Ducati took five awards at the annual ‘Motorrad des Jahres’ (Motorcycle of the Year) event in Stuttgart, Germany on Monday evening, when highly respected magazine, Motorrad, presented their annual awards at Stuttgart’s Residenztheater.  Decided by the magazine’s voting readers, the awards underline the increasing strength of the famous Italian brand in the German market.

Ducati Motor Holding CEO, Claudio Domenicali, was at the event to accept the awards. Ducati’s versatile Multistrada lived up to it’s ‘four-bikes-in-one’ character by being awarded ‘Motorcycle of the Year’ in the ‘Allrounder’ category, while the Diavel took ‘Motorcycle of the Year’ in the ‘Cruiser’ category, both very successful models for Ducati and benchmarks in innovative design and technology.

In the ‘Sportbike’ category Ducati’s 1199 and 899 Panigale Superbikes collected 2nd and 3rd respectively and the Hypermotard took 3rd place in the ‘Enduro/Supermoto’ category, raising Ducati’s awards total to five.

Ducati dealers throughout the UK have now taken delivery of their Monster 1200 demonstrators as this eagerly awaited icon arrives on UK shores.

Customers now have the opportunity to see for themselves a bike that that has been praised for the performance and fluidity of its engine, its neutral, yet agile handling and for the comfort that entices riders to come back for more.

It is twenty-one years on from the Monster’s first unveiling and 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.

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 standard 135hp Monster 1200 is available in red, priced at £10,695 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £129 per month. The higher spec ‘S’ version is available in red and white liverie, priced at £12,995 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £149 per month.

To discover the Monster 1200 and how Ducati TriOptions can make every Ducati more affordable, visit your local dealer now.

To find your nearest dealer CLICK HERE

The brand new Ducati Diavel made its first public appearance at a special preview presentation in Geneva, during the prestigious Volkswagen Group Night. On the eve of the 84th edition of the International Motor Show of Geneva (running from 6-16 March), Claudio Domenicali (CEO of Ducati Motor Holding) personally unveiled the new model on stage during the important evening, providing a stunning preview of the latest machine to join the Ducati range during 2014.

Having introduced its new range of models at the Milan International EICMA Motorcycle Show in November 2013, Ducati’s latest presentation of the new Diavel now successfully achieves the company’s industrial development plan, which had promised one completely new model (the Monster 1200) and three ‘family-extension’ models: the 899 Panigale, the exclusive 1199 “Superleggera” and now the new Diavel.

Ducati now presents further enhancement of its sport cruiser model, featuring the latest version of the Testastretta 11° DS engine, a new exhaust system and latest technological elements such as the new full-LED headlight, all combining the powerful and assertive personality of the model with the sophisticated styling synonymous with the iconic Ducati brand.

The new Diavel follows the company’s “Performance Redefined” philosophy, using cutting-edge innovation and technology to provide a smoother, safer and more rider-friendly experience, enabling easier access for the ever-increasing number of people who desire the unique thrill of riding a Ducati.

The new machine remains in a class of its own, unique, innovative and bold and a benchmark that continues to attract motorcyclists around the world. Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile in typical Ducati style, the new Diavel takes the rider/motorcycle relationship to another level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, the latest generation Testastretta 11° Dual Spark engine combines with full LED illumination, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes to deliver a confidence-inspiring superiority, while new styling, 162hp and 205kg* (452lb) of pure Ducati drives a comfortable sport lifestyle previously only dreamt of.

Merging the worlds of power and style is now achieved with convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles which defy the laws of physics, whether carving through curves or simply cruising the boulevards.

The new Diavel is dressed in stylish Dark Stealth livery, a black trellis frame and black wheels. The Diavel Carbon offers the choice of traditional Ducati Red over Matte Carbon with red frame or the stunning new Star White over Matte Carbon with white frame, both with black, forged wheels by Marchesini, turned and milled to expose the natural aluminium. Both models will start to arrive in Ducati stores around the world from April 2014 onwards.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A – An Audi Group Company

Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati’s range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.

