati Streetfighter 848 Review
Ducati Streetfighter 848 Review,
In all honesty, MCN hadn’t expected great things of this bike. On one hand the new bike was at best surely only a ‘lesser’ version of the already aging Streetfighter 1098 – a bike that has slipped down the appeal ladder due to its £14,695 cost (Streetfighter S model only for 2012) and overpowering performance.
On the other, even though significantly cheaper than the 1198 version, at £10,121 it’s still much pricier than likely rivals such as Triumph’s Street Triple and MV’s Brutale 920. But then you get to ride a demonstrator and suddenly you’ll be smitten – especially if riding in the twisties, where it’s racing pedigree shines through in its chassis. Couple this with a far more user-friendly engine than the 1098 version and you get a modern, sporty, naked Ducati that works.
Take the engine; a high performing 849cc V-twin. It’s racing heritage of Testastretta engine with Desmodromic valve actuation, oval inlet manifolds and is nothing else but a smaller version of its still conquering 1198 racing weapon. With a claimed 132bhp and 69ftlb of torque, it’s a potent little beast.
That Testastretta engine is strong. Pull away with a fistful and the bike responds with little clutch action to smooth the V-twin pulses and crank clatter for clean drive. Even with the traction control turned off, the simple action of rolling open the throttle hard isn’t enough to loft the front wheel. But clutch it with revs and 848 becomes a wheelie champion from Italy. The engine feels lazy like Ducati’s of old. It doesn’t tear off in a blaze of revs but rushes forward. It’s deceptive.
The Streetfighter 848’s ace card is the perfect balance of chassis and engine. Engine braking complements the rider’s decision to slow down. Brake hard and the chassis doesn’t get fazed; no lifting rear wheel; no serious dive to cause the front end to pirouette around the headstock.
There’s so much feel from the tyres that waiting for that last yard or two to tip in for high corner speed becomes the norm. Not even a deft touch of brakes mid corner fails to upset the bike. The simple matter of raising the height of the one-piece handlebars by 20mm is in answer to Streetfighter 1098 customer feedback and it makes a big difference to rider comfort. It gives a sit-in the saddle riding position rather than being stretched on ye olde torture rack. Overall the rider feels in control from the off.
Add to this a battle proven chassis of single-sided swingarm, Brembo radial calipers, fully adjustable Marzocchi USD front forks and Sachs rear shock, and you know the Streetfighter 848 is a sporty little number, in every sense of the word, with upright handlebars. There’s also eight-way adjustable traction control (DTC) and it’s wired up ready to play with a basic data-acquisition (DDA) system to read back throttle position, rpm, speed, gear selection etc. There’s also the connections in place for a Ducati Performance accessory quick shifter to be used.
The Streetfighter 848 also comes with Pirelli Diablo Corsa 3 tyres. Varied compound tyres that are durable but sticky on the edges where it matters. What is different, though, is the fitment of 180/60 profile rear tyre instead of the tried and trusted 180/55. This is a first on any production bike.
Ducatis are exotic, high-priced performers with iffy reliability records… Sorry, but this is wrong. Ducati’s record level is actually very high and getting better all the time thanks to a big push on build quality. Ducati will, however, always be considered exotic because of its Italian breeding of design flair, beauty, sporting genes and technology.
There’s quite a good sized chunk of technology about the Streetfighter 848 and at just over £10k we are paying for it. Triumph’s Speed Triple is cheaper and with the two bikes tackling each other on the road will make for interesting reading. Ducati’s are always more expensive, it’s the nature of the beast.
Ducati Streetfighter (1098) – the original bad-boy Streetfighter. 155bhp and 85ftlb of torque make it a formidable weapon even for experienced riders.
- Published in Motorcycle Review