Category Archives: Latest News

Beat The Wintry Weather RST’s New Heated Glove

We’ve created the ultimate winter glove just in time for the wintry weather!

The RST Thermotech Heated Waterproof glove has been introduced into RST’s winter range and is designed to protect and keep you warm throughout the harshest of weathers.

Using premium grade cowhide, super fabric and neoprene along with heavy duty bonded nylon thread these gloves are made to the same quality that is expected from RST, however it has a showstopper attraction; each glove is fitted with a 7.4V lithium battery to produce 3 levels of heat – low, medium and high. Providing up to 150 minutes of running time on high this warming layer runs over the top of the hand and fingers where you need the warmth most when riding in icy and bitter conditions.

Premium grade cowhide / Powergrip / Super fabric / Neoprene / Maxtex / DuPont ComforMax Classic / Smart micro flexible fibre / Wrist closure / Elasticated cuff closure / Power grip / Pre-curved fingers / Double layer leather in palm / Heat time: 120 -150 minutes highest heat setting, 240 – 270 minutes lowest heat setting / 7.4V Lithium Polimer battery / 7.4V European charger with UK adapter / Double stitched seams / Heavy duty bonded nylon thread.

Sizes:S (8) – 2XL (12) Colourways:Black Fit style:Tour /Adventure /Urban. £149.99

Find your local RST dealer here to pre-order yours!

Dark Side MT Tour at Motorcycle Live

The popular ‘Dark Side MT Tour’ will add one more stop to its 2014 schedule when it visits Motorcycle Live from 22nd – 30th November.

Following a hectic five city UK tour during the summer of 2014 the popular MT Tour has added one final venue to its schedule for the year, as it is now confirmed as a new feature at this year’s Motorcycle Live at the NEC.

The MT Tour has already provided an opportunity for riders across the country to experience the new range of Yamaha MT bikes and discover their ‘Dark Side’ by trying out an MT for themselves. The summer events included stunt shows, an Extreme Wheelie machine and even a new rider MT experience with both an MT-125 and restricted A2 compliant MT-07 machine available with fully trained instructors.

The appearance of the MT Tour at Motorcycle Live adds yet another new dimension to this year’s premier event and confirms why the NEC remains a must visit destination for every serious rider.

The giant MT Tour truck will take centre stage for the MT Tour display with its Dark Side branding and collection of MT clothing and accessories. Sited inside Hall 3 right next to the Yamaha stand, the MT Tour truck will have many of the accessorised MT Tour bikes on show, along with the Dave Coates MT-09 stunt bike which comes to the event straight from its last show.

But the most popular attraction is certain to be the fleet of MT-09, MT-09 Street Rally and MT-07 demo bikes that will be available for riders to enjoy in an escorted test ride. Bookings for the test rides can only be made on the MT Tour truck on the actual day so riders should make their way to the Yamaha stand on arrival and secure a slot as places are limited.

Riders can find details of the additional MT Tour dates at Motorcycle Live and requirements for booking test rides by visiting:

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/experience/mt-tour/index.aspx

With new 2015 MT models and colours on display on the Yamaha stand next to the MT Tour truck Motorcycle Live will be another new chapter in the MT story. And following the huge number of awards the MT range has received this year the MT demo bikes are certain to be a popular addition to the line-up at Motorcycle Live this year.

The 2014 Motorcycle Live event runs from Saturday 22nd Nov to Sunday 30th November 2014. Doors open at 10.00 each day. For full details of the event visit:

http://www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/

Some restrictions apply to riders wishing to book a test ride and riders must present a full valid motorcycle driving licence. See website for full terms and conditions

Bikeshuttle Offer Alpine Riding Adventures Without The Long Slog

A new service for motorcyclists who want to ride great European roads but don’t want to waste time and money getting there has been launched by Bikeshuttle.

Utilising a bespoke trailer that stows motorcycles in complete safety, the Bikeshuttle team offer a ‘roll-on, roll-off’ service near Heathrow with collection in Geneva, leaving you fresh to ride some of Europe’s best roads. The team offer a number of other options including drop off near Silverstone, bike collection and transfers to other airports.

With two lorry drivers traveling through the night, the service can save a rider three days of riding on dull, often wet motorways. Flying there also saves hundreds of pounds when considering the costs of the Channel Tunnel, French road tolls, fuel and additional hotels en-route. The complete bike transportation (and kit) service starts at £349.

Bikeshuttle was devised by two bikers who love riding the challenging routes of southern France, Switzerland and Italy but hated the long slog on the motorway to make the 1500 mile round trip.

Bikes can be dropped off at the company’s base near Silverstone or Heathrow, where the bikes are securely strapped onto trolleys and riding kit stored. Customers are then shuttled to the airport to fly out to Geneva, where they can spend a night in a nominated hotel on the French side. After a night’s rest, riders are re-united with their bikes, ready to take on the Alps!  Running from April-September, trips are weekly, departing from the UK on a Tuesday afternoon, returning the following Thursday morning.

Bikeshuttle encourage Group and Club bookings with multiple booking discounts. Bookings can be made now with no deposit needed until January.

For more information see www.bikeshuttle.co.uk , call 01327 831552  or  Email: sales@bikeshuttle.co.uk

Ducati UK announce Scrambler prices

The world of Ducati Scrambler has already generated significant interest among fans. On Tuesday 30 September the new Ducati brand was officially presented to the public at Intermot, unveiling four versions of the Scrambler.

The Icon, Full Throttle, Urban Enduro and Classic Scramblers captured the attention of the large audience attending the Intermot press conference and have been enthusiastically received in the UK since its unveiling.

Ducati UK is now able to confirm the pricing for the Ducati Scrambler line-up which should see the first bikes arriving in Ducati Dealerships from the end of January 2015 and the first of the four versions to become available will be the Icon.

  • Scrambler Icon (Red)                              £6895
  • Scrambler Icon (Yellow)                          £6995
  • Scrambler Full Throttle, Urban Enduro and Classic               £7995

For further information on the Ducati Scrambler world go to http://www.scramblerducati.com or the Scrambler Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/scramblerducati and share the content through #scramblerducati or #scrambleryouare

Dainese Presents The New 2014 Autumn City Collection

For Autumn 2014, Dainese are proud to present the new city line that is wholly dedicated to commuters on two wheels.

The star of the collection is the Niagara Gore-Tex®, a jacket made entirely from a high resistance polyamide fabric featuring a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® membrane. The thermal lining provides excellent protection from the cold and can be easily removed thanks to zips on the sides. The jacket has certified Pro-Shape soft protections, reflective inserts at strategic points and a system for accommodating earphone wires. The jacket is available in black, black-iris or high-rise and costs €399.

For scooter fans, Dainese has designed the Eleonore Gore-Tex® Lady jacket, a perfect mix of elegance, functionality and protection. The jacket is made from a high resistance polyamide fabric featuring a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® membrane. Thermal comfort is provided by a very high quality removable thermal lining. Reflective inserts are strategically positioned as are certified Pro-Shape soft protections. The jacket has been designed to accommodate the Wave G1 back protector and thus improve passive safety. This item for city use is available in black, black-iris and vaporous-grey and costs €449.

Air-Flux D1 Tex is a light jacket made from the latest generation Boomerang and Quick-Dry fabrics. The perforated Mesh fabric provides excellent air flow and the fact that the jacket has a wide range of adjustments, ensures it adapts to the shape of the body when on the move . Active safety is provided by certified, removable, composite protectors on the shoulders and elbows while strategically positioned, reflective inserts provide passive safety. To round off the technical characteristics, the jacket has been designed to accommodate G1, G2 and Double Chest protectors. This jacket costs €159 and is available in black/black, anthracite/black and black/high-rise for both men and women.