These authentic icons of “made in Italy” are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, winning both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007.

The Ducati Museum, which already attracts an incredible 40,000 passionate fans and visitors from around the world every year, is set to attract hundreds of thousands more as the famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer opens its doors to a virtual tour with Google Maps.

Google technology now offers an alternative high resolution virtual tour of the museum, passing along the famous Via Cavalieri Ducati street outside and entering the Ducati factory. A simple search on maps.google.com enables users to explore the Ducati Museum rooms and view the motorcycles on display, from the 1946 Cucciolo to the most recent Desmosedici GP and World Superbikes built by the iconic brand in Bologna. The virtual tour even enables users a tour of the Ducati Museum shop, providing a realistic visit experience from anywhere in the world and at any time of the day.

The Ducati Museum, which covers an area of 850 square metres, offers an impressive way to discover the origins of the company as well as admire the magnificent display of over 40 motorcycles that have been fundamentally important to the racing heritage of Ducati, as well as writing the history books of motorcycling. The exhibition surrounds a giant red helmet with motorcycles displayed on an illuminated track and seven additional thematic rooms, each creating an emotional experience with associated historic videos and mementoes.

Officially recognised in 2012 by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Regional Activities as a site of significant cultural value, the Ducati Museum has been extensively documented by world media and highly recommended by many international tourist guides.

In addition to the new Google Maps virtual tour, the Ducati Museum will become especially busy in 2014 as Ducatisti from all over the world descend on the factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna during World Ducati Week 2014. The massive international rally held every two years for Ducati owners and fans will take place 18-20 July at the Misano World Circuit in Italy and offer participants the chance of a real ‘visit’ to the Ducati Museum, now expertly mapped and previewed by Google maps.

For information on how to visit the Ducati Museum in person, go to the History pages of the Company section on Ducati.com. To make a virtual tour, simply search on Google Maps or enter directly at Goo.gl/maps/jAHeL.

Ducati announces the 2014 edition of the Ducati Dream Tour, a series of factory-organised 3-day tours through the twisting landscape of the Tuscany-Emilia Apennines. Riding Ducati’s latest motorcycles, each trip will include a guided tour of the Ducati factory and museum, with one additional “special package” tour dedicated to the long-awaited World Ducati Week 2014, the international gathering of Ducatisti being held in Misano 18-20 July.

Available online in the Experience and Ducati Travels section of Ducati.com from 27 January, each Ducati Dream Tour presents a thrilling itinerary that passes through some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes, guided by the highly experienced former Paris-Dakar competitor, Beppe Gualini, and his skilled team of professional test-riders. Their route is specially designed to ensure the very best enjoyment of the region of Emilia and the superb riding experience provided by the exciting Ducati motorcycles.

The Ducati models available in the tour package include the brand new for 2014 Monster 1200, the Monster 796, the Multistrada 1200 S Touring, the Diavel, Hypermotard and Hyperstrada.

Each Ducati Dream Tour will span a long weekend, starting on Friday with a late-morning rendezvous at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy for registration and lunch, followed by a guided tour of the factory and museum to provide a fascinating prelude to a weekend of pure Ducati pleasure. All participants will be carefully looked after by a dedicated tour team, managing everything from luggage transfer in the support vehicle to the hand-over of the Ducati motorcycles. The first day ends with an overnight stay at the splendid Hotel Resort Palazzo in Varignana, located in cool, verdant hills that provide the perfect place to enjoy the fabulous local food and wine in addition to the magnificent spa inside the resort.

The next morning, the Resort Palazzo of Varignana will be the starting-point for the longest and most captivating day of the tour. Saturday’s route winds through over 270km of excellent motorcycling roads to Mugello, home to one of the most beautiful race circuits in Italy and the theatre of breathtaking battles in the MotoGP world championships and a regular testing ground for Ducati. Sunday’s itinerary covers a further 250km of the spectacular route, returning the Ducati Dream Tour riders to Bologna later in the afternoon.

