For the motorcycles used in Sylvester Stallone‘s latest movie – The Expendables, Stallone went to Bourget’s Bike Works as well as other bikes from the Easyriders Show and Cycle Source Chopper Show during “Bike Week New Orleans“.

Expendables is about an expendable team of mercenaries who head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator. The movie also stars Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis and Steve Austin.

“I personally chose all of the bikes,” said Stallone. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also in the film, although the governor shot his scenes in California. Jean-Claude Van Damme was reported to have been personally offered a role by Stallone, but turned it down because he felt there was no substance to the character.

MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi has just signed a two-year contract with Ducati for next season, bringing an end to his successful run at Yamaha.

31-year old Rossi will part company with the Fiat Yamaha team by the end of the current season, bringing a hugely successful seven-season association with the team to a close.

Rossi has won four MotoGP world titles with the Japanese manufacturer since joining from Honda in 2004.

“Now the moment has come to look for new challenges; my work here at Yamaha is finished. Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories,” said Rossi.

All will be revealed on Sunday. The seven-time MotoGP world champion has been rumoured to be leaving his Fiat Yamaha team for Ducati in 2011.

Former world champion Casey Stoner revealed last month he would be leaving Ducati at the end of the season to join Honda.

Stoner’s departure would create an opportunity for Rossi to sign with Ducati.

“Sunday, after the race you will know what I will do in 2011,” he told reporters before joking “if I was Yamaha, I would give me a trial, we’ll see”.

Hell For Leather has posted pics of the new Ducati Streetfighter. Basically a naked 1098, the Streetfighter and the higher spec Streetfighter S are equipped with a 155bhp, 87.5lb/ft 1099cc V-twin. The S gains lighter 5-spoke Marchesini forged aluminum wheels and a few carbon-fibre bits.

Ducati appears to have created this watercooled naked bike, to be distinct from the Monster, which will now apparently only use air-cooled Ducati engines. The Streetfighter uses the outgoing 1098‘s frame, engine, suspension and single-sided swingarm, but its bodywork, exhausts, handlebar and headlights are unique.

バイカーブードゥー

Ducati has extended its colour range by adding the stylish pearl white option to two more of its top models, the Hypermotard and Multistrada. Following a dazzling success for the pearl white finish introduced on the Ducati 848 and Monster 696, Ducati will now offer the exciting Hypermotard 1100 and the versatile Multistrada 1100 S in this smart and exclusive livery.

For the Hypermotard 1100, pearl white creates an eye-catching and competition style contrast against its red Trellis frame and new carbon-grey finish applied to the engine outer casings.

On the ‘S’ version of the Multistrada 1100, the pearl white shade achieves a more sophisticated contrast against its ‘racing grey’ Trellis frame, the new darker carbon-grey finish of the engine outer casings and the precious carbon fibre that characterise the sporting components of this model.

Both new versions will become available during September and officially shown to the public at the International Motorcycle Show in Cologne (INTERMOT – hall 8) from 7th October.

バイカーブードゥー

Using a Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S, Greg Trachy won the 1200cc motorcycle class outright and took an incredible fourth over all classes. The victory, on a motorcycle in stock trim with Ducati Performance accessories, was significant as this year marked the return of stiff manufacturer competition. Against the 119 motorcycles attempting to tackle the Peak, Greg rode the Hypermotard to victory (in class) beating the overall times set by Andrea Padovani and Christian Lancellotti of the factory Aprilia team from Italy. Greg also overcame stiff competition from noteworthy riders like KTM mounted Marco Belli, the BMW of Douglas Morrison and Greg’s own teammate Alexander Smith – the son of the legendary Malcolm Smith – who had a brilliant ride to fourth in his first ever race aboard a street based motorcycle. The idea to race the Hypermotard started almost a year ago at Pike’s Peak. While attending the July event, Becca Livingston visited the local Ducati dealer and saw her first Hypermotard and by October the bike she was dreaming about was hers. Becca, with her husband Paul at the controls, were adding to their thousands of miles riding two-up when they came to the realization that this motorcycle could be a contender on the mountain. Over the next few months and repeated verification from some very qualified friends, the decision was made to officially enter the Ducati in the Pike’s Peak event. For the full story of Ducati’s victory at Pikes Peak click here.

