2012 Ducati Monster Diesel

Meet the Ducati Monster Diesel, the world's first two-wheeled diesel bike?? Well, not quite.

It's still got regular spark plugs and runs on gasoline. The special edition model's curious name comes from its collaboration with the Diesel fashion brand - one of Ducati's MotoGP sponsors - which is designed to add a little more coolness to the bike.

Launching in conjunction with new Diesel stores in New York, Tokyo and Rome, the Ducati Monster Diesel 1100 EVO special edition marks the beginning of an alliance between Ducati and the Diesel fashion brand, a collaboration that is designed to benefit both parties.

The Ducati Monster Diesel bike is based on an 1100 EVO model, outputting around 100hp (73kW), and features an 'urban military chic' design motif that adopts a black-on-green colour scheme.

The trellis frame, wheels, exhaust pipes and forks have been blacked-out, while the tank is finished in a colour titled 'Diesel Brave Green matte'.

Front brake calipers are finished in shocking yellow "to make a strong reminder of the model's performance heritage," says Ducati. The seat is also new, ribbed and finished in suede.

The Ducati Monster Diesel will go on sale globally from July 2012.

"The Monster Diesel, and the collection dedicated to it, reflect the 'coolness' of this iconic motorcycle and our brand in general," said Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding.

Stefano Rosso (pictured with the bike), heir to the Diesel empire, also had his say: "When we had the opportunity to work with Ducati, with last year’s MotoGP sponsorship, we discovered a whole world of shared values and common roots. That brought us the desire to create something new together, and we made it in the only way we know: taking the great know-how of both companies and mixing it with passion and creativity. The results are unique products, characterised by a great mix of design and technology."

In the past Ducati has also released special edition models after collaborating with companies such as Mercedes-Benz AMG and power boat company Cigarette Racing.