Tag Archives: Ducati

Motorcycle News, News

Virus forces motorcycle factory closures

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The list of motorcycle factory closures due to the coronavirus pandemic is growing daily.

Ducati has now announced it will extend the closure of its factory in Bologna until 25 March 2020 and Brembo and Yamaha have closed their European factories.

Moto Morini, KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas had already closed their factories in Italy and Austria.

Ducati closed its factory in Borgo Panigale last Friday and was due to reopen tomorrow (18 March 2020).

However, the closure has been extended while the company implements changes to the production lines to keep workers further apart.

The company has also introduced a multi-shift work programme to halve the number of people on the assembly line at the same time.

Brembo has also closed its Bergamo factory until next week and Yamaha has announced the closure of its Italy and France facilities until 22 March.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – closed its factories over the weekend for a “deep clean” and were due to return to production this week.

Meanwhile, MV Agusta in Lombardy, the epicentre of the Italian coronavirus contagion, continues production with a reduced workforce.

However, they “guarantee production continuity”.

Production continues in “full compliance with the urgent provisions contained in the Prime Minister’s 11/03 decree and with the guidelines issued by Confindustria Lombardia”.

MV Agusta RVS#1 RVS heritage f4MV Agusta factory

What closures mean to riders

While motorcycle factory closures may not have a huge impact on the production of models, it could impact spare parts.

The closure of the Brembo factory is of more concern as it could hamper the supply chain and the production of many models such as BMW and Triumph.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has forced the postponement and cancellation of many motorcycle racing events and rallies.

Global motorcycle racing body Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme says the 2020 season could be extended into 2021.

A petition has also now been circulated to close the Isle of Man TT races in May-June.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

MV Agusta continues amid pandemic

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While the pandemic is closing some motorcycle factories in Europe, MV Agusta in Lombardy, the epicentre of the Italian coronavirus contagion, continues production.

KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas will close their Austrian factories at the end of the month for two weeks and Moto Morini in Italy has already temporarily closed.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – closed its factories over the weekend for a “deep clean” and plan to return to production this week.

There is no word from the Ducati factory in Bologna.

MV Agusta continues

MV Agusta has released a statement this morning (16 March 2020) to say it has reached an agreement with workers’ representatives to continue manufacture at their factory on the shores of Lake Varese, near Milan.

Despite a reduced workforce, they “guarantee production continuity”.

Production continues in “full compliance with the urgent provisions contained in the Prime Minister’s 11/03 decree and with the guidelines issued by Confindustria Lombardia”.

MV Agusta RVS#1 RVS heritage f4MV Agusta factory

A company statement says measures to reduce the presence of staff within the premises have immediately been adopted, such as the closure of non-essential departments, ‘smart working’, unused holiday allowances and Cassa Integrazione (redundancy fund) once the official decision will be announced.

“For those employees who will continue coming to work, the company has introduced a number of measures to prevent and contain the spreading of the Covid-19 epidemic, such as the supply of face masks, gloves, sanitising gel and detergents for the sanitation of work spaces and surfaces in addition to limiting access to common areas,” the statement says.

“Precise rules of conduct, by which every employee is required to abide, have been posted in every department (Covid-19 information circular on ‘rules of conduct and safety provisions’).

“Safety distances between workers are being respected in all areas of the plant, also thanks to the temporary reduction of the number of personnel on site.

“Up to the present moment, the company has no evidence of employees with symptoms connected to Covid-19.

“Normal production activity will therefore continue, yet with all due precautions, except for new Government provisions.”

MV Agusta 75th anniversaryTimur Sardarov

CEO Timur Sardarov says it is their “duty not to give up in this crisis situation, so that the economy of this community can recover once the emergency is over”.

“We took this decision with a great sense of responsibility, towards our employees in the first place, but also towards our local community, which cannot afford a breakdown of its production capability, and towards all the related industries on which so many workers and their families depend,” he says.