PAUL LIVINGSTON – Team Manager
“It was a real honour to bring the Hypermotard to Pikes Peak and give the bike its first win in international competition. Throughout the week the Hypermotard’s performance was flawless. We started with stock bikes (in fact we started with my wife’s street bike!) and with the addition of readily available Ducati Performance upgrades we came up with a winning combination in only a matter of weeks. Credit for this has to go to the effort put together by FL Racing- to get us to this point so quickly was simply amazing. Greg Tracy is a seasoned veteran of the mountain and knows what it takes to get up the hill quickly, and in the most treacherous of conditions. His experience and development skills allowed us to develop the winning package. Alexander Smith is a natural talent. Having never ridden a street bike until two weeks before the race, crossing the line in fourth place under trying course conditions was a testament to his abilities. Both riders came away from this year’s race eager to start next year’s effort right away. We look forward to returning to Pikes Peak in 2009 to continue the Hypermotard’s winning ways on the mountain.”

GREG TRACHY; 1st Place (12:06.60)
“The course conditions today were the hardest I’ve seen in 12 years, and that affected our times, but with the Hypermotard I never felt that I was in danger of losing the bike. When I got to ‘Campgrounds’ I looked back and saw nobody there, going into the dirt it swapped back and forth a couple of times so I figured it would be better to secure the class win than to risk it going for the record run. I want to thank Paul Livingston and Ducati for putting this together at the last minute and giving me such a great bike to ride!”

ALEXANDER MALCOLM SMITH; 4th Place (13:04.29)
“The Hypermotard was the first street bike I had ever ridden. I was amazed how quickly I could adapt to the characteristics of the bike. It says a lot about the motorcycle when you can buy the bike and parts from your local dealer and have a bike that is ready to conquer Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The proof is in the results, with the seasoned veteran Greg Tracy dominating the class and myself finishing 4th having never ridden this type motorcycle.”

Results: 1200cc Class
Driver N. Vehicle Glen Cove 16 mile Finish lane
Greg Trachy 555 Ducati Hypermotard 2008 05:17.554 08:15.376 12:06.602
Brian Anderson 49 Buell TT 2008 05:28.629 08:38.423 12:24.713
Joe Kopp 3 Buell TT 2008 05:31.913 08:43.317 12:41.403
Alexander Smith 156 Ducati Hypermotard 2008 05:48.652 08:58.415 13:04.290
Douglas Morrison 53 BMW R1200 Megamoto 2006 06:01.657 09:19.952 13:35.485
Tim Vesely 713 KTM 950 Super Enduro 2006 05:54.952 09:15.673 13:40.189
Max Stratton 822 BMW Megamoto 2008 06:11.328 09:36.457 14:09.372
Rob Smith 8 Buell S1 Lightening 1997 06:10.871 09:40.010 14:10.970
Glenn Cox 13 KTM 990 Super Duke R 2008 07:24.797 10:30.542 14:38.193
Joe Warner 551 BMW HP2 Enduro 2006 06:42.170 10:29.611 15:36.332
Ben Stratton 117 BMW Megamoto 2008 06:09.379 09:38.576 16:42.797

IMAGE: Reuters/Marco Bucco

Former Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher has swapped his Ferrari for a KTM motorcycle. Seen here during a motorbike race at Misano racetrack March 30, 2008. The 39-year-old German, who has seven titles and 91 grand prix wins make him Formula One’s most successful driver. Schumacher finished fourth in his first competitive motorbike race on Sunday in the KTM minor series race at the Misano circuit in Italy.

Schumacher has also been reported as having tested a Ducati MotoGP bike since retiring from F1 late in 2006. He has made it clear that he has no intention in competing in MotoGP or SBK but competes in minor events. The short ten lap event at Misano was run on 990cc KTM Super Dukes, where Schumacher managed to qualify third and finished fourth. Not bad eh?

SOURCE, SOURCE2, SOURCE3

バイカーブードゥー

In just a few days the latest naked offering from Borgo Panigale will take centre stage – the brand new Monster 696. Since the first version was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Cologne back in 1992, the Monster has enjoyed unrivalled success and become a true icon in the world of motorcycling.

