The new generation Monster is all new, starting with a 696cc engine and a big tube lightweight birdcage chassis with a cantilever rear monnoshock. However, we know Ducati fans will mourn the loss of the single sided swingarm.
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2008 Ducati New Motorcycles

65th International Motorcycle Exhibition, Milan

A New Generation Gets Naked
Ducati Introduces an All New Generation Monster, new 848cc Superbike
and the World Superbike Homoligation Model 1198R
with 186hp and Traction Control!

Milan, Italy Nov. 6-11th 2007 - The entire world of motorcycling is in attendance at the 65th edition of the EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan from November 6th ñ 11th. New bikes, new accessories and a new line of apparel all form part of the innovative 2008 line-up for the Bologna manufacturer, which is also celebrating its recent world title victory in MotoGP.

In a press conference held before the exhibition officially opened, Gabriele Del Torchio, Ducati Motor CEO, met representatives from international media to illustrate the Bologna-based companyís fantastic results on a sporting and commercial level - a confirmation of its recent unprecedented success.

ìThe continuous growth that Ducati is experiencing is confirmed by positive economic and financial results for the third successive quarter, which we have presented to our investorsî, declared Del Torchio at the press conference. ìThe new products that we have brought to EICMA represent the result of the research and the technological development that Ducati is offering with this new range. They also confirm that Ducati is a company which is based on product and will make up our sales target for the next few years. Our future plans are clear and precise: Ducati will continue to be the leader in the premium bike sector, confirming the passion, the Italian style, the unrivalled design and the superior track-honed performance that make up our DNAî.

New Generation Monster 696
The undisputed star of the Milan Show is the new Ducati Monster 696. Refined style and design are the clear motivations behind the new Monster and the continued perfection of the Desmo engine ensures that its ësaint and sinnerí image will impress any rider. A comfortable and confidence-inspiring chassis combine with the famously smooth and powerful Ducati L-Twin engine to provide the most enjoyable riding experience. The balance of new technologies expressed in stylishly finished materials is shaped around the original cool Monster heritage.

Maintaining its traditional Monster silhouette, the 696 now looks more muscular than ever. Its wide tank tapers to the thin waistline of a comfortable narrow seat ensuring sure-footed confidence when at the traffic lights. The large diameter Hybrid Trellis frame blends stylishly into an aluminium sub-frame and swingarm while minimalist instrumentation and simple controls at the front of the Monster contrast with twin, bold, Ducati-style mufflers at the rear to enhance its urban-ready image.

The chassis of the new Monster is made up of a new Hybrid Trellis frame with larger diameter tubes directly inspired by the 2007 World MotoGP title-winning Desmosedici GP7 machine. Attached to this is a rear aluminium sub-frame. The front brake system is the envy of its class and becomes the new benchmark for the category with two 320 mm discs and four-piston radial calipers.

At the rear, the dual-sided aluminium swingarm draws inspiration from Ducati Corseís finest racing products in this area. The dash instrumentation is now totally digital and continues the tradition of all Ducatiís latest-generation sport models, guaranteeing lightness, ease of use and a wealth of information. The new exhaust system stands out with its re-routed downpipes that now give the underside of the Monster a cleaner appearance and terminate with twin, bold Ducati-style mufflers. The headlamp unit is characterized by a new triple arc main beam, while the rear light uses modern LED technology.

The engine of the new 696 is an evolution of the previous 695 version. Measuring 696 cc, it boasts a series of updates and refinements. Power output gets a 9% boost to 80 hp (59 kW) and an 11% increase in torque to 50.6 lb-ft. This new engine continues to have the best horsepower per litre ratio of all Ducatiís air-cooled units, and it ensures a smooth and powerful delivery for a relaxed but thrilling ride in all conditions.

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For 2008, the Superbike family features two important additions: the introduction of a mid-engine size version, the light and nimble 848, and an extreme ëracingí version for all those who demand the maximum performance, the 1098 R, which will take part in the 2008 World Superbike Championship.