“The company has implemented all the information, prevention and containment measures required by the circumstances. We are determined to continue doing our best to support this community, fully respecting the rules and with maximum safety.”

Speed weekPepper, the Harley Road Glide Speed Week missile

The latest motorsport to be impacted is the Dry Lakes Racers Australia 30th Anniversary Speed Week and World Speed Trials Australia #2 at Lake Gairdner in South Australia.

It has been postponed to a date yet to be confirmed.

The announcement follows postponements and cancellations in F1, MotoGP, World Superbikes and many other motorsports.

Originally the DLRA had planned for three doctors to be in place for the two events, but as of today they only have one and there is no guarantee that even he will be available by the end of the week.

The South Australian Country Fire Service is also calling on its members to reduce their extra curricular volunteer activities as they are forced to replace members who have been inflicted with the virus.

“We could no longer guarantee the appropriate medical and fire services that are required for such and event,” the DLRA says.

“Now that the coronavirus has been officially identified as a pandemic, most public liability insurance policies consider any episodes to be exempt which would leave the DLRA open to financial ruin.

“Even with the concerted efforts that the DLRA were prepared to put into place through its mitigation plan would not be enough to ensure a safe risk free environment.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Coronavirus panic hits motorcycling

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As panic buying sets in over the coronavirus, bans are placed on large gatherings and northern Italy goes into lockdown, motorcycling looks set to be one of the victims.

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is no need for riders to panic and stay at home.

After all, we wear a face mask of sorts, protective gloves and riding a bike puts us in a type of isolation.

We also usually ride out in the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

If you are concerned, use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. And maybe pack your own toilet paper!

Pandemic panic

Meanwhile, the world of motorcycle racing is starting to feel the impact of the coming pandemic.

The first two rounds of the MotoGP in Qatar and Thailand have been abandoned and now the third round in Austin, Texas, on 3-5 April 2020 is under threat as the city moves to prevent crowds of more than 2500.

World Superbikes also cancelled their first round this weekend in Qatar and even the Isle of Man TT, from 30 May to 12 June, could be under threat.

Some of these events may still go ahead for TV only, with no on-site crowds as F1 is considering.

Meanwhile, the Daytona Bike Week festivities are going ahead in Florida as planned.

Bike production

Ducati factoryDucati factory

The spreading contagion in Italy — now the worst affected country outside China — also looks likely to affect production of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta motorcycles and many motorcycle components.

Their factories are near Milan which is an epicentre of the virus in the Lombardi region which is in virtual shutdown.

There are also factories in the region that make automotive components.

Ducati is in Bologna which is just outside the northern contagion regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa have already closed their museum and factory tours.

While the affects of these shutdowns won’t be felt here for some time, we expect there could be some shortage of parts in coming months.

But that doesn’t mean you panic and start clearing the shelves of oil filters!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Dunlop on Ducati V4 R for 2020 IOM TT

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Michael Dunlop on Ducati

Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) has confirmed 19-times TT winner Michael Dunlop will race one of the team’s VisionTrack Ducatis at the Isle of Man TT Races this year, with the 30-year-old from Ballymoney in County Antrim signing a deal to race a factory-supported VisionTrack Ducati V4 R in both the Superbike and Senior races at this year’s festival.

Dunlop didn’t enjoy the best of TTs in 2019, but despite finishing in the top six in the Superbike, Senior, Superstock and both Supersport events, he did win the Lightweight TT to add to his tally as the third most successful rider around the 37.73-mile course.

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop on the VisionTrack Ducati in testing

He will race his own machines in the Supersport and Superstock events but seven times BSB champions PBM will field the Ulsterman in the two main races as they look to add to their illustrious TT history.

The last time the Penrith-based team contested the Isle of Man TT Races was in 2015 when Ian Hutchinson scored a second in the Superbike TT and a third in the Senior TT as well as winning the Superstock TT race, all aboard PBM Kawasakis, to celebrate the team’s first major foray onto the Isle of Man for 12 years.

