[Rod]

Just learnt from a friend in Italy, that the new 1098 will have (option available on all models) a "Telemetria". This is a PC software bundle that will allow you to connect your bike to a PC via the supplied USB cable and download technical data, such as speed, revs, temperature and all sorts of other stuff. Not quite sure what you would want to do with the info or if you can calibrate the bike yourself, but doubtless all will be revealed in Milan. This information is supposedly 100% accurate and he went on to say that the prices are likely (and not as rumoured) going to be more in line with the current 999 range as opposed to the US prices) quoted at $15K for the base model, $20K for the "S" and $25K for the Tricolore". That's a bit of a blow, as it was suggested that Ducati were trying to bridge the gap, not just in terms of looks and performance, but $ for HP or £ for HP in relation to the 1000cc japanese equivalent competitors. We shall see.