Ducati Press 2006

DUCATI SPORTCLASSIC
The SportClassic family, which has met with great success since its first appearance, replicates the styling of the motorcycles built in Ducati’s workshops in the 1970s, characterised by a minimalist, sporting look, with an exposed frame and bodyparts in soft, rounded shapes. To emphasis the unique style of these bikes, Ducati has used top-level original components and finishes, featuring chrome and brightwork that provide the final touch, personalise the range and evoke the lines of the bikes from which they’re inspired. As of 2007, the Sport 1000 will be available in two new versions: as well as the traditional single-seater, the Sport 1000 will be produced in an updated two-seater version for the new season, with a comfortable seat for both rider and pillion, complete with removable seat-cover so as to leave that perfect Café Racer style undiminished. More info on www.ducati.com .

MULTISTRADA 1100  - 1100 S  (2007 early release)
For 2007, the Multistrada features a potent new 1100 Desmo engine with a quieter more robust ‘wet’ clutch, comfort enhancing vibration-isolated handlebars, and a new maintenance program that reduces costs by as much as 50% -- the Multistrada’s all-round performance is better than ever. It is this extreme versatility and all-round performance that prompted US magazine Cycle World to nominate the Multistrada ‘Best Sport Tourer’.. The Multistrada is available in two versions: The impressive Multistrada 1100 and, for those who demand the ultimate in sport performance, an all-conquering ‘S’ version, the Multistrada 1100 S. More info on www.ducati.com .

MONSTER S4R TESTASTRETTA (2007 early release)
Founder of the SR family, this bike takes upon a very important role, coming up alongside the S4R s Testastretta which represents the current performance and equipment apotheosis. The S4R develops and increases in power going from 117 Hp of the previous engine, to the 130 Hp of the Testastretta, maintaining its’ very important role in the SR family: its two sided mufflers, the aluminium trellis single-sided swingarm, the small fairing, the exclusive paint schemes, the high quality suspensions, joined together with the powerful low sump Testastretta engine, is a milestone in the development of the Monster S4R Testastretta. A bike that, in the new Ducati 2007 range, has a very important role, catching the attention of the most exigent performance –oriented “ducatista”. More info on www.ducati.com .

Centopassi, the motorcycling event dedicated to riders who love to put to themselves to the test on the hardest mountain roads, was brought to an end at Bardonecchia on July 22nd after four thrilling and demanding legs through the Western Alps. Flavio Manestrina, on a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS, came in first overall in the Competition Class with a total of 67 points gained through ability trials and time controls completed during the four day marathon, on the most spectacular mountain passes in France and Italy. After this year’s final chapter in the Western Alps, Centopassi 2007 will witness a change of scenery, and a new itinerary is already being put together. More info on www.ducati.com .

The GP5 with which Loris won last year's GP of Malaysia will go to auction in Monterey during the weekend of the US GP at Laguna Seca. The feeling of elation amongst all of the Ducati team and fans when Loris Capirossi won the race at the Sepang circuit last September will likely be experienced by the winning bidder for the same Desmosedici GP5 that the Italian rode to victory in that race, when it is auctioned off at the 2nd Monterey Classic Bike Auction. The auction will be held at the Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey during the weekend of the US GP at Laguna Seca, California (July 21-23). More info on www.ducati.com .

The dream of a true GP replica has finally come true and the Desmosedici RR will be the first-ever road-going motorcycle to offer such a stunning wealth of performance and technology that comes directly from Ducati’s experience in MotoGP. The RR derives from the Ducati Corse Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6, the same bike with which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau are competing with in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship. The Mugello launch is the perfect occasion to reveal the shape and the technical characteristics with which the bike will go to market, confirming the high technological features of this exclusive and esoteric machine. The project is currently in the industrialization phase and, it will be a limited edition motorcycle, with 400 bikes being produced a year. The RR is scheduled to arrive in the market in July 2007. The Ducati Desmosedici RR features advanced technology and aerodynamics that are derived from the GP6 currently being raced in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship, more than 200 hp of power with race kit. More info on www.ducati.com .

