Australia with its 10 deserts and 70% arid landscape must surely be the new homeland for Ducati’s latest new model, the DesertX.
The bike, announced overnight, won’t be available in Australia and New Zealand until the third quarter of 2022, but Ducati Australia has already revealed the pricing.
In Australia, it will cost $A24,200 ride away, while in New Zealand the retail price is $NZ24,995.
We wonder what this will do to sales of the Multistrada 950 ($21,500) and S models ($24,000).
DesertX is powered by the 937cc Testastretta 11° engine from the SuperSport 950, new V2 and Multistrada 950.
Interestingly, Ducati hasn’t down-tuned the engine from its 81kW/92Nm output in the V2 and Multistrada 950, so it should be a lively performer in the toughest of conditions.
This bike is a dedicated off-roader suitable for Australia’s many sand dunes and arid landscapes.
Chief off-road characteristics are the 21” front spoked wheel and 18” rear, Kayaba long-travel suspension, generous ground clearance, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres and Dakar-style 21-litre fuel tank.
It looks like something you could race in the gruelling Dakar Rally with its big tank and twin headlights.
Perhaps we will see a few of these competing in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia next month.
Ducati backs the bike with a two-year warranty or four years if your country has Euro5 emissions standards.
It also features generous service intervals of 15,000km (9000 miles) or every two years with expensive valve clearance intervals of 30,000km.
On the downside, fuel economy is a thirsty 5.6 l/100km, possibly because it weighs 223kg when filled with fuel.
The DesertX also features a host of electronic rider aids such as corner traction control, riding and power modes, wheelie control, a two-direction quick shifter and cruise control.
It also has Brembo brakes, LED lights, USB and 12V sockets, self-canceling turn indicators and a steering damper.
The bike is set up to also accommodate their multimedia system, an antitheft system, turn-by-turn navigation app, fog lights and heated grips.
There’s even an auxiliary fuel tank you can add so you can compete in the Dakar Rally … or maybe the Hattah or Finke desert races in Australia.
Overnight Ducati pulled the covers off their new range topping Multistrada, the V4 Pikes Peak. The new model is significantly redesigned for optimum performance on the tarmac and is the most sporting Multistrada Ducati have ever made.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak version takes the technological tour de force that is a Multistrada V4 S and swaps the adventure spec’ 19-inch front rim for a more sporting 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminium rim, while at the rear a single-sided swing-arm also helps differentiate the Pikes Peak from its siblings.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak edition also scores lashings of carbon-fibre along with an Akrapovic titanium muffler.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The 17-inch Marchesini rims are 2.7 kg lighter and the Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension is used instead of the Marzocchi semi-active suspension used on the S model.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
This is the first time that Ohlins suspension has been used on a Multistrada and the system on the Pikes Peak is the same as that used on Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 s and shares their events based mapping suited to more aggressive riding. The Pikes Peak though is equipped with a much more generous 170 mm of wheel travel.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The aluminium monocoque frame has also been changed for more sporting ability with different rake, trail and wheelbase measurements aimed to maximise tarmac performance. The biggest change is the steering angle which is now 25.75-degrees (+ 1.25-degrees vs Multistrada V4).
