Ducati wins design award

Voted on by 70 people in the industry, the award is given in five categories, plus an overall gong. It's the latter which the Italian maker took out, though it was also judged the best in the supersport class.

Ducati made an interesting statement, admitting that perhaps the 999 styling was not all it could have been. Here is what the company said: "Ducati's 916 was a tough act to follow. The 999 bravely broke away from being just a facelift, although while a better bike in most respects, some of the earlier magic was perhaps missing. The 1098 promises to give Ducatisti the best of both worlds, by combining the practical improvements of the 999 with the looks and presence of the 916."