Ducati has given a preview of its highly-anticipated 2013 range by revealing exciting new Multistrada models that introduce new features such as enhanced aesthetics, a second generation Testastretta 11° engine, the very latest ABS and, on the “S” versions, the innovative semi-active suspension system, Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS).
The brand new range, full of owner-inspired improvements, signals the next stage of the Multistrada journey with a longlist of fascinating and high-tech features. It includes the Multistrada 1200 with the associated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire (R-b-W) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) in addition to the very latest in ABS, while the Multistrada 1200 S Touring is now equipped with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), R-b-W, DTC and ABS with additional side luggage, heated grips and centre stand. The new touring flagship of the range for 2013 is the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo with increased side luggage capacity, top case, additional LED illumination, enhanced wind protection and long-distance tires, while the enhanced Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak celebrates the sporting side of the model’s character with a replica of the famous 2012 mountain race bike in its stunning new race-winning livery.
The Multistrada’s award-winning Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro electronic Riding Modes enable a truly enjoyable and customizable riding experience separated by just one click of a button. The four-bikes-in-one concept makes instant adjustment to power and torque delivery in addition to electronic adjustment of suspension settings, traction control, and now ABS and Ducati Skyhook Suspension, instantly transforming the Multistrada 1200 to suit its rider and environment with even more precision.
Hailed as a true ‘game-changing’ motorcycle, Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 has attracted all types of riders to the Italian brand by removing the borders between different motorcycle categories and creating a model that is not only powerful and playful, but also a comfortable and versatile adventure on two wheels. The eight-level DTC and new three-level ABS introduce the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) concept to the Multistrada family; further underlining Ducati's focus on performance safety.
Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 International Press Test is set to take place in Bilbao, Spain from 20-27 September, while the first public showing of the 2013 Multistrada range will be at the INTERMOT motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany from 3-7 October. The brand new Multistrada 1200 models will be available via the official Ducati dealer network from December 2012.
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A thrilling 2012 season of classic battles in vintage dirt-track racing will conclude Sunday, Sept. 23, at the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series finale in Cuddebackville, N.Y., with a short-track event promoted by Tri-State M/C. Alex Snoop, Tri-State M/C vice president, said the club typically runs hare scrambles races, but club members are looking forward to their first dirt-track event. "The club was looking for something else to do, and I've been racing dirt-track for years, along with several buddies, and we recommended this to the club, and everyone jumped at the chance," Snoop said. "The club is really excited. The facility we're using for the event is a quality venue with a real nice clay track. It also looks like there will be a good turnout. We've been getting calls from Illinois, Florida, Kansas, and there are titles up for grabs in several classes." More information about the race can be found at www.tristateclub.com. The AMA Racing Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series recognizes national champions in period-correct classes that reflect the storied history of AMA dirt-track competition. From the original factory Class A racing in the 1920s to the Class C production-based structure that emerged shortly after, dirt-track competition wrote much of the early history of racing in America. Today's competition rules are written so that the class structure reflects the diverse eras of dirt track's history while avoiding non-traditional modifications that violate the spirit of a vintage meet. The top three class finishers in the 2012 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series will be honored Jan. 19, 2013, during the 2012 AMA Championship Banquet at the Aladdin Shrine Event & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. They will join hundreds of other top competitors in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing. The program will include dinner, door prizes, refreshments, a bike show and entertainment. Class champions will receive medals and No. 1 plates, while second- and third-place finishers also will receive awards. Winners of special annual awards, such as the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year and the AMA National Championship Athlete of the Year awards, will be announced as well. Columbus' Aladdin Center, located adjacent to the expansive Easton Town Center shopping complex and only 20 minutes from AMA headquarters and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, offers free parking, easy access to Interstate 270 and is a short drive from Port Columbus International Airport. Tickets for the AMA Championship Banquet are $75 each. AMA Life Members will receive a $10 discount. Registration is available at http://events.r20. |
Police crack down on Ride of the Century motorcyclist David Carson
The compact Premium Day Bag (P/N 93300017, $99.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories is a handy size for the daily work commute. The innovative spandex mounting pocket slips over a passenger backrest for a snug and secure fit, and the bag can be cinched in place with the adjustable mounting straps. The spandex material reverts back to its original shape when the bag is removed. For additional versatility, these bags can be equipped with a Premium Shoulder Strap (P/N 93300014, $14.95) for easy handling. The Premium Day Bag features two exterior pockets and one zippered mesh interior pocket. Its dimensions are: 13 inches wide x 10 inches deep x 9 inches tall, and its capacity is 900 cubic inches. Installation requires a sissy bar upright, backrest pad, and luggage rack (if not mounting the bag on a passenger pillion). Premium Day Bag Online Details
Bikernet offers you to look back at Fred Krugger's board track-style bike, Speedbowl. Hit the picture below to read the feature from the Bikernet vault.
Shame on you if you missed this great event, but mark your calendars for next years'. Find out more by hitting the picture below.
Check out the Nevada countryside rides.
Coolbeth And Factory Harley Place Sixth At Springfield. Mees Stretches His Grand National Series Lead to 12 Points
Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Factory Team rider Kenny Coolbeth finished sixth in the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship race on the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The race was won by Bryan Smith on the Crosley Radio Kawasaki. South East Harley-Davidson rider Sammy Halbert rode a Harley-Davidson® XR750 motorcycle to finish second, and Rogers Racing/Blue Springs Harley-Davidson rider Jared Mees was third, also on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle
“Everybody was racing really well today, and the Factory Harley was right in there but we just didn’t quite have enough power to pass on the straights,” said Coolbeth. “There was just one line in the corners, and if I went high I lost traction. It was one of those races where you needed to be patient and wait for the rider in front to make a mistake, but that just didn’t happen today.”
Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer`s Harley-Davison rider Jake Johnson took the lead at the start of the 25-lap main, heading a pack that included Mees, Coolbeth, USC Kawasaki rider JD Beach, Halbert, and Smith. That group shuffled positions at the front for the duration of the race. Smith took the lead on lap six but could not shake Halbert, Mees and Johnson, who were never more than a tenth of a second back. Beach and Coolbeth fell just off the pace but remained within striking distance of the lead, less than a second from the front. At the finish, Smith nipped Halbert by 0.041 seconds, with Mees 0.263 seconds behind. Beach moved up to fourth on the last lap, followed by Johnson in fifth place and then Coolbeth, just 0.826 seconds back from first place.
Earlier in the day, Smith also won the four-lap Dash for Cash sprint bonus race. Coolbeth was fourth in the Dash.
After 13 of 16 AMA Grand National events, Mees leads the series with 243 points, followed by Johnson with 231 points, Halbert with 220 points and Smith with 172 points. Coolbeth is ninth with 113 points.
The Grand National Twins will next race on September 30 on the Santa Rosa Mile at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Calif.