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The riding position has also been changed for more sporting intent for better control at major lean angles while the bars are lower, narrower and more curved in their bend. The pegs are higher and situated further rearward.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The same M50 Brembo Stylema Monoblocs as fitted to the Multistrada V4 S grace the front of the machine and clamp 330 mm disc rotors but the pads used are the same as the Panigale V4. Bosch provide their 10.3ME Cornering ABS and the brakes are linked front to rear however rear ABS can be disabled.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The smooth 170 horsepower V4 is unchanged from the other models but a Race Riding Mode is added that sharpens its response further and the rev-limiter intervenes in a more gradual fashion.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
In addition to the introduction of the Race Riding Mode, Ducati Wheelie Control on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak has an updated strategy that Ducati claims offers even better response and more accurate control during dynamic riding.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The quick-shifter on the S model is the best I have ever used and Ducati promise that the Pikes Peak can be down-shifted even more aggressively.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak inherits the latest generation and sophisticated electronic package of the Multistrada V4 S, which includes, among others, radar technology both at the front and at the rear, which offers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) functionality.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The 6.5” TFT dashboard, also available as standard on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, allows the user to view the map navigator thanks to the advanced Ducati Connect system, which allows to mirror the rider’s smartphone. The only thing really missing from the standard specification is tyre pressure monitoring which remains an optional extra.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
Styling wise the livery of the Pipes Peak Multistrada is inspired by the Desmosedici MotoGP machine, the lower screen is smoked and the seat is a two-tone black and red embossed with the V4 logo while the beak is adorned with a Ducati Corse badge.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is scheduled to arrive in Australia during the second-quarter of 2022 and will be priced at $44,500 Ride Away.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Main Points
Ducati V4 Granturismo 1158 cc engine with the valve play check at 60,000 km intervals
Aluminium monocoque frame, steel tubes subframe and aluminium single-sided swing arm
Carbon fibre details
Electronic semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 with “event based” system 170 – 170 mm travel
17” Marchesini forged aluminum wheels with 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres
Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
330 mm front brake discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
Full LED headlight with DRL system and Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL)
Instrument panel with 6,5” full colour TFT screen
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Bosch
Power Mode
4 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban)
Radar technology front and rear (Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Hands Free ignition
Ducati Connect system with smartphone, music, and navigator app
Ducati getting a little harder edged with soft-roaders
What comes next…?
Ducati have until recently never really played up the off-road chops of the Multistrada, they didn’t pretend that they were gunning for the sort of off-road ability BMW GS aficionados have come to expect. Instead Ducati concentrated on pushing the road performance and all-round touring ability and comfort provided by the Multistrada platform throughout much of the model’s history. Things do seem to be changing in this space though….
The original Multistrada was marketed as ‘a versatile, new-generation sport bike’
Ducati Multistrada History
That first 992 cc Multistrada in 2003 was a little half-baked in regards to its touring amenity (that seat!), and performance (84 hp), but the model started to hit the mark a little more accurately with the introduction of the S version complete with Ohlins suspension in 2005.
A 620cc version was also introduced at a much lower price point in 2005 and used an improved version of the 618 cc Monster engine and the by now discontinued 600 SS model. That year (2005), the Multistrada 1000 DS retailed for $18,995 while the 620 Multistrada was a much more affordable $14,495. The smaller bike had a 20 mm lower seat and weighed more than 13 kg less than big brother. A 15-litre fuel tank held five-litres less than big brother but both models sported improved seats (hallelujah) and taller screens. The 620 also had a conventional swing-arm while the larger capacity machines had always sported single-sided swing-arms.
A 620cc version was also introduced at a much lower price point in 2005.
2007 saw the engine grow to 1078 cc and longer service intervals start to be adopted by Ducati via engineering improvements that were aimed at changing Ducati’s reputation for high servicing costs. This factor was obviously very important for machines that would be expected to clock up plenty of touring kilometres.
2007 saw the engine grow to 1100 cc
These improvements signalled Ducati’s intention to evolve the Multistrada into a more up-market offering and the model continued to make leaps forward in all round performance and road manners. The model also took on more importance in the Ducati line-up with the discontinuation of the ST range of sports-tourers in 2007.
In 2010 the Multistrada grew to 1200 cc
With the arrival of a new decade the Multistrada grew to 1200 cc in 2010 and the option of electronically controlled suspension was adopted. This was the first time that Ducati even mentioned any semblance of ability away from sealed roads in regards to the Multistrada.
2013 saw the Gran Turismo model introduced.
2014 saw the arrival of the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine which then also gained variable valve timing. The Superbike derived engine was modified to be more malleable in its touring role but could still be a little recalcitrant in stop-start riding, it still begged to be flogged. Variable valve timing was the introduced to further tame the beast and make the engine much more flexible and more suitable for touring. It was now starting to become a much more polished performer.
Ducati Multistrada 1200S (2016)
In the most recent decade Ducati really started to put more significant resources and efforts into the robustness of the model and at 15,000 kilometres the service intervals are now equal to best in industry. Valve clearances are still a little more involved than required on conventional engines but are now required only every 30,000 kilometres.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Testrastretta DVT (2016)
2016 saw Ducati start to put a little more of an off-road slant with the introduction of the ‘Multistrada 1200 Enduro’ variant that was much taller, offered much more ground clearance and sported a huge 30-litre fuel tank.
