Ducati 1199 superbike takes shape
New images of the 2012 superbike from Ducati have emerged courtesy of an Italian publication, showing a modern take on a mid '90s icon
The Ducati 1199, which may or may not be called the Ducati Extreme, is beginning to take shape with these images courtesy of Italian motorcycle magazine Motociclismo.
While the sneaky photos only show the bike from certain angles, mainly around the front and sides of the bike, this provides us with more data on how the bike will end up.
The front end design presents a bold new look that almost apes the Ducati 916 from the mid 1990s, with its horizontal slim line headlights underneath which sit ram air intakes. The 2012 Ducati 1199's design is a more contemporary take on its 15-year-old relative but the similarities should please rusted-on Ducatista.
The fitment of LED daytime running lights are inspired from the four-wheeled world - see any modern day Audi or Mercedes - and will underscore the bike's high tech features. Though little is known about the technical details of the new Italian bike, it is expected to be fitted with an array of advanced riding aids, including adjustable suspension, traction and stability control systems.
If you look closely at the image of the headstock and instruments, you'll not only notice an appealing yoke design and steering damper, but also the possibility of an adjustable steering head angle. Weekend racers take note.
Powered by a new Superquadrata V-twin engine, it appears as though chain-driven camshafts will replace belt-driven items, a design change which would make sense considering Ducati's plan to develop a higher-revving machine that could be capable of outputting more than 200hp (147kW).
With talk the bike will weigh a lot less than the 1198, up to 10kg less in fact, the new Ducati 1199 Extreme is shaping up to be not only a very powerful exotic motorcycle, but a very attractive one at that.
Ducati is expected to officially launch the 1198's successor at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan during November, but we have a sneaking suspicion more images and details such as these will leak out well ahead of November...
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