With this year’s World Ducati Week event attracting Ducatisti from all over the world, Ducati is offering an attractive package that combines the incredible event with the Ducati Dream Tour. This tour provides the classic Dream Tour itinerary in addition to a ticket to WDW2014. For this tour only, the Ducati Dream Tour will take place from Wednesday to Friday, with the tour continuing on to the Misano Adriatico circuit where participants will enjoy the electrifying weekend of WDW2014, the biggest Ducati gathering in the world.

Ducati Dream Tours are specially tailored for those who would enjoy a fascinating two-wheeled weekend exploring the traditional and historic Tuscany-Emilia Apennines. They are available alongside many other Ducati travel packages, designed in association with highly experienced travel partners, published on Ducati.com and listed within the “Experience / Ducati Travels section”.

Ducati Dream Tour 2014 calendar

May
16-18
23-25

June
6-8
20-22
27-29

July
16-20  Special Dream Tour & WDW 2014 package
25-27

September
19-21
26-28

The Ducati Roadshow will again be travelling the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland this summer, bringing an extensive demonstrator fleet to 18 locations.

The Ducati event truck and demonstrator fleet have proved popular attractions over the last few years and now the Roadshow has evolved to further enhance the customer experience.

Demonstration rides will now give the customers an extensive period of time to evaluate the bikes with accompanied test rides lasting up to one and half hours taking in a variety of roads and conditions to fully assess the bikes capabilities. Pillion riders may also join in the test rides for the chance to appraise the ergonomics of these machines.

The demonstrator fleet showcases the 2014 range including the acclaimed 899 Panigale and the soon to be launched Monster 1200. Although the 899 Panigale and the Monster 1200 will grab most of the attention there will be an extensive variety of models to choose from. The Diavel is a must to test ride appealing to all types of riders – once ridden many riders fall for the Diavel’s versatility and performance. The Multistrada and Hyperstrada are bikes that will benefit from the extended test ride allowing riders to gauge the renowned touring and sporting abilities of these bikes.

In addition to these popular bikes there will be the flagship Superbike – the 1199 Panigale and the entry level Monster 696 with an optional low seat for shorter riders and novices.

To take a test ride at any of these events, riders must have a valid motorcycle licence (both parts required) and appropriate clothing and safety gear. Local dealership staff will be on hand to give expert technical, sales and service advice and trained riders will be there to guide all test rides.

The Ducati UK event truck along with a fleet of demonstrators and display bikes kicks off at Rosso Ducati in Dublin on the 8th March before going to Moto Rapido in Winchester and then another 16 dates.

For the latest information on the Ducati Roadshow and to find your nearest dealer visit www.ducatiuk.com or contact 08456 718500.

Ducati UK celebrated a fantastic 2013 with the best second half of a year in the last 10 years. 2013 had started slowly due to poor weather conditions but the UK subsidiary saw sales rally with a phenomenal last 6 months leading to an overall year-end sales result that had only been bettered once before in the last decade.

A number of factors led to this success in difficult market conditions. The new 899 Panigale had received rave reviews from the international press and encountered high demand and impressive sales despite only arriving in dealerships at the tail end of 2013. The 899 Panigale has been praised for its impressive technical specification at an affordable price and has been made even more accessible due to the current TriOptions finance packages. The TriOptions finance has been a feature of Ducati UK’s marketing strategy over the last 12 months and will continue to be so in 2014. TriOptions is the Ducati branded Personal Contract Purchase plan which has allowed Ducati to offer a range of affordability across the product range. A combination of low interest rates and strong residuals has enabled the Ducati model range to be more accessible than ever.

*Examples of this range of affordability with TriOptions include aspirational models such as the 899 Panigale at £139pm, 1199 Panigale at £149pm and the entry level Monster 696 at £89 per month.