The 696 has inherited all the design and build principles of its predecessor, allowing true Monster character to now shine through from every single component. Providing pure, undiluted excitement, the Monster is the definition of a bike that strikes a perfect balance between performance and everyday riding pleasure.

Ready to arrive in Ducati Stores around the world from the beginning of April onwards, the new Monster comes in a choice of three colour schemes: Ducati red, matte black, and Ducati’s currently hot colour of pearl white.

The last few days have also seen the completion of an exciting special version. Aptly labelled the Monster 696+, it comes pre-accessorised with two sophisticated in-house designer additions. A colour-matched rear seat cover, which gives the bike an even cleaner, sportier look and is quickly removable for your favourite passenger and a unique, head-turning micro-bikini fairing that embraces the digital instruments and rounds off the sporting appeal of the new Monster 696.

To satisfy loyal ‘Ducatisti’ – or ‘Monsteristi’ – a new website dedicated entirely to this very important new Borgo Panigale baby has gone live at www.monster.ducati.it. With just a few clicks, you’re on your own virtual ride through an interactive space full of Monster facts and figures where you can discover the Monster story, its technical data, performance, dealerships and more. Photos and videos include a special Casey Stoner feature showing the MotoGP world champion testing the 696 during a recent visit to the Ducati factory, and an exclusive video of the production line.

The Monster range has always been synonymous with customisation, its minimalist style lending itself perfectly to the customisation and individual interpretation of every component. For this very reason, Ducati already has a wide range of accessories and special parts ready. Specifically for the Monster 696, they are designed to help owners make each and every bike even more unique and original. While images of the new accessory collection will go live online on 27 March, a mouth-watering taster of some special items is already available on Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio’s DESMOBLOG ( blog.ducati.com ).

The Monster 696 dedicated website is a key link between Ducatisti around the world and the company in Bologna, Italy. It is also a great way for everyone surfing the net to discover and fall in love with the Ducati brand and the latest naked bike to come out of Borgo Panigale.

バイカーブードゥー

Tickets are now on sale for the Mugello Grandstand. This year the Ducati Grandstand Tour will take in 9 international MotoGP races.

Following the success of the Ducati Grandstand at Italian rounds last year, Ducati has decided to use the same formula at other MotoGP rounds around the world.
It will now be possible to follow your heroes trackside at the Italian circuits of Mugello and Misano, but also at the European rounds of Le Mans, Sachsenring and Valencia, as well as at the international events at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis (U.S.A.), Phillip Island (Australia) and Motegi (Japan).

On 1st June 2008, the Ducati MotoGP Team will take to the track, more revved up than ever and ready to take part in the first of two Italian MotoGP world championship rounds, at Mugello, one of the hallowed grounds of international motorcycling.

Last year, more than 3000 Ducati fans were lucky enough to witness the qualifying practice and races from one of the most spectacular sections of the Tuscan track: the Correntaio curve. This spot has now earned a special place in the hearts of the Ducatisti and is famous for its action-packed racing.

This year, Ducati is once more offering its fans the chance to experience the excitement of live Mugello MotoGP, surrounded by fellow fanatics. Ticket holders will be able to join in with the official fan club members, who in previous years have ‘painted’ Mugello red with their unstoppable passion for the Borgo Panigale machines.
Entertainment in the Ducati grandstand will be arranged as usual by the Desmodromiclub of Rome.

As well as making it possible to watch your heroes race around from one of its most strategic points, the famous “Correntaio” curve. The ticket will also entitle you to a ‘goodie bag’ full of exclusive gifts. And so that you don’t miss any of the action, a 33m2 giant screen will be positioned next to the grandstand. Last but not least, there is the convenience of a reserved parking space for your bike and a free cloakroom service to store your gear.

Tickets are valid for the qualifying sessions, held on 30th and 31st May 2008, and for the race on Sunday 1st June. In addition to access to the Ducati grandstand, in which you can choose your own seat, tickets act as a pass to most viewing areas around the racetrack. The ‘Pedonale Provinciale’ pedestrian entrance to the racetrack (located next to the Palagio entrance) is recommended for access to the grandstand.