Superbike 848
Aimed at the 600 Supersport Class, The new Ducati 848 Superbike enjoys all the performance advancements of the entire Superbike family, while adding its own innovations to redefine the middleweight sport bike class. The words ëagileí and ërefinedí aptly describe the 848. At 168 kg (369 lbs), the 848 is an amazing 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, and a significant 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than its larger capacity brother, the 1098.

The highly advanced 848 engine uses an improved method of engine case production in which cases are vacuum die-cast formed. While providing significant weight savings of more than 3 kg (6.5 lbs), this method also ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Further refinements include a sophisticated wet clutch that offers 1 kg (2.2 lbs) less weight, a much longer service interval, improved clutch feel and quiet operation. With the first twist of the wrist, the powerful rush of the Testastretta Evoluzione engine confirms that the rules have changed. The 848ís 134 hp is not only 30% more powerful than its predecessor, but it provides a power-to-weight ratio even better than the potent 999.

Note the electronic wheel speed sensor pickup at the front Brembo brake for the Computer Traction Control. Click to go BIG.

Superbike 1098R (1198cc)
The new Superbike 1098R has a street legal power output of 180hp (132.4 kW) at 9750 rpm and a torque value of 13.7 kgm (134Nm) at 7750 rpm to place the 1098 R at the very top of its category. It is the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history and fitting reward to the continued ingenuity of Borgo Panigale engineers. Created after close collaboration between engineers from Ducati’s production and racing departments, this new engine is fitted with the same components powering the 1098 F08 that will take on the Japanese opposition in the 2008 World Superbike Championship.

The R version of the 1098 has been boosted to an engine displacement of 1198cc. A bore increase from 104mm to 106mm and a stroke value of 67.9mm, producing a remarkable 1.56 ratio, complete the ‘over-square’ layout of the engine. Special components include extra strong sand cast engine cases, titanium rods and valves, and a dry Slipper Clutch.

The new 1098 R is the most powerful and lightest twin-cylinder bike ever produced by the Borgo Panigale factory, with the highest torque/weight ratio of any sport bike available. A total of 180 hp is on tap for this new Superbike, together with an amazing torque value of 13.7 kgm. The weight figure also confirms the racing origins of the 1098 R: 165 kg / 363 lbs. puts the bike at the forefront of this category.

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The 1098 R is supplied with a racing kit for track use. This is made up of a pair of 102dB carbon mufflers and dedicated ECU, which boost the already exceptional performance of this new twin-cylinder Ducati from 180hp to 186hp. With this kit the rider can also activate dialog between the ECU and the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) system, which is fitted to a production bike for the first time ever.

A massive new 200x17 Pirelli rear tire helps get the full 186hp to the pavement. Click to go BIG.

The initial presses release on the 1098 (actually 1198cc) R does not mention if the new 1098R has carbon fibre bodywork like previous Superbike R models.

Or if the he 1098R returns with an adjustable steering head (left off as a cost cuter and a major flaw on the base 1098 1098S models). While a Ducati corse press photo of the test mule 1098F 08 superbike a few months ago shows the bike with an adjustable steering head. Does the R model get the very necessary adjustable steering head or not????? With the 1098R priced at $39,000 - that's $22,000 more that the 1098S, we hope we get more than slip-on carbon fibre mufflers ($1,200) and a slipper clutch ($900) with the 1198's bigger bore and stroke.

We put a call into Ducati Press manager John Canton, who did confirme to us that the R model does have full carbon fibre bodywork to bring the dry weight down to a 363 lbs. The bike will return to the adjustable 23.5 / 24.5 degree steering head. The Ohlins street suspension shown on the prototype press bike pictured here IS NOT the suspension customers will get on the actual R model, but rather the bike will come with full MotoGP spec Ohlins Ttx also being being used as on the Desmosedici RR.