Following the great success enjoyed by Street Biker D-WP shoes, Dainese have designed Street Biker D-WP Lady shoes for their female customers. Made from suede cowhide, Street Biker D-WP Lady shoes are CE certified and feature rigid inserts at the ankles. They come in three colour schemes: black/anthracite, anthracite/yellow and anthracite/fuchsia and cost €139.

Vintage style for Street Rocker D-WP shoes in full grain cowhide. Made form hand-brushed cowhide, these shoes come in black and dark brown and cost €149.

S. Germain Gore-Tex® boots with total black ankles are made from full grain Gore-Tex® cowhide and have zips and rigid inserts at the ankl Thanks to their Gore-Tex® membranes and rubber soles, these boots are waterproof and perfect for all weather conditions. They cost €179.

Gloves round off the ideal urban commuting outfit. Plaza D-Dry® gloves feature Dainese Smart Touch that allows wearers to use touch screen devices without having to take off their gloves. They come with wind-block inserts and as well as a waterproof, breathable D-Dry membrane. For a younger customers, Plaza D-Dry® gloves are available in black/anthracite, black/sand and total black. They cost €39.90.

The Boulevard D-Dry® gloves were designed for adults and feature Dexfil® thermal padding which provides superb heat retaining properties. These gloves are made from an elasticised fabric and have pre-curved fingers and reinforced palms as well as the highly practical Dainese Smart Touch. Boulevard D-Dry® gloves come in black and anthracite/black and cost €49.90.

Finally, Avenue D-Dry® gloves feature double wrist straps and pre-curved fingers. Thanks to longer wristbands and wind-block inserts, these gloves keep urban commuters warm as toast whatever the weather. There are three colour schemes: black, black/anthracite and black/sand – Avenue D-Dry® gloves will soon be in the shops at a cost of €59.90.

Suzuki Announce World Superbike Replica GSX-R1000

Suzuki has announced details of a limited edition GSX-R1000 World Superbike replica, with just 25 of the Voltcom Crescent Suzuki liveried machines set to be produced.

As well as the replica paint scheme, mirroring the GSX-R1000s ridden by Alex Lowes and Eugene Laverty in the World Superbike Championship, the limited edition models also come with a Yoshimura R77 exhaust, GB Racing engine covers, and single seat cowl signed by both riders.

Suzuki GB Marketing Manager, Rob Cooper, said, “Following the popularity of the Tyco Suzuki replica GSX-R600 released earlier this summer, we’re delighted to follow it up with a Voltcom Crescent Suzuki edition GSX-R1000. In the UK we’re in a great position, where we have a British-based team with homegrown riders competing on the world stage, so it’s an excellent opportunity to show support your support.”

The Voltcom Crescent Suzuki replica comes with an RRP of £11,999, but is currently eligible for Suzuki’s £1,000 off campaign, along with the standard GSX-R1000, which can be had for £9,999. The GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 models are also included in the offer.

For more information contact your local Suzuki dealer.

More Adventure With Ventura Luggage

New Zealand luggage specialists Ventura offer adventure bike riders an alternative to the aluminium ‘boxes’ commonly associated with these machines.

Combining the best features of hard and soft luggage, Ventura’s unique ‘slide on/ride off’ luggage mounting system adds no extra width to the bike, is much lighter than hard cases and will not affect the machine’s handling or performance.

Two new additions to the range are kits to fit the 2013 models of the BMW R1200GS and KTM 1190 Adventure. The Ventura Bike-Pack luggage system consists of three, easy to fit elements: L-Brackets, Rack and Pack. The L-brackets are bolted to the bike using existing mounting points and the Pack Rack slides into the brackets, secured by two locking devices . Then Ventura’s specially designed soft luggage packs slide onto the rack, held firmly in place by QL clips.

When riding solo the pack sits over the pillion seat and when carrying a passenger the bag sits on the rack.  Lighter than hard luggage and more stable than soft luggage, Ventura Bike Pack Systems provide huge carrying capability and both pack and rack can be removed/replaced quickly and easily.

A complete system for the BMW R1200GS or KT 1190 Adventure, including L-Brackets, Pack Rack and 47-litre Mistral Pack (as pictured), costs £329- including VAT. For further details and a full list of fitments and pack options, call 01256 704909 or visit www.ventura-bike.co.uk.

Suzuki Offer £1000 Selected Models

Suzuki GB has announced that, for a limited time only, it is to offer £1000 off selected models from its on-road range.

Running from Friday 1 August until Tuesday 30 September, the new offer means the award-winning GSR750 is available for just £5,999, while the iconic GSX-R1000 comes in at under £10,000. The offer also includes the popular V-Strom 650, which is available for only £5,899.

The reduced RRPs also make for some attractive finance deals with low monthly repayments available on a range of models.

Suzuki GB’s National Sales Manager Jonathan Martin announced the new offer, saying, “We’re always looking to give customers the best value deals possible, and we’re delighted to be able to announced a £1000 price drop on key models for a limited period. The reduced RRP makes buying a new Suzuki outright even easier, while also meaning customers looking for a finance deal can get some extremely low monthly repayments.”

Models featured in the offer include the full complement of GSX-R1000, 750 and 600, Hayabusa, V-Strom 650, GSR750, GSX1250FA, and Burgman 650 Executive.

For more information head to www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Suzuki GSX-R750 ‘Slabby’ Added to Vintage Parts

Suzuki GB has announced the inclusion of the original GSX-R750 as part of its Vintage Parts Programme, with over 1,300 parts still available for the iconic race-replica.

The GSX-R750, first launched in 1985 and widely recognised as the world’s first supersport machine, joins the RGV250 and GT750 ‘Kettle’ as part of the programme, which aims to highlight to owners of more classic Suzuki models the range of Genuine parts still available.

Affectionately known as the ‘Slabby’, F to H models of the GSX-R750 are included in the Vintage Parts Programme, which features its own bespoke area of the website. As well as listing the parts still available, the website also features a number of downloads, including original parts booklets and service manuals, as well as an area for owners to upload their own images.

Tim Davies, Suzuki GB Aftersales Marketing Co-ordinator, said, “The Vintage Parts Programme has proven really popular with customers and owners of more classic Suzukis from the past. It was launched to widespread praise with the RGV250 and since then we’ve added the GT750. We’re now really pleased to be able to add the original GSX-R750.

“A lot of work goes into collecting all of the information on parts still available from the factory for these models, along with the literature to accompany them, and we’re delighted to be able to announce the inclusion of such an iconic machine from Suzuki’s history.”

For more information on Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/vintage-parts

METZELER SPORTEC™ M7 RR

METZELER SPORTEC™ M7 RR: WHETHER DRY OR WET, THE NEW SUPERSPORT TYRE TURNS EVERY ROAD INTO EMOTION

Designed for those who use their motorcycle in all conditions, the latest from the METZELER range is developed from the experience achieved in road racing competitions such as the Tourist Trophy, in which the brand has participated with riders such as Guy Martin 

It offers the highest levels of handling and safety, even in situations of wet, bumpy and dirty asphalt as well as a 20% increase in mileage in comparison to its predecessor

SPORTEC™ M7 RR is the new supersport tyre from METZELER created to ensure the highest levels of handling and safety, even in the difficult situations encountered on the road, such as wet, rough and dirty asphalt.

SPORTEC™ M7 RR comes from the road racing experience of the brand of German origins and is the designated successor of SPORTEC™ M5 INTERACT™, featuring all-new profiles, the use of innovative materials in the structure, new compounds and a brand new tread pattern.

The new SPORTEC™ M7 RR main strengths are the sporty handlingexcellent behaviour on wet and high mileage, increased by 20% compared to its predecessor.

The pedigree of SPORTEC™ M7 RR

SPORTEC™ M7 RR is the latest evolution of the SPORTEC™ range, in line with the development of new motorcycles.