The big difference this year is that it is possible to book tickets well in advance, at a special price. Through the official Ducati Store network, if purchased between 19th March and 15th April, tickets cost just 190 Euros, while from 16th April until stocks last, the price is 220 Euros and the tickets are available exclusively via the website www.ducati.com.

Further information and all the latest news is available on http://www.ducati.com/news/08/news004/news004.jhtml as well as the national Ducati websites of the participating countries.

バイカーブードゥー

The readers of eleven European magazines vote Ducati as “2008 Bike of the Year” in both the “Sports Bike” category and the “Trial/Supermoto” category.

Over 95,000 readers of eleven European magazines (including Motorrad, In Moto, Motociclismo, Toff, Moto Journal and others), expressed their personal preference by voting the most stylish and desired motorcycle of 2008. Once again, Ducati dominated the scene, picking up prizes and awards that confirm the world-wide success of the new ‘made in Borgo Panigale’ models.

Ducati were victorious in two of the most prestigious and important trade categories. Within the “trial/supermoto”, the Ducati Hypermotard confirmed the sensational result achieved last year, beating prestigious models such as the BMW R1200GS, KTM 950 Supermoto, Triumph Tiger and Honda Varadero. The Ducati vote was overwhelming with the Hypermotard taking first place in six out of eleven countries (Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Italy), second place in Poland and Holland, and third place in Switzerland.

Success in the SportsBike category was equally as impressive, and with a repeat of last year’s performance, Ducati devoured the opposition. The 1098 was first in Germany, Switzerland and Italy, second in France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia, and third in Holland.

Ducati’s leadership in this segment was further confirmed by the performance of the stunning and exclusive Desmosedici RR, the most voted by readers in five out of eleven countries (France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Rumania) and the second most voted Superbike in Germany, Poland and Italy.

In five out of eleven countries, two Ducati models were first and second in a category red-hot with competition such as the Suzuki GSX-R 1000, MV Agusta, Honda CB 1000 R, Yamaha R1 and other prestigious models.

Readers rewarded other important brand-related aspects of the Borgo Panigale machines, further contributing towards Ducati’s incredible success. They included best sporting brand, best designs, passion for the brand and above all, racing performance.

バイカーブードゥー

For the motorcycles used in Sylvester Stallone‘s latest movie – The Expendables, Stallone went to Bourget’s Bike Works as well as other bikes from the Easyriders Show and Cycle Source Chopper Show during “Bike Week New Orleans“.

Expendables is about an expendable team of mercenaries who head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator. The movie also stars Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis and Steve Austin.

“I personally chose all of the bikes,” said Stallone. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also in the film, although the governor shot his scenes in California. Jean-Claude Van Damme was reported to have been personally offered a role by Stallone, but turned it down because he felt there was no substance to the character.

MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi has just signed a two-year contract with Ducati for next season, bringing an end to his successful run at Yamaha.

31-year old Rossi will part company with the Fiat Yamaha team by the end of the current season, bringing a hugely successful seven-season association with the team to a close.

Rossi has won four MotoGP world titles with the Japanese manufacturer since joining from Honda in 2004.

“Now the moment has come to look for new challenges; my work here at Yamaha is finished. Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories,” said Rossi.

All will be revealed on Sunday. The seven-time MotoGP world champion has been rumoured to be leaving his Fiat Yamaha team for Ducati in 2011.

Former world champion Casey Stoner revealed last month he would be leaving Ducati at the end of the season to join Honda.

Stoner’s departure would create an opportunity for Rossi to sign with Ducati.

“Sunday, after the race you will know what I will do in 2011,” he told reporters before joking “if I was Yamaha, I would give me a trial, we’ll see”.

Hell For Leather has posted pics of the new Ducati Streetfighter. Basically a naked 1098, the Streetfighter and the higher spec Streetfighter S are equipped with a 155bhp, 87.5lb/ft 1099cc V-twin. The S gains lighter 5-spoke Marchesini forged aluminum wheels and a few carbon-fibre bits.

Ducati appears to have created this watercooled naked bike, to be distinct from the Monster, which will now apparently only use air-cooled Ducati engines. The Streetfighter uses the outgoing 1098‘s frame, engine, suspension and single-sided swingarm, but its bodywork, exhausts, handlebar and headlights are unique.