That success came after PBM previously contested the event with Ducati in 2003 when John McGuinness took second in the TT Formula 1 race and third in the Senior TT riding the MonsterMob-sponsored bikes.

Prior to that, Joey Dunlop – Michael’s uncle – famously won his last big bike TT for Paul Bird when he took victory in the 2000 TT Formula 1 race onboard a Demon Vimto Honda SP1, just a month before he was tragically killed in a race in Estonia.

PBM and Michael have worked together before when they prepared a Kawasaki ZX-10R for him to win the 2011 Superstock TT. Ducati’s current quickest lap at the TT is 128.717mph by Michael Rutter in 2011.

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop VisionTrack Ducati

Michael Dunlop

Michael, who rode the machine for the first time at the official BSB test in Jerez, will also race the PBM-prepared VisionTrack Ducati at the 2020 International North West 200 in Northern Ireland during the week commencing Monday 11th May.

Meanwhile, regular Bennetts BSB riders Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon are continuing their Spanish pre-season schedule at Jerez today and tomorrow. The VisionTrack Ducati pairing were at the cutting edge of last week’s tests at Monteblanco, setting first and second fastest times on day one before ending day two with Australian Brookes second fastest and new signing Iddon in eighth.

Josh Brookes VisionTrack Ducati

Josh Brookes VisionTrack Ducati

Josh Brookes
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Covid-19 could impact bike manufacture

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Ducati and Piaggio (Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi) have closed their museums due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) in Italy, but their factories are still operating.

Chinese motorcycle factories were closed for a prolonged period over the Chinese Lunar New Year, but many, including Honda and CFMoto, have now restarted.

In the case of CFMoto, the factory is at around 80% due to workers still returning from extended new year celebrations with 100% production capacity expected over the next two weeks.

CFmoto factory coronavirusCFMoto factory

Supply chain

However, many component factories that supply automakers around the world have not reopened.

And now the virus has moved from a Chinese emergency to one that involves South Korea, Japan and Italy, three major manufacturers of motorcycles, cars and automotive parts.

The impact on motorcycle manufacture and supply of components could now be affected with Fiat-Chrysler the first to warn it could halt production at a European plant in weeks.

Data and analytics company GlobalData automotive editor David Leggett says this is an “inevitable consequence” on the automotive supply chain.

“Many factories in the Wuhan and Hubei province have been on lockdown since the start of the Chinese New Year holidays,” he says.

“The emerging problems for FCA outside of China are likely to be mirrored by other vehicle manufacturers and reflect both the long-run internationalisation of parts supply-chains and the predominance of ‘just-in-time’ lean manufacturing processes that keep inventory low.

“The next few weeks will be critical for automakers. The typical car is made up of 20,000 parts, and there is an elongated supply-chain of parts and sub-assemblies put together in complex sequence to create the finished vehicle.

“Korean manufacturers were the first to show up as impacted by China supply-chain disruption reflecting shorter shipment distances between China and Korea, but the FCA news indicates that impacts across the world are now coming over the horizon on shipment transit schedules.”

Museums close

moto guzzi factory museum V85Moto Guzzi museum’s big red doors will remain closed

As of yesterday, Italy had 374 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 12 deaths.

The epicentres of Covid-19 contagion in Italy are in Lombardy and Veneto regions where most of the auto factories are located.

Ducati’s factory in Bologna is just outside these central regions.

Public institutions and venues in these regions have been closed and mass meetings cancelled, including Ducati and Piaggio museum and factory tours.

The companies have notified the public that they have closed their museums for several weeks, but both confirm their factories are still operating.

We have not heard from MV Agusta which is near Milan in Lombardy, but their Facebook page has no reference to any closures.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Geneva Motor Show, one of Europe’s premier motoring events, have confirmed the event is still due to take place as scheduled next week despite the first case of coronavirus in Switzerland.

The Covid-19 virus has already had some impact on Australian consumer confidence and our January motorcycle sales.