As for the naming of the new product , with SPORTEC™ METZELER identifies the range of products dedicated to sporty use on road , M7 is the natural numerical progression of the predecessors products SPORTEC™ M1, SPORTEC™ M3 and SPORTEC™ M5 INTERACT™ and, finally, RR, defined as Road Racing, testifies the context in which this project was born. SPORTEC™ M7 RR is the most sporty tyre of the METZELER product range. Born for road use, it originates from ‘road racing’ competition where you can find all of the extreme situations that every biker might encounter daily, and it is for this reason they were chosen by METZELER as a testing and development ground.

The latest addition to the METZELER family uses the whole experience and knowhow acquired through participation in the most prestigious road races like the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the North West 200 , the Southern 100, the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Competitions in which the brand METZELER achieved 17 podiums last year, getting victory 10 times and sponsoring and closely following riders like Guy Martin.

The origin of SPORTEC™ M7 RR

The roads that bikers run through are not always perfect and their surface is not smooth and uniform as on a track; often there are hidden pitfalls, the asphalt is disconnected and has holes and unevenness in the road surface as well as wet, slippery and in some cases even dirty patches.

A tyre must be able to adapt to these difficult conditions and for this reason METZELER decided to develop SPORTEC™ M7 RR based on the data acquired over the years in road racing which reproduces, on an extreme level, all the situations that a rider may encounter everyday on the road. SPORTEC™ M7 RR was born this way, as a tyre for road use with a sporty soul able to offer an excellent behaviour in situations of wet and slippery asphalt, thanks to the rapid warm-up which even occurs in low temperatures, and to the versatility of use in a wide range of operating temperatures.

A tyre you can rely on in sudden and unexpected situations and that can really make a difference in terms of enjoyment and safety while riding.

Who is SPORTEC™ M7 RR for?

SPORTEC™ M7 RR provides a new level of supersport performance and has been designed for riders who prefer a sporty riding style and use the bike in all situations, daily in the city as well as for weekend tours, and who need always grip whatever the conditions of the road surface, the weather and the temperature are.

Features and benefits of SPORTEC™ M7 RR

The main advantages of SPORTEC™ M7 RR are:

• Sporty handling and grip, even on wet or dirty roads

• Excellent wet performance, both in terms of grip and safety feeling

• High mileage increased by 20% compared to SPORTEC™ M5 INTERACT™.

The tread

With the clear objective of obtaining a sporty behaviour that must be maintained even on wet and dirty roads, the layout of the grooves was designed to ensure grip on dry and at the same time water drainage and excellent cornering stability.

The longitudinal grooves are interrupted by elements of the compound that improve the stability of the tread, the regularity of wear and increase the thrusts in acceleration. These elements also contribute to maintaining the grooves well open when the tyre is in contact with the asphalt to drain water.

In the lateral grooves, the depth decreases gradually toward the shoulder area to increase the compactness and the lateral thrust when cornering at maximum lean angle in the dry; their width, on the contrary, increases toward the shoulder area to ensure an effective drainage of the water at a high angle of bend.

The land/sea ratio has been also revised: in comparison to SPORTEC™ M5 INTERACT™ has grown from 12.6% to 14.7% on the front and decreased from 12.6% to 11, 1% on the rear. This is because the front tyre is the one that has the most important role in the drainage of water on the road.

The compounds

For SPORTEC™ M7 RR has been developed a brand-new range of compounds with high content of silica which is able to offer sporty performance both on dry and at high temperatures as well on wet roads and with lower temperatures.

The key to this technological breakthrough resides in the exclusive and patented mixing process that is able to provide compounds of the highest quality, maximizing the dispersion of all components in the polymer matrix and reaching a high level of homogeneity.

The front tyre is mono compound with 100% silica. The rear is dual compound: the shoulder has a 100% silica which provides chemical grip on both dry and wet surfaces, supported by a harder compound in the substrate that guarantees the highest levels of stability and cornering precision. This same compound of the basis comes in the middle of the tread, is approximately 45 mm wide (with slight differences among the different sizes) and provides a high mileage.

The profiles

The profiles of SPORTEC™ M7 RR directly derive from those used in 2013 on a development tyre seen in action during road racing activities with METZELER riders.

The profiles are characterized by the composition of different radii, designed to encourage an immediate descent into lean and an increase of the contact patch while cornering.

The structure

To support the work of the profiles, to allow the compound to have traction on the surface and to maintain the grooves well open in the footprint area, an appropriate structure has been developed.

The radial carcass is composed of a special version in rayon; this structure is much more rigid and able to maintain its shape under conditions of greater stress and deformation from the load.

Above the radial structure is the 0° steel belt with the INTERACT™ technology with different tension zones that offers a progressive behaviour at every lean angle. The INTERACT™ technology is the evolution of the technology of 0° steel belt and is an integral part of the development of all METZELER tyres that use the steel belt.

Combining the INTERACT™ structure with the technology applied to the compounds, all the elements of the complex structure-belt-compound blend perfectly by offering a continuous fine-tuning of performance in different lean angles.

Save With Suzuki V-Strom Accessory Packs

Suzuki has announced four Genuine accessory packs for the new V-Strom 1000, with each pack representing a significant saving on the cost of individual items included. The cost of each pack also includes dealer fitment, too.

Included in all four accessory packs are hand guards, lower cowling, engine bars, tank pad and decal set. The Tourer Pack, available for £499 and with a saving of £135 on individual parts, includes a tank bag on top. The Adventure Pack adds a side case set to the standard five items, and retails for £999, a saving of £248 on the individual items.

The more comprehensive Voyage Pack retains the five standard items, and for £1499 compliments them with a centre-stand, large touring screen, side case set, dry roll bag and tank bag. The GT Pack adds a centre-stand, large touring screen, full hard luggage, large tank bag and LED turn signals, with an RRP of £1999. The Voyager Pack represents a saving of £326 over individual items, while the GT Pack boasts a saving of £475.

Suzuki GB Accessories Manager, Andy Taylor, said, “During the development process of the new V-Strom 1000, we surveyed a number of existing and previous V-Strom owners to better understand what they wanted when it came to Genuine Suzuki accessories. What was immediately obvious was the fact that they wanted a greater range of accessories, and also a sleeker design and fit. All of the accessories available for the new V-Strom where a key part in the design and development process, meaning a more refined fitment and style. These four accessory packs showcase the great range of Genuine accessories available, and also represent the varying needs and wants of V-Strom owners.”

All four accessory packs are available from all authorised Suzuki dealerships, with prices including dealer fitment. For more information visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Suzuki Test Ride Roadshow Returns

Suzuki has announced the return of its Test Ride Roadshow for 2014, with on-road dealers once again taking part in the nationwide event, supported with an additional fleet of demo machines provided by the Japanese manufacturer.

Suzuki’s extra fleet of demo machines means almost all of the 2014 on-road range will be available to try, including the brand new V-Strom 1000 adventure machine, the best-selling V-Strom 650 and special GSX-R750 Yoshimura edition.

Other bikes available to test ride will be the iconic GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa, the GSR750 middleweight naked, and the A2-friendly Inazuma 250. Also available to try will be the imposing Intruder M1800RZ cruiser, the GSX1250FA tourer and the Burgman 650 Executive luxury scooter.

Dates run throughout the summer, from March until August.

Suzuki GB Marketing Manager George Cheeseman announced the roadshow, saying, “We’re really pleased to be bringing back the roadshow again this year. It has proven popular with customers and dealers alike since its inception in 2012. It’s a great opportunity for customers to come along and test ride almost all of the bikes in our range, including the new and highly praised V-Strom 1000. And if there’s a particular Suzuki not available to test ride on the day, customers can contact the dealership directly and we will try to make one available specifically.

“It’s also an excellent opportunity for us to get to know our customers further, talk about bikes, and listen to their thoughts and feedback. We’re looking forward to the first date in the calendar and seeing everyone that comes to the events throughout the year.”