In 2016 the Ducati Multistrada Enduro was introduced and the marketing started to get a little more dirty
The rims were spoked and the front increased to 19-inches in diameter for more off-road stability. This was the first time Ducati really started to use more seriously off-road specific shots in their marketing for the Multistrada.
Ducati Multistrada Enduro (2016)
Marketing shots of the earlier models were pretty much all strictly on bitumen but the introduction of the Enduro model saw Ducati actually start to market the bike as being off-road capable.
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro
In recent years the sporting potential of the Multistrada has been pushed by Ducati through their involvement at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which they won in 2018 with Carlin Dunne victorious on a Multistrada 1260. Sadly, Dunne was killed the following year while trying to repeat that feat on the new Streetfighter V4.
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak
The latest off-road oriented version is dubbed the Multistrada 1260 Enduro and is powered by the full-monty 1262 cc Tesastretta DVT engine that puts down 158 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. The semi-active Sachs suspension gains more travel compared to its road going siblings with 185 mm of stroke at both ends but in the market it is still not largely seen as a genuine off-road option in the adventure-touring segment.
Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro
This year Ducati entered the 2850-kilometre Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro. While the top places were predictably all taken by pure competition based 450 enduro bikes, with rally legends Xavier De Soultrait (Husqvarna FE450) and Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha WR450F) finishing first and second respectively, at the end of the seven-day competition the first larger capacity machine home was Rossi on the Multistrada 1260.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
The Italian was ninth outright in what was a 25-rider field, somewhat lower in numbers than normal due to travel restrictions caused by the current global health crisis. Still, an impressive achievement, and the first twin-cylinder machine home after a serious week-long competition that is a true test of man and machine.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
It would be interesting to know just how modified the machine was for the trek but Ducati did note that the bike sported options from their Performance Accessories range that included protection bars, radiator guards and higher muffler. Ducati also stated that ‘the configuration was standard with the exception of a high saddle more suitable for extreme off-road, suspensions adjusted according to the type of route and side number plates required by race regulations.‘ Thus it seems they are claiming that very limited modifications were made for the competition.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
“Since 2016 I started working with Ducati on the development of the Multistrada Enduro project, so I know very well its potential, its robustness and its countless qualities, which is why it was decided to participate in a demanding rally like the Transanatolia with a practically standard bike,” explained Andrea Rossi.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
“The rally proved to be even more challenging and complete than I thought. We had to tackle exhausting stages of slow, stony and technically punishing mountain, very fast stages on the Anatolian dirt tracks and stages on the sand of the Black Sea beaches. The Multistrada 1260 Enduro overcame all adversities in an excellent way. For me it was a great joy to take it to victory in the Twin-cylinder category and in the top 10 of the overall classification“.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
Ducati now also run a DRE Enduro Academy in Europe, a riding course that helps riders refine their off-road riding technique on Multistrada models.
This more recent focus towards off-road performance and exhibiting that potential publicly could mean Ducati will take even more steps towards being more competitive in the harder side of the adventure segment.
Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro
There are spoked rim versions of the Scrambler 800, including the retro styled Desert Sled that sports a 19-inch front and 200 mm of suspension travel. We are yet to see any real off-road styled or suspended variant of the new 1100 Scramber range though…
2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Could we see Ducati do a more hard-core version of the lighter 178-kilogram 950 Hypermotard complete long travel suspension and a 21-inch front…?
2020 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE – Could we see a hard-core off-road adventure bike made from this?
The Hypermotard lay-out doesn’t exactly cosset the rider, but it does highlight how Ducati can do light. The current 950 version of the Multistrada is only a few kilograms lighter than the 1260, thus it would seem that if they wanted to offer a more hard-core model in the adventure market then the chassis would have to be derived from something more minimalist.
Of course this recent focus towards the more off-road persona of the Multistrada, and Ducati pushing some Multistrada marketing along those lines could be, and probably is, simply an effort to promote the Multistrada brand as a whole. Still, the shift in marketing towards these aspects does fill me with hope that Ducati might indeed surprise us with something very dirty in due course.
Ducati Scrambler DesertX concept
And at EICMA last year they did show off this Scrambler DesertX concept bikes….
We recently showcased the new white coloured Panigale V2 and now we bring you the news that Ducati have also gone white with an updated livery adorning the 2021 Multistrada 950 S
2020 Ducati Multistrada 950 S
The new look adds a little more sporting flavour to the lines of the Multistrada, with a MotoGP-inspired graphic and a colour scheme that alternates white, grey and Ducati Red. The 950 S is also available in the classic Ducati Red.
