Ducati ups ante with 1100 EVO SP

Low volume special edition European motorcycles used to be the reserve of their domestic markets, but with Australia becoming a bigger player in new motorcycle sales we're seeing more and more go-fast models, the latest of which is the Ducati Hypermotard.

Now on sale in Australia from $18,990 before dealer and delivery charges, the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO (second image) tips the scales at 172kg dry due to the binning of several forged elements on its trellis frame. It also gets adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks at the front and ZF Sachs monoshock at the rear to improve its handling response.

Lighter and more powerful than its donor bike, the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO (first image) pumps out 95hp and 102Nm of torque and also gets 17-inch rims shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres. The brake calipers are four-pot Brembo jobbies with 305mm discs up front and 245mm at the rear.

Ducati reckons the 1100 EVO "further enhances the original Hypermotard concept of 'ruling the road', with more power and a reduced weight to aid in handling as well as to improve acceleration."

Move up to the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP model, which goes for $22,990 and you'll get even more gear. It's got more ground clearance, higher handlebars, fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and an Öhlins working at the rear, as well as lightweight Marchesini rims shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP rubber.

The EVO SP also gets a smattering of carbon fibre and serrated pegs for better foot grip.

Ducati reckons the 1100 EVO SP "takes the Hypermotard concept to a new level of extreme" making the top-spec motorcycle race-track ready. It even features the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, where users can install PC software and use a USB-enabled data card to download racing telemetry from their bike.

Also in Ducati land, the 1198S superbike (third image) is available in pearl white and the 848 is offered in matte black (fourth image) – check out the pictures for a look.