Available on the day will be information on all of the latest offers and promotions from Suzuki, including the current campaign, which sees customers given the choice of £500 towards their deposit, £600 towards accessories, or £700 towards the cost of their insurance. There will also be information on the ongoing V-Strom 1000 Seat Exchange programme, with buyers able to swap the standard seat for a higher or lower option free of charge at the point of sale.

For more information and for a full list of dates, visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Lotus Motorcycle C-01 Road Ready

Following two years of careful planning and intense development, Kodewa is delighted to announce that the prototype of the world’s first motorcycle to bear the legendary Lotus marque is now road registered and ready for action.

Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Group Lotus plc, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer and engineering consultancy.

The C-01 combines ample power via a V-twin engine with a distinctive body designed by Daniel Simon integrating carbon fibre, titanium and aerospace quality steel.

The C-01 motorcycle is not designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus plc but is the result of a collaboration between motorsport veterans under the leadership of Kodewa, lead by Dr Colin Kolles. The development on the C-01 was carried out with the support of Holzer Group (co-owners of Kalex) and design guru Daniel Simon. Drawing on their wealth of motorsport experience, the team of engineers has designed a unique high performance superbike.

The C-01 will be available in a range of liveries some of which pay homage to Lotus’ sporting pedigree. A customisation service is also available, limited only by the imagination of the client. With an exclusive production run of just 100 units, superbike collectors and fans of the Lotus brand will need to move fast to secure one.

The original idea to create the C-01 came from Kodewa’s Dr Colin Kolles. Speaking about the project he said: “We set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both: state of the art technology with a truly jaw-dropping aesthetic.”

Commenting on the C-01 Günther Holzer, CEO of Holzer Group said: “I was one of the first people to ride it and I have to say I was very impressed. Together we have found that delicate balance between raw, aggressive power and breath-taking handling. The team has created something very special, it looks incredible, it sounds fantastic but above all, the ride is sensational. I’m very happy.”

Designer Daniel Simon said: “The design process of the C-01 was a labour of love, there were many challenges, ensuring that the bike not only touches your visual senses with its timeless blend of classic appeal and modern execution, but that is safe and ergonomically sound was critical to me. We have worked hard to create a motorcycle with very distinctive features such as a clean main body, an extremely low side profile, a bold stance, a unique air intake, logical partline solutions and clean graphics.”

ENGINE

Construction: 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, 75° V-style
Capacity: 1,195 cm³
Bore: 105 mm
Stroke: 69 mm
Power Approx: 200 HP
Transmission: 6-gear jaw-type shift transmission
Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication
Main shaft ratio: 40:76
Lay shaft ratio: 15:41
Cooling: Water cooling
Clutch: Hydraulic anti-hopping clutch

CHASSIS

Frame: Aero tech steel/Titanium/Carbon fibre frame
Fork: Upside down
Suspension strut: Twin suspension strut
Spring travel front: 80 mm
Spring travel rear: 70 mm
Brake system front: Twin brake disc, ø320mm, four piston calipers
Brake system rear: One brake disc, ø220mm, two piston calipers
Chain: X-Ring resp. O-Ring
Head tube ang: 59°
Fork ang: 54°
Wheel base: 1.645±15 mm
Ride height: 90 mm
Height of seat: 710 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 10.5 l
Dry weight: 181 kg
Wheel front: 3.00×19; 120/70ZR19
Wheel rear: 6.00×19; 190/55ZR17

Discover 90 Years of BMW Motorrad at Motorcycle Live

Biggest-ever presence at show with thirty classic motorcycles and over forty 2014 models.

BMW Motorrad UK is bringing its biggest-ever stand to Motorcycle Live, with 30 classic models spanning 90 Years of BMW Motorrad and over 40 of the latest 2014 motorcycles on display.

Motorcycle Live, open from 23 November – 01 December at the NEC in Birmingham, is the UK’s biggest motorcycle and scooter show. Visitors can see every new BMW motorcycle, book test rides and meet BMW Motorrad celebrities and famous racers.

For the very first time, BMW Motorrad will have a wheelie simulator, giving show-goers the chance to lift the front wheel on the 193bhp BMW S 1000 RR supersports bike and pose for photographs.

BMW Motorrad highlights at Motorrad Days 2013:

  • See all new 2014 models including S 1000 R, R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS Adventure and R nineT
  • Celebrate 90 Years of BMW Motorrad with 30 classic and over 40 new BMWs
  • Two customer competitions to win on-and-off-road experiences from World of BMW
  • Meet Charley Boorman on the stand on Monday and Wednesday
  • BMW S 1000 RR wheelie simulator
  • Watch stunt star Mattie Griffin on his BMW F 800 R every day in the Crank’d show
  • Brand new 2014 World of BMW Activity Brochure available from the stand
  • BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment, Finance & Insurance and much more

Journalists and visitors on Media Monday (25 November) are invited to join BMW Motorrad for a short new model press conference and Q&A session from 11:30am featuring Charley Boorman and Harry Schmidt, motorcycle designer and project leader on the new BMW R nineT, hosted by TV presenter Tony Jardine.

On Dirt Day (Wednesday 27 November) BMW Motorrad and World of BMW will be hosting a Q&A session on the main stage at midday featuring Charley Boorman, Simon Pavey and other BMW ambassadors. This lively, entertaining session, hosted by James Whitham, will inspire and encourage riders to enjoy their own off-road and round-the-world adventures.

BMW-riding adventurer Charley Boorman will be on the stand meeting riders and signing autographs on Monday and Wednesday, and BMW’s stunt rider Mattie Griffin will be performing daily on his BMW F 800 R as part of the exciting Crank’d show.

As part of the year-long celebration of BMW Motorrad’s 90th anniversary, a selection of 30 iconic classic motorcycles from 1923 to 2013 will be on display, showing the development and evolution of BMW Motorrad. Highlights from the display include the R32, BMW’s first ever motorcycle, the original R 80 G/S and the original World Superbike-winning R 90 S superbike.

In addition to seeing the oldest BMW motorcycles, the very latest will be on show as well; with the BMW S 1000 R naked sportsbike, R 1200 RT tourer, R nineT classic roadster and the new R 1200 GS Adventure making their UK debut at the show. Almost fifty 2014 models will be displayed on the BMW Motorrad stand, including the production version of the C evolution e-scooter.

Visitors to the World of BMW area will be able to pick up a copy of the brand-new 2014 Activity Brochure, speak to staff and instructors from Rider Training, Tours and Off Road Skills and Track Activities, and plan their next riding adventure. Visitors can enter competitions to win five places on a special BMW Off Road Skills course hosted by Charley Boorman and Simon Pavey, as well as three BMW Rider Training courses (CBT for non-riders and one-on-one expert instruction for riders) at the stand.

Show-goers can also explore a selection of the latest BMW Rider Equipment and BMW Motorcycle Accessories, and speak to staff from BMW Financial Services and BMW Insurance. The show stand, as ever, will be staffed by experienced motorcycle enthusiasts from BMW Motorrad, who will be on hand to answer any questions about the bikes, accessories, finance and aftersales support.

For tickets and more information about Motorcycle Live, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.

Öhlins Launch Diverse 2014 Product Range At EICMA Show In Milan

Öhlins Racing have revealed an exciting new range of products for Hypersport, Adventure, Harley Davidson and Motocross machines at this year’s EICMA show in Milan. The iconic gold and yellow suspension units also featured on many of the ‘stars’ of the show, including the new Honda Fireblade SP.

The entire product range has been designed and developed using Öhlins years of experience – from offering maximum performance from the innovative MotoGP derived TTX GP shock, to providing ultimate comfort on the road with the new FKC 101 Fork Cartridge Kit for Harley Davidson’s; the new range continues to offer the quality expect from the Swedish brand.

With unrivalled success in the premier class of motorcycle racing, the MotoGP World Championship, Öhlins have used this knowledge to develop their latest hypersport and sport bike shock absorber, the TTX GP. Featuring a number of considerable developments over its predecessor, the shock enables an even wider range of compression and rebound damping adjustment, with additional improvements to both precision and consistency of performance.