Now it could have a longer-term impact on motorcycle production and the supply of parts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Eric Bana stars as Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood

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Aussie movie star, passionate motorcycle rider and motoring fan Eric Bana will play Mike “The Bike” Hailwood in a movie based on the legendary racer’s life.

Bana will also write and direct the film about the legendary racer who retired from racing bikes in 1967 after 12 Isle of Man TT victories and returned to take back his crown in 1978 on a Ducati 900SS.

His brave return will be the focus of the film.

The bike he raced has also become legendary and is even immortalised in the latest TT computer game.

Isle of Man TT 2 game Mike Hailwood Ducati 900Isle of Man TT 2 game

Hailwood honoured

Hailwood’s widow, Pauline, says the family is “absolutely thrilled” that Eric will adapt Mike’s story into a feature film.

Bana started directing with the 2010 movie Love the Beast about his first car, a 19745 Ford XB Falcon hardtop.

He also has a passion fort motorcycles, particularly Ducatis and is often participating in track days, so no doubt he may do some of his own stunts in the movie.

Eric Bana Mike HailwoodEric on track

It is quite appropriate that an Aussie brings Hailwood’s story to the silver screen.

The British rider had a close connection with Australia having ridden many Ducatis in long-distance races, often with Aussie co-rider Jim Scaysbrook.

He also raced Formula One and once stopped mid-race to pull a fellow racer from his burning car and save his life.

Ironically, Hailwood died, age 40, along with his daughter after a truck crashed into their vehicle on their way to a restaurant.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special review

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Ducati is running out its current Scrambler 1100 models which will be replaced later this year by the restyled PRO and PRO Sport.

As is often the case with the introduction of new models, the current models are being run out at very attractive discounts.

And they are such a good buy because the only real differences in the coming PRO models are cleaner brake cabling, a remote rear fender, twin-stack pipes, new bars and different paint and graphics.

Ducati debut Scrambler 1100 ProsDucati Scrambler 1100 PrRO models

Scrambler 1100 models

The current 1100 series consists of the base model, Special and Sport.

All are powered by the 1079cc, 90-degree L-twin from the old Monster 1100, detuned slightly for emissions reasons to 64kW of power (86hp) and 88Nm (65lb-ft) of torque from 4750rpm.

It’s the same formula Ducati has used with the 803cc Scrambler powered by the old Monster 800 engine detuned to meet new emissions regulations.

Ducati Scrambler IconMBW’s Scrambler Icon

Ducati’s 800 Scramblers are the Italian company’s top sellers, while the more powerful, sophisticated and expensive 1100s have not been as popular.

I’ve been riding an 800 Scrambler Icon for some time now and love it. But the bike is a toy and has its limitations.

So I recently tested a Scrambler 1100 Special from Brisbane Motorcycles to see if the extra weight, height, length and expense was worth it.

The Base model comes in yellow with mag wheels and black seat, Special is grey with black wire wheels, chrome pipes, brushed swinging arm, gold anodised forks and brown seat and the black and yellow Sport has Öhlins suspension and mag wheels.

They used to cost $19,790, $21,990 and $22,990, but are now $15,999, $17,590 and $18,200.

The coming PRO and PRO Sport are also differentiated mainly by Ohlins suspensions in the latter. Read more details here.

Scrambler 1100 SpecialDucati Scrambler 1100 Special

The 1100 models are slightly longer than the 803cc Scramblers with a more substantive new upper “trellis” subframe.

So at 206kg (454lb) in running order, it weighs about 20kg more than the 800 Scrambler.

However, the weight is really not evident, even when pushing the bike out of the showroom.

It still has light handling and steering like the smaller bike thanks to a similar 24.5 degrees of rake and short 111mm trail.

The seat is 20mm higher at 810mm, but again it doesn’t feel any taller in the saddle.

Yet the 1100 is so much more bike with a more powerful and refined engine that is easier and forgiving to ride thanks to its 30% increase in grunt.