The Multistrada 950, in its S version, bristles with technology: electronic suspension with Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS) system, Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS), full-LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), 5” colour TFT display, Hands Free system, Cruise Control and backlit handlebar controls, as well as Bosch ABS Cornering.
2020 Ducati Multistrada 950 S
With a nod to increased sure-footedness away from the black-top the 950 Multistrada rides on a 19-inch front for add stability off-road.
2020 Ducati Multistrada 950 S
The 2021 Multistrada 950 S “GP White”, both in the alloy and spoked wheels versions, will be available in Australian Ducati dealerships this September from $23,900 ride away.
2020 Ducati Multistrada 950 S
2020 Ducati Multistrada 950 S Specifications
Engine – 937 cc, Testastretta L-Twin
Bore x Stroke – 94 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio – 12.6:1
Claimed Power – 113 hp at 9000 rpm
Claimed Torque – 96 Nm at 7750 rpm
Induction – EFI, 53 mm throttle bodies, RBW
Gears – Six-speed, two-way quick-shift
Clutch – Wet, hydraulic, multi-plate, slipper
Frame – Tubular steel trellis
Forks – 48 mm fully-adj electronic Skyhook Evo, 170 mm travel
Shock – Skyhook Evo electronic fully-adj, 170 mm travel
Tyres – 120/70-19 (F), 170/60-17 (R)
Front Brakes – 320 mm, Brembo M4.32 radial master cyl’
To many, a Ducati is only a Ducati if it’s red. The same could be said for Kawasaki’s that are not green, Yamahas that are not blue and Harleys that are not black. But Ducati really “owns” the colour red!
However, I have owned three Ducatis and only one was red!
Which do you think looks most like a Ducati?
MBW’s GT1000
MBW’s Scrambler Icon
MBW’s Scrambler 1100 Sport
Of course red is faster, especially Ducati Red, and many great Ducatis have been red, but I do like the pearly white paint Ducati uses on their bikes.
White is more
Mind you, it will cost extra.
The white V2 is expected to be in European showrooms next month and in Australia in September.
Price in Australia will be $23,350 ride away which is $450 more than the red V2, although it does a few minor upgrades including a more comfy seat.
Ducati Panigale V2 in white
And, of course, there is Ducati Red in the rims, the front air intakes and the deflectors of the upper half-fairings.
The Multistrada 950 S “GP White”, both in the alloy wheels and spoked wheels versions, will be available in Ducati dealers within July and should be in Australia in September.
Ducati Multistrada 950 S in GP White
There is no word yet on the price of the Multistrada 950 S, but it also features Ducati Red in the frame and in the graphics on the alloy wheels.
To launch the Multistrada 950 S, Ducati released this video set among the unmistakable landscapes of the Motor Valley in Emilia-Romagna.
Multistrada 950 S comes with a suite of hi-tech components: electronic suspension with Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo (DSS) system, Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS), full-LED headlamp with Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), 5” colour TFT display, Hands Free system, Cruise Control and backlit handlebar controls, as well as Bosch ABS Cornering.
For the 2021 model year, all Multistrada 950 models will be powered by the Testastretta 11° engine (937cc and 113hp) that comply with Euro 5 standard in all countries where it is in force.
On all models of the Multistrada family, Ducati offers a “4Ever Multistrada” warranty, valid for four years with unlimited mileage.
Ducati will add another Scrambler model to its fleet “in the coming months”, either an 803cc street motard or an 1100cc desert-racing Dakar model.
The vague announcement came in the company’s annual report on 2019 global sales which were fairly flat at 53,183, just 179 more than 2018.
There was no mention of Scrambler sales figures.
Maybe they have slipped, although Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali said as recently as last November that Scrambler is now the company’s biggest seller with more than 70,000 sales since launch in 2015.
At the end of the official press release, they say:
Last but not least, the Ducati Scrambler range – which saw the new 800 Dark presented at EICMA – will see the introduction of a new model in the coming months.
It doesn’t give much away, but we suspect it will be either the motard or Dakar model debuted at EICMA in Milan last November.
It features a matt black frame, black engine with polished fin ends, black seat with grey trim and round black mirrors.
Motard Scrambler
Claudio said at EICMA that their styling department was asked to create “something unprecedented but entirely possible”.
