Ducati has built its performance-oriented reputation upon a foundation of racing success. Factory racers consistently score top results in MotoGP and World Superbike, and Ducatis have been the fastest in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, winning the 1,200cc class in 2008 on the Hypermotard and 2010 on the Multistrada.
In this go-fast-and-look-good-doing-it spirit, Ducati’s 2011 lineup adds new models, upgrades others and says arrivederci to the Sportclassic line. In the superbike category, Ducati’s new-for-2010 848EVO–with 140-horsepower Testastretta engine and Brembo Monobloc brakes–returns ($12,995-$13,995 depending on color), the red-only 1198 gets Ducati Traction Control, Quick Shifter and Data Analyzer as standard equipment for the same price ($16,495) and the high-zoot 1198 S is replaced by the upgraded 1198SP ($21,995). The Streetfighter and Multistrada 1200 models will receive only minor tweaks for the new model year with unchanged pricing. In the Monster line, the 696 will be priced at $8,495 ($500 less than last year), the 696 ABS will be available for $8,995 ($1,000 less than 2010), and the 796 ($9,995, added for 2011) along with the 1100 ($11,995), are available only with ABS. The Hypermotard in 796 ($9,995), 1100EVO ($11,995) and 1100EVO SP ($14,495) variants return unchanged.
The big news is Ducati’s rumored and finally confirmed muscle bike, the Diavel–pronounced Dee-ah-vel, which means “devil” in the local Bolognese dialect where Ducati’s factory is located. With the most aggressive profile of any motorcycle since the Star Vmax, the Predator-on-two-wheels Diavel is powered by the same Testastretta 11-degree L-Twin engine that debuted last year in the Multistrada 1200 and posted 137.9 horsepower and 84.8 lb-ft of torque (Rider, June 2010). The Diavel’s standard electronics include riding modes, throttle-by-wire, Ducati Traction Control and hands-free ignition. Its chassis features Ducati’s signature trellis steel frame and an aluminum single-sided swingarm, fully adjustable front/rear suspension and Brembo Monobloc front calipers with ABS. Claimed dry weight is 463 pounds (456 on the Carbon model with forged Marchesini wheels and carbon fiber goodies). Ducati’s evil screamer will be in showrooms by March (pricing TBA).
