Ducati motorcycles: Cologne

While Ducati had released details of its revised Multistrada range just prior to Intermot, it presented its full 2013 range of models at the biennial motorcycle expo -- held at Cologne, Germany, over October 3-7 -- with a new World Superbike racer, fresh colours choices in its Superbike and Diavel families and a range of Monster anniversary models comprising the major updates.

The new 1199 Panigale RS13 will make its competition debut in the 2013 Superbike World Championship, and will be campaigned by a number of privateer Ducati teams. Prepared by Ducati Corse, the model is a step short of the top-spec factory WSBK racer, but sports a wide variety of upgrades that put it well above the production Panigale.

The 2013 model year will herald the arrival of anniversary versions of the Monster 696, 796 and 1100EVO, marking 20 years of production for the family that arguable defined the modern naked bike category. Ducati says the trio will sport anniversary liveries and a number of other distinguishing features.

In Ducati's power cruiser stable, the flagship Diavel Carbon is available in carbon red only, and is backed up by three new colour options for the standard model -- matte black for the Diavel Dark, plus metallic blue or Ducati red.

The Superbike family also receives some fresh paint, with Arctic White versions of the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S joining the existing Ducati red versions and the flagship 1199 Panigale Tricolore. Meanwhile, the 848EVO Corse Special Edition, with new lightweight aluminium fuel tank, will be produced in a Ducati Corse Test Team scheme of matte black and matte grey.

The public got its first glimpse of the new 2013 Multistrada range at Cologne, the family representing the biggest single revision across the Italian marque's production models. The new Multistradas feature the improved Testastretta 11° DS (dual-spark) V-twin, plus a re-styled front end, LED lighting, and -- on the up-spec S Touring and S Granturismo -- the addition of Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), a semi-active suspension set-up that automatically adjusts damping settings to suit the prevailing conditions. The base model Multistrada also receives Ducati Traction Control as standard. Click here for the Bikesales Network story regarding the new Multistrada family.

Ducati's CEO, Gabriele Del Torchio, said the firm's 2013 range marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Italian maker. "Ducati has entered a new era,” he said. “Being part of such a prominent and significant group as Volkswagen makes us look to the future with confidence and optimism and we are very happy to be here at Intermot with so many new products to present.

"Despite today’s severely shrinking market, Ducati continues to show positive growth, and since 2007 has consistently increased its market share and further strengthened its financial position. Last year was a record year in the history of Ducati and we expect to continue our growth in 2012. Our 2013 motorcycles, such as the new Multistrada 1200, demonstrate the consistency of our development strategies and today I am especially proud to present our new Monster Anniversary, a celebration of the glorious history of this iconic model in the Ducati family,” he added.