バイカーブードゥー

Ducati has extended its colour range by adding the stylish pearl white option to two more of its top models, the Hypermotard and Multistrada. Following a dazzling success for the pearl white finish introduced on the Ducati 848 and Monster 696, Ducati will now offer the exciting Hypermotard 1100 and the versatile Multistrada 1100 S in this smart and exclusive livery.

For the Hypermotard 1100, pearl white creates an eye-catching and competition style contrast against its red Trellis frame and new carbon-grey finish applied to the engine outer casings.

On the ‘S’ version of the Multistrada 1100, the pearl white shade achieves a more sophisticated contrast against its ‘racing grey’ Trellis frame, the new darker carbon-grey finish of the engine outer casings and the precious carbon fibre that characterise the sporting components of this model.

Both new versions will become available during September and officially shown to the public at the International Motorcycle Show in Cologne (INTERMOT – hall 8) from 7th October.

バイカーブードゥー

Using a Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S, Greg Trachy won the 1200cc motorcycle class outright and took an incredible fourth over all classes. The victory, on a motorcycle in stock trim with Ducati Performance accessories, was significant as this year marked the return of stiff manufacturer competition. Against the 119 motorcycles attempting to tackle the Peak, Greg rode the Hypermotard to victory (in class) beating the overall times set by Andrea Padovani and Christian Lancellotti of the factory Aprilia team from Italy. Greg also overcame stiff competition from noteworthy riders like KTM mounted Marco Belli, the BMW of Douglas Morrison and Greg’s own teammate Alexander Smith – the son of the legendary Malcolm Smith – who had a brilliant ride to fourth in his first ever race aboard a street based motorcycle. The idea to race the Hypermotard started almost a year ago at Pike’s Peak. While attending the July event, Becca Livingston visited the local Ducati dealer and saw her first Hypermotard and by October the bike she was dreaming about was hers. Becca, with her husband Paul at the controls, were adding to their thousands of miles riding two-up when they came to the realization that this motorcycle could be a contender on the mountain. Over the next few months and repeated verification from some very qualified friends, the decision was made to officially enter the Ducati in the Pike’s Peak event. For the full story of Ducati’s victory at Pikes Peak click here.

PAUL LIVINGSTON – Team Manager
“It was a real honour to bring the Hypermotard to Pikes Peak and give the bike its first win in international competition. Throughout the week the Hypermotard’s performance was flawless. We started with stock bikes (in fact we started with my wife’s street bike!) and with the addition of readily available Ducati Performance upgrades we came up with a winning combination in only a matter of weeks. Credit for this has to go to the effort put together by FL Racing- to get us to this point so quickly was simply amazing. Greg Tracy is a seasoned veteran of the mountain and knows what it takes to get up the hill quickly, and in the most treacherous of conditions. His experience and development skills allowed us to develop the winning package. Alexander Smith is a natural talent. Having never ridden a street bike until two weeks before the race, crossing the line in fourth place under trying course conditions was a testament to his abilities. Both riders came away from this year’s race eager to start next year’s effort right away. We look forward to returning to Pikes Peak in 2009 to continue the Hypermotard’s winning ways on the mountain.”

GREG TRACHY; 1st Place (12:06.60)
“The course conditions today were the hardest I’ve seen in 12 years, and that affected our times, but with the Hypermotard I never felt that I was in danger of losing the bike. When I got to ‘Campgrounds’ I looked back and saw nobody there, going into the dirt it swapped back and forth a couple of times so I figured it would be better to secure the class win than to risk it going for the record run. I want to thank Paul Livingston and Ducati for putting this together at the last minute and giving me such a great bike to ride!”

ALEXANDER MALCOLM SMITH; 4th Place (13:04.29)
“The Hypermotard was the first street bike I had ever ridden. I was amazed how quickly I could adapt to the characteristics of the bike. It says a lot about the motorcycle when you can buy the bike and parts from your local dealer and have a bike that is ready to conquer Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The proof is in the results, with the seasoned veteran Greg Tracy dominating the class and myself finishing 4th having never ridden this type motorcycle.”

