Ducati Vyper muscle bike???

[atadaskew]

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/88/6/Motorcycle-Blog-Post/Ducati-Vyper-to-Rival-VMax-and-V-Rod-.aspx

Ducati Vyper to Rival VMax and V-Rod?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Is Ducati expanding into the bruiser cruiser market? Is the Italian motorcycle manufacturer really looking to compete with Star Motorcycles’ V-Max and Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod and Muscle? I say, bring it on. Usually it’s the other guys in the office that snag invites to the Ducati intros. But the Ducati Vyper just might fall into the power cruiser category, which means maybe I’ll get a chance to ride it if it the new Ducati Vyper is more than just a rumor.

Italian motorsports publication Motociclismo posted pictures of the hybrid streetfighter/dragster this past weekend. Though it was reported that Ducati is denying the Vyper’s existence, Ducati said the same thing about the Streetfighter a year ago, while today Motorcycle USA.com’s Road Test Editor Adam Waheed is in Spain preparing to ride the Streetfighter at the Ascari racetrack. And Claudio Domenicali said that the Company was looking to branch out into segments that the Italian marquee doesn’t compete in yet. Is the musclebike category Ducati’s new frontier?

It’s reported the Vyper will feature a stroked version of the company’s Testastretta engine in a V-configuration. The liquid-cooled 1400cc engine is said to put out in the range of 170 hp. It will feature Ducati’s signature steel trellis frame and its tank and tail section will be angular and aggressive, similar to the styling on the Streetfighter. The Vyper’s backside is highlighted by a meaty 240mm tire on the rear mounted to an aluminum swingarm. Dual exhausts run along the lower right side.

Motociclismo reports that we could see the Ducati Vyper reach showrooms by 2010. I know we just finished pitting the 2009 Suzuki B-King against the 2009 Star Motorcycles VMax. Maybe next year we can throw in the Harley-Davidson Muscle and the Ducati Vyper and see which one of these muscle bikes is the ‘King of the Quarter-Mile.’

[Rincewind]

Looks like a stretched-version of the Streetfighter (which itself is butt ugly!).





Meh

[atadaskew]

Looks bad-ass!

Imagine how great that could be with a narrower rear wheel....

[Mr. Whippy]

Funny, when you spin up the rear wheel, a port opens in the left front bodywork, to cover part of the trellis frame.    That's some awesome engineering!



One other thought:  Is there a factory hardcase option?
 

[Rincewind]

Looks bad-ass!

Imagine how great that could be with a narrower rear wheel....

A narrower rear wheel, like the actual SF being produced??  I'm not convinced that the Vyper is not just a vaporous pipe-dream of some basement photochopper.  

[atadaskew]

A narrower rear wheel, like the actual SF being produced??  I'm not convinced that the Vyper is not just a vaporous pipe-dream of some basement photochopper.  

Yesh.  But with the V4 motor...
Actually I think it's cool as is, as it's meant to be ridiculous.  The power of the Vmax, but for 300lbs less weight...
Ducati, showing how it's done! Awwwright!

[scottzilla]

A narrower rear wheel, like the actual SF being produced??  I'm not convinced that the Vyper is not just a vaporous pipe-dream of some basement photochopper.  

I dunno man.  That's a pretty awesome photochop.

[Rincewind]

I dunno man.  That's a pretty awesome photochop.

That one isn't a photochop - it's one of the first photos out of the new Streetfighter.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/03/ducati-streetfighter-hits-the.html

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2009/03/ducati-streetfighter-up-close.html

Should be available in May.

[steve.ski]

It looks really good to me.

As for the 240, it's a little dick thing IMHO. Gimme a 190 for handling purposes.

[atadaskew]

It looks really good to me.

As for the 240, it's a little dick thing IMHO. Gimme a 190 for handling purposes.

Ducati makes plenty o bikes that handle...

This is an in yer face attitude thing.

[steve.ski]

Ducati makes plenty o bikes that handle...

This is an in yer face attitude thing.

Yeah, but that little handling thing is  what made them what they are today.

