Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini

Ducati have taken the covers off a new special-edition Diavel overnight inspired by the 819 horsepower Lamborghini Siàn FKP 37, meet the the Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini.

Due to arrive in Australia next February (2021), the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini will wear a ride away sticker price that says $48,600. The car? Well that will cost you over $5,000,000, yep that number of zeroes is correct, a cool five-million….

It is unclear as to how many of the 630 Diavel 1260 Lamborghini machines produced will find their way Down Under but I don’t think there will be a shortage of takers. Only 63 of the Countach inspired Lamborghini Lamborghini Siàn FKP 37 were made and no doubt plenty of those owners will want the Ducati to go with their car. Why 63? Well Lamborghini was founded in 1963, so that seems like a good enough reason, apparently…

Diavel 1260 Lamborghini wears bespoke forged rims that resemble the design seen on the Lamborghini and has the ‘Gea Green’ duco to match it.

The frame, the seat tail and the forged rims are embellished with the use of ‘Electrum Gold’ colour. There is also a touch of ‘Ducati Red’ sued in the colouring of the Brembo M50 radial mount brake calipers.

There is also plenty of sexy clear-coated carbon-fibre. The radiator covers and air intakes, the silencer cover, spoiler, central tank cover, seat cover, front and rear mudguards, dashboard cover and headlight frame are all made of carbon.

The beating heart of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini is the 1262 cc Ducati Testastretta DVT with variable timing. This Euro 5 homologated engine is capable of delivering 162 hp (119 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 129 Nm (13,2 kgm) at 7,500 rpm.  Dry weight is 220 kg.

Diavel 1260 Lamborghini

• Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine
• Trellis tubular steel frame
• Aluminium single-sided swingarm
• Brembo brakes with 320 mm diameter front discs and M50 monobloc calipers, 265 mm diameter rear disc
• Front headlight with DRL and LED lighting system
• Colour TFT instrumentation
• Electronic package with Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO, Cruise Control
• Fully adjustable 48mm diameter Öhlins front fork
• Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber
• Forged light alloy rims with visible machining
• Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS) EVO
• Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
• Dedicated seat with insert

Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Gallery

Source: MCNews.com.au

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP

Ducati have brought the ‘SP’ nomenclature to the Panigale V4 family for model year 2021. 

The SP (Sport Production) moniker first saw the light of day on the 851 in the early years of the World Superbike Championship when Raymond Roche wrestled the WorldSBK Championship title off Honda’s Fred Merkel in 1990. Doug Polen then won the 1991 and 1992 Championships on the 888 SP.    Then of course we had the delectable 916 ‘SP’ followed by the ‘SPS’. A couple of Aussies both named Troy did alright on those bikes…

The R designation was then introduced as the pinnacle of the 996 range, of which only 500 were built. Since then the R model has long been established as the top of the Ducati performance tree until the advent of the hyper exclusive Superleggera models with the carbon-fibre framed 1299 Superleggera in 2017, which was then followed by the 234 horsepower and 152 kg Superleggera V4 this year. 

But enough of the history lesson, let’s get back to the future…

While the V4 R and Superleggera V4 use the 998 cc version of the Stradale 90-degree V-Four the new Panigale V4 SP shares the same long stroke 1103 cc capacity as the rest of the regular V4 range and produces an identical 214 horsepower and 124 Nm in the new Euro5 specification for model year 2021. The SP though does get an STM-EVO dry clutch to differentiate it from the other models. 

The rest of the primary differences between the V4 S and the V4 SP are external to the engine. 

A special livery and numbered steering head machined from billet and a carbon front guard.  The matt black paint scheme is what Ducati refer to as ‘Winter Test’, to resemble the sometimes plain livery used by prototype race bikes when being tested between seasons. 

The rolling stock also has some changes with the same light five-spoke carbon rims along with top shelf Brembo Stylema R calipers and the MCS master cylinder as used on the Superleggera. 

Billet anodised aluminium adjustable pegs are shrouded by carbon heel-guards and special articulated brake and shift levers to help reduce the risk of breakage in a spill.

Underlining the SP as the choice of the trackday warriors are the mirror and licence plate housing blanking plates that are supplied with the bike along with the GPS driven Ducati Data Analyser + (DDA +) kit. 

The DDA+ system stores vehicle usage parameters such as trajectories, RPM, gear, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, front brake pressure, DTC etc. and geolocates them on the route. Once disconnected from the bike and inserted into the USB port of the computer, the software allows you to load the different channels acquired and to analyse your performance on the track.

Like the $40,490 Panigale V4 S, the SP version is also equipped with an Öhlins NIX-30 fork, Öhlins TTX36 rear shock absorber and Öhlins steering damper controlled by the second generation Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 system. 