It also now has the ability to do some touring with the stronger rear subframe allowing luggage and a pillion.

But most importantly the fun is retained.Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

In fact, the fun is amplified by the fact that the front end now handles properly.

The 800 Scramblers have a single spring in the 41mm Kayaba upside-down forks. It’s crass and crashes through any road irregularities. Under braking the front wheel will chatter and lose vital grip.

Fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks on the Special add a whole new level of steering and handling that make this a much more fun, safe and comfortable bike to ride.

Comfort is also improved by the quality seats compared with the hard, plastic seats on the 800 models.

While the 800s are fun, they are also simplistic with rudimentary instrumentation which was last year updated with a fuel gauge!2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 dashboard

The Scrambler 1100 models have comprehensive twin-screen LCD instruments with a host of information, plus self-cancelling indicators and three engine modes with adjustable four-level traction control.

While you may not need all this to have some fun on a motorcycle, they are the sorts of creature features you wonder how you ever did without.

Another feature you will wonder how you did without is the substantial upgrade in brakes.

From a single 330mm disc to twin 320mm semi-floating discs with cornering ABS it is a major increase in safety and rider confidence.

Despite being heavier, higher and longer, the bike is surprisingly competent on dirt roads, mainly thanks to the traction controls and switchable ABS.

Conclusion

I love my fun little Icon. But it lacks in brakes, handling, comfort, touring ability and creature features.

The 1100 is still great fun, but increases your ability to tour the back roads and trails in comfort and safety.

I love it so much I’ve ordered the Sport as I feared the damage stones would do to those attractive chrome pipes!Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special tech specsDucati Scrambler 1100 Special

Price

$17,590 

Engine

1079cc, air-cooled L-Twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder

Bore x stroke

98 x 71mm

Compression

11:1

Power*

63kW (86 hp) @ 7500rpm

Torque*

88Nm (65lb-ft, 9kgm) @ 4750rpm

Fuel injection

Electronic fuel injection, 55mm throttle body with full Ride by Wire (RbW)

Exhaust

2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, twin stainless steel muffler with aluminium covers and end caps

Gearbox

6 speed

Ratio

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24

Primary drive

Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1

Final drive

Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39

Clutch

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Front suspension

Marzocchi fully adjustable 45mm USD fork

Front wheel travel

150mm (5.9in)

Front wheel

10-spoke in light alloy, 3.50″ x 18″

Front tyre

Pirelli MT 60 RS 120/80 ZR18

Rear suspension

Kayaba monoshock, pre-load and rebound adjustable

Rear wheel travel

150mm (5.9in)

Rear wheel

10-spoke in light alloy, 5.50″ x 17″

Rear tyre

Pirelli MT 60 RS 180/55 ZR17

Front brake

2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 callipers, 4-piston, axial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Rear brake

245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Wheelbase

1514mm (59.6 in)

Rake

24.5°

Trail

111mm (4.4 in)

Total steering lock

34°

Fuel tank capacity

15L – (3.96 US gal)

Dry weight

189kg (417 lb)

Kerb weight*

206kg (454 lb)

Seat

810mm (31.9 in)

Height

1330mm (52.4 in)

Width

895 mm (35.2 in)

Length

2,190 mm (86.0 in)

Number of seats

Dual seat

*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EC standard 93/93).

Standard equipment

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS + DTC), RbW, LED light-guide, LED rear light with diffusion-light, LCD instruments with gear and fuel level indications, Steel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, Machine-finished aluminium belt covers, Under-seat storage compartment with USB socket

Colours

62 Yellow

Shining Black

Warranty and Maintenance

Warranty

24 months unlimited mileage

Maintenance service intervals

12,000km (7500mi) / 12 months

Valve clearance check

12,000km (7500mi)

Emissions and Consumption

Standard*

Euro 4

Consumption*

5.2L/100 km – CO2 117 g/km

* Only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

MV Agusta plans Elefant adventurer

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MV Agusta has been promising for some time that it will move into new fields such as small-capacity bikes and adventure bikes and now it has a name for the latter – Elefant.