I dunno, if it were some chopper-abortion thingie the huge rear meat would be more fitting. To me it's kinda lowering a marque to the lowbrow custom mentality.

Just my $0.02 you know...

[1000lbs]

Street Fighter   ,  Vyper    

The V Max is a cruiser and in many respects feels/acts like one, but still offers incredible thrust (you must ride one to really understand) with above average cruiser handling at speed...  I kinda get it...

The B King is a naked and uglier Busa with a handlebar for more comfortable ergos, I get this too...

The Vyper looks like a crippled Street Fighter with worse ergos and reduced cornering ability without the cruiser muscle bike looks, I don't get it


My $.02...

[couchflyer]

Not a real Ducati  

[falconati]

Please don't make this.

[mr moto]

The uglyduck !   lets hope it does not get beyond the clay mock up stage, the world has MORE THAN ENOUGH CRUISERS !!!  
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.motorevue.com/&ei=Y9NAStDnIM22jAeHwdyTCQ&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DMOTO%2BREVUE%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DvPl%26sa%3DG

[duceduceexplorer]

ill take 2..

[Orson]

I wasn't aware the Teutel's would be involved in any actual product design.

Not that there's anything wrong with that  

[Rincewind]

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/ducati-abandons-vyper-cruiser-concept/

“Whether we make it in 4 or 5 years is hard to say. ‘custom’ motorcycles are something we are keeping an eye on to see if the style would garner the interest of buyers who are not your typical Ducati purchasers.”

[shah269]

Ahh....looks like a modified Monster.

[Rincewind]

It lives....    ...and smokes a lot apparently.  

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/june/jun2910-new-ducati-mega-monster-spotted/

[Mr. Whippy]

Looks like a tugboat.  

[atadaskew]

I don't think that's smoke.  Looks like the photo was taken through a dirty car window.

[Mookie]

Yesh.  But with the V4 motor...
Actually I think it's cool as is, as it's meant to be ridiculous.  The power of the Vmax, but for 300lbs less weight...
Ducati, showing how it's done! Awwwright!

It's actually got the testastreta V-twin bored out to 1400cc.  I think it's ugly but I could see it finding a niche next to that giant Triumph thing, which I can't remember the name of....Is that selling well these days?

[Rincewind]

It's actually got the testastreta V-twin bored out to 1400cc.  I think it's ugly but I could see it finding a niche next to that giant Triumph thing, which I can't remember the name of....Is that selling well these days?

The Rocket III.  And yes, I believe it's doing well.  They just launched a Roadster version this year, to compliment the base model and the new touring model from last year.

[falconati]

The Rocket is selling really well, though I think the new Thunderbird might be outselling it.

[Rincewind]

More spy pics @ MCN today.


Ducati muscle bike up close - new spy shots!

By Andy Downes -

 15 July 2010 12:28

Ducati’s new 1200cc V-twin muscle bike has been staked out by MCN just a week after amateur spy shots captured the bike testing on the road.

These new images give the best look yet at the bike's overall appearance and reveal a host of fascinating new details.  

We caught the bike leaving the factory last week as it underwent final prototype testing before a launch in November at the Milan motorcycle show.

The bike is a 150+ bhp 1200cc V-twin that has the appearance of a sport-cruiser but the performance of a superbike, with brilliant handling according to insiders, who have also revealed it will dramatically undercut weight expectations despite the imposing size.

[1KPerDay]

LOL they can't even resist photoshopping the spy pics. Morans.  

[UFO]

Dunno, looks kind of cool.  Cruisers not my thing, but Ducati sure seems to be going hell bent on nearly every street segment.

[falconati]

Pretty sexy, not sure if it's my thing though.

Anyway, I think this is actually going to happen.  My Ducati dealer could confirm 2 new models next year, but said that not even they knew what they'd be until the fall.

[atadaskew]

I'd get it.  Kinda like my dearly departed Street Bob except more bitchin'. In every respect.

Right now it seems that their are only 2 companies who are really going for all of motorcycling's segments with new product.  BMW and Ducati.