The main advantages offered by this system concern the possibility offered to the rider to customise the intensity of intervention on the suspension according to individual riding phases (braking, cornering, acceleration), to modify the operating parameters of the single hardware components. In addition, they allow the rider to have a softer basic setting and therefore easier and less demanding than that of traditional suspensions, stiffening instantly only when necessary.

The 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP is due to arrive in Australia from June, 2021.  It will sell for $51,890 Ride Away. 

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP Specifications

Gallery

Source: MCNews.com.au

2021 Ducati Supersport 950

The Panigale V2 was comprehensively updated for 2020 model year but for 2021 it is the more affordable road biased Supersport model that has received the most attention.

It also has grown a ‘950’ suffix to its name with the model now being referred to by Ducati as Supersport 950.  Personally, I would have liked to the see ‘SS’ name plate brought back in to use. 

Does this new capacity suffix to the name suggest that they might soon unveil new Supersport machines with different capacity engines and expand the Supersport mode range…?  I would say that is a fairly safe bet, but we are yet to be told whether that will happen in 2021 or further down the track. 

While the Panigale V2 is the track focussed twin-cylinder option in the Ducati range with 155 horsepower in its latest Euro5 guise and a dry weight of 176 kg, along with racer style ergonomics, the Supersport 950 is a slightly more relaxed steed with 110 horsepower and tips the scales at 184 kg. 

The engines are not just in a different state of tune but have completely different architecture. The Panigale V2 is powered by the 955 cc ‘Superquadro’ powerplant while the Supersport 950 uses the ‘Testastretta 11-degree’ engine that displaces 937 cc.  While the peak numbers are lower in the Supersport they also arrive at them much sooner, the Panigale V2 torque of 104 Nm peaks at 9000 rpm while the Supersport 950 makes its 93 Nm at 6500 rpm.  80 per cent of that maximum twist is available from as low as 3500 rpm. 

Clearly the Supersport is going to be the more practical option for the road but it’s still certainly no slouch and the riding position is still quite sporting. Ground clearance is not at Panigale levels though with Ducati stating that the Supersport offers lean angles up to 48-degrees. 

Different strokes for different folks and all that…

Seat height is 810 mm with an optional lower 790 mm seat also available. Ducati promise both perches have had plenty of attention lavished on them and offer all-day riding potential. If you want softer again you can option a seat with another 25 mm of padding, which of course would similarly raise the seat height.

The screen has two positions that are 50 mm apart to help cater for riders of different heights. 

Ducati are even offering 25-litre factory semi-rigid pannier bags for the Supersport 950 and they do not detract from the looks of the machine at all. 

The SuperSport 950 is equipped with electronic controls based on information from Bosch’s 6-axis inertial platform, capable of instantly detecting the bike’s roll, yaw, and pitch angles in space. The electronic package consists of: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up / down EVO available on all versions, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, a new feature on this model that characterises its sporting nature.

The electronic settings are adjusted via the menu of the new 4.3” full-TFT display with graphics and interface, inspired by that of the Panigale family.

The SuperSport 950 also relies on the latest evolution of the Ducati trellis frame, which uses the engine as a load-bearing element, combined with a single-sided aluminium swingarm.

Up front we see fully-adjustable 43 mm Marzocchi forks in combination with an adjustable Sachs rear shock. 

The Brembo brake system consists of M4-32 monobloc radial calipers that act on two 320 mm diameter discs, operated by a self-bleeding radial pump with separate reservoir and adjustable lever.

The SuperSport 950 range also includes the 950 S version which is equipped with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension and rear seat cowl. The only other difference is a Ducati Red ‘Tag’ on the rims. 

The Supersport 950 will be available in Australia from May, 2021, starting from $19,390 Ride Away while the S model will sell from $21,850 Ride Away.  Maintenance intervals are every 15,000 km, or 12 months, with valve clearance checks every 30,000 km.

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 Specifications

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 Image Gallery

Source: MCNews.com.au

2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

For model year 2021 Ducati have added a new ‘Nightshift’ model to their 800 Scrambler range.

Cafe racer mirrors mount on straight bars while the number plate hangs off a swingarm mount that hopefully will pass ADR and make an appearance on Australian delivered machines.

Those upright bars force an upright riding position which combines with the flat seat to make the stance of the motorcycle look low and aggressive.

Seat height is a low 798 mm while dry weight is 180 kg.

Spoked rims, 18-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear, are shod with chunky Pirelli MT60 rubber which accentuates the look of the ‘Aviator Grey’ machine.

Perhaps the whole ‘Land of Joy’ line that Ducati use to market the Scrambler line-up globally sounds great in Italian, but it certainly doesn’t translate well to Australian….

