Tag Archives: Ducati

New team being put in place at Ducati Australia

May 19, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

With Ducati Italy taking over of the distributorship of Ducati motorcycles in Australia from NF Importers, the factory have taken the opportunity to review the local management structure.

Alana Baratto has moved from her position as Marketing Manager for KTM Australia to be appointed as Ducati’s Head Of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand.

With the commencement of the new operations in July 2020, Alana will be responsible for the brand and marketing strategy upon the arrival of the Ducati subsidiary and the expansion and growth of the brand in both markets.

With over a decade of experience in the motorcycle industry across Australia and New Zealand, Alana has a developed a broad understanding of the industry and the markets. Alana brings to the chair a comprehensive marketing and business acumen that is instrumental for the new journey of the Ducati brand in these markets.

“I am thrilled to join Ducati as it prepares to enter the Oceania markets as a subsidiary this year” said Alana. “I am one of the millions of people that Ducati has inspired throughout the years in the showroom, on the road and of course on the racetrack. Over the course of the next twelve months we will expand and develop the brand in both markets by showcasing our incredible motorcycles and delivering a premium and authentic experience to motorcyclists across both countries.”

Alana Baratto appointed as Ducati Head Of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand

Commenting on the appointment, Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati Australia and New Zealand said, “Alana joins the Ducati family with a wealth of experience and passion. I am confidant that with her energy, extensive experience, and skills gained from this industry, Alana will be able to expand the Ducati brand and secure our footprint in both markets. The Australian and New Zealand markets is a priority market for Ducati globally and we both look forward to delivering the Ducati values and experience to this market from 1st July 2020.”

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati Australia and New Zealand said
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati confirms Streetfighter V4 price

May 14, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Ducati Australia has confirmed pricing and arrival for the new Streetfighter V4 which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

The exciting 208hp naked bike will now arrive in July at $A29,500 ride away for the Streetfighter and $33,900 for the Streetfighter S.

That compares with $31,650 and $40,490 for the Panigale V4 and V4S on which it is based.

Ducati was to have released it in March, but the Bologna factory was closed for several weeks for cleaning and reorganising to ensure staff were safe.

As production now returns to normal, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali says they have a lot of orders for the new Streetfighter V4, as well as the Multistrada GT and Panigale V2.

Power packed Streetfighter V4

The Steetfighter is only slightly detuned from the Panigale V4’s 211 (157kW) to 208hp (155kW) and weighs in at 201kg.

To control all that power and keep the front wheel on the ground, it has an aero package that creates 28kg of downforce at 270km/h.

The aggressive street brawl design is highlighted by two sets of wings on either side of the bike.

Here is the Ducati press release and tech specs:

The foundation of the Steetfighter V4 is a Panigale V4 stripped of its fairings and equipped with high, wide handlebars. Weighing 178 kg, it is powered by a 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, its 208 hp kept under control by biplane aerofoils and a latest-generation electronics package: a combination of factors and modifications that Ducati calls the “Fight Formula”. The result is an over-the-top naked Ducati, modern and technological, with an assertively eye-catching design. A bike that does nothing to hide its segment-leading performance, but which also ensures practicality and full-on fun during everyday rides.

The minimalist full-LED headlight with its V-shaped DRL captures the spirit of the Streetfighter V4 perfectly. On the one hand, it recalls the front of the Panigale V4 and, on the other, evokes the crazy grin of the Joker (the comic strip character from which the Ducati Style Center drew inspiration for this new Bologna-built naked).

On the Streetfighter V4, the Front Frame and Desmosedici Stradale engine take centre-stage. Only partially screened by superstructures that have been cut to a bare minimum, their sharp lines create a clean, essential whole.

Such powerful design demands a powerful engine, and the 1103 cc 208 hp Desmosedici Stradale fits the bill: for a naked, it packs an impressive punch, yet dedicated engine mapping lets the rider control the power with confidence. The engine – combined with a kerb weight of 178 kg (“S” version) – boosts the power/weight ratio to an impressive 1.17. Performance can be further improved by mounting the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič, which raises power to 220 hp and reduces weight by 6 kg.