[Rincewind]

New sketch leaked by a Ducati Dealer.  I think it looks pretty exciting, and if they can provide a low weight power cruiser they will have redefined the class.



http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/July/jul1610-ducati-dealer-leaks-0803-sketch/

[st ryder]

I'd get it.  Kinda like my dearly departed Street Bob except more bitchin'. In every respect.

Right now it seems that their are only 2 companies who are really going for all of motorcycling's segments with new product.  BMW and Ducati.

What power cruiser does BMW build?

There's no way any Ducati can be more bitchin' than a BT HD or a V-Max, which is the "Gold Standard" for power cruisers IMO. I don't "get" this Ducati.   Maybe one day I will, but I can't help but think Ducati will be as successful at cruisers, especially power cruisers, as HD was at building sport bikes. Not very.   The thing with V-max bikes is they're over built. You can launch them hard all day, week, month etc, with no issues. I'd be really impressed if Ducati could build anything with such anvil-like reliability under the type of constant abuse V-Maxes are subjected to, and keep desmos and rubber timing belts.   Not to say they wouldn't hold up, but the maintenance required would be very expensive in comparison to a V-max.  

[atadaskew]

New sketch leaked by a Ducati Dealer.  I think it looks pretty exciting, and if they can provide a low weight power cruiser they will have redefined the class.



http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/July/jul1610-ducati-dealer-leaks-0803-sketch/

Looks like a Harley Vrod

[Rincewind]

Looks like a Harley Vrod

Not so much to me, other than both being in the general power-cruiser category.  Here's the latest spy shot.  

Fork rake seems pretty short for a power cruiser.



http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/07/is-the-ducati-0803-a-cruiser-o.html

[Rabidsnipe]

I like the concept sketch better.  The front wheel looks like it is too close to the rest of the frame/motor and the rear wheel looks too far away.

[st ryder]

I like the concept sketch better.  The front wheel looks like it is too close to the rest of the frame/motor and the rear wheel looks too far away.

No matter what you do, a power cruiser and a sport bike cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Low bike with a long swing arm/wb = great launchs but slow/limited handling. Raked out front end = stablility at high speeds in a straight line, but wheel barrow handling in the turns. The concept sketch shows a slammed bike with a nicley raked out fork that's far better suited for a muscle bike.  Dispense with any handling pretense, because it ain't gonna happen, and just build a street light to street light straight line rocket one trick bike that will collect dust in Ducati showrooms.

Ducati's lost its way with this bike IMO since it belies all that's good about Ducati which has never built a drag strip, muscle bike afaik. It's like Ferrari building an American style Camaro/Mustang muscle car. Preposterous IMO.  

[coho]

Maybe he'd just then grabbed a big handful of brakes?  

[Rincewind]

Maybe he'd just then grabbed a big handful of brakes?  

Maybe, though the fork is not very far compressed.  

I sort of agree with ST Ryder that there are conflicting principles at work.  Short rake with a long wheelbase and a fat tire?  Maybe the Ducati magic can make that work, maybe not - we'll see.

I don't think the bike is completely preposterous, but it is squarely aimed at America.

[scramblerracer123]

This looks like a V Max raped a V Rod while watching Biker Boyz.  Will this get the brotha's off slammed Hayabusas and into Ducati shops?  

[Rincewind]

They are being very thorough with testing this new bike, supposedly called the Devil (Diavel).  





Believe it or not, it doesn’t appear as if the test rider crashed due to the incredible girth of the 0803’s 240-section rear tire, but instead was hit by a turning car.

 

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/09/secret-ducati-muscle-bike-crashes/

[UFO]

In another note, MCN  has reported (and a bunch of people have copied without finding a second source, journalism is alive and well folks) that Ducati plans to call its “fundamental breach of brand trust and honesty” the Ducati Diavel, Bolognese for “devil.” We sincerely hope that’s not the case, that name is nearly as mis-judged as that rear tire.

 

[EnsignCrusher]

 

I actually duffed up that quote. It's not "fundamental" it's "massive." I think Ducati Massive Breach would be quite a good name for this bike, no?

[JoBu]

Personally, I'd love to see Ducati come out with an updated version of the Super Sport.  Air-cooled, 2-valve motor...displacing 1100 or 1200 cc's.  