Results: 1200cc Class
Driver N. Vehicle Glen Cove 16 mile Finish lane
Greg Trachy 555 Ducati Hypermotard 2008 05:17.554 08:15.376 12:06.602
Brian Anderson 49 Buell TT 2008 05:28.629 08:38.423 12:24.713
Joe Kopp 3 Buell TT 2008 05:31.913 08:43.317 12:41.403
Alexander Smith 156 Ducati Hypermotard 2008 05:48.652 08:58.415 13:04.290
Douglas Morrison 53 BMW R1200 Megamoto 2006 06:01.657 09:19.952 13:35.485
Tim Vesely 713 KTM 950 Super Enduro 2006 05:54.952 09:15.673 13:40.189
Max Stratton 822 BMW Megamoto 2008 06:11.328 09:36.457 14:09.372
Rob Smith 8 Buell S1 Lightening 1997 06:10.871 09:40.010 14:10.970
Glenn Cox 13 KTM 990 Super Duke R 2008 07:24.797 10:30.542 14:38.193
Joe Warner 551 BMW HP2 Enduro 2006 06:42.170 10:29.611 15:36.332
Ben Stratton 117 BMW Megamoto 2008 06:09.379 09:38.576 16:42.797

IMAGE: Reuters/Marco Bucco

Former Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher has swapped his Ferrari for a KTM motorcycle. Seen here during a motorbike race at Misano racetrack March 30, 2008. The 39-year-old German, who has seven titles and 91 grand prix wins make him Formula One’s most successful driver. Schumacher finished fourth in his first competitive motorbike race on Sunday in the KTM minor series race at the Misano circuit in Italy.

Schumacher has also been reported as having tested a Ducati MotoGP bike since retiring from F1 late in 2006. He has made it clear that he has no intention in competing in MotoGP or SBK but competes in minor events. The short ten lap event at Misano was run on 990cc KTM Super Dukes, where Schumacher managed to qualify third and finished fourth. Not bad eh?

SOURCE, SOURCE2, SOURCE3

バイカーブードゥー

In just a few days the latest naked offering from Borgo Panigale will take centre stage – the brand new Monster 696. Since the first version was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Cologne back in 1992, the Monster has enjoyed unrivalled success and become a true icon in the world of motorcycling.

The 696 has inherited all the design and build principles of its predecessor, allowing true Monster character to now shine through from every single component. Providing pure, undiluted excitement, the Monster is the definition of a bike that strikes a perfect balance between performance and everyday riding pleasure.

Ready to arrive in Ducati Stores around the world from the beginning of April onwards, the new Monster comes in a choice of three colour schemes: Ducati red, matte black, and Ducati’s currently hot colour of pearl white.

The last few days have also seen the completion of an exciting special version. Aptly labelled the Monster 696+, it comes pre-accessorised with two sophisticated in-house designer additions. A colour-matched rear seat cover, which gives the bike an even cleaner, sportier look and is quickly removable for your favourite passenger and a unique, head-turning micro-bikini fairing that embraces the digital instruments and rounds off the sporting appeal of the new Monster 696.

To satisfy loyal ‘Ducatisti’ – or ‘Monsteristi’ – a new website dedicated entirely to this very important new Borgo Panigale baby has gone live at www.monster.ducati.it. With just a few clicks, you’re on your own virtual ride through an interactive space full of Monster facts and figures where you can discover the Monster story, its technical data, performance, dealerships and more. Photos and videos include a special Casey Stoner feature showing the MotoGP world champion testing the 696 during a recent visit to the Ducati factory, and an exclusive video of the production line.

The Monster range has always been synonymous with customisation, its minimalist style lending itself perfectly to the customisation and individual interpretation of every component. For this very reason, Ducati already has a wide range of accessories and special parts ready. Specifically for the Monster 696, they are designed to help owners make each and every bike even more unique and original. While images of the new accessory collection will go live online on 27 March, a mouth-watering taster of some special items is already available on Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio’s DESMOBLOG ( blog.ducati.com ).

The Monster 696 dedicated website is a key link between Ducatisti around the world and the company in Bologna, Italy. It is also a great way for everyone surfing the net to discover and fall in love with the Ducati brand and the latest naked bike to come out of Borgo Panigale.

バイカーブードゥー

Tickets are now on sale for the Mugello Grandstand. This year the Ducati Grandstand Tour will take in 9 international MotoGP races.

