Back to the 916 for Ducati?
If the ongoing reports from Europe can be trusted, Ducati is looking back to its sexiest-ever motorcycle shape, the Tamburini-designed 916 as the platform for its new 1200.Feeling as though it has been completely overwhelmed in the power and performance race, the Italian maker has deiced to stick with the V-twin format for the time being, but up the ante to a 1200cc design in a sports chassis. The as yet un-named machine is expected to debut at the European shows later this year.
Meanwhile, little more has been heard of plans for a production V-four based on the moderately successful MotoGP racer. The factory proudly showed off a prototype production engine over a year ago but has so far been tight-lipped about its release date. No doubt the company's uncertain finances have played a role in this.
However we have heard the purse strings have been sufficiently loosened to allow production of the angular prototype Hypermotard, which claims 100 horses for a 175 kilo dry weight. The first bikes are expected to roll off the assembly line this Northern Spring.
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