New Ducati road bike.
 

Got some info on the new Ducati road bike. Hope to be able to post more with pics later. Watch this space.

At a function on Friday evening I was let into one of the best kept secrets of the motorcycle world – the new Ducati road bike. It would seem that Ducati have finally realised that the 999 is not going to be the success the 916 series was, and what’s more it is taking too long to develop it for the discerning rider. “Too bland” is a quote oft heard when describing the bike, “not a patch on the 916” is another, so Ducati have bitten the bullet and have poured massive amounts of money and resources into the new bike.

From what I’m hearing, certain aspects of the bike will be developed by a UK company, whose name I know, but am not at liberty to divulge. The brief was simple – be radical! The 916 set the world alight when it first appeared all those years ago, and it is still an icon even now. Ducati hope the new bike will have the same effect. However, one aspect of the bike is that it will be so radical that Ducati will be “vetting” potential purchasers to ensure they are competent to operate the new machine. My inside source says this will probably mean that only older, more mature riders will initially be getting the bike until such time as some of the more radical aspects of the machine are fully understood.

Initial specs are very sketchy; however I have been able to ascertain the following.

• The bike will use a minimalist tubular frame, probably titanium, with a “twin beam” layout and of course painted red.
• Horsepower and torque figures have not been released, but the rider will be able to alter the way power is delivered to suit the conditions.
• Power will automatically be reduced if the machine detects the rider is becoming tired and riding becomes more wayward.
• Braking system will use GP style radial calipers on GP spec forks and a variable ratio radial master cylinder
• Rear wheel will have a unique radically new “hard tail” suspension system with lean angle detectors which will prevent the biking from laying down when lean angle is likely to be exceeded
• An entirely new “slick” style tyre has been developed for the bike, possibly as a direct result in Pirelli’s involvement in WSBK
• There will be no seat as such. Instead the rider will be positioned within the frame and supported through their lower arms, hands, thighs and feet. Apparently this is to allow for a greater degree of manoeuvrability when on the bike.
• Marchesini magnesium wheels will be a standard fit to give greater lightness and improve turn in.

I’ll post more when I get it.

[Edited on 5-12-2004 by yeti]

Just heard from my friend, he will be mailing me some pics of the prototype tomorrow, can't wait...........:sing:

stops loads of peeps I know from buying it then - how would the machine know the difference in erratic mad behaviour and erratic tired behaviour??? Will it have vertical take off too:lol:

Calling occupants of Interplanetary Craft ..
 

... are you talking for Uranus, John:puzzled:

Patience dear boy, patience. All will be revealed, AND I am assured it will be worth waiting for.

Yeh right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh ye of little faith...................

Drugs are bad mmk?

And I thought it was Dec 5th, (my son's 13th birthday!!! - makes me feel old) and not April 1st!!

Tim:frog:

Its not April already is it:D

This is going to be interesting:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol ::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Have Ducati bought into Natty Boys Mini motos Ltd All the clues are there.

couple of things I notice on the description.........

Titanium frame: Will never happen, - Titanium is a flexible metal, - ok for bicycle frames but a big no-no on motorbike frames.

Magnesium Marchesini wheels: Strictly speaking not road legal, - they would never get TUV (or the like) approval.

Suspension: Again would never be "road legal".

To me this sounds all too much like a project called a "concept bike".

"Titanium frame: Will never happen, - Titanium is a flexible metal, - ok for bicycle frames but a big no-no on motorbike frames."
You're a bit late mate, Ducati have already done that, Dave Cook-our Chairman-was offered a TI frame that was made for Bostrom to use in AMA...................

John

Yeti, will it have the "advanced stabilisation system" fittted which will prevent inadvertant toppling over situations?

RH, I am assured it WILL have the ASS system. Have also been told the project designator is Ducati Z1 Mme"R"

Come on then you big furry freak, lets see the pictures!

I am promised the pics some time today. Don't you think I want to see them as much as you lot? I've been gagging all weekend to get a shuftie at this one.

Zimmer .... :lol:

think the Yeti signature might be another clue, - does n't it read taking the pi......?

Has Yeti been at the funny fags during his Birthday?;)

The pics have arrived, see below:

more

more

more

finally

Bugger, I was hoping to string it out a bit longer!

As many of you will know I run a modelmaking and prototyping outfit, and my "lads" knocked this up for my 50th. It's simply brilliant and had us in fits at the party. Sadly the frame is not titanium but brass, but what the heck.

Well done Ant, I thought by splitting the "designator" over two lines, nobody would twig the ZIMMER bit, but I should have known better!

Enjoy my wee bit o' fun for my BIG Five Oh! :sing::sing:

With a wheelbase that short it should be pretty nimble, fast turn in.

I thiught it was Neil Hodgson's new bike for AMA Series;)

Looks superb John, you're a lucky guy to have obviously such good people work for you!

:lol::lol::lol:Looks better than any 999 i've ever seen!!:lol::lol::lol:

Yeah, but as one of my other guests pointed out, exactly how much has that cost me....

Still it was worth it, it's gonna take pride of place in my office

Sadly true............... Tin hat on boys.

can't see those brakes catching on though..... :borg:

I can see a 4th group happening on TA4 for the errr... "wise" ones among us!

'koff :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::devil:

See...Now i've been asking for that "advanced stabilization system" for the past year from cornerspeed...Do you think they will start making it!
First in line please!:lol:

Clearley you're not that busy @ the minute then john ?


Have n't they developed,that especially for you at rockingham,to keep u upright !


:sing: