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Ducati Multistrada on the Road to Success
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
The new Ducati Multistrada has already proved to be a remarkable success with sales for 2010 expected to exceed previous sales forecasts by more than 20%.
Despite the Multistrada only being on the market for a few months, demand has often outstripped supply as bikers have flooded dealers with orders for this unique motorcycle. Ducati has worked closely with the factory to make sure that dealers receive bike allocations on time. Despite the increase in forecasted sales Ducati has been able to keep pace with orders and fulfil customer expectations by securing an additional 100 bikes for the market to be delivered in September.
For Ducati the Multistrada has not only been a sales success but also has successfully converted buyers from other brands with many purchasing a Ducati for the first time. Early indications suggest that over 40% of Multistrada buyers are new to the brand.
It is not only the design and quality of the bike that has brought new riders to the brand it is also the competitive service costs and service intervals throughout the range that has contributed to Ducati bucking the trend, with year on year growth in a very tough market.
The Multistrada is a new biking concept which combines sports performance while still providing an extremely comfortable ride and unrivalled versatility. The four-bikes-in-one concept uses three technologies which interact to instantly change the chassis set-up and character of the Multistrada 1200. Fitted as standard equipment on all versions, the electronic ride-by-wire system administers three different engine mappings to change the character of the engine, while Ducati Traction Control (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control. For the ‘S’ version, Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) instantly configures the suspension set-up to suit ‘rider only’, ‘rider with luggage’, ‘rider and passenger’ or ‘rider and passenger with luggage’. It is the ‘S’model which has been responsible for 70% of all Multistrada sales with the ‘S’ Touring version proving the most popular.
Although ‘S’ models are still in high demand, customers can expect to order one now and take deliver by September/October. Base models in standard version or with ABS and are now available subject to individual dealer stock levels.
Press data & images: Ducati
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2011 Nissan Juke priced at $18,960*
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Nissan North America has recently released pricing for the 2011 Nissan Juke sport cross. The all-new Juke is the company’s CUV that goes on sales in October starting at MSRP of $18,960 USD.
“We believe JUKE’s unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology – along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.
The Nisaan Juke will be offered in eight different variants powered by a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Petrol Turbo engine, which results in producing 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes in two transmissions – an advanced Xtronic CVT with S-mode or a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only), which will start at $20,260. Nissan has claimed fuel efficiency figures of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
This baby CUV is a nice blend of sporty and sleek looks. The car looks powerful, bold and is ready to attract the young drivers. Interiors look almost comic like with a center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank in high-gloss plaint.
With low pricing, many on-board equipments, youth-oriented styling, Nissan is making sure that we see enough of Jukes on the road post October.
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The New 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Kawasaki is all ready to launch their new 400cc Ninja. This all-new 2011 Ninja 400R will easily be slotted in between the 250cc and the 600cc category. Kawasaki fans around the globe have been waiting for this bike for a long time and we aren’t sure when their wait will end as Kawasaki has not yet announced the marketing and sales plans outside Japan.
Going by the looks, the bike is a full-blooded Ninja sporting the classic paint scheme and full fairing looking, which is a Kawasaki Sportsbike trademark.
On the inside this Ninja 400 R has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder DOHC four-valve engine. The beauty about this engine is that it is powerful at low- and mid-range speeds and that responds agilely at high speeds.
Along with a fuel-injection system, the bike also has sub-throttle valves to optimize the air intake. Kawasaki states that this results in excellent throttle response and smoother engine performance even at normal speeds and improves riding and handling incredibly.
Similar to the 2011 ER-4n, the Ninja 400R also sports a short silencer located under the engine’s belly and is also equipped with a built-in three-way catalyzer.
The full fairing of the Ninja 400R makes the rider feel protected at high speeds, while the position of the aluminum grab bars help in better riding position to ease fatigue.The 2011 Ninja 400R come with a futuristic multi-function LCD display with a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, fuel gauge, clock and odometer.