The feisty performance of this bike is stabilised by sophisticated electronics lifted directly from the Panigale V4 and the ‘biplane’ aerofoils developed by Ducati Corse aerodynamicists. Brought forward to maximise their effect, the aerofoils generate 28 kg of downforce at 270 kph, attenuating front wheel ‘floating’ at high speed and the tendency to wheel-up. They also boost stability during braking at the turn-in point and through the corner. On the road, this dynamic behaviour instils confidence. On the track, instead, it boosts performance by limiting electronic control intervention and allowing delayed braking.

The latest-generation electronics package on the Streetfighter V4 is based on a 6-axis inertial measurement platform which instantly detects the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles. The electronics oversee every part of the ride: some controls manage start, acceleration and braking, others handle traction, while some lend a helping hand on corners and out-of-the-corner stretches. Safety, performance, and bags of personality: the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 has arrived!

Ducati Streetfighter V4 tech specs

Engine	Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	1,103 cc
Bore X stroke	81 x 53.5 mm
Compression ratio	14.0:1
Power	153 kW (208 hp) @ 12,750 rpm
Torque	123 Nm (90.4 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm
Fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust	4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
Primary drive	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio	1=38/14 2=36/17 3=33/19 4=32/21 5=30/22 6=30/24
Final drive	Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42
Clutch	Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Chassis

Frame	Aluminium alloy “Front Frame”
Front suspension	Fully adjustable Showa BPF fork. 43 mm chromed inner tubes
Front wheel	5-spokes light alloy 3.50″ x 17″
Front tyre	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17
Rear Suspension	Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Aluminum single-sided swingarm
Rear Wheel	5-spokes light alloy 6.00” x 17”
Rear tyre	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 200/60 ZR17
Wheel travel (front/rear)	120 mm (4.7 in) – 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brake	2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema® (M4.30) 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake	245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO
Instrumentation	Last generation digital unit with 5″ TFT colour display
Dimensions and weights

Dry weight	180 kg (397 lb)
Kerb weight*	201 kg (443 lb)
Seat height	845 mm (33.3 in)
Wheelbase	1.488 mm (58.6 in)
Rake	24,5°
Front wheel trail	100 mm (4 in)
Fuel tank capacity	16 l – 4.23 gallon (US)
Number of seats	Dual seats
Equipment

Safety equipment	Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
Standard equipment	Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Sachs steering damper, Quick adjustment buttons, Auto-off indicators, Passenger seat and footpegs. Ducati Multimedia System (DMS).
Additional equipment	–
Ready for	Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati LinkApp, anti-theft, heating grips, Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)
Warranty

Warranty (months)	24 months unlimited mileage
Maintenance (km/months)	12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
Valve clearance adjustment (km)	24,000 km (15,000 mi)
Consumption and Emissions (only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies)

Standard	Euro 4
*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EU Regulation 44/2014 Annex XI).

Ducati Streetfighter V4 S tech specs

Engine	Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	1,103 cc
Bore X stroke	81 x 53.5 mm
Compression ratio	14.0:1
Power	153 kW (208 hp) @ 12,750 rpm
Torque	123 Nm (90.4 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm
Fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust	4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
Primary drive	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio	1=38/14 2=36/17 3=33/19 4=32/21 5=30/22 6=30/24
Final drive	Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 42
Clutch	Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Chassis

Frame	Aluminium alloy “Front Frame”
Front suspension	Öhlins NIX30 43 mm fully adjustable fork with TiN treatment. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode
Front wheel	3-spokes forged aluminum alloy 3.50″ x 17″
Front tyre	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17
Rear Suspension	Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear Wheel	3-spokes forged aluminum alloy 6.00″ x 17″
Rear tyre	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 200/60 ZR17
Wheel travel (front/rear)	120 mm (4.7 in) – 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brake	2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema® (M4.30) 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake	245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO
Instrumentation	Last generation digital unit with 5″ TFT colour display
Dimensions and weights

Dry weight	178 kg (392 lb)
Kerb weight*	199 kg (439 lb)
Seat height	845 mm (33.3 in)
Wheelbase	1.488 mm (58.6 in)
Rake	24,5°
Front wheel trail	100 mm (4 in)
Fuel tank capacity	16 l – 4.23 gallon (US)
Number of seats	Dual seats
Equipment

