UPDATE: The 848 Dark will be the same spec as the standard 848, photos now added.
We had expected to see a new Ducati 848 unveiled at EICMA this week, but the model we were expecting was a higher spec version of the bike, an 848S. Instead Ducati brings us the 2010 Ducati 848 Dark, which will retail a full $1,000 less than “base” 848.
Ducati held their press meeting today, just before tomorrow’s opening of the EICMA motorcycle show. The biggest announcement of course was the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200, which will come in three variants, the: 1200 (base), 1200S, and 1200S Touring. All three variants will feature Ducati’s first ABS setup, and the “S” models will have Ducati’s new electronic suspension (DES). More after the jump.
Just like the 2010 BMW R1200GS series, the 2010 BMW R1200RT features BMW’s new 1,170cc flat-boxer motor with a DOHC head arrangement. This also means that the RT will make more power across the power band, with peak power making 5hp 3lb•ft more over last year’s model. Unlike the GS though, the RT comes along with more than just a new motor. More on that with photos after the jump.
BMW released this week its next evolution of the R1200GS & R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. Both bikes, along with the entire R-Series range, will feature BMW’s revised 1,170cc flat-boxer motor, which has increased horsepower and torque and a DOHC head design. Beyond this the bike is pretty much unchanged, sans some other minor updates. Details and photos after the jump.
This week will feature a slightly different format than usual, as we’ll be coming to you directly from the 2009 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. With media reveals starting in 24 hours, each morning this week we will bring you the latest news from the show, which is expected to have a bevy of motorcycles shown to the public for the first time (well that is of course unless you’re already an avid A&R reader, in which case you’ve already seen some of these bikes).
Come early, come often, but expect the bulk of the days’ post to come like a fire hose in the morning (PST). You can also check back to this post to see a directory listing of articles stemming from EICMA. Also, for the absolute latest happenings, check out A&R StreetLevel as we’ll be tweeting away throughout the week. Enjoy!
The 2009 EICMA Story Listing:
Last updated 11/11/09 @ 5:00pm Milan time.
The last qualifying session of the year is in the bag, as the gorgeous sunshine of Valencia, Spain bore down on the MotoGP paddock. With the Championship sealed up, all eyes were not on this season, but the next. With more than a few MotoGP riders finding their way into new venues for 2010, we bid them goodbye, yet also welcome the new talent that’s pouring into the premiere class next year. Qualifying results after the jump.
UPDATE: Click here for Ducati’s official unveiling of the Multistrada 1200 at EICMA.
EICMA must be leaking like a sieve, as this is the third leak we’ve gotten ahead of next week’s show (check for a view of the 2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 & 2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory). This time, we’ve gotten pictures of highly anticipated (or is it hyped?) 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200.
These photos appear to be the first official shots of the new Multistrada 1200, and they show off not only the “S” version with its Öhlins suspension, but also give a good look at the bike with its OEM saddle bags (could this be the “T” touring model that was rumored?). Click after the jump to see what the fuss is all about.
MotoMatters is now confirming that as early as 2012 we will see MotoGP racing back in the liter-bike category. Never popular with the manufacturers, the 800cc rule change not only cost teams in added development costs, but also never brought the promised the safety and closer racing that is was supposed to offer. For the moment it appears MotoGP will remain a prototype class, with there being no discussion of a production motor being used (like in Moto2), at least at this time.
After a reasonably successful World Superbike debut, BMW is ready to take their S1000RR racing in the World Superstock class for 2010. The team will officially wear the BMW Motorrad Italia banner, but will have full factory support from Bavaria. Heading up the new team will be Serafino Foti, of Ducati WSS Championship fame…three years running.
UPDATE: Aprilia has released official photos and information on the 2010 Aprilia Shiver 750.
Making it a 2 for 2 Saturday, we have also gotten some leaked photos of the 2010 Aprilia Shiver, and it looks like the new Shiver carries with it the same disappointment we had with the 2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory. Obvious changes are the sportier look that includes a fairing around the dash mounting, as well as wave disc-brakes fore and aft. Despite the tastefully done facelift, the feature we wanted the most was a diet for this 417lb (dry), but otherwise perfect daily rider.
Well it didn’t take long for the rumors about the 2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory edition to come true, as we now have photos of the new bike leaked ahead of next week’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. It’s a little disappointing what Aprilia has done to the bike to make it stand-out from its base model, with the obvious differences between the two being just the Factory’s carbon body panels and red trellis frame. Continue on for more details and photos.