The Italian company has applied for the trademark for Elefant which is Italian for elephant.

It also comes from the famous Cagiva Elefant (pictured above) which won the 1990 Paris-Dakar Rally with Italian rider Edi Orioli and is now in the Ducati museum in Bologna.

Ducati used that bike as the inspiration for their 1100cc Scrambler Desert X concept shown at last year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

2020 Ducati Scrambler Desert XScrambler Desert X

We expect they will unveil the Desert X later this year.

If MV Agusta is successful with its trademark application, then the Ducati Scrambler 1100 off-road model won’t be called an Elefant.

Elefant history

The whole Cagiva/Elefant/Ducati/MV history is as messy as Italian politics.

Back in the 1990s, Cagiva owned Ducati and MV Agusta and their Elefant was powered by a Ducati engine.

Through a series of strange financial arrangements Cagiva came under MV Agusta’s umbrella.

Both companies were infamously bought by Harley-Davidson and quickly sold back to the son of founder and former owner Claudio Castiglioni in quick succession.

Cagiva production ended in 2012.

MV Agusta 75th anniversaryTimur Sardarov

MV Agusta still own the Cagiva brand and new boss Timur Sadarov confirms their plan to resurrect it for electric bicycles and motorcycles.

So their new adventure bike may be branded MV Agusta, not Cagiva.

However, we’re not putting aside for a deposit just yet.

There have been many promises of new models from MV Agusta over the past few troubled financial years but all we’ve seen is limited-edition variants of ageing models.

Now that they have a new Russian boss and Russian money they may move forward with new models. But don’t hold your breath!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

VisionTrack Ducati Launched In London with Brookes and Iddon

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PBM Ducati livery unveiled

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Panigale V4 R of Josh Brookes

Defending Bennetts British Superbike champions Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) got their season off Josh Brookes & Christian Iddon to a high-flying start when they launched their 2020 livery from the plush and world-famous surroundings of The View from The Shard in London earlier this week.

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes Iddon

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes Iddon

VisionTrack Ducati Launched In London with Brookes and Iddon

In keeping with their reputation as Britain’s most successful BSB team, who have now won a total of seven BSB titles and over 100 races, they chose Britain’s tallest building to unveil the factory-supported VisionTrack Ducatis to be ridden by Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon this season.

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Panigale V4 R of Josh Brookes

In front of a select number of celebrity and VIP guests and with the bright lights of London in the background, as well as the open-air Skydeck some 244m (800ft) above the capital’s streets, team owner Paul Bird welcomed sponsors both new and old to the exclusive event, the first of its kind to be held in the 95-storey skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano.

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

Josh Brookes

An ultra-successful season in 2019 saw the Penrith, Cumbria-based team win their seventh BSB title with rookie Scott Redding being crowned champion just five points ahead of Brookes, who between them won 21 of the 27 races to end up 1-2 in the standings.

Brookes subsequently became the third most successful rider in BSB history with a total of 49 wins, just one behind Ryuichi Kiyonari, with the Australian from Bringelly in New South Wales having accumulated 251 starts and an additional 83 podiums since his debut in 2009.

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

VisionTrack Ducati Brookes

Josh Brookes is the third most successful rider in BSB history

As well as his domination en route to the 2015 BSB title, Josh has now been runner-up four times in his BSB tenure as well as winning the 2005 Australian Superbike Championship. He also has two World Supersport Championship victories to his name.

Iddon from Stockport, but now based in Newcastle Upon Tyne secured the 2019 BSB Rider’s Cup with a great performance late in the season having suffered a broken leg earlier in the year and although he didn’t miss any races, it hindered his chances of the title. Still to win a race in BSB, he has secured 12 podiums from his 135 starts since his debut in 2010.