Safety equipment	Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto tyre calibration
Standard equipment	Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO with Ohlins suspension and steering damper, Quick adjustment buttons, Auto-off indicators, Passenger seat and footpegs, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). Marchesini aluminium forged wheels
Additional equipment	–
Ready for	Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Ducati LinkApp, anti-theft, heating grips, Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS)
Warranty

Warranty (months)	24 months unlimited mileage
Maintenance (km/months)	12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
Valve clearance adjustment (km)	24,000 km (15,000 mi)
Consumption and Emissions (only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies)

Standard	Euro 4
*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EU Regulation 44/2014 Annex XI).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Is this the future Ducati Scrambler design?

May 11, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

The future Scrambler Ducati could be a blend of Scrambler and Hypermotard judging by the winner of a recent design competition at the renowned ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Students were asked to design the future for the top-selling Scrambler family and the winner was Peter Harkins who wins a training internship at the Ducati Design Center in Borgo Panigale.

The submissions were judged by Ducati designer Jeremy Faraud and Design Centre director Andrea Ferraresi.

Rather than a trellis frame it features a complex cradle frame.

Most of 10 submissions to the judges were for electric Scramblers.

However, Peter’s winning design features what looks like a single-cylinder engine, rather than the L-twin, plus a re-routed header and single sided underseat muffler.

It is also sleeker like the Hypermotard with a flatter fuel tank, high fender and slimmer seat. Also, gone are the iconic and interchangeable tank side panels.

Scrambler future?

It’s an interesting design shift for the future Scrambler and we wonder whether Ducati will take note.

Andreas says the collaboration with the college has “given rise to an interesting exchange experience with students from different cultural and academic backgrounds, who have reinterpreted our Scrambler Ducati in a creative way and with very distant points of view”.

“Peter Harkins was the best in transforming the brief into a decidedly spot-on project,” he says.

“His work proved to be particularly complete in the study of the proportions and in the development of the details.

“The reinterpretation that he proposed takes its inspiration from the values of the brand and maintains the typical stylistic canons of the Scrambler Ducati, such as lightness, simplicity of lines and the headlamp characterised by the unmistakable X, now recognised as the signature of the bike.”

Design awards

Ducati Streetfighter V4 wins most beautiful bike at EICMA

Design as much as performance is important to Ducati and they have the runs on the board for both.

Last November Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 took out the award as the most beautiful bike at last week’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

Ok, it was voted by visitors to the show who are mainly Italian, so there is a lot of patriotic fervour behind the vote.

However, Ducati has scored five wins in the past seven years, or 10 in 14 years.

Ducati has also scored three “Best” wins in the Red Dot Awards for the 1199 Panigale in 2013, the XDiavel S in 2016 and the Diavel 1260 S in 2019.

They are the most prestigious industrial design awards in the world, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

And then there’s Massimo Tamburini’s famous 916 which many rightfully regard as the world’s most beautiful bike.

1994 Ducati 916

Ugly stick

However, Ducati doesn’t always get it right.

Remember the slab-sided Paso models from the eighties — not a good decade for fashion or design!

Revzilla said: “It looks like a 1987 Honda Hurricane smashed into a Suzuki RF900.”

Ducati Paso is no design master

And the original 2003 Multistrada was widely referred to as the “Uglystrada”. The front headlight and fairing assembly looked more like a Dyson vacuum cleaner than a motorcycle.

Thankfully Ducati totally redeemed the Multistrada with a complete redesign in 2010 into one of the prettiest of the brutish adventure bike category.

Uglystrada

Redesigned Multistrada

Scrambler design

No matter what you think of the modern “scramblers” and whether they are true scramblers, Ducati really has scored an ace with the design.

When the Scrambler family was introduced in 2015, they immediately became the company’s top seller.

That’s not to say they are not without their design quirks.

The most obvious is the looping cables which are reminiscent of original scramblers.

Loopy cabling

When Ducati unveiled its Pro models recently the cabling had been tidied up and tucked away.

Hopefully that will flow through to the rest of the range.

And the long trailing fender has been replaced with the remote fender from the Icon.

2020 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro

Design master

Despite its design credentials, the object of the ArtCenter lecture by Scrambler designer Jeremy Faraud was to get the students to help design the Scrambler of the future.