Ducati UK now look forward to 2014 with great optimism and momentum with the introduction of new models such as the 899 Panigale and the Monster 1200 and the continued success of the Ducati model range including the top selling Multistrada 1200.

*Monthly figures are based upon payments over 37 months with a 25% deposit- for full details visit: www.ducatiuk.com

The Ducati Riding Experience is set to continue in 2014, with the 11th edition of the Italian manufacturer’s highly successful riding school opening its enrolment online at Ducati.com on 16 December 2013.

Participants can look forward to using some of Ducati’s latest models, including the brand new, 148hp 899 Panigale Superbike for Racing 1 & 2 courses or the new Monster 1200 for the Intermediate course, Ducati’s latest generation Monster awarded “Most Beautiful Motorcycle of the Show” when unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan in November.

As usual, DRE has been carefully structured to cover all riding levels of motorcycle experience, from absolute beginners taking their very first steps on two-wheels in the Basic course, to the Master Racing and Troy Bayliss Academy courses for regular track-day experts wishing to further perfect their talent.

For DRE 2014, the Racing 1 and Master Racing courses take on a new format intended to provide participants with enhanced instruction for fast and safe riding with a dedicated classroom session prior to the track experience. To achieve this new format, the courses will spread over two days, during which Racing 1 participants will start the first afternoon with a briefing and theoretical exercises designed to lay a firm foundation of knowledge before practical tuition on the track. For the more advanced Master Racing course, participants will have a highly informative classroom session with Ducati’s official test-rider, Alessandro Valia, and Chief Instructor, Dario Marchetti, before taking to the track aboard Ducati’s impressive 1199 Panigale S Superbikes.

Participants of the highly prestigious Troy Bayliss Academy courses will be instructed in groups of five by none other than the triple World Superbike Champion himself. Academy students will ride the Ducati 1199 Panigale S further equipped with a Termignoni exhaust system.

Racing 2 courses, which remain unchanged, are intended for riders who already have track experience and wish to develop it further. In addition to many other details, they will work on areas such as increasing corner turn-in and mid-corner speeds and on how fully capitalising on every last hp of acceleration can achieve a smoother, more fluid and confidence-inspiring riding style.

Enrolment for Racing 1 and 2 courses is limited to 50 students, divided into efficient learning groups of just five, whereas the Master Racing course is open to just 12 participants, divided into groups of three. While all groups are guided by an expert instructor, all track-riding participants must be holders of Class A driving licenses without engine size limitation.

For non-track riders, DRE 2014 also offers a fully comprehensive range of courses from Basic to Intermediate. While learners in the Basic course will use the Ducati Monster 796, participants of the Intermediate course can improve their existing road skills to enhance their overall safety using Ducati’s own versatile Multistrada 1200 S, Hypermotard and Hyperstrada models and, new for 2014, the Monster 1200 with excellent user-friendliness and the enhanced ergonomics of an innovative adjustable seat height.

Within the cost of the courses, all DRE participants will be provided with a motorcycle and instructor as well as a welcome kit and lunch, while those who need to rent riding gear can do so during the online enrolment.

The team of highly qualified instructors is coordinated by DRE Technical Director and Chief Instructor, Dario Marchetti, and Alessandro Valia (Factory Test Rider and Chief Instructor of the Master Racing course). In addition to many more successful and celebrated riders, the list of DRE instructors include top names such as Troy Bayliss (2001, 2006 & 2008 World Superbike Champion and MotoGP race winner), Paolo Casoli (1997 World Supersport Champion), Manuel Poggiali (2001 125cc World Champion & 2003 250cc World Champion), Andrew Pitt (2001 & 2008 World Supersport Champion & World Superbike & MotoGP competitor) and Niccolò Canepa (2007 Superstock FIM Cup Champion & World Superbike & MotoGP competitor).

With DRE, Ducati will continue its close collaboration with FMI, ensuring constant improvement of teaching protocols and standards of excellence on all courses. Additional support will also be provided by official Ducati supplier Bosch, further establishing the successful technical partnership between Ducati and this premier German brand.