The results are the motard and scrambler.
The Motard will be based on the 803cc Scrambler.
“This is a bike we are working on right now,” said Claudio, so the production version can’t be far away.
Desert X Scrambler
The Desert X is based on the 1100cc Scrambler.
It celebrates the 1990 Paris-Dakar Rally victory by Italian rider Edi Orioli on the Ducati-powered Cagiva Elefant. That bike is in now in Ducati’s museum above their Bologna factory.
Dakar-winning Cagiva
“We want to build the future without forgetting the past,” Claudio said.
Interestingly, Desert X is the name of a contemporary art exhibition held in the Coachella Valley in Southern California.
While Ducati already has an 803cc Desert Sled which is more off-road capable, the Desert X will be the 1100cc equivalent.
Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled
Ducati global sales
Ducati says they sold 8304 Panigales last year, confirming its status as the “world’s best-selling superbike with a market share of 25%”.
Two new bikes introduced in 2019 – the Hypermotard 950 and Diavel 1260 – racked up sales of 4472 and 3129 respectively, doubling the overall volumes achieved in 2018 by previous versions.
The Multistrada family performed equally well, scoring a 3% increase compared with 2018 thanks also to the addition of the 950 S and a revamped 1260 Enduro. Deliveries totalled 12,160, the best sales performance since the Bologna-built bike made its debut 16 years ago.
As Ducati offers a four-year warranty on 2020 Multistrada models in Europe only, most motorcycles in Australia come with just two-year warranties.
Meanwhile, the car industry is offering up to seven-year warranties.
Isn’t it about time motorcyclists were offered the same sort of cover as car drivers?
You may say that riders are tougher on their bikes than most car drivers, but it can be done.
Yamaha has offered a five-year warranty on its Star cruisers for some time and the axed Victory brand offered a five-year warranty for a limited period to move floor stock.
Warranties can vary according to the type of bike. Dirt bikes, for example, cop a harder time from owners, so some offer warranties based on hours of operation or just a few months.
While it would be good to get a longer warranty on a motorcycle, the customer should be careful to read the manufacturer’s warranty in full because not all are the same.
The Ducati Europe-only warranty campaign is called 4Ever Multistrada and offers unlimited mileage for all models in their 2020 Multistrada range such as the new Multistrada Grand Tour.
2020 Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour has four-year warranty in Europe only
Fine print
Their fine print says is also offers free roadside assist, covers manufacturing defects (excluding wear parts, aesthetic defects, battery and accessories) and only if scheduled services are done.
Most warranties do not cover service items that need replacing due to general wear and tear such as brake pads, chains and sprockets.
Customers should also be aware that their warranty may be voided if they modify their bike from the manufacturer’s original specification or use it for training, hire, competition or racing.
There is also an onus on the customer to have the bike serviced at correct intervals and to alert the dealer as soon as a problem arises, rather than waiting until a little noise becomes a major problem.
You can have your bike serviced by a qualified mechanic who is not part of the manufacturer’s franchise network, but warranties may be voided if they use non-factory parts or parts that are not equal to manufacturer specification.
Make sure you mechanic uses the right parts
Warranty purpose
The purpose of a warranty is to protect consumers against loss due to components that fail within an unreasonable period of time, or defects in vehicle assembly.
It has nothing to do with normal wear and tear, unless there is a fault with a component within a reasonable lifespan.
Manufacturers usually agree to replace or repair faulty parts at no cost to the owner. However, some don’t cover labour costs.
Warranty periods may also vary for the engine, and various parts such as tyres, battery, light bulbs, etc.
You can buy extended warranties from some manufacturers or insurance organisations.
However, you should think first about how long you want to keep the bike.
Also, check whether the warranty can be passed on to the next owner. If it can, that’s a good selling point.
Roadside assist
Manufacturer roadside assistance programs are becoming popular.
However, check whether you are paying for something that is already offered by your automobile association membership (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, etc).
If not, it may be cheaper to add that to your club membership rather than buying a separate assistance program from the manufacturer.
Some roadside assistance packages offer a host of benefits that may not be related to the bike such as travel and insurance assistance and even medical advice.
Ensure you read the contract carefully and don’t pay for anything you think you may never need.
Ducati unleashes its 2020 model line-up including the Streetfighter V4, more aerodynamic Panigale V4, Scrambler