Students will submit their designs to Ducati who will recruit one lucky student for an internship at the Ducati Design Centre.

Jeremy talks with ArtCenter students (Image: James Lipman / jameslipman.com)

The Pasadena event will also be followed in Bologna, where a second training and meeting event is scheduled for March, involving the most important Italian design institutes.

Tapping into millennials for design guidance is a smart move that should see Ducati sitting atop the motorcycle design throne for years to come.

Which motorcycle company do you think is the leader in design? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Five countries that love motorcycles

May 7, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

By Anthony Joseph*

Motorcycles are iconic and versatile vehicles that are loved all over the world. To some, motorcycles equal recreation and fun, others utilise these vehicles for sport and competition. Some countries have even adopted motorcycles as their primary form of transportation in many cities and consider them essential to daily life. It’s fascinating to see how motorcycle culture has expanded around the world, with many areas developing a style that is completely unique and their own. Here are five countries that are known for their love for different types of motorcycles.

Slovakia

Slovakia is a country famous for its beautiful backroads and countryside. This terrain is perfect for motocross riders and races. This European country has many young riders that aspire to be a motocross champion. There is a deep rooted culture here for the sport, and many racing leagues that provide a place for these young riders to prove themselves before continuing on to international tournaments. With so much beautiful wilderness that makes up the country, from mountains to forest passes, what better way to experience the country than on a powerful off-roading machine like a dirt bike?

Italy

It should come as no surprise that Italy has a love affair with two wheeled machines. The European country has a long history with motorcycles and scooters, with cities like Rome and Venice being famous for the prevalence of scooters there. The compact and agile machines are a favourite for cruising around the narrow and winding streets. Scooter rentals are also very popular among tourists, and there is even a green initiative, with electric scooters growing in use every year.

Italy is also well respected for several major motorcycle brands that it has brought to the world. Ducati is a world famous luxury motorcycle manufacturer that was started here. With Italy being revered for their expensive and ultra-high performance vehicles like Lamborghini and Ferrari, of course there had to be a motorcycle equivalent, and this is just what Ducati is. The brand is headquartered in Borgo Panigale, Italy, and consistently makes some of the most beautiful and sought after motorcycles in the world.

Of course, while Ducati is well respected outside of Italy, no motorcycle brand is more famous in Italy than Vespa. The brand is owned by the vehicle manufacturer Piaggio, and has been creating these iconic scooters for over 75 years. These compact and sporty vehicles are well known for their rock solid construction, and are often attributed with being the first mass produced vehicle in Italy, meaning they are not only favoured for their performance and aesthetics, but were also incredibly important for the everyman.

Japan

Some of the biggest two-wheeled vehicle brands in the world were born and raised in Japan, a country known for its groundbreaking manufacturing and designs across many different industries. All over Asia and indeed the world, brands like Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are well known and respected. Japan is credited with creating some of the first truly high-performance motorcycles, a tradition that is carried on with motorcycles like the Suzuki Hayabusa that upon release in 1999 was considered the world’s fastest production motorcycle, with a top speed of 300-315kmh.

Japan is a country that loves racing and vehicles that are both agile and fast, and this is reflected in the manufacturing of the top motorcycle brands here. Aside from these sporty motorcycles, they also have popular lines of scooters, cafe racers, dirt bikes, and quads, making up an impressive lineup of machines that can suit any need.

USA

The United States may possibly have the biggest population of motorcycle enthusiasts and recreational riders in the world. Here, the love affair with these powerful machines goes back to popular media that set the trend early in the 1950s. In a time before the internet and hundreds of television channels, film used to be immensely important and left a lasting impression on popular culture. Films like The Wild One starring the exceptional Marlon Brando brought a glamorised tale of motorcycle culture that influenced generations of new riders. Indeed, motorcycle culture is intertwined with the history of the United States, with some of the first motorcycle clubs being made up of soldiers that had come home from WW2 with an interest in pursuing their newfound love for these two wheeled beasts at home.

When it comes to powerful motorcycles of the chopper variety, most of the styles, manufacturing and trends are attributed to the United States. Some of the most iconic chopper brands of all time were built in the USA, like Indian Motorcycles, Boss Hoss, and of course the Ubiquitous Harley-Davidson.