Peg Perego, in close cooperation with Ducati, has reproduced a faithful scale model of one of Ducati's most successful motorcycles, the Ducati Monster. Here are some of the carefully studied details of the Peg Perego Ducati Monster. The new Monster is powered by a 12-Volt, 8-Ah rechargeable battery which ensures 1 hour play, maximum speed of 7.5 km/h. The Peg Perego Ducati Monster is the perfect way for kids, from 3 - 8 years old, to enter the world of motorcycling. This mini Monster will give your child an authentic sports motorcycling experience, thanks to care in reproducing the details of the original Ducati Monster: rear-view mirrors, horn, headlights and even the well-known roar of the Ducati engine. More info on www.ducati.com .

Recently the Ducati Hypermotard was recognised as the best prototype in the competition for “The Most Beautiful Bike in the World,” and now, motorcyclists and bloggers from around the world continue to be captivated by its design. In addition to the award for the best concept bike, Ducati was also recognised for its online presence: the DesmoBlog written directly by the Ducati President as a new way to communicate with colleagues, fans and bikers, was ranked #2 in the "Best Web Presence" category. More info on www.ducati.com .

Ducati fans are gathering at the Santamonica Raceway in Misano Adriatico for three days of motorcycling passion and non-stop activities on June 9th, 10th and 11th. The Mad for Motors event is the result of cooperation between Ducati, the Santamonica Raceway and Fiat. Ducati, with support from Fiat, will manage the many activities in the paddock and the smaller practice tracks while the Santamonica Raceway will manage track sessions on all three days.
This is an unforgettable meeting to celebrate all the “Monsters” (with both two and four wheels), dance to the music, win fantastic prizes and keep the adrenalin flowing as we get ready for the next WDW coming in 2007! Mad for Motors guarantees fun and entertainment, all in the name of motorcycling passion. More info on www.ducati.com .

The 26 examined and evaluated motorcycle and scooter models and defined the top aesthetic achievements of 15 European, Japanese and American manufacturers. After a careful examination, the Jury presented two of the awards to Ducati models. The award in the “Special Series” category went to the Ducati 999R Xerox and the award for the “Best Prototype” went to the Ducati Hypermotard. The prize-awarding ceremony will take place late May. The awards mark a further extension of Automobilia’s promotional activities, which began in 1993 with prizes assigned to cars, with a view to enhancing and promoting the artistic value of all “design-in-motion” products. As claimed by Ettore Bugatti one century ago and achieved by the greatest car, truck and train body designers and bike designers in the world, the focus of the awards is centred on the roles played by “shape” and “function”. More info on www.ducati.com .

Fiat celebrates the Ducati Monster 695 with a new exclusive product, the Panda Monster. The design of this limited edition car was directly inspired by famous Borgo Panigale naked: the Ducati Monster. The Ducati Monster introduced the street fighter concept: a unique design and a new way to live motorcycling. Its success has led to the sale of more 170,000 Monsters worldwide. This special limited edition is not available in Fiat dealers. As of today, April 20th, the Panda Monster is available online. Each Panda Monster will be unique and numbered: 695 Panda Monsters will be produced, just like the displacement of the Monster 695 that it was inspired by. Derived from the Panda 4x4 (the best selling SUV in Italy), the limited edition Panda Monster is highly equipped and has a lively 70 bhp, 1.3 16v Multijet engine. More info on www.ducati.com .

More details can be found in the attached files. More info on www.ducati.com .

The essential beauty and timeless style of the Ducati GT models of the 1970’s now comes to life again with this bike. The new Ducati GT1000 is a bike to be ridden everyday, with a balance of two-up comfort and Ducati Desmo Twin performance. The classic tradition of Italian Grand Touring returns in a successful mix of style and performance. The shapes of the GT1000 are modern interpretations of the classic lines of the original GTs of the 70’s. The GT1000 is a true two-seater, so the passenger’s footpegs are also sensibly placed for “all-day” comfort. The advanced Desmo 1000 Dual Spark engine powers the GT1000. The torquey air-cooled L-Twin is the perfect match for the GT1000’s comfort and performance attributes. Alloy cylinders, with their traditional cooling fins form the classic “L” configuration, reminding us of the original Taglioni design. Slim between the legs and exposed for all to see, the latest two valve Desmo system, fuel-injection, computer controlled engine management and Ducati Testastretta technology ensure that the 1000 DS engine is powerful, dependable and thrilling to ride. More info on www.ducati.com .