[atadaskew]

Personally, I'd love to see Ducati come out with an updated version of the Super Sport.  Air-cooled, 2-valve motor...displacing 1100 or 1200 cc's.  

That work is by a dood trying to get hired by Ducati
 

Either way, a Duc SS needs to have a half fairing.  The bodywork needs to show.
Duc already made this bike a couple of years ago - the SportClassic Sport 1000S

[JoBu]

That work is by a dood trying to get hired by Ducati
 

Either way, a Duc SS needs to have a half fairing.  The bodywork needs to show.
Duc already made this bike a couple of years ago - the SportClassic Sport 1000S

Not for me...I always preferred the fully faired version of the '99-'06 SS and the Sport Classic series just didn't speak to me in the same way.  For the older SS style pre-'99, I did prefer the half fairing.  My g/f has never forgiven me for selling my '99 900SS.  This was actually her 2nd favorite 2-up bike...  

Cheers,

Joe

[Rincewind]

Back OT, here are the latest pics of the Diavel looking downright weird.

[falconati]

Holy shit...that rear tire...

[Jeff]

Jeebus that thing is an abomination.

[Rincewind]

Oh my - it actually looks good in this stage of development!

[UFO]

Hey, at least the front wheel will stay on the ground.  Pretty much impossible on the Multistrada.  

[Orson]

Oh my - it actually looks good in this stage of development!

it doesn't do anything for me but, I can see that there would be a market for it.

I've noticed increasing numbers of Harleys on the roads in Europe.

[ericz]

There are so many things going on here that have the Ducati visual vocabulary.... the frame, the tank, etc.   But my eyes are just really drawn to those mirrors.   Gotta see them for real but looks good.    

[Mr Sunshine]

holy crap that thing is small!

[HipGnosis]

Oh my - it actually looks good in this stage of development!

Excuse me...  are those... pods?!?

[falconati]

Brad would approve.

[Rincewind]

These pics make me a little nauseous.    

Holy crap is that an ugly swingarm.  

[UFO]

Definitely...different.  Doesn't look too bad for a "muscle cruiser."  I'd take one for  spin.

I'm curious why the swingarm isn't black.  Aesthetically it's just off.  Or is this still an early proto shot?

[Jeff]

I think I'll withhold judgement till I see the finished product. It's screaming out for a red frame. Swingarm definitely needs to be black.

[Rincewind]

Definitely...different.  Doesn't look too bad for a "muscle cruiser."  I'd take one for  spin.

I'm curious why the swingarm isn't black.  Aesthetically it's just off.  Or is this still an early proto shot?

I think this model was worked-over by Roland Sands, the custom bike builder.  

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/ducati-diavel-roland-sands-design/

[1KPerDay]

Oh.... *urp*

[atadaskew]

These pics make me a little nauseous.    

Holy crap is that an ugly swingarm.  

Caught in the United States being fitted with a new swingarm (according to DNT), this version of the Ducati Diavel shows some interesting lines that depart from the photos we’ve seen earlier of the performance cruiser.

[Rincewind]

Well I haven't seen any other pics of the swingarm to say differently.  

So we lost the Sport Classics, and we get this POS in their place.  Nice one Ducati.

[Punchdude]

Well..THAT is a disappointment.  How many of those things do they think they can possibly sell to support tooling up and make any reasonable return on investment....  I don't get it. It has to be upwards of $20k.

Color me cornfused.

[Rincewind]

Ducati has begun their official tease.  From their Facebook Feed: "The Diavel is on its way…"  Listed on their website with a date of Nov 1.

[Rincewind]

456lbs?  

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/ducati-diavel-official-photo/

First Official Photos of the 2011 Ducati Diavel – Traction Control, ABS, Multiple Driving Modes, & 456lbs

UPDATE: Ducati USA just sent us a larger version of the photo posted on Facebook (enhanced version above). Check out the key entry for the trunk under the tail, and how the tail lights extend past the tail section to function as turn signals as well.