Vietnam

With millions of these small motorcycles dubbed “motorbikes” in the country, Vietnam has been bestowed the title of “motorbike capital of the world.” Visitors to this southeast Asian country are often taken back by the sheer volume of these vehicles and the seemingly chaotic nature of the roads in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Here, motorbikes are absolutely essential to daily life, with the entire infrastructure of Vietnam being built around these vehicles. City streets and highways were specifically constructed with these vehicles in mind, meaning they are normally narrow enough to allow just a few motorbikes or one big truck through at a time.

Many of the picturesque mountain passes that are essential to life for farmers and country folk are only wide enough to allow a single motorbike through. Historically, Vietnam has been completely dependent on motorbikes, and the influence of this can be seen in everything from paintings to popular film and the result is a society that is completely unique and independent from any other Asian culture.

*About the author: Anthony is a writer who enjoys riding motorcycles and motorbikes through foreign countries. When he’s not on the road, he spends his time researching emerging technology and the financial sector. Originally from the US, he has lived in several different places around the world and continues to travel.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ceramic coating protects your motorbike

April 28, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

A ceramic coating on your paintwork, pipes, chrome, forks and other hard parts will not only protect them from road grime and UV fading, but also make it easier and quicker to keep your bike clean.

We have heard of products with nanoceramic properties, but applying them is a long, expensive and arduous process.

So we went to the professionals — Preferred Car Care who are exclusive Ceramic Pro installers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Ceramic Pro is available to professionals in more than 70 countries.

Director Justin Harris says they have worked on many premium motorcycles and cars including Ferraris and Harley-Davidsons.

Permanent bond

He says the Ceramic Pro product “permanently bonds” with the underlying layer whether it’s paint, lacquer, chrome or bare metal.

“It can be applied to anything,” he says.

“A single coat can be expected to last a minimum of five years on motorcycles. Ceramic Pro can be layered so additional coats extend on its longevity.”

It will also prevent “bluing” in some exhausts depending on the composition of the metal.

We had them apply two coats of Ceramic Pro to our new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport paintwork, forks, panels, exhaust, rims and frame, costing $650.

First, they wash and detail the bike, checking for scratches, chips, etc to fix before polishing the surfaces.

The first coat of Ceramic Pro is applied by hand, then allowed to cure before the second coat is applied by spray gun with a 0.8mm tip.

Justin promised the coating would not turn the Duc’s satin sheen paintwork glossy and he was right.

The clear coating is a little difficult to detect due to the seamless application. It simply makes the bike “glow”.

Ceramic advantages

The advantages of Ceramic Pro are not only that it will protect the paintwork from UV and environmental deterioration, but it also makes it easier to maintain its new look.

Justin says Ceramic Pro creates a “non-porous hydrophobic, heat-proof finish that stops the onset of oxidation and keeps surfaces looking new”.

By “hydrophobic”, he means it repels water, so when it rains or you wash the bike, the water beads off.

That means road grime and dirt particles don’t stick, but flow off with the water, so it stays cleaner for longer.

We’ve all washed and detailed our bikes only to have it rain and totally ruin the result.

But with this coating, most of the grime doesn’t stick and what remains can be wiped off with a soft cloth.

I rode the bike through a short shower and on wet roads that left a small amount of grime on the surface. It just needed a quick wipe to restore the surface lustre.

You can also just give it a waterless wash with a products like this from Motul.

Motul dry wash cleaners

I also found bugs can simply be wiped off whereas they usually stick to the paintwork and require water or a special spray to soften them before removal.

If you do wash your bike after having it ceramic coated, Justin suggests using a pH-neutral car or bike detergent.

It will only need a wet wash when it gets really dry and he says you won’t need to use any wax.

Justin says it lasts for up to five years per coat and you can get a maintenance service for $330 that includes a full detail and spray application top-up coat.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati and MV ease back to production

April 27, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Ducati and MV Agusta will ease back into production again from today in “phase 2” restrictions after an almost six-week lockdown due to the coronavirus.

While supply of some models will take some time to meet orders, the good news is that R&D on new models has continued largely unabated by staff working remotely.