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The New 2011 Ducati 848 EVO
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
The 2011 848 EVO now further enhances Ducati’s most impressive lightweight Superbike ever with more power from the Testastretta engine and more braking power from Brembo’s incredible Monobloc brake technology combining to provide an even more exciting way to enter the world of Ducati Superbikes.
The “EVO” treatment applied to the 848 introduces a 6hp power boost to 140hp (103kW) and a torque increase to 72.3lb-ft (98Nm) that results in a razor-sharp and easy-to-use power delivery while the combination of the 848’s legendary (168kg) chassis set-up and planet-stopping Brembo Monobloc brakes gives unthinkable braking performances most can only dream of.
In pursuit of perfection, Ducati engineers have listened to passionate owners of the 848 Superbike since its delivery in 2008 and now enhance its specifications to deliver impressive performances whether riding through mid-town traffic or racing through track-day competition.
Iconic features from the World Championship-winning machines, such as the twin under-seat silencers, single-sided swingarm, Trellis frame, beautiful race bodywork and steering damper, are all part of the 848’s DNA. Its family resemblance assures that it is equipped with all the performance advancements of the Superbike family, while adding its own particular character and style.
The early arrival of the 2011 848 EVO will see bikes available to order from 20th July 2010, with demo bikes arriving at dealers by end of July and customer orders shipped within September.
The 848 EVO Dark Stealth and 848EVO will be available at the same price as the outgoing 848 range including the traditional colour of Ducati red with red frame and black wheels and introducing the stunning new “dark stealth” with racing black frame and black wheels.
- 848 EVO Dark Stealth – £9,995
- 848 EVO – £10,695
Press Data & Images: Ducati
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Highlights, Interviews and More
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsFor those who missed the big race, Here are the highlights of the MotoGP in Barcelona
Best of the Action from Catalunya GP:
Check out what the winner had to say after the race
Lorenzo interview after the Catalunya GP:
No, we haven’t forgotten the Stunning Paddock girls either.
MotoGP Paddock Girls in Catalunya 2010:
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New Ducati 796 Arrives in US
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
It’s time for Ducati worshippers in United States to start rejoicing because the new Monster 796 will be available at the dealerships in two days. Yes, the bike will reach the sales outlets on the 25th of June.This 796 comes with a micro-bikini fairing, a single seat cover and will be powered by a new Desmodue 796 engine.
With a power output of 87 horsepower and dry weight of 368 pounds, the new Monster 796 also comes with optional ABS.
It will be available in three colors – traditional Ducati Red, new artic white silk or diamond black silk. All three colors combined with a red Trellis frame and black wheels. The unique style feature of these wheels is that they have a short red flash around the rims, which gives an effect of a bright red single stripe when the bike is in action.
Ducati has seriously worked on the rider’s position by reducing the seat by a full 10mm while raising the handlebars by 20mm.
“Monster riders who love to customize their bikes will be delighted at the arrival of the new Logomania body kits, designed to change the color of a bike in a matter of minutes using classic Ducati designs from over the years,” a company statement reads.
The new Monster will be priced at $9,995 and the bookings for test rides opens on the weekend. Our only suggestion – HURRY UP!
To read more about the new Ducati 796 click here:
http://autogeared.com/?s=ducati+796
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Husqvarna Revamps Three New Models for 2010
by Aman Chaudhry3 Comments
Shortly after Husqvarna announced its two new models – CR 50 and SM 50, the BMW subsidiary is ready to launch three more revamped 250cc 4-stroke motorcycles and enduro range. The three models namely TC 250, TE 250 and the TE 301, have been completely re-designed, have new chassis and engines and will be on sale later this July.
The engine on the new version of TC 250 now gets fitted with a battery less electronic fuel injection system and 45 mm diameter throttle body. The crankcase of the engine has been toughened with new steel sockets on chassis links. The Akrapovic exhaust pipe gets a steel manifold, a titanium silencer and heat protection unit.