Ducati has just released the first official images of the 2011 Ducati Diavel on its website and Facebook page, thus beginning the teasing process as we lead up to the EICMA show in Milan in three weeks (and confirming the name Diavel in the process). Showing the ass end of the power cruiser, we get our first good glimpse of the carbon tank on the Diavel (rumors are the Ducati Diavel will come in two trim levels). Ducati has also announced that the Diavel will sport ABS, Ducati Traction Contorl, multiple riding modes, and weigh 456lbs.

Ducati has also confirmed that the 2011 Ducati Diavel will use the Testastretta 11° engine found on the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200, but has coyly made no mention of power figures, leading us to take an educated guess that the “Devil” makes a bit more power than its sport-touring cousin.

Smaller details are starting to come out as well, as we see the frame will get some red paint (as inked-in earlier), along with a central racing stripe down the tank and tail. We’ve brightened up the close-up photo after the jump, but don’t expect to see anything more than some pieces from the Ducati parts bin.

[falconati]

I'm not judging until I see it....really  

[CGameProgrammer]

Take Ducati's weight figures with a boulder of salt. They claimed 420 lbs for the MTS1200. Motorcycle Consumer News measured the wet weight of the S Sport as 510 lbs, so the S Touring with bags and center-stand and no carbon-fiber would probably be 550 or so.

Still I'm sure this new bike is ridiculously fast, but with no possible capability for luggage or passengers, I see its usefulness as being very limited. A good second bike but not a good only bike.

[atadaskew]

Still I'm sure this new bike is ridiculously fast, but with no possible capability for luggage or passengers, I see its usefulness as being very limited. A good second bike but not a good only bike.

Sounds like it would be a great replacement for my Harley Street Bob (RIP).
As long as I could get a passenger on it.

[Orson]

Well..THAT is a disappointment.  How many of those things do they think they can possibly sell to support tooling up and make any reasonable return on investment....  I don't get it. It has to be upwards of $20k.

Color me cornfused.

Well, I've noticed a steady increase in Harleys on the road in Europe over the years.

On a sunday afternoon at Lake Como, I saw significant numbers of daytrippers from Milan on Harleys. Harleys with those big wide handlebars like beachcomber bicycles seemed to be the current in thing among the rich urban yuppies.

Ducati may have taken note in this increase and, this bike might be there attempt to get a cut of the action.

[atadaskew]

Well, I've noticed a steady increase in Harleys on the road in Europe over the years.

On a sunday afternoon at Lake Como, I saw significant numbers of daytrippers from Milan on Harleys. Harleys with those big wide handlebars like beachcomber bicycles seemed to be the current in thing among the rich urban yuppies.

Ducati may have taken note in this increase and, this bike might be there attempt to get a cut of the action.

If that's the case it's not going to work.
Those people ride Harleys because that's what they want. They don't want someone else's attempt at a Harley.  Just like here.
On the upside, Ducati did not try to copy a Harley.  In ways this is a mega Guzzi Griso...

You're not kidding about Harleys in Europe though.  Last time I was there I was surprised as to how many I saw.  And at places like Como, cruisers or scooters really are the best thing, since the roads are slow and very scenic.  It really is a case of 'what's the hurry?'

[Rincewind]

It's a head-on take against the Triumph Rocket III's and V-Max's, moreso than the Harleys.  With the low weight and superbike power, it has a chance at owning the power cruiser class.  Even if the weight numbers are optimistic, it will still be very light against its competitors.  I don't like it but I think they will do well with it in the middle-class mid-life crises segment who want sex appeal and brute power.

[Orson]

Those people ride Harleys because that's what they want. They don't want someone else's attempt at a Harley.

I dunno.

I suspect they are part of the "See and be seen" crowd and a Ducati cruiser might get them that extra bit of attention  

[sumpfmann]

Looks like the V-Rod

[Rincewind]

Ducati Diavel Pricing – $16,995 Base & $19,995 Carbon

[Rincewind]

This bike is up on Ducati's website now --> http://www.diavel.ducati.com/

[Jeff]

It looks like the love child from a Monster and a V-Rod. I actually kinda like it. The black with red frame looks great.