COLOGNE SHOW: Ducati's 2011 tackle

The Ducati exhibit at the 2010 Cologne motorcycle show, or Intermot as it's also called, contained several 2011 models, including the highly desirable Ducati 1198 SP and tweaks to a number of existing models.

Based on the 1198 S, the new SP delivers the full superbike feast, though seeing as Ducati has now pulled out of the World Superbike Championship some may question the release.

Nevertheless, the Ducati 1198 SP gets a number of new bits such as new forged Marchesini wheels, Ohlins TTX rear suspension, a slipper clutch and aluminium fuel tank - which is in addition to the usual Ohlins front suspension and lightweight carbon fibre components.

Electronic aids such as traction control (DTC) and the data analyser (DDA) are included, as is a quick shift system (DQS) for rapid gear changes. Interestingly, the new aluminium fuel tank holds slightly more fuel, and weighs about 1kg less.

There's a fair chance that the Ducati 1198 will be replaced in the next 12 to 18 months, so it's not surprising that the Italian marque has boosted the standard equipment on the standard model, which now gets DTC, DDA, and even DQS, the quick shift system.

In addition to the 1198 SP, Ducati showed off the new 848EVO finished in arctic white, with red wheels and a red frame especially for the Cologne show. While the colour is new, the rest of the bike remains unchanged, the Ducati pumping out 140hp (103kW) and making use of Brembo monobloc calipers and a steering damper. Check out this yarn for more details on the 848EVO.

In many Ducati dealerships, the arctic white colour scheme is a sell-out success, so it comes as no surprise that the Streetfighter will be offered in arctic white. All models now come with a black radiator cover as well. Better yet, the Streetfighter S comes with matching red or black frame when ordered with red or black colour schemes respectively. Both get black wheels.

Starting from the top, Ducati's updated Monster 696 gets a few more colour options - dark stealth and stone white - along with new 43mm Marzocchi fork and a matte chrome handlebar finish. Tweaked ergonomics also make the cut, such as a new rear sub-frame that can be optioned with a passenger grab-rail kit, which will be a godsend for pillions (as it's not the most passenger-friendly bike). The handlebars have also been raised 20mm to improve riding posture.

The Monster 796 also gets new Marzocchi front suspension, while the Monster 1100 has not been changed.

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