Following the success of the Ducati Grandstand at Italian rounds last year, Ducati has decided to use the same formula at other MotoGP rounds around the world.
It will now be possible to follow your heroes trackside at the Italian circuits of Mugello and Misano, but also at the European rounds of Le Mans, Sachsenring and Valencia, as well as at the international events at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis (U.S.A.), Phillip Island (Australia) and Motegi (Japan).

On 1st June 2008, the Ducati MotoGP Team will take to the track, more revved up than ever and ready to take part in the first of two Italian MotoGP world championship rounds, at Mugello, one of the hallowed grounds of international motorcycling.

Last year, more than 3000 Ducati fans were lucky enough to witness the qualifying practice and races from one of the most spectacular sections of the Tuscan track: the Correntaio curve. This spot has now earned a special place in the hearts of the Ducatisti and is famous for its action-packed racing.

This year, Ducati is once more offering its fans the chance to experience the excitement of live Mugello MotoGP, surrounded by fellow fanatics. Ticket holders will be able to join in with the official fan club members, who in previous years have ‘painted’ Mugello red with their unstoppable passion for the Borgo Panigale machines.
Entertainment in the Ducati grandstand will be arranged as usual by the Desmodromiclub of Rome.

As well as making it possible to watch your heroes race around from one of its most strategic points, the famous “Correntaio” curve. The ticket will also entitle you to a ‘goodie bag’ full of exclusive gifts. And so that you don’t miss any of the action, a 33m2 giant screen will be positioned next to the grandstand. Last but not least, there is the convenience of a reserved parking space for your bike and a free cloakroom service to store your gear.

Tickets are valid for the qualifying sessions, held on 30th and 31st May 2008, and for the race on Sunday 1st June. In addition to access to the Ducati grandstand, in which you can choose your own seat, tickets act as a pass to most viewing areas around the racetrack. The ‘Pedonale Provinciale’ pedestrian entrance to the racetrack (located next to the Palagio entrance) is recommended for access to the grandstand.

The big difference this year is that it is possible to book tickets well in advance, at a special price. Through the official Ducati Store network, if purchased between 19th March and 15th April, tickets cost just 190 Euros, while from 16th April until stocks last, the price is 220 Euros and the tickets are available exclusively via the website www.ducati.com.

Further information and all the latest news is available on http://www.ducati.com/news/08/news004/news004.jhtml as well as the national Ducati websites of the participating countries.

バイカーブードゥー

The readers of eleven European magazines vote Ducati as “2008 Bike of the Year” in both the “Sports Bike” category and the “Trial/Supermoto” category.

Over 95,000 readers of eleven European magazines (including Motorrad, In Moto, Motociclismo, Toff, Moto Journal and others), expressed their personal preference by voting the most stylish and desired motorcycle of 2008. Once again, Ducati dominated the scene, picking up prizes and awards that confirm the world-wide success of the new ‘made in Borgo Panigale’ models.

Ducati were victorious in two of the most prestigious and important trade categories. Within the “trial/supermoto”, the Ducati Hypermotard confirmed the sensational result achieved last year, beating prestigious models such as the BMW R1200GS, KTM 950 Supermoto, Triumph Tiger and Honda Varadero. The Ducati vote was overwhelming with the Hypermotard taking first place in six out of eleven countries (Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Italy), second place in Poland and Holland, and third place in Switzerland.

Success in the SportsBike category was equally as impressive, and with a repeat of last year’s performance, Ducati devoured the opposition. The 1098 was first in Germany, Switzerland and Italy, second in France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia, and third in Holland.

Ducati’s leadership in this segment was further confirmed by the performance of the stunning and exclusive Desmosedici RR, the most voted by readers in five out of eleven countries (France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Rumania) and the second most voted Superbike in Germany, Poland and Italy.

In five out of eleven countries, two Ducati models were first and second in a category red-hot with competition such as the Suzuki GSX-R 1000, MV Agusta, Honda CB 1000 R, Yamaha R1 and other prestigious models.

Readers rewarded other important brand-related aspects of the Borgo Panigale machines, further contributing towards Ducati’s incredible success. They included best sporting brand, best designs, passion for the brand and above all, racing performance.

バイカーブードゥー