Ducati unveils GP11

Ducati has revealed its new MotoGP contender, which will be ridden by Nicky Hayden and new team-mate Valentino Rossi.

Named the GP11, it features an engine that’s an evolution of the one used last year. The main objective for this season has been to get a flatter torque curve.



As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, the revised design is meant to increase top speed, reduce fuel consumption and minimise front-end lift. To help with that final item, the GP11 sports a development of the fairing-mounted winglets that were first seen during 2010.



Other significant changes from the GP10 include smaller front forks (42 mm, down from 48 mm), while the carbon fibre chassis has more flex for improved feel when the bike is leaned over.



The testing schedule for the GP11 commences at Jerez, Spain on January 17, 18 and 19 with riders Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi on board. The programme then moves to Sepang, Malaysia, where Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden are due to put the new bike through its paces on February 1, 2 and 3.



The 2011 MotoGP championship, which consists of 18 rounds, starts with the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 20.

Ducati 848 EVO unveiled

Two years on from its launch, the Ducati 848 has received a few tweaks. These have been focussed mainly on the engine and brakes.



Changes to the 849 cc Testastretta V-twin include revised throttle bodies, cylinder heads and camshafts. As a result, power is up from 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS) to 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS), while maximum torque is now 98 Nm.

Braking ability has been improved as well, thanks to the use of race-derived Brembo Monobloc calipers for the front twin 320 mm discs. For the first time, the 848 also gets a steering damper.



To mark the changes, Ducati has given the 848 an ‘EVO’ suffix. However, despite the various enhancements, the good news is that UK prices are unchanged compared to the outgoing models.

The 848 EVO, which comes in traditional Ducati red with a matching frame and black wheels, remains at £10,695 (plus on the road charges). A slightly cheaper alternative is the very cool looking 848 EVO Dark Stealth which, as the name implies, has a matt-effect black finish with a black frame. It costs £9,995.



Orders for the 848 EVO can be placed now, ahead of the first customer deliveries which are expected to take place during September.

Adventurous new Yamaha

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the saying goes.



If that’s the case, then BMW engineers must be very flattered by Yamaha’s new Tenere. Or XT1200Z Super Tenere, to give it its full title.

Cynics could argue that Yamaha looked at the spec sheet of the German manufacturer’s R 1200 GS, and made sure that all the features that have made the BMW the leader in the adventure class were included on its bike.



Torquey twin cylinder engine? Check. Shaft drive? Yes. Adjustable seat height? Present. Anti-lock brakes and traction control? Of course.



Admittedly, ABS and traction control are optional on the BMW, but then for some riders that’s a good thing - nobody wants complicated electronics to go on the blink half-way across the Sahara. The BMW also costs considerably less than the Yamaha.



The Tenere will only be offered in ‘first edition’ guise during 2010 (which, oddly, will have to be reserved online). This includes aluminium side cases, a headlight protector and an aluminium skid plate to shield the engine. And a nice sticker. The price will be an eye-watering £13,500 in the UK. Yes, £13,500 - it’s not a typo.



The standard GS is £9,925. Even if you go for the more expensive Adventure and order the optional ABS, traction control and fastenings needed for aluminium panniers, it’ll set you back £12,205. OK, you need to add on the cost of the BMW panniers, but it’s doubtful they’ll soak up all of the £1,295 saving over the Yamaha.

And what if you’re not planning on going off the beaten track, but like the riding position of the Tenere and fancy a large capacity twin cylinder bike? Enter the brand new Ducati Multistrada 1200. Available in basic, S Sport and S Touring versions, pricing in the UK will start from £10,995.

It looks like the Tenere is going to have a tough time.