A new damping adjustment needle offers improved guidance and modified flow restriction behaviour which provides a much improved chassis feedback while control and traction are also improved by a new main piston. The shock continues to use Öhlins proven twin tube design TTX, which allows the TTX GP to use lower gas pressures and eliminate the risk of oil foaming (cavitation). Both ride height and spring preload are fully adjustable, allowing ideal set up for every combination of rider and machine.

Öhlins have also announced a pair of advanced Suspension Control Units, designed specifically for two of the world’s most powerful Superbike machines, the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and the 2013-2014 MV Agusta F4 RR. Both units offer a ‘plug and play’ fitment, working with the bikes original electronically controlled equipment to further enhance the machines performance.

The ZX-10R unit will give racers and track day riders more confidence by modifying the steering dampers behaviour, allowing riders to apply the throttle with more confidence – particularly when accelerating hard out of slow corners. It is also designed to work with the Öhlins electronically controlled rear shock absorber to control it in a semi-active way, constantly varying the damper settings in real time to best suit the rider’s needs.

Similarly, the SCU unit works in co-operation with the MV Agusta F4 RR’s standard CAN-bus wiring system to transform the shock absorbers behaviour by giving it true semi-active functionality. The unit monitors rider input, and calculates a suspension damper setting ideal for that exact moment, resulting in permanently perfect support under braking, through corners and while accelerating.

Öhlins also unveiled an upgrade kit for any 2010-2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 owner. For machines that are fitted with Öhlins EC suspension as standard (Multistrada 1200 S), the new SCU is a simple ‘plug and play’ system that continuously optimises the motorcycles suspension by monitoring the speed, acceleration and other variable bike parameters. The SCU works with the existing riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro), ensuring seamless integration and adds a semi-active function to the bike.

For owners of the base model of the Ducati Multistrada, Öhlins have also developed an upgrade kit that includes new forks, shock absorber, dashboard, and SCU and of course, everything required for installation, meaning they can receive the same benefits as the S model.

EICMA also saw the unveiling of an all-new Fork Cartridge Kit developed specifically for the Harley Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Bagger range. The FKC 101 kit has been specifically designed to offer high-end cartridge damping, ensuring riders receive maximum comfort and vehicle control, making riding on the road an ultra-smooth experience.

With Öhlins NIX technology, which features rebound damping in one leg, and compression damping in the other to maximise the damping that is available. The system is easy to install for an Öhlins trained technician and with a number of optional spring rates available, the FKC 101 kit is suitable for every biker, regardless of rider weight, preference, riding style or motorcycle use.

It was not just road products being unveiled at EICMA, as Öhlins revealed two exciting new Motocross applications for 2014 – the updated TTX44 rear shock, which has been developed in MXGP and Supercross, and a new cartridge kit for 85cc future stars.

The TTX44 shock has been designed to cope with the most varied terrain of any motorsport, and is available through the entire Öhlins distributor network. Featuring the renowned Twin Tube system TTX, the shock has a fast, efficient flow rate, while the new rebound adjuster give better precision and a more ‘rigid’ feeling. Adjustment comes in the way of a three level high speed adjuster, rebound and a highly effective low speed compression adjuster. Within the world of Enduro, the ever popular KTM ‘Enduro’ shock for the all conquering EXC/XC models has been revised and updated for 2014, giving riders increased performance and all event long durability.

Based on the TTX22 cartridge kit, the new 85cc system is available for all the major mini-MX models, and as one of the most powerful and feature packed products on the market, the new kit will offer high-end performance. It has been designed to rise very low above the fork legs, allowing for lower bikes for the smaller riders in the class.

As the most exciting and exotic machines were launched at EICMA, several standout models featured Öhlins equipment. The appearance of a limited edition Honda Fireblade SP surprised many industry insiders, this new ultimate trackday or National class racer features Öhlins NIX30 forks and TTX shock. Other machines benefiting from the Öhlins tune-up include the new Ducati Monster 1200S and ultra-exclusive Superleggera.

Speaking immediately after EICMA, Ola Lennström, Öhlins Marketing Manager commented, “The EICMA show has once again been a fantastic event for Öhlins as we unveiled our full range of new products for 2014 with massive public interest.

Some of these will provide the ultimate in sporting performance, built from years of experience at the top of international racing, while others will perform equally as well on the road, giving riders an ultra-smooth ride.

The days of only focusing on the Superbike market are long gone and although we have exciting products for this sector, we have developed a full range for riders of Adventure, dual purpose and Cruiser machines.”

For more info on the full line-up of Öhlins products visit www.ohlins.com
Öhlins can also be found on Facebook under ‘Öhlins Racing AB’

2014 Ducati Monster

Twenty-one years on from the Monster’s first unveiling, Ducati now introduce the iconic model’s latest generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S powered by the formidable, Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS engine. The brand new flagship of the family presents an entirely new chassis and muscular styling designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

Evoking the exciting memories of past models such as the powerhouse S4R and S4RS, the 2014 Monster 1200 also boasts an exclusive S model with 145hp and a ride-enhancing 92ft-lb of high-accelerating torque, wrapped beautifully in a spec-impressive chassis that tips the scales at 182kg (401lb) dry weight.

High-spec brakes, suspension, single-sided swingarm and lightweight wheels combine with Ducati’s best- yet ergonomics to offer the Italian manufacturer’s most attractive Monster ever. Super comfortable and introducing an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The 2014 Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S use next generation technologies to create an enhanced rider/motorcycle relationship, delivering a high-adrenaline experience while constantly reassuring with the feeling of complete control and ergonomic integration.

Standing alongside the new flagship models, the entry-level 696 and premium mid-range 796 Monsters continue to provide a desirable way to enter the world of Ducati, with stylish Trellis frames, excellent chassis components and torque-laden, Desmodromic engines giving that unmistakable sound and character.

While the Monster 1200 is presented in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels, the Monster 1200 S offers Ducati red with red frame and glossy black wheels in addition to the striking scheme of white with bronze-coloured frame and glossy black wheels.

Both the 696 and 796 continue in traditional Ducati red with red frames and black wheels, while the 696 also offers dark stealth or stone white with matte black frames and black wheels. The 796 presents diamond black silk with contrasting red frame and black wheels as its additional colour choice.

Introducing the new Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S
The Monster’s worldwide success and well-earned image as the unchallenged icon of naked motorcycles is the result of investing over 20 years of Ducati engineering, design and styling experience. It is an investment in time, constantly rewarded by being the motorcycle of choice for motorcycle connoisseurs and celebrities, from actors and musicians to Formula 1 drivers and top athletes. The Monster has always been a statement on two wheels, an expression that created a cult following and, above all, a premium lifestyle motorcycle easily accessible to everyone.

The new Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S present the next generation of this famous family, combining genuine Monster tradition with Ducati’s latest technical solutions to engineer a modern and mature masterpiece. From the super-smooth refinement of the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine and its Panigale-style direct attachment to the frame, to stunning and industry benchmark TFT instrumentation and best-ever ergonomics, this iconic motorcycle now mixes authentic sport character with lifestyle sophistication.

The new Monster’s larger fuel tank presents an even more muscular image, emphasised by a narrow waistline and an incredibly compact headlamp that creates the overall silhouette of a powerful bull ready to charge. The clean and minimal handlebar area continues the naked icon’s essential character, while attention to detail like the tinted, transparent master cylinder reservoirs add a distinct quality to component finish.

Testastretta 11° DS second generation
MONSTER1200S_02The new Monster returns to its outrageous roots with the Desmo, liquid-cooled, 4-valves-per-cylinder, 1198cc Testastretta 11° DS motor. Underlining its naked motorcycle passion with the mantra: “it’s all about the engine”, the new generation models present the most usable, excitement-fuelled power ever delivered by a Monster.