And the Street Exhaust system shown here is just that - a street pipe. The 1098/1198R will also come with the full Titanium Ducati Corse 70mm Termigoni Exhaust System the factory team is currently running on their works bikes.

At $39,000 the Ducati 1098R is not cheap, but under the new 1200cc homologation rules for V-Twins in World Superbike which require the bikes to be much closer to stock, Ducati is giving us the closest thing to a full factory works bike than ever before.

The production 1098R is suposed to get this massive 70mm Termignoni Ti Exhaust and the Ohlins MotoGP suspension and Slipper Clutch as shown on this factory Corse SBK test mule.

The massive influx of motorbike fans and Ducati ìtifosiî expected at EICMA will also get a chance to see the definitive version of the Desmosedici RR, derived from the MotoGP bike, of which 1500 will be produced and the special Tricolore version of the Monster S4R S, which features a front fairing, seat cover and fuel tank in the red, white and green colours of the Italian flag together with gold frame and wheel rims.

The new 2008 range is completed by the black version of the Hypermotard 1100 S and the new two-colour grey-liveried version of the GT 1000, as well as numerous new accessories, special components and a new collection of Ducati clothing. An area of the stand is also dedicated to Ducati Corse to celebrate Casey Stonerís victory in the MotoGP World Championship, but also the titles won by NicolÚ Canepa in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup on the 1098 and by the Womenís Team in the European 1000 Superstock and Italian 600 Superstock championships.

The International Motorcycle Exhibition will be open to the general public until Sunday, November 11th. Ducati is present in Pavilion 18 ñ Stand D65.

Go to Ducati 2008 Page 2 1098R Superbike

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The New Testastretta Evoluzione Engine
The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the crowning glory of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine. World Superbike dominance for the last 15 years is the result of continual commitment to twin-cylinder technology and the 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione, the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history, is a fitting reward to our engineers’ continued ingenuity.

The 1098 engine is immediately recognisable by its completely new compact cylinders and cylinder heads. Other 1098 innovations and revisions are less obvious as they reside inside the Evoluzione’s engine cases, but whether external or internal, every new development was conceived to create a lighter, more efficient, more powerful and ultra-compact engine for the new generation of Ducati Superbikes.

The 1098 capacity is a result of a significant increase in the bore and stroke of the Evoluzione motor. Highly ‘over-square’, it now sports a big 104mm bore and a relatively short 64.7mm stroke. To optimise the benefits of the new, big Ducati Twin, the cylinder heads have been completely redesigned and, when combined with advanced MotoGP induction technology, enable even the standard specification 1098 to produce more power than the previous extreme Testastretta ‘R’ engine.

The Evoluzione features a reduction in the angle between intake and exhaust valves allowing highly efficient, straight intake ducts and newly shaped combustion chambers that contain racing size ‘R’ valves (42mm inlet, 34mm exhaust), operated by radical ‘R’ derived camshafts. The new cylinder heads also benefit from fewer components and include magnesium covers to achieve a staggering weight-saving of over 3kg (6.5+lbs).

After optimising the Evoluzione cylinder heads, engineers then focussed upon releasing the potential of the new design by feeding them with MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies. With a 30% increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the new elliptical shape contributes an incredible 5hp increase to the record-breaking motor. 1098 owners will be the first to feel the power of this MotoGP technology on the road.

The Testastretta Evoluzione is the lightest Ducati Superbike engine ever, thanks to close scrutiny of every engine component. A total of 5kg (11.1lbs) has been saved by reducing the weight of many components, including transmission gears and the gear selector drum as well as the oil pump and primary gears.

The Testastretta Evoluzione’s increase in power is protected by a highly efficient oil cooler with increased surface area and an advanced coolant radiator assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies. The compact and intricate design of the cooling system integrates perfectly with the 1098’s wind-cheating aerodynamics and sleek lines.

