Ducati launches its 2016 range

In an Apple-style presentation at Milan today, Ducati announced its new machines and updates for 2016.
During a live streamed event Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali expressed sympathy to France after the terrorist events in Paris before introducing the new Flat Track Pro Scrambler, ridden on stage by Troy Bayliss.
It’s the sportiest version of the Scrambler family, wth lots of parts which make it a bit lighter and cooler.

Then the Scrambler Sixty2 was introduced with a video of people riding skateboards, surfboards and Scramblers. Can Ducati make the new Scrambler the choice of transport for youth? They are certainly trying.

The Sixty2 is a 400, with 167kg dry weight and three colour schemes. It’s going to be LAMS approved for sure and should be a big hit in Australia.

And there’s another Scrambler coming in December, only hinted at now, being developed with a fashion house.

Then the new Multistrada Pike Peak was introduced. Ohlins suspension, Termignoni suspension, lightweight parts… looks great.

Under the theme ‘Fun’, Claudio then introduced the new hypermotard 939, with a video showing city street blasting, countryside scratching and track fun. The bikes were then ridden onto stage by MotoGP riders Andrea Dovisioso and Andrea Iannone. The bike features up to 10 per cent more torque than earlier models. Three models wll be featured with various features.

Domencali then introduced the new mid-range Superbike, the 959 Panigale. Ridden on stage by Davide Giugliano, factory Superbike rider. Described as mid-sized, because the 1299 is still then, this is a 157hp motorcycle and features many updates in the design. In Australia we get the under-engine exhaust system rather than a pair of big mufflers which will be fitted onto the big in some markets.

Then came some of the big announcements.

A serious Adventure bike.

Laced wheels, off-road tyres, alloy bash plate, alloy panniers… the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. “Developed to cope with extreme situations and represents the Wild Side of Ducati.”
With a 19-inch front wheel, the capability to take off road tyres, a more robust build, new suspension, more ground clearance, double-sided swingarm and a 30-litre tank, new bodywork and a new flatter seat for better control off-road.
There will be lots of electronics, oncluding Vehicle Hold Control, which prevents the bike rolling backwards on hills.
Wet weight at 234kg and seat height, 834mm.
“The first Ducati to have the ability to cross continents on any terrain.”
They closed with a short video of the new Multistrada being ridden on a motocross track, which was cool.

Then there’s Black.

Ducati’s been teasing us with ambiguous videos on Youtube, and now was the time to satisfy our curiosity.

“Moving to Black was a Paradigm Shift for Ducati.” A big change for Ducati: I was left wondering if the Italians were about to intrduce something to compete with Harley. Turned out to be the XDiavel. Ridden on stage by Ducati’s test rider, in a suit. And yep, it’s a Harly competitor, sort of. It’s about style, cruising… while still offering incredible performance.
This is the first Ducati with forward controls, a significant depature for the company. With excellent torque, the XDiavel which be a very impressive cruiser.
Foot controls, optional seats, different handlebars and a 40-degree lean-angle capability should make the XDiavel fun to ride, too.
Belt final drive is new to Ducati, too, although DPL – Ducati Power Launch – should help you win when the elights change.
The XDiavel will be offered in various models.

2016 is 90 years of Ducati and the company is planning lots of events, with WDW on 1-3 July 2016.