The chassis on the TE 250 have been redesigned in such a way that the streamlined area below the cradle has been strengthened to prevent knocks and makes the ride smoother. Thus, the suspension has been worked upon, there’s a new pump for the tank, engine guards made out of newer material and the aluminium hubs get standard perforations.
Then comes the TE 310, which has the lightest engine out of the lot, which weighs only 22 kg but now has been boosted upto 302.44cc. A new exhaust system with heat protection and increase in bore and stroke are the responsible factors behind this engine boost. The total weight of the bike has been further reduced by 6 kgs from the previous version.
Going by the looks, all three models get new graphics on the tank area with In Mould Plastic Decoration, which is incorporated, in the actual material not applied afterwards.
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Norton Commando – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
THERE are lots of books about the Norton Commando; about its history, performance, lineage, and the minutiae of its specification. But none of them will tell you what to look for when buying one secondhand. That’s what this book is about – it is a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Commando. It doesn’t list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike’s design philosophy, or consider its background as part of a troubled industry – there are excellent books listed at the end of this one that do all of that – but it will help you avoid buying a dud.
Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Commando, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork.
So don’t buy a Commando without buying this book first!
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Peter Henshaw’s years of experience; learn how to spot a bad Norton Commando quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional.
These bikes are the last of the ‘classic’ Nortons, and remain collector’s items, and many have been saved, restored and returned to the road in superb condition. This book, which is available now from bookshops or www.velocebooks.com , will show you how to get the right bike at the right price.
Available now.
UK ￡9.99, USA $19.95
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SUZUKI TEST RIDES AT BMF SHOW
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
The long-running BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation) Show returns this weekend (15-16 May) at The East of England Showground in Peterborough, where the wide variety of visitor attractions and exhibitor stands will include local Suzuki dealer, Stamford Superbikes, who will have a selection of current Suzuki models available for test rides.
The annual festival offers something for all visitors over the weekend, with a stunning line up of arena entertainment planned for this year, including performances from Jason Smyth – The Adrenaline Tour, Moped Enduro, The Stanage International stunt display team and the Cavalcade of Clubs.
Stamford Superbikes will be at the heart of the action with a large selection of Suzukis available for test rides throughout the weekend, from the mighty Hayabusa and the entire GSX-R range – celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – to the versatile Burgman 400 for something a little different. Also on the Stamford stand will be a Suzuki parts and accessories section, with the latest clothing range on display.
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Motocorse reveals Ducati Monster 1100 Titanium
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Motocorse is a company that believes in improving perfection and guess what, they just did that.
Motocorse is an Italian company that specializes in production of special motorcycle parts for sportbikes and their latest creation is The Ducati Monster 1100 Titanium.
While Motocorse made sure that this Ducati Monster got some serious technical upgrades, they did not forget about the style quotient either. The biggest factor here is the amount of weight that has been shed to make the Monster lighter to only go faster. This unique model has a black and red finish, titanium elements and carbon fiber parts that have reduced the weight by 156 kg.
Now when these guys talk about changing parts in a motorcycle, they are very serious about their job.
Not a just a handful of replacements have taken place, but more than 60 components have been changed the Titanium Ducati from the standard version.
There’s a titanium exhaust called the Motocorse Evoluzione 54 mm and the brake discs are made up of composite ceramic Sicom and measure 320×6mm, which are paired with Brembo racing calipers and titanium pistons on Motocorse 43 mm CNC radial mounts.
Modifications with the engine have resulted in performance figures to go up from 95 horsepower and 103 Nm torque to 102.6 hp and 113 Nm of torque. The Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, the slipper clutch, the titanium screws and Motocorse billet adjustable foot rests have also played a part in weight reduction of the Titanium Ducati 1100.
After all of this Motocorse gives you a choice of two levels of customization. The first kit is called One Full Upgrade Kit that offers everything upto 80 components and then there’s the second option Two Standard Upgrade Kit that includes only seven special parts.
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