New Duci ??

[LivinLOS]

This latest “spy photo” distributed by Ducati reveals new details of the new mid-capacity Hypermotard/Multistrada ADV/supermoto thingamahoo. The bike is so undisguised here, it must be nearing official release. Looks like an all-new frame and unique styling, in addition to top-shelf components like Ohlins suspension and Brembo Monoblocs.

The way all this works is that companies like Ducati try to build hype around new products by dropping a few pics or details (we saw this one on Moto Corsa’s Facebook page), one drop at a time, through influential channels. They want it to feel organic so you’ll post it on your Facebook and we’ll run it as a news story. Hey, they make great bikes, so we may as well talk about them…

The rumors they’ve been distributing about this bike are that it crosses over between the Hypermotard and Multistrada, using the engine from the Streetfighter 848 to achieve a more accessible price point and performance level than the 1,200cc Multi.

That’s a great idea. The Hyper is extremely nice to look at, but runs out of power too soon. The Multi is, seriously, the best road bike out there, but looks like it belongs in a game of Angry Birds. The downside? The Hyper’s riding position and lack of wind protection are going to mean this won’t be a distance tool, unless Ducati makes some sort of “Travel” version that is.

Riding the Streetfighter 848, we found the 130bhp, liquid-cooled v-twin to be flexible and easy to use. That peak power figure may sound awfully close to the 1,200’s 155bhp, but it’s much less intimidating, replacing the larger motor’s huge punch of power with smooth progress. You’d get one of these after, say a Monster 696 and not be too terribly scared every time you thought about the throttle.

You have eyes, but just to make sure they’re working, let’s talk about what we see in this photo: single-sided swingarm, trellis frame, huge exhaust, sexy wheels. Styling appears to adapt the bigger Multi’s language into something a little less mirror shattering. The bodywork combines organic curves with crisp lines. No one’s going to keep that ginormous exhaust for more than five minutes.

The presence of that Ohlins shock and those Brembo calipers likely indicate that Ducati’s going to offer a couple different versions of this bike. Expect the base model to come in around the Streetfighter 848’s $14k price point, complete with similar Marzocchi/Sachs mix. Bling and damping will add a couple Gs.

Look for more pics and details leading up to the bike’s official unveiling at EICMA this fall and an awesome real-roads performance bike when we ride it soon after.

 

[LivinLOS]

130 bhp 848 derived hypermotard ??

Form an orderly queue..