Ducati Riding Experience 2014 calendar

28-29 Apr        Adria               Racing 1 course
29 Apr             Adria               Intermediate course
29-30 Apr        Adria               Racing 1 course
30 Apr             Adria               Base & Intermediate courses

13-14 May      Mugello           Master Racing course
14 May           Mugello           Intermediate, Racing 2 & Troy Bayliss Academy courses
14-15 May      Mugello           Master Racing course
15 May           Mugello           Base, Intermediate, Racing 2 & Troy Bayliss Academy courses

09 Sep           Mugello           Intermediate & Racing 2 courses
09-10 Sep       Mugello           Master Racing course
10 Sep           Mugello           Base, Intermediate & Racing 2 courses

With more dates expected to be added, visit Ducati.com to remain updated on DRE 2014.

Ducati Riding Experience 2014 motorcycles

Base course: Monster 796

Intermediate course:

Monster 1200
Multistrada 1200 S
Hypermotard
Hyperstrada

Racing 1 & 2 course: 899 Panigale

Master Racing & Academy courses: 1199 Panigale S

Celebrating the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to performance technology and lightweight construction, Ducati now proudly introduces its latest limited edition dream model, the highly exclusive 1199 Superleggera. The new machine combines a precious cocktail of materials such as titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre to set the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. Producing more than 200hp and weighing-in at just 155kg* (341.7lb*), Ducati showcase their innovative engineering and stylish approach to design, while affirming the maxim: “Authentic Italian Performance”.

The Superleggera follows in the successful wheel tracks of previous iconic limited editions, like the Desmosedici RR, with its exclusivity boldly underlined with just 500 examples of this extraordinary machine being assembled at Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy, each with its own individual number inscribed on the top clamp.

With its baseline starting from the already impressive 1199 Panigale ‘R’ specification, the Superleggera incorporates a magnesium monocoque frame and forged Marchesini magnesium wheels before taking lightweight to the extreme with a carbon fibre rear sub-frame and bodywork, lithium-ion battery (LIB) and full titanium exhaust system with stainless steel headers. Many of the bolts and fasteners on both engine and chassis are also fashioned in titanium. Additional enhancements include lightweight Öhlins FL916 front suspension with fully-machined fork bottoms and an Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension with titanium spring. The Superleggera’s Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes inherit a racing-style MCS 19-21 front master cylinder and remote adjuster and its final drive gets upgraded with a lightweight Ergal rear sprocket, and World Superbike-spec 520 drive chain. Finer attention to detail is hidden in the shape of the carbon fibre body work, which is moulded with the same high-penetration form normally provided by the “R” spec add-on aero-kit.

The Superquadro engine, which sports titanium con-rods and inlet valves, now adds titanium exhaust valves, and, for the first time on a Ducati street engine, special two-ring pistons. These pistons, usually found on racing Superbikes, use short skirts and only two rings (compression and oil), allowing them to dramatically reduce mass and friction. To further increase performance, the combustion chamber is also modified to Superbike specs by a new piston crown that increases compression ratio. Added to this is a super-lightened crankshaft, precision balanced using dense tungsten inserts. The enhancements result in an incredible output of more than 200hp as it rolls out of Ducati’s Borgo Panigale factory in Bologna, Italy.

The Superleggera’s outstanding power-to-weight ratio can be enhanced even further with the supplied track-only Race Kit**. The kit, which increases power by 5hp and reduces weight by 2.5kg (5.5 lb), consists of a titanium Akrapoviè race exhaust system including silencers and 2-in-1 collector, high racing windscreen, dedicated dust cover, front and rear paddock stands, machined mirror fill-caps, and removal kits for the registration plate holder, and sidestand.

