EICMA 2018: REPORT 3: DUCATI

At Ducati booth at EICMA 2018 visitors also admired the new Multistrada 950, which has been revised in many details. As a matter of fact the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) makes its debut on this bike, a solution which allows for the adoption of the ABS Cornering. The bike design has been refreshed while the mechanical features include 937 cc, 113 hp “L” twin-cylinder, 4 Riding Modes, Traction Control and ABS. A new “S” version is also offered, equipped with Skyhook system, up & down quickshifter, cruise control, high-res colour TFT display and spoked wheels (available as an optional).

 Ducati also showed the new Ducati Panigale V4 R. its race-ready engine produces 221 hp at 15,250 rpm which comes equipped with 998 cc V4 engine ready to compete in the 2019 World SBK Championship. The motorbike fairing has been built keeping in mind aerodynamics functionality requirements, as happens with the MotoGP bikes. Among main features there are in fact carbon-fiber wings stuck to the front fairing along with a wider and higher windshield. The V4 engine has been strongly modified: thanks to the Akrapovic exhaust system (equipped with an ad hoc mapping) the bike now reaches 234 hp at 15500 rpm. Mechanical Öhlins suspensions are also included. On the electronics front the Bosch ABS Cornering, DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DSC (Ducati Slide Control), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control) and EBC (Engine Braking Control) make use of the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), not to mention Launch Control and Quick Shifter. 

The Ducati stand also had on display the new Diavel 1260 with the 1262 cc Testastretta DVT engine. The motorcycle increases its displacement as well as its (claimed) power, which is now 159 hp at 9.500 rpm. The Diavel 1260 is still offered in two versions: the standard and the richer “S” variant, which takes advantage of fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, up & down quickshifter, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, LED headlight DRL, exclusive seat along with Ducati Multimedia System which is available as standard.

Ducati enthusiasts could also get to see the new Hypermotard 950. Compared to the recent past this new bike adopts the same technical base whilst its maximum power delivery increases from 110 to 114 hp. Lighter than before (4 kg less; now 200 kg), it can count on a revised ergonomics in order to guarantee more comfort and fun to any rider in any condition. Among main features there is also the 6-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which manages ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control. It is also predisposed to the use of electronic gear, heated grips as well as Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), capable of connecting the bike to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The new Hypermotard 950 is equipped with a high resolution colour TFT display. Furthermore the "SP" version adopts Marchesini forged wheels, flat seat, Öhlins suspension system together with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres.

Ducati also updated its “small” 800 Icon Scrambler not only in terms of design but above all in terms of technical features. The 803cc twin-cylinder air-cooled engine is confirmed but now is equipped with hydraulically controlled slipper. A lower seat (798 mm), LED headlight, LED indicators that turn-off automatically together with a new instrumentation are among its completely new features. Bosch Cornering ABS is actually the most important novelty ever seen on a modern classic bike and represents a further step on the active safety direction.

The refreshed Ducati Scrambler family includes three new versions: the Full Throttle, inspired by the Flat Track racing scene; the Café Racer, which offers a fresh take on the legendary bikes of the ‘60s and the Desert Sled, inspired by the off-road bikes of the ’60s and ’70s. Steel tear drop fuel tank, headlight with DRL (Daytime Running Light) and Bosch ABS Cornering are all-new components. Riders can also appreciate the LCD instrument menu - which now displays fuel gauge and gear position indicator - the softer-feel hydraulic clutch control and a renewed suspension set-up.

Also on display was the new Ducati MIG-RR, an exclusive enduro e-mtb born out of close collaboration with the Italian company Thok. The frame and power unit of this bicycle are derived from the Thok MIG base. It is equipped with 6061 T4/T6 aluminum frame, forged elements, CNC machined, suspension set-ups with different degrees of wheel travel (29" and 170 mm at the front, 27,5” and 160 mm at the rear). High-level components such as Fox Factory Kashima suspension, carbon fibre Renthal handlebars, Mavic wheels, 4-caliper Shimano Saint brakes are also included.