VisionTrack Ducati Iddon

VisionTrack Ducati Iddon

Christian Iddon

Prior to embarking on a successful road racing career, ‘Iddo’ was a multiple British Supermoto champion who has experience in World Superbikes and World Supersport, including a third place at Magny Cours in 2013. His best result in BSB is seventh in both the 2017 and 2019 seasons.

Both riders will have at their disposal a pair of brand-new factory-backed VisionTrack Ducati V4 Rs in the 12 round series which kicks off at Silverstone on April 10/12th.

VisionTrack Ducati Iddon

VisionTrack Ducati Iddon

PBM Ducati of Christian Iddon

Images by Jamie Morris

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Morbidelli collection finally goes to auction

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A collection of motorcycles gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli will be offered for sale at auction on 25-26 April 2020.

The collection was to be sold at the annual Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 18-20 October 2019.

However, the auction was postponed due to a delay in the administrative process concerning the export of the machines.

“All necessary export licences for motorcycles have been requested by Bonhams in accordance with Italian law,” a Bonhams spokeswoman says.

With more than 300 motorcycles, the Morbidelli Collection from Pesaro, Italy, will be the largest single private collection of motorcycles yet offered by Bonhams.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for saleGiancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. 

Morbidelli highlights

Two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection, largely designed and built by Giancarlo, were fabricated by a small, dedicated team in a corner of the Morbidelli woodworking factory. 

These proved to be ‘giant killers’ seeing off international corporations to claim the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship in three consecutive years: 1975, ‘76 and ‘77, as well as winning the 250cc world title in 1977. 

“He was a genius with bikes,” says Gianni.

“He did everything by himself, working in a very small room. 

“Forty years ago, he laid the foundation of this incredible museum, spending a lot of effort, time, energy and money. 

“One part of the museum is dedicated to the period between the end of the 1960s to the 1980s when he built racing motorcycles. It’s our family heritage, a part of our life, but we thought it would be correct to include in the sale two Morbidelli motorcycles that my father built.”

The 1974 Morbidelli 125cc Grand Prix motorcycle is estimated to fetch up to £120,000 ($A214,500).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1974 Morbidelli 125

It was raced by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix.

A 250cc machine designed for 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, and came second at Misano is estimated to fetch up £100,000 ($A179,000).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for saleAgostini’s 1976 Moridelli 250

However, the Morbidelli family will retain ownership of the majority of the Morbidelli Grand Prix motorcycles, including the world championship winning 125cc and 250cc examples, raced respectively by Paoli Pileri, Pierpaolo Bianchi and Lego Mario.

Benelli features

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1942 Benelli 250 GP supercharged

Not surprisingly, the Morbidelli Museum collection in the sale features a strong showing of Benelli motorcycles which were also a great passion of Giancarlo, coming from Pesaro, where this great historic brand was also founded.  

One of the most interesting examples of the marque on offer is the 1942 250cc supercharged 4-cylinder example that could fetch more than £600,000 ($A1m).

This racing machine never actually raced. It was built just in time for motorcycle racing to be stopped due to the war, while supercharging was banned by the FIM in post-war years.

Giancarlo had a personal relationship and friendship with the Benelli family and so was able to procure the original parts which he rebuilt into a fully-functioning motorcycle.

Other Benellis to be offered include:Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

  • 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle – the world championship motorcycle ridden to victory by Dario Ambrosini. Estimate £120,000 – 180,000.
  • 1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero – believed raced by Dorino Serafini, one of only three in the world. Estimate £40,000 – 60,000.
  • 1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini. Estimate £80,000 – 120,000.

Ducati jewel

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1964 Ducati 125cc

Another jewel of the Morbidelli Collection is the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), another GP racing machine which never raced. Created by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s chief engineer, this motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the mythical motorcycle.

Alongside the pristine restorations, there are several unfinished projects in the sale, offering the opportunity to restore these machines as Giancarlo was hoping to.

The collection also comprises motorcycling memorabilia including Giancarlo’s own reference library, original drawings, trophies, signage and other artefacts, giving a complete picture of the museum and the motorcycling world.  Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com