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