The model’s electronics are also upgraded thanks to the new system for managing front-wheel lift Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) which is based on an Inertial Platform. This DWC system, along with Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC), is optimized with new automatic calibration of rear-tyre size and final transmission ratio. The Ducati Data Analysis+ (DDA+) system adds an additional sensor and software channel to record and display vehicle lean angles. This impressive array of included electronics is completed by a set of race-derived, handlebar mounted control buttons to enable rapid, on-track adjustments to the levels of the pre-selected channels of DTS, DWC, or EBC.

Appropriate to its highly exclusive status as one of the most exotic and desirable Ducatis of all time, the 1199 Superleggera is exquisitely dressed in Ducati Corse Red base livery, complemented with forged and machined magnesium wheels. *Dry weight **Track use only

1199 Panigale S Senna presented at Sao Paulo Motorcycle Show

20 years after the passing of Ayrton Senna, Ducati presents special version of its Superbike in honour of the Brazilian F1 star

Produced in accordance with the Senna Foundation, the limited edition exclusively for Brazil will start in June 2014

Marking Ducati’s participation at the Two Wheels Motorcycle Show in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Italian manufacturer presented a surprise Senna version of their 1199 Panigale S model.

Realised exclusively for the Brazilian market, a limited edition series of just 161 motorcycles are to be produced, signifying the number of F1 Grand Prix raced by the Brazilian star. The special livery colour was chosen by Ayrton Senna himself during his visit to the Ducati factory only a few weeks before his last race in Imola in 1994, and later used to produce a first series of 300 motorcycles designed to honour star in 1995.

The first Ducati tribute to Senna was a 916SP finished in grey with red wheels, the “916 Senna I”, of which only 300 were produced, with two more versions, the “916 Senna II” and “916 Senna III” built in 1997 and 1998. All three versions of the Ducati 916 Senna model were limited editions and remain highly sought-after by collectors world-wide.

Ducati, in close agreement with the Senna Foundation and wishing to contribute to the charitable and educational goals the Foundation pursues, decided to pay homage once again, expressing its passionate respect for one of the most prestigious “Ducatisti” ever with the 1199 Panigale S Senna.

Starting from June 2014, the 1199 Panigale S Senna will sport the special Senna colour scheme and each of the 161 motorcycles will be supplied with a racing exhaust system and each have its individual production number inscribed on the top fork clamp.

Number 01/161 of the Senna limited edition version of Ducati’s industry-benchmark Superbike will be displayed on the Ducati stand of the TWO WHEELS Motorcycle Show in Sao Paulo, alongside one of the original Ducati 916 Senna models.

Following its surprise preview at the VW Group Night in Frankfurt, Germany on Monday, the Ducati 899 Panigale was officially presented to the press today during a media event at the Ducati factory in Bologna, Italy.

Ducati Motor Holding’s recently appointed CEO, Claudio Domenicali, explained the new 899 Panigale model in detail and, one year on from the Audi Group acquisition, provided the first official overview of the progress achieved by the company despite a challenging and delicate European motorcycle market.

“My professional career began here at Ducati 22 years ago and finding myself at the helm of the company today makes me immensely proud, but also aware of the huge responsibility that comes with this position,” said Claudio Domenicali on meeting the press. “Audi is a stakeholder who wishes to be involved in the technical development of the company and to focus its efforts on product development. Now, a year after the acquisition, it is time to take stock of the initial results and look to the future with a positive and proactive attitude.

“Ducati achieved record sales in 2011 and again in 2012 when over 44,000 motorcycles were delivered to customers. Despite the current market dip, Ducati have almost equalled those sales for the first six months of 2013 and, with the introduction of new models in the second half of the year, we are expecting positive results.

“The new Hyperstrada became available in showrooms from early June while the 899 Panigale will become available this October. In addition to this, positive sales trends are being recorded in emerging markets, such as 66% growth in Thailand, a country where we were not even present three years ago and where we expect to deliver approximately 2,500 motorcycles this year. In Brazil, where we only started to sell motorcycles this year, we are now averaging 100 deliveries to customers per month and in China sales are up 75% on 2012. With 90% of our production now being exported, the US has firmly taken over from Italy as our top market, leading us to believe that our growth trend will continue throughout 2014, repeating the highly positive bottom line figures that we achieved in the past few years.