On June 4, 2006, the Ducati Marlboro Team will take to the track, as ready as ever for the only Italian stop in the MotoGP Championship on the Mugello Circuit, a shrine to motorcycling worldwide. For 2006, Ducati fans again have the opportunity to join the fun: three days at Mugello supporting the Ducati MotoGP riders and becoming part of the history of Ducati. The Ducati Grandstand tickets come with a Ducati Welcome Kit (Ducati cap, T-shirt and other exclusive gadgets), a reserved Ducati parking area for your motorcycle and the opportunity to not only watch, but also meet the Ducati riders. On June 3rd, the Ducati MotoGP riders, Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau, accompained by a very special guest, Miss Italia 2005, Cristina Chiabotto, will take a trip to the stands to visit with their fans. More info on www.ducati.com .

From its first moment in the public eye, last November at the EICMA trade show in Milan, the Ducati Hypermotard has had incredible success and received unanimous consent. This was followed by awards and worldwide recognition – from both the media and from motorcycle designer associations. The Ducati Hypermotard was awarded “Best of Show” during its debut at EICMA and “Best Bike for 2005” by the Motorcycle Design Association. The Ducati Hypermotard incarnates the strength, the fun and the high performance of an extreme supermotard – re-thought in pure Ducati style: 100 hp weighting just 175 Kg (385 lbs); an idea, a dream for every biker that today will become a reality and will be added to the amazing Ducati line-up. More info on www.ducati.com .

Fueled by the growth of everything motorcycle related from museum exhibitions, feature films and TV shows to club racing and collecting, interest in motorcycle art is growing in giant leaps. To meet that demand, for the first time ever, Ducati is opening up its archives of photography and advertising art, making select limited edition prints of iconographic images available online at www.ducatiartprints.com . The exclusive Ducati prints, which are being produced in numbered editions of 750, are being made available thanks to a licensing agreement between Ducati Motor Spa and ArteHouse, LLC.

On the 18th of July, participants will meet in Nice for the preliminary operations check-in and technical briefing, and then on the 19th, they will leave for the first leg towards Bardonecchia. The 2006 itinerary will explore the highly adventurous roads and mountain passes of the Western Alps, with legs that differ from the previous years. This will be the last edition in the Western Alps and will complete ideal cycle that began in 2004. The route will be articulated in four legs of approximately 350km each and the mountain roads and passes have been selected to test the abilities and endurance participants. All end of all legs will return to Bardonecchia, a location that offers hotel structures capable of welcoming motorcyclists in the best possible manner and where the Centopassi Village will be set up. More info on www.ducati.com .

Federico Minoli, Ducati Motor Holding President & CEO, is launching the new Desmoblog, the official corporate blog from the Borgo Panigale factory. In this blog, Minoli himself will write about what is going on at Ducati and in the world of Ducatisti: decisions being made about the motorcycles, Ducati events around the world, corporate strategies, behind the scenes reports from the race track and much more. The Bolognese company is the first motorcycling company in the world to have a blog that comes straight from its President. More info on www.ducati.com .

The Motorcycle Design Association, a group of designers and professionals from within the two-wheel industry worldwide, has voted the Ducati Hypermotard, designed by Pierre Terblanche, as the best overall motorcycle design trophy winner for 2005. This award follows on from the ‘Best of Show’ award that was given to the Hypermotard during the Eicma Show in Milan last November, one of the most important shows worldwide for the motorcycle sector. More info on www.ducati.com .

For the first time, this year two appointments will take place on the famous Mugello Racetrack. The Ducati riding courses are aimed at those who would like to learn how to ride a motorcyle or improve their street or track skills. The courses consist of a full day of riding sessions combined with classroom time. The DRE school presents an impressive line-up of instructors including World, European and National champions and features five different classes for all skill levels. More info on www.ducati.com .

The Monster S4Rs is a bike without compromise, a true superbike in every way. Only the full fairing has been removed. Nothing else has been sacrificed. All the legendary Superbike power and character of the potent desmodromic Testastretta engine remains. The new, amazingly powerful Ducati Monster S4Rs is as unique as its name, and the pace-setter that all other naked models must measure up to. Ducati leads the way in naked motorcycles, and is always coming up with something new and original and is determined to maintain it. More info on www.ducati.com .