The second generation Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine, which now becomes a fully-stressed chassis member with Panigale-style attachment points for the Trellis frame, uses a number of important and highly effective features to deliver 135hp @ 8,750rpm and for the Monster 1200 S, an extra 10hp to 145hp @ 8,750rpm. With precise attention to the mapping of the large capacity Desmo engine, Ducati have dialled-in an impressive torque curve to further enhance riding pleasure, generating a peak torque of 87lb-ft (12kgm) for the Monster 1200 and 92lb-ft (12.7kgm) for the 1200 S version, both values @ 7,250rpm.

A number of well-proven technical advancements in Ducati’s twin-cylinder technology have been combined with the 1198’s torque-laden 106mm x 67.9mm bore and stroke to create an exciting, customisable and user-friendly character for the new generation Monster.

Breathing through circular Mikuni Ride-by-Wire throttle bodies, the 1198 Testastretta 11° DS uses the latest fuel injector positioning to target spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve instead of the relatively cold surface of the intake port wall. The enhanced vaporisation achieved as the fuel hits the valve, fully atomises the incoming charge, eliminating the chance of compromised combustion efficiency experienced if droplets of fuel enter in liquid form. With the delivery of a fully vaporised inlet charge, the concept of Dual Spark (DS) with two spark plugs per cylinder-head, provides a twin flame-front that ensures complete and efficient combustion across a shorter period of time. The new engine, which is cooled with a stylishly curved radiator equipped with two high-efficiency electric fans, also uses Ducati’s secondary air system, maintaining performance-optimised fuel mapping for smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, without compromising emissions.

The Testastretta 11° engine effectively took the fire-breathing 1198 Superbike power plant and re- engineered it with increased user-friendliness. Engineers achieved this to great effect by reducing the amount of valve over-lap from around 41° – typical in performance engines that operate constantly at high RPM – to just 11°, which reduced peak horse-power slightly, but enhanced mid-range and overall smoothness.

The Monster engine features an oil bath clutch with ‘slipper’ function and super-light feel at the lever. Its design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar, ideal in stop-start traffic or long journeys. When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like ‘slipper’ action, which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and provides a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or down-shifting under normal riding conditions.

The impressive 50-52mm (1.96-2.04in) section exhaust headers lead the 2-1-2 system through power- enhancing equal lengths that help enable the Monster’s efficient power delivery. The engine management system dedicates a lambda probe to each header, providing precise fueling via a large airbox, while the stylish cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers carry catalytic converters to provide Euro 3 conformity and electronically controlled mid-section valve to optimise exhaust pressures throughout the rev-range.

30,000km between major services
The Monster 1200’s Testastretta 11° DS engine reaches another milestone in Ducati’s constant investment in quality by enabling the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be set at an owner-friendly 30,000 kilometres (18,000 miles).

Monster chassis
MONSTER1200SWhile maintaining the vitally important aspects of the original Monster concept, the new generation chassis introduces Ducati’s very latest design techniques. The model’s signature Trellis frame still features predominantly in the overall styling, while its attachment points move directly to the new engine’s cylinder heads, a method pioneered on the innovative Panigale Superbike. This new and compact frame design combined with its large diameter steel tubing has effectively doubled its torsional stiffness compared to previous models.

Considerable attention has been applied to the ergonomics of the new model with a stability-enhancing 60mm longer wheelbase ideal for two-up riding comfort, and handlebars a ride-transforming 40mm higher and 40mm closer to the rider. The brand new seat design with high-grip surface, further enhanced with red stitching on the S model, boasts a comfortable 80mm of foam at its deepest point and presents Ducati’s first-ever adjustable seat height system with innovative simplicity. Using a simple block-and-pin system, the seat is able to be transformed from its standard 810mm seat height to a confidence-inspiring 785mm and even further to 745mm with the accessory low seat – Ducati’s lowest ever. This easy adjustment without changing the overall aesthetic profile of the Monster introduces true ergonomic flexibility to this impressive sports-lifestyle motorcycle.

Perfectly formed grab-rails provide a confidence-enhancing grip for the passenger without compromising the lines of the Monster’s beautifully styled tailpiece. A sleek and sporty single seat cover comes as standard equipment, giving the rear-end a clean and sharp look, further minimalised by a Diavel-style registration plate holder. While enhancing the presence of the new Monster with a more muscular silhouette, the new style 17.5l (4.6 US gal) steel fuel tank is carefully shaped to fit the rider perfectly.

Presenting a clean and minimalist cockpit area, the tapered aluminium handlebars are mounted with Ducati’s well-proven compact switchgear and adjustable brake and clutch levers on radial master cylinders, which introduce tinted transparent reservoirs with stylish functionality. Foot controls are mounted on dark grey, diecast aluminium hangers, contrasting elegantly against the bronze-coloured single-sided swingarm, colour-matched with the Testastretta 11° engine’s outer-cases.

Suspension
The Monster uses fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba forks up front with a single Sachs unit on the rear adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping, while the Monster S gets the typical ‘S’ treatment with an upgrade to fully adjustable 48mm Ohlins forks with sliders finished in TiN and a fully adjustable Ohlins unit on the rear with integrated piggy-back reservoir. Operating through a progressive linkage, the rear suspension attaches directly from the rear vertical cylinder to a beautifully diecast aluminium single-sided swingarm.

Wheels and tyres
The new Monster rolls on Panigale-style 10-spoke light alloy wheels with rim sizes of 3.50 x 17 for the front and 6.00 x 17 on the rear, while the Monster S sports a new style triple Y-shape spoke design with extra machining. Both models use Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres in 120/70 for the front and impressive 190/55 for the rear, constructed in bi-Compound to combine long lasting mileage with excellent full-lean grip. The high quality tyres use Pirelli’s Enhanced Patch Technology (EPT) to optimise contact patch for improved grip and Functional Groove Design (FGD) to enhance their wet weather characteristics.

Ducati Safety Pack (DSP)
The new Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S both use Ducati’s Riding Mode technology to incorporate three- level ABS and eight-level DTC into the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) concept, further underlining the company’s increased focus on performance safety.

Bosch Brembo Braking system with 3-level ABS
Included as an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), both the Monster and Monster S are equipped with the Bosch ABS 9MP controlled Brembo braking system as standard equipment, an impressive combination of state-of-the-art security and proven performance.

The 3-level system provides shorter stopping distances with enhanced stability appropriate for the motorcycle’s environment by being fully integrated with the Riding Modes. While level-1 of the system enables a sport-oriented ABS intervention with no rear lift-up prevention, level-2 delivers the same intervention with rear lift-up prevention activated. Level-3 provides maximum braking stability and rear lift-up prevention.

The Monster uses twin radially-mounted Brembo, four piston, Monobloc M4-32 callipers gripping 320mm discs, while the flagship Monster S is equipped with Superbike-style 330mm discs and M50 Monobloc callipers. Both models use radial front brake pumps with remote reservoirs and a single 245mm disc on the rear gripped by a single Brembo calliper. Typical of all Ducatis, these components ensure high performance braking and set the standard in this segment.

An option to disable the ABS in each individual Riding Mode is available via the instrumentation, and the system allows the setting to be saved and memorised at the next ignition-on.

Lighting
The Monster’s super compact headlamp assembly uses conventional halogen main light illumination with LED position lights on either side and full LED lighting for the beautifully shaped rear and brake light illumination. The S version of the Monster 1200 extends LED* technology to the directional indicators which also sport a hazard light function, activated by holding the left-turn signal button on for four seconds.

*Country specific

Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
The Ducati Traction Control is an intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and then control rear wheel-spin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance, an important component of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). The new Monster uses the very latest DTC software, now optimised with seamless intervention to ignition timing only.