“As for racing, we certainly cannot claim to be happy with the current results, but our goal is to bridge the gap that currently separates us from the leaders. We are already working on the new Desmosedici for 2014, when we want to be in a position to fight for podium finishes.”

Referring to the brand new model released this week, Claudio Domenicali said: “The 899 Panigale is a prime example of the technological excellence that has traditionally characterised our motorcycles. It is the reward of what we call ‘performance redefined’, a modern, innovative sports motorcycle which uses ground-breaking technology to ingeniously adjust to everyday use. User-friendly, safety-enhanced, and great fun at the same time. A motorcycle as thrilling as only a true Ducati can be. This important concept will carry on into our future production and also our range expansion plans, focusing on the concept of performance that we intend to extend upwards to create even more sophisticated, race-derived models, and downwards to cater for the market of ‘easier’ and more accessible models.”

The 899 Panigale will make its first public appearance at the San Marino Republic round of the MotoGP championship this weekend, when the brand new model will be unveiled just before MotoGP race on Sunday 15 September.

Representing the first  preview of the Italian manufacturer’s exciting 2014 model range, the highly anticipated Ducati 899 Panigale marks the beginning of a new era for Ducati Superbikes. The stunning model, intended to provide a new way to access the exclusive world of Ducati Superbikes, is described as a “Supermid” version of the award-winning 1199 Panigale, designed to provide the thrill of the new generation flagship model with the refined character of an everyday streetbike.

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.

Ducati now offers all-round performance for connoisseurs with an authentic and stylish way to enter the world of high performance. The 899 Panigale will be available from late October onwards in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning arctic white silk with red wheels.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A – An Audi Group Company

Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati’s range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.

These authentic icons of “made in Italy” are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007.

Touring on a Ducati for many would be a dream adventure, and now with the Strada range of Ducati motorcycles, that dream is now easier than ever to fulfil. The Strada concept began with the Multistrada and has now been expanded this year with the new additions of the Hyperstrada and the Diavel Strada.

The Stradatour is an evolution of the popular Ducati Roadshow that has run over the last 3 years covering the length and breadth of the UK. This year, the Stradatour will consist of 33 dates beginning on April 6 and running until August 4 and will feature extended rides up to a maximum of one and half hours.

These test rides will give the customers an extensive period of time to evaluate the bikes touring and long distance appeal.  The local Ducati dealer will take riders on a route taking in a variety of roads to fully test the bikes touring capabilities and also give pillion riders the chance to assess the comfort of these machines.

The Multistrada was the first Ducati to embrace the Strada concept, with its unique blend of adventure styling, blistering performance and touring capabilities. With its four-bikes-in-one concept the Multistrada has proven to be unrivalled in its sector and now with its semi-active (Skyhook) suspension the bike has moved on to another level. On the Stradatour fleet there will be not only the Multistrada Touring S, but also the Multistrada Granturismo, the ultimate touring Ducati. The Granturismo  features  extended screen, larger panniers,  top case, higher handlebars, comfort seat, LED spotlights and engine crash bars.

2013 has seen the introduction of the Hyperstrada and the Diavel Strada which will make up the remaining models of the tour. The Hyperstrada is a new dimension of the Hypermotard uniquely blending together the worlds of motard and touring that will provide thrills on demand and yet with the flexibility that a touring bike gives. The Hyperstrada features panniers, centre stand, touring screen, touring seat as well as the Ducati Safety Pack that includes ABS and traction control as standard.

The Diavel set pulses racing when it came onto the market and the unfeasible was made feasible as Ducati produced a cruiser that had sports bike performance with handling to match.  Now the Diavel Strada version comes with higher handlebars, touring screen, touring seat, heated grips and side luggage as well as the riding modes and ABS and traction control found standard on other Diavel models.

For further information regarding the Stradatour and a full list of dates visit www.ducatiuk.com