The factories join several other manufacturers in gradually returning to full production over the next few weeks in factories that have been disinfected and reorganised to provide more space between workers who will wear masks.

It may take several weeks to wind back up to full production with some delays on new models and spare parts.

UPDATE: Piaggio which makes Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, will resume production on 4 May 2020 when the national lockdown decree expires.

Strict rules

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali says they have paid close attention to strict rules of compliance.

“It will be an extremely difficult year but starting up again is still a beginning,” he says.

“We have a lot of orders for the Streetfighter V4, for the Multistrada GT and for the Panigale V2.

“The motorbike is a perfect vehicle for ‘phase two’: no parking problems and distancing guaranteed; safety and fun at the same time.”

The gradual improvement in health conditions and a reduction of infections and deaths in Italy has allowed the government to ease restrictions on factories making goods for export.

Phase 2 will allow a gradual return to production.

Ducati factory

In Ducati’s case it starts with workshop staff, followed by engine assembly workers and from tomorrow (28 April 2020), motorcycle assembly workers.

The production has been reorganised, going from an eight-hour shift to two seven-hour shifts to reduce the number of people in the plant at the same time.

Employees in the commercial, marketing, IT, personnel management, finance, purchasing and logistics areas will continue to work from home.

Technicians engaged in Research and Development activities who cannot do their work from home had already returned to work.

That includes engineers in the engine test rooms, motorcycle testers and laboratory testers.

All designers, project managers, and those in the calculation department will work remotely. This will ensure the deliveries of Ducati motorcycles and the development of new products.

Public visits to the factory remain closed as is the upstairs museum.

The factory Ducati museum

Ducati sales

Claudio says the stop in production in March and April has already had “negative effects on sales”.

“The Chinese market is already booming, sales in Korea and Japan are doing well. In Germany, dealers have been open for a week and we already have a major shortage of product.

“I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce at least in part the negative effects of the lockdown that we were forced to respect, unfortunately at the worst time.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati kicks production back into gear today in Bologna

April 27, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Ducati head back to work

In compliance with the regulatory protocol for measures to combat and contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the workplace, Ducati temporarily suspended production in its Bologna plant on Friday 13 March to reorganise production schedules. Then came the decree that suspended all non-essential activities and therefore, despite the organisation being ready, production did not restart.

The gradual improvement in health conditions has allowed the government today to enable companies deemed strategic for the national economy, whose activity is mainly aimed at exports, and for which a prolongation of the suspension would risk losing our country additional market shares, to resume production.

This is a first phase of return, which at the moment will only involve a part of the workers destined for the production lines. Workshop staff will begin first, then engine assembly workers and, from Tuesday 28 April, motorcycle assembly workers.

As for employees, the use of smart working will remain mandatory, only those who are not in a position to carry out their work from home will be allowed to access the factory. All resources employed in the commercial, marketing, IT, personnel management, finance, purchasing and logistics areas will therefore be working remotely.

The production has been reorganised, going from an eight-hour shift to two seven-hour shifts to allow the minimum number of people to be inside the plant at the same time and thus minimize possible contact. The canteen will be active but with one seat for every four chairs.

The technicians engaged in Research and Development activities who cannot do their work from home were already at work as allowed by the specific ATECO code: therefore the engineers of the engine test rooms, those who carry out motorcycle tests and those who carry out laboratory testing are all present at Borgo Panigale.

All designers, project managers, and those in the calculation department will work remotely. This will ensure the deliveries of Ducati motorcycles and the development of new products.

All the rules of conduct in force in Ducati comply with the updated shared protocol of April 24, and for some points they are even more restrictive. For example, inside the company there is an absolute requirement to use masks, regardless of distancing. The entire Ducati protocol is the result of the work of a joint commission between the company and the RSU (unified worker representation body) that was formed on February 23, just two days after the discovery of the first infected person in Italy.

Many of the measures inserted are the result of a careful analysis of the protocols used in the Chinese plants of the VW Group, in particular the FAW-VW of Chanchung, where production was suspended only for one week but where strict protection, distancing and sanitizing measures are still in force.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO

“We are ready to go, we have worked hard over the past few weeks to minimize any risk. Despite this we will have to be extremely cautious and rigorous. The virus is still in circulation and we must therefore be careful to combat any possible form of transmission. This is the reason why all the people present in the factory will wear masks, we must protect the population from the presence of asymptomatic positives who, although in a very small percentage, are present today and will not be identified by the mandatory temperature test.