The system offers eight ‘levels of sensitivity’, each programmed with a level of rear wheel-spin tolerance in line with progressive levels of riding skills classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the least amount of interaction while level eight uses the most amount of interaction.

DTC levels are factory pre-set in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider by accessing the set-up menu within each mode. A ‘Default’ option is available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets.

Ducati Riding Modes
Ducati’s industry-changing Riding Modes effectively offer optimised settings appropriate to rider and environment by selecting from a choice of three pre-set modes: “Sport”, “Touring” and “Urban”. Each Riding Mode is pre-programmed to instantly change engine character, ABS and DTC intervention – even while riding. The modes are made possible by combining a number of class-leading technologies.

An electronic Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system uses Ducati’s innovative e-Grip throttle to administer different mappings to regulate power delivery, while the Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control by reducing rear wheel-spin and the ABS processor provides pre- programmed three levels of anti-lock braking.

Sport
The “Sport” Riding Mode provides 135hp (145hp for the S Model) delivered with a “High” RbW throttle response, reduced DTC system intervention and level-one ABS of sport-oriented intervention with no rear lift-up prevention.

Touring
The Touring Riding Mode provides 135hp (145hp for the S Model) delivered with a “Medium” RbW throttle response, increased DTC system intervention and level-two ABS with rear lift-up prevention activated.

Urban
The Urban Riding Mode provides 100hp, delivered with a “Low” RbW throttle response, further increased DTC system intervention and level-three ABS with maximum braking stability and rear lift-up prevention.

Ride-by-Wire (RbW)
The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the twistgrip and the engine which decides the ideal power response depending on the Riding Mode selected and according to the rider’s throttle input. The twistgrip no longer uses a throttle cable to control the throttle body butterflies, but instead Ducati’s “e-Grip” delivers a signal to a control unit, which in turn operates the butterfly opening. The RbW system enables the use of three different mappings to regulate the power delivery. The three maps offer 135hp (145hp for the S Model) with a “High” sports-type delivery, 135hp (145hp for the S Model) with a “Medium” progressive delivery suitable for touring and 100hp with a “Low” reduced delivery for urban use.

Thin Film Transistor instrumentation (TFT)
The new Monster and Monster S use Ducati’s industry-leading Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology to present a stunning instrumentation display, which combines exceptional user-freindliness with state-of-the- art information delivery. The system serves the rider with full environment integration by changing both its background image and display layout according the Riding Mode selected.

The fully customisable display is programmed with three different backgrounds for Urban, Touring and Sport Riding Modes and three different layouts entitled “Core”, “Full” and “Track”, each designed to display information appropriate to each of the three Riding Mode environments.

Urban (Core information layout)
34 MONSTER1200SIn Urban Riding Mode the display adopts the “Core” layout, offering the bare minimum of information appropriate to the urban environment, and in a style immediately and easily readable so that the rider can focus fully on city traffic. The vehicle speed becomes the largest, most prominent piece of information in the centre of the screen with a reminder of the Riding Mode selected below and the time displayed above, a practical feature for those working the full schedule of everyday life. To the left of the time is a reminder of the ABS level programmed in the Riding Mode and to the right the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) level. On the bottom left of the screen by default is the odometer and on the right the engine coolant temperature. Both left and right lower data read-outs are scrollable using the buttons positioned above and below the indicator button on the left-hand switchgear to display trip A, trip B, trip fuel reserve, trip time and lap times (if activated) on the left, and average fuel consumption, actual fuel consumption, average speed and air temperature on the right.

Touring (Full information layout)
In Touring Riding Mode the display completely changes to “Full” layout, changing the background graphic, delivering the maximum amount of information required during a long journey, reducing the size of the speed numerals and replacing the data previously displayed at the top of the screen with a 1,000-11,000 graphic rev-counter. The incremental bars of rpm are animated to adjust the orange and red coloured sections of the rev-range subject to running-in and engine warm-up periods and increase numeral size as each value is reached. With the selected Riding Mode now shown to the left of the speed the entire lower part of the display from left to right is dedicated to time, engine temperature and DTC and ABS levels and on the bottom left of the screen by default the odometer and on the right the average fuel consumption. Both left and right lower data read-outs are scrollable using the buttons positioned above and below the indicator button on the left-hand switchgear to display trip A, trip B, trip fuel reserve, trip time and lap times (if activated) on the left and actual fuel consumption, average speed and air temperature on the right.

Sport (Track information layout)
In Sport Riding Mode the display adopts the “Track” layout, changing the background to a brushed aluminium finish and presenting road sport-essential information only. The rev-counter graphic recalibrates itself in a scale that curves through 90° around the left and upper edge of the main screen in Superbike style, with speed prominently displayed in the centre of the screen and ABS engine temperature and DTC displayed across the bottom from left to right. Positioned bottom centre is the odometer read-out by default, scrollable using the buttons positioned above and below the indicator button on the left-hand switchgear to display trip A, trip B, trip fuel reserve, time, trip time and lap times (if activated) average fuel consumption, actual fuel consumption, average speed, engine temperature and air temperature. All three display layouts feature a setting memory whereby, information scrolled-and-selected other than default setting is memorised by the system and re-displayed upon the model’s next ignition-on.

Fixed icons on the left of the main screen from top to bottom show warnings for left turn signal, main beam, ABS-off and neutral, while from top to bottom on the right of the display are turn signal right, oil pressure, fuel reserve and engine electronics. Countdown icons are programmed to appear on the screen to advise of upcoming scheduled maintenance. Red lights positioned at the top of the instrumentation unit illuminate incrementally inwards to the centre as a count-up warning of over-rev, while below the top, centre over-rev bar is a second bar that illuminates in orange during DTC interaction.

When stationary, the instrumentation doubles as a user-friendly control panel to personalise and save ABS, DTC, and RbW settings within each Riding Mode as well as redesignating any of the three layouts to each of the three Riding Modes. In addition to listing the last 30 recorded lap times, each time also shows the lap number and the maximum speed and maximum rpm recorded during that lap.

MONSTER 696 & 796 FAMILY FEATURES

Monster frames
An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of the 696 and 796 Monsters. Delivering rigidity with minimal mass, the frame design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity and enables a useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel. The lightweight aluminium sub-frame maintains visual continuity with the footrest hangers and swingarm, and is designed to accept a passenger-friendly grab-rail kit available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The kit further enhances passenger ride comfort without compromising the Monster’s stylish lines.

Monster instrumentation
Looking clean and minimalist in true Monster style, the brightly illuminated display provides all essential data by default, and even more by scrolling with the left-hand switchgear. Data includes speed, revs, time, scheduled maintenance, oil temperature, ABS status and battery voltage, while warning lights illuminate for oil pressure, fuel reserve, turn indicators, high beam and neutral selection. In addition, the instrumentation presents a reserve fuel trip, immobiliser status and automatic light-off function after 60 seconds with the key on as well as a memory to store lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

DUCATI MONSTER 696

42 MONSTER696Everyday usability
With its thin waistline and wide handlebars, the Monster 696 provides unrivalled ergonomics, striking a carefully designed balance between performance and everyday usability that will appeal to a wide range of riders. Sport-derived chassis technology and the proven power and flexibility of the legendary Ducati L-Twin engine, make the Monster 696 as comfortable in city traffic as on the open road. Enhancing the “less-is- more” philosophy that has made the Monster a global legend, the Monster 696 continues to redefine expectations. Every finely engineered element of the chassis and engine is on display, allowing its true beauty to be showcased for all to see.

Riding the 696
The riding position of the Monster 696 has been specifically designed to put the rider firmly in control. With its low 770mm (30.3in) seat height, easy-to-reach handlebars and user-friendly adjustable levers, every rider will find it easy to master.