The Nightshift model effectively combines the attributes of the Full Throttle and Cafe Racer variants of the Scrambler that will no longer be available in 2021.  Nightshift will sell alongside updated Desert Sled and Icon models with the 2021 Scrambler range due to arrive at some point in the first half of 2021.  Nightshift will be priced at $18,000 Ride Away.

The now customary Scrambler headlight features a glass lens along with an LED DRL face.

The LCD instrument panel is quite small but still packs in a gear position indicator and fuel gauge.

Ducati also state that the display is Ducati Multimedia System ready while a USB socket is located in an underseat compartment.

Scrambler Nightshift is powered by the same specification 803 cc L-Twin that is utilised across the 800 range.  It musters 73 horsepower at 8250 rpm while 66 Nm of torque is quoted at 5750 rpm.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Specifications

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati Multistrada V4

Ducati took the covers of the new 1158 cc Granturismo V4 engine a few weeks and overnight Bologna unveiled the new versatile fourth generation Multistrada platform that will be powered by the new 170 horsepower powerplant. Check out our feature on the Granturismo V4 engine here (opens new window).

There are three variations in the V4 Multistrada family, the 215 kg (dry) Multistrada V4 with conventional Marzocchi fully-adjustable suspension while both the Multistrada V4 S and V4 S Sport ride on Ducati Skyhook electronic suspension which for the first time now includes an automatic levelling function which automatically sets the required sag after sensing the load onboard. The load capacity of the motorcycle is a generous 230 kilograms.

Ducati have broke new ground with a radar system with sensors at both ends of the motorcycle which allows the introduction of radar assisted Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection. Cornering lights also make an appearance as does Hill Hold Control.

An updated mineral glass 6.5-inch TFT display on the S models includes a Ducati Connect system that includes Bluetooth and wi-fi which allows the mirroring of some phone functions.

The base Multistrada V4 has a five-inch display and misses out on the extra phone functionality but still allows for multimedia control.

On the S models a joy-stick on the left switch-block aids navigation through the interfaces, including that of the Sygic navigation app and all the various suspension and rider aid settings.

The switch-gear is back-lit and a pocket in the tank can hold your mobile phone and power it via the integrated USB socket located inside the pocket. A 12-volt power outlet for charging other accessories is provided in the right side of the dash.

The Multistrada V4 range features the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), which includes Brembo braking system with Bosch 10.3ME Cornering ABS, adjustable on three levels. Cornering ABS makes use of the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform, which communicates in real time data concerning lean angles.

Multistrada V4 makes use of a powerful radial monobloc Brembo combined braking system that is optimised for the Urban and Touring Riding Modes but has a lower degree of interaction in Sport Mode where combined braking is less desirable. The combined braking system increases stability by using four pressure detectors to allocate braking power optimally between front and rear. 320 mm rotors grace the front end of the base model while S models get the top shelf 330 mm Brembo Stylema set-up.

All models ride on a 19-inch front to help provide stability off-road in combination with a 17-inch rear. Tyre pressure monitoring is optional as are spoked rims. .

The Multistrada V4 is equipped with an aluminium monocoque frame and double-sided swing arm. It has a reduced wheelbase (1,567 mm), sporty front end geometry (24.5-degree rake) and a generous 170 mm of suspension travel up front and 180 mm at the rear. Ground clearance is an impressive 220 mm. Chain final drive is retained.

The standard seat is adjustable between 840 and 860 mm while an optional extra low 810 mm seat is available as an option, as is a high 875 mm perch.

Ducati stated that they have worked on air-flow and comfort for the rider with the screen adjustable with only one finger and combining side deflectors for more protection from the elements.

As previously Ducati will offer various accessory packs at point of sale such as the Enduro pack complete with supplementary LED lights, radiator and engine lower and side guards. The Touring pack adds panniers, heated grips and a centre-stand while the Urban pack adds a top case, tank bag and USB hub.

As far as we can ascertain the only real difference between the S and the S Sport is that the Sport model gains an Akrapovic muffler and a carbon front guard as standard along with Tricolore duco, the Akra muffler and carbon guard can be added on the other two models via the Performance pack.

The V4 Granturismo also ushers in a new lower cost servicing regimen with oil changes only required every 15,000 km intervals, while the valve clearances only need checking every 60,000 kilometres. A 22-litre fuel tank should ensure touring ranges of up to 400 kilometres.

Australian delivery is expected in the first quarter of 2021. Pricing has been set as follows.

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4

• Multistrada V4 – From $28,990 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 S – From $33,490 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 S Travel Package – From $35,990 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 S Travel + Radar Package – From $37,590 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 S Performance Package – From $35,690 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 S Full Package – From $39,690 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 Sport S Performance Package – From $36,790 Ride Away
• Multistrada V4 Sport S Full Package – From $40,690 Ride Away

Specifications

Source: MCNews.com.au