Finally, the 1098 is complemented by an all-new exhaust system. Significantly lighter, it has been engineered with a power-increasing symmetrical 2-1-2 layout that uses 52mm-57mm diameter tubing with wall thickness reduced by 30% to 0.8mm (.030in). The system terminates with Ducati’s trademark twin under-seat silencers, delivering that unmistakable signature sound of the big bore 90° L-Twin.

Chassis & Suspension
Advanced chassis
The 1098 chassis and suspension have received the same detailed study and performance first priority approach. The goal was to achieve considerable weight saving while building-in strength and rigidity to manage the new high-powered Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Each and every component not only contributes to achieving superior road holding and stability, but when assembled, become a system with value far greater than the sum of all its parts.

Trellis frame
Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the 1098 Trellis frame has been designed with a simplified tube layout featuring main section tubes increased in diameter from 28mm to 34mm, while being reduced in thickness from 2mm to 1.5mm. The result is a 14% increase in rigidity and a weight saving of 1.5kg (3.3lbs).

Single-sided swingarm
Our engineers were encouraged to re-think the construction technique of the 1098’s unique single-sided swingarm. The solution was to produce the main operational components using individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, with fabricated aluminium sections used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component.

Rear suspension
Highlighting the way in which individual components are influenced by each other, the new lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a more compact and further weight-saving rear suspension linkage system that features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 1098 and an incredible Öhlins shock for the 1098 S. A vitally important feature of the 1098’s rear suspension system is the ability to adjust rear ride height independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings, critical when seeking the perfect set-up for personal riding style or track conditions.

Front suspension
The fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with a special low friction Titanium Oxide-treated sliders on the 1098, and spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction Titanium Nitride sliders on the 1098 S, both feature radial Monobloc caliper mountings. The unique look of these mountings further underlines the no-compromise racing specification of the 1098. Both front suspension solutions are professionally track-tuned and offer superior road holding, deliver superior feedback, and help every rider to be more confident and in control.

Mono Bloc Brakes
Monobloc calipers
With a Superbike as capable as the 1098, superior stopping power is fundamental. The 1098 is the first production street bike to use Brembo’s Monobloc caliper racing technology. The M4-34 calipers are machined from a single piece of alloy, vs. the bolt-together construction of conventional calipers. The Monobloc design has much higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking, and therefore gives a much more precise feel at the brake lever. The 1098 also introduces for the first time on a Ducati, big 330mm discs which, when matched to the Monobloc calipers, achieve spectacular braking power. Despite the larger diameter, their weight has not increased due to the use of racing-style narrow braking surfaces. The use of Monobloc technology combined with the legendary stability of Ducati’s Trellis frame and the 1098’s overall weight savings has made world championship level brake performance available for the road.

Super lightweight wheels
The weight saving of 250g achieved on the front wheel substantially reduces the moment of inertia and enhances the 1098’s change of direction and braking performance. The rear wheel is just as impressive with a complete redesign for its single-sided swingarm application that has resulted in a reduction of over 1kg compared with traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm fitments. Both the 1098 and 1098 S benefit from the lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped spoke wheels, but the ‘S’ goes even further by using machine finished forged-aluminium, a special process normally reserved for the production of race wheels. Another first for Ducati is the mounting of 190/55 rear tyres, our widest ever, and the new standard for traction and control.

Magnesium subframe
Exploiting every opportunity to reduce weight where possible, engineers chose to produce the front subframe in magnesium. While its construction ensures secure, rigid support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing, the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall ‘feel’ and control of the machine.

Aerodynamic bodywork
Carefully designed not only for aerodynamic efficiency but also to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the 1098 enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the race-oriented riding position. Great care has been taken in the design of the air supply ducts so to ensure efficient air-flow through radiator and oil coolers as well as provide ample air delivery to the airbox feeding the powerful new Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Moulded in lightweight Terblend®, the bodywork’s form becomes a considerable contributing factor to the overall performance of the machine by helping reduce weight even further while allowing the rider to effortlessly ‘tuck in’ from the wind stream and turbulence to achieve maximum straight-line track speed.

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