The beautifully sculpted fuel tank cover allows maximum comfort and control and the narrowing of the “waist“ area of the 696 has the same effect as lowering the seat height, making it easier to get both feet flat on the ground. Careful attention to every detail has led to a substantial weight saving, making the Monster 696 the lightest in its class at an impressive 161kg (355lb) (dry weight). Passenger comfort and safety are also carefully considered, with neat, under-seat grab handles moulded into the seat unit maximising pillion security without detracting from the legendary Monster 696 styling, or external grab-handles available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

696 power trip
The 696 engine produces 80hp (59kW) and 50.6lb-ft (7kgm) of torque ensuring a smooth and powerful delivery for a relaxed and enjoyable ride as well competitive and owner-friendly service intervals of 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometres).

The highly efficient, lightweight Desmodromic engine uses a bore and stroke of 88×57.2mm and, like the 796, features an advanced APTC ‘wet’ clutch. With a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilising of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting, the APTC clutch also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic. The oil-bath clutch represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a considerably quieter operation.

Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster 696 definitely provides Ducati’s famous L-Twin sound. Its bold, high-level twin mufflers not only make a striking style statement, but also provide a healthy increase in power and torque and ideal positioning for two lambda exhaust gas sensors, crucial for the optimisation of fuelling and emissions.

696 chassis
Outstanding handling and control is provided by 43mm Kayaba forks offering 120mm (4.7in) of finely controlled travel. At the rear, a progressive Sachs monoshock unit provides adjustability in both spring preload and damping.

Lightweight 3-spoke aluminium alloy wheels increase agility and reduce rider effort and use 120/60ZR front and 160/60ZR rear Pirelli Angel ST tyres. The end result provides a light, predictable and confidence- inspiring “feel” with outstanding stability at a wide range of speeds.

The Brembo ABS brakes deliver exceptional braking power front and rear, enhancing rider safety. 320mm front floating discs are gripped by 4-piston, radially mounted callipers, while a 245mm rear disc works in combination with a twin-piston calliper. This powerful braking set-up offers unrivalled feel and feedback that inspires confidence across a broader spectrum of riding abilities.

Every carefully selected component of the Monster 696 has a net benefit to the overall weight of the machine and not only enhances manoeuvrability and ease of use, but also contributes directly to increased performance of both braking and acceleration.

696 colours
The Monster 696 is available in red with red Trellis frame and black wheels or two choices of dark stealth or stone white, both with matte black frames and black wheels. The Monster 696 is fitted with a colour-matched micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard.

DUCATI MONSTER 796

45 MONSTER796Urban icon
The Monster 796 is the ‘urban icon’ of the range, combining user-friendliness with sports character. Delivering 87hp (64kW) and a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb), the stylish Monster 796 injects the magic of mid-range into the Monster family.

With the smooth and capable Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swingarm and user-friendly ergonomics, the Monster 796 perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to enhance the original Monster spirit.

Monster spec
With a seat height of 800mm (31.5in) and the combination of seat shape and raised handlebars, posture is optimized and comfort enhanced. The low weight and ABS as standard equipment inspire confidence and make life simpler in the city for the mid-range Monster.

Suspension up front is handled by user-friendly 43mm Kayaba forks, while the sporty Ducati single-sided rear swingarm is controlled by a single rear Sachs unit with adjustable spring preload and return damping for passenger load optimisation.

Twin 320mm semi-floating discs are gripped by radially mounted 4-piston Brembo callipers to provide powerful and progressive front-end braking with rider-friendly ‘feeling’, while the rear is equipped with a 245mm disc and 2-piston calliper, also by Brembo.

The 17” wheels are in the five ‘Y-shape’ spoked style and produced in lightweight aluminium to keep the unsprung weight low and handling, braking and acceleration performances high. To differentiate the 796, the wheels sport a stylish pin-stripe for 60° of the circumference of the rim which creates a full circle of red when in motion. They sport 180/55 rear and 120/70 front Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres.

Desmodue engine
Maintaining the smooth and enjoyable character, famous of all Desmodromic L-Twins, the 796 Desmodue power unit has a 66mm stroke crankshaft, instead of the 696’s 57.2mm, and a lightweight flywheel that helps to maximise power to an impressive 87hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm and torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm. An oil cooler is fitted to protect power delivery by maintaining optimum efficiency.

The 803cc swept volume is compressed to a ratio of 11:1, compared to the 696’s 10.7:1, then injected and ignited by Siemens controlled electronics. The 2-1-2 catalytic exhaust system uses twin lambda probes and regulating valve to provide finer fuel mapping and Euro 3 conformity. The system’s lightweight and compact design is achieved by using 1mm thick tubing and terminates in twin lateral mufflers.

An APTC “wet“ clutch gives a “slipper“ type action that prevents destabilising of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, an advantage in stop-start city traffic.

Controls
The Monster 796 has enhanced comfort and control with bar-risers gripping sturdy tapered section aluminium handlebars. Integral type Brembo master cylinders are used for both the clutch and brake systems and maintain a clean handlebar arrangement for the rider. They are fitted with user-friendly, 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes and the APTC clutch offers a super- light lever action ideal for use in the city.

796 colours and style
The Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati red or diamond black silk with both colours against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a red flash around 60° of the rim side, creating a red stripe at speed. Additional features include footrest hangers finished in matte black to match the rear sub-frame and single- sided swingarm, the Ducati logo on the front mudguard and the Tricolore displayed proudly on the single- seat cover and fuel tank.

The Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard and features a comfort-enhancing seat shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching.

Ogni Domenica – Every Sunday

“Every Sunday, as night falls, for 58 seconds his light shines out again”

A flame three metres long shoots out parallel to the earth in a tumultuous rush, evoking the thrills of the race, the tensions of the starting grid and the passions of the duel, while bearing witness to the spirit of Marco Simoncelli.

The flame is a symbol of Marco’s soul, which won over everyone with his openness and humanity whether they were motorcyclists or not, taking him to become a Champion while making all of us around him feel champions too.

The work, called OGNI DOMENICA (EVERY SUNDAY), sprung from a meeting of Paolo and Rossella Simoncelli with Lino Dainese, who commissioned the renowned artist Arcangelo Sassolino to create it with the support of Silvia Dainese, from the studio GRISDAINESE, for the architecture and landscaping.

An installation seated on a twenty-square-metre plinth generates the heart of the work – the flame – which evokes Marco and the passion he inspired better than any figurative representation could ever hope to.

OGNI DOMENICA is located in a green space set aside especially for the purpose by Coriano Town Council and transformed by the project.The aim was also to create a meeting place for all young people and motorcyclists to share their passion for motorcycling and for Marco.The mechanism that generates the flame was designed and built by Riello SpA, solving the complex technical challenges involved.

Lino Dainese: “Emotion… emotion is what Marco always inspired on the track. That’s why I suggested a work of contemporary art to Paolo and Rossella, something by a young artist who works in speed, energy and primordial fire.”

Arcangelo Sassolino: “… I immediately thought of fire. It had to be a primal element, full of mystery, beyond explanation. Alive, true. Meteoric, fleeting, elusive, enchanting, dangerous, like Marco’s life.

No easy rising skywards to console, but in line with the earth’s horizon…”

Silvia Dainese: “The cement plinth is an ideal launch pad and brings dynamism to the Cage. The Cage, which shimmers from its galvanised finish, simultaneously brings people together around the flame and protects them, while protecting the flame itself.”

Domenica Spinelli: “Marco gave us a mission, to nurture the flame of interest that his life lit for Coriano. All of us together need to aim ever higher for Coriano, striving with the enthusiasm, determination and spontaneity of our Champion. Thank you Marco, thank you Paolo and Rossella, thank you Lino, thank you Silvia… Our thanks to the artist Sassolino, to our citizens and to everyone who made this project possible.

The first public lighting of the flame will take place at 7 in the evening on Sunday 15 September, the day of the San Marino Grand Prix at the Marco Simoncelli racetrack in Misano Adriatico.

The work will then light at nightfall EVERY SUNDAY