“Serological tests can help but they represent only a snapshot; they should be repeated every day before entry, and this is obviously extremely difficult. This is why masks and distancing are so important.

“We will obviously adapt the protocols to the evolution of the health situation and to the indications given by the State and the Emilia-Romagna Region. We have been in constant touch with President Bonaccini, whom I thank for the support, with councillor Colla and with commissioner Venturi to prepare us better for this eventuality.

“The two-wheel market is highly seasonal, and the stop to production in March and April has already had negative effects on sales. The Chinese market is already booming, sales in Korea and Japan are doing well. In Germany, dealers have been open for a week and we already have a major shortage of product. I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce at least in part the negative effects of the lockdown that we were forced to respect, unfortunately at the worst time.

“We have a splendid order book: the brand-new Streetfighter V4 just launched has obtained unanimous approval from the specialised press and is the undisputed queen of the category. Unfortunately, production was halted just one month after the start. Then there are also many orders for the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour and for the Panigale V2. We also have the empty warehouses of the Multistrada 950 and Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO.

“I am convinced that in this ‘phase two’, the bike will prove to be an extraordinary means of combining fun, passion and the possibility of having a vehicle with which to spend the weekend but also to move around quickly and safely in the city, without any problems of parking or social distancing. I want to thank all Ducati employees who have patiently and collaboratively managed this very anomalous phase and are supporting us in the management of the restart.”

Despite the reopening of the production lines, Ducati confirms that visits to the Museum, Factory and Fisica in Moto continue to be suspended until further notice, in addition to entry into the factory being prohibited for suppliers, dealers, external contracted companies, and external staff in general, unless proven and unavoidably required for the continuity of production activities, product development and general services.

Ducati Panigale V4 S
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Troy Bayliss talks on Ducati livestream

April 22, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Troy Bayliss will feature in the first of a series of Ducati Corse Official Instagram livestream interviews wth racers to entertain riders on “home detention” during the pandemic.

The Aussie three-time World Superbike champion will star on the @ducaticorse Instagram page tonight at 8pm (AEST or noon Italian time).

The following two Thursdays will feature American Champion Ben Bostrom and Ducati Corse eSport rider Andrea Saveri.

Italian presenter DJ Ringo will interview his guests interacting with the viewers through the comments left during the live stream.

Ducati and other motorcycle companies are gearing up to reopen their factories and dealerships around the world, whereas Australian dealerships have not closed during the pandemic.

Troy Bayliss tours the Ducati factory in Thailand

Ducati says they will open dealerships with a program of special cleaning, customer distancing, masks and other precautions developed by a special task force, says Ducati spokesman Francesco Milicia.

“It is now clear to everyone that the virus won’t disappear from our lives any time soon,” Francesco says.

“We will have to learn to deal with it, putting in place all possible actions to protect ourselves, allowing us to return to live our lives again.

“It is in this context that, by capitalising on the experiences gathered by our internal Task Force as well as some of our Asian dealers, we have developed the Ducati Cares program to support our dealer network all over the world.

“It will allow our dealers to welcome our customers in the safest and most practical way.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lego adds Ducati Panigale V4 R model

April 17, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Ducati has joined Harley-Davidson and BMW as the only motorcycle companies with Lego models.

Big boys’ toys!

The Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R is the first Lego motorcycle model to include a gearbox.

It sits 32cm long, 16cm high and 8cm wide and will be available for €59.99 (about $A102) from June – possibly a bit too late to keep you occupied during the pandemic lockdown!

It joins the Harley Fat Boy ($A159.99) and BMW R 1200 GS ($A104) in the Lego world.

Lego Harley and BMW

The Lego Duc is made up of 646 pieces which should take some time to put together.

It will be available in Ducati dealerships and the Ducati Online Shop, as well as in Lego stores, retailers and online.

Toy maker Meccano has also joined the action with its licensed and generic motorcycle kits featuring the Ducati Monster 1200S and GP Desmo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati collaborate with Lego Technic for Lego Panigale V4 R

April 17, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment