The RC8 is a unique machine so naming it something with attitude a little different is what I was thinking. After some deliberation these are the candidates of names that I’m thinking of, sounds more like those running for the presidency but still. Some are pretty funny and some have little meaning to it, not really sure with this one, I starred the ones that I’m thinking of.
- Sunspot*
- Tango*
- Dusty*
- Tempo
- Mouko
- Ciro
The new Monster 1100 has now been released, now what a machine they will be releasing. This version will have the 1100S and 1100. Suspension adjustments made with the new look, its going to sell like crazy. They put the Multistrada engine in it, but I’m hoping for a later engine with a little bit more bite to it. Check out the press release from Ducati below.
The new Monster 1100 design perfectly balances sports performance, riding pleasure and stunning looks. With its single-sided aluminum swingarm, high-spec componentry, race-oriented chassis and 15 years of evolution, the Monster 1100 now takes its place at the head of the Monster family.
The Monster 1100 S is a pure concentrate of light weight, power, design and exclusivity. The ‘S’ features fully adjustable 43mm titanium nitride coated Ohlins forks and progressive Ohlins rear shock absorber with adjustable pre-load and return damping. Carbon fiber cam belt covers, silencer guards and front fender reduce weight by a further 2.2 lbs. The distinctive gold five spoke wheels of the Monster 1100 S give it the elegant style and same sporting look as historical Ducati race bikes.
Both versions of the new Monster 1100 come with removable single seat covers and neat micro-bikini fairings; and are powered by the charismatic two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine that boasts 95hp at 7500rpm and an impressive 79.5 lb/ft of torque at 6000rpm.
Color schemes available are:
Monster 1100:
Red tank, Red frame, Silver wheels
Silver tank, Red frame, Silver wheels
Gloss black tank, Matte black frame, Silver wheels
Monster 1100 S:
Red tank, Red frame, Gold wheels
Pearl White tank, Matte black frame, Gold wheels
These are different areas where I am looking forward to riding. Over the years I have been plotting different areas around the world where I would like to do some riding and take a tour on my bike. These are places that I am genuinely interested in and I know that they have a biking culture to them. The thing is I wouldn’t want to do this on a sport tourer or adventure bike, I would want to do this on my Ducati 1098 but somehow without having to carry to much clothes just the essentials.
- Miyakejima Island
- Isle of Man (No Speed Limits)
- French Riviera
- Italy (Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome)
I remember placing an order for this machine around the beginning of June, I have been looking at it from every angle and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was told it would take about two months, even though it took a little longer I didn’t mind and it was out of their hands. A new piece of German engineering with a MotoGP style to it.
Since I’m still a little bit under the weather I asked Tristar to keep it with them for a few more days. I don’t need something tempting me to ride or go out in the state I’m in. One thing came to mind when I first saw the machine, pictures do not do it justice. The color combination and the angles are just beautiful, the motor started with a beautiful beat to it. I coudln’t help myself and took it for a quick spin, just down the street and back, and it is one light machine. Now I want to get better, and the weather has to get better to go riding.
The rumors having been going about the forums and at long last it has been confirmed. Since Ducati had such a great year most people thought they would make a few minor changes and keep them going, but it is something a lot of people will be surprised to hear.
All the new machines will have the 1198 motor which is currently in the 1098R, the current 1098 pumps out about 160 bhp and the 1098R about 180 bhp, for the standard 2009 1098 it will be around 170bhp with the new engine. An all around price increase of $500 for all the machines including 848, but except for the 1098S and 1098R which will remain the same. There might be a slight facelift and some weight loss in the plan for the supersports as well.
There will be the introduction of the Monster 1100 in the standard version and the S (Ohlins Suspension) Version. Also a new machine which is a blend between the Hypermotard and the Monster will be unveiled with the 2007 1098 engine implanted but designed for a more torque oriented adventure. Ducati is keeping it going strong into 2009 with their new machines, I don’t know what to expect from them next.
Link: HFLMag
Now this is a painful scene for any Ducatista, a very large meet at the Indy GP the weather was raining and windy. Turns out that had a disastorous effect and knocked a lot of bikes over, it looks like a horrible scene from a movie, some of these bikes were very damaged. I feel sorry for the owner of 1098s Tricolore, that bike took a hell of a lot of damage. What a site to return to for people who had to ride back home. I know its mostly body damage and can be fixed, but still a painful site.
Link: Ducati MS Forum
I was planning on riding Friday night, so I went downstairs to get on Pyro. Things looked good and the biked fired right up even after 1.5 months of remaining stationary. So I put it into gear and it jumped as if I wasn’t holding the clutch, it was strange. After a few tries and that didn’t work, so I parked Pyro and decided to go out on Robo.
Started that beast and all I got was a hiss, the battery was dead. What a start to riding, so I texted the Tristar Mechanic asking him if he could take a look at both bikes these week. Saturday morning at 8:15 am while I was asleep, I get a call from the Driver at Tristar saying he will be here in 15 minutes to pick up both bikes which surprised me. They took both bikes in the morning and I passed by their workshop. I was very surprised and very happy to see such a nice garage. I think my garage is pretty nice, but they have tiled floors, five areas to work on bikes, a nice waiting area, and all the machines organized. Its very nice seeing these beautiful machines treated like this. I went home around 12:30 pm and the bikes showed up around 2:45 pm which is fantastic. They replaced Robo’s battery and replaced a clutch piece, turns out the times I was cleaning the bike water was going into the housing because its open, I just have to make sure to cover it when I clean it up.
The R1 has had a few modifications done to it since I came to the states, a full Akrapovic exhaust system, power commander, 1 tooth lower from the front sprocket, and gaskets. I got on the bike as soon as San Jose Yamaha told it is ready to go.
I was so excited that I forgot to take any gear with me and they were going to close up in 30 minutes and there was no way I could make it home and back in time. So I went straight there and picked up the skull and bones Arai RX7 and a new pair of Alplinestar gloves. I loved the helmet and the gloves were a good fit. I was supposed to go home and my friend was following me in the truck, for about 30 seconds and then I took off like a demon. I forgot that I was in the states and that cops will chase motorcyclists down to fine them unlike to Kuwait. It was pure bliss riding such a powerful beast, and the exhaust tone was music to my ears, I wanted to continue riding but my Quiznos sandwich was getting cold so I headed home.
After all these rumors Harley Davidson did it, they bought out MV Agusta for $110 Million and they got Cagiva with them as well. What I find out is that both companies are having financial issues so I wonder what they were thinking. If there is plan in mind I don’t clearly see it. It seem that MV Agusta will be getting an some new life into them but keeping the main people who make it what it is, I just hope they don’t lose that Italian touch.
Link: faster&faster
A recalls are always an issue with any manufacturer, the problems are the ones that try to keep it on the down low. I found out about the recall just recently from the states, so I thought it would take a couple of weeks to trickle down to the MIddle East, but I was wrong. Within a few days I was contacted by the Tristar Garage, asking if they could take my bike for a recall procedure. Its about one major part which is the rear sprocket, and two other minor things. I am impressed they are taking care of it right away and honoring the recall. I have heard a recall on the Suzuki GSXR1000 but I know for a fact the Dealership in Kuwait did nothing about it, people just replaced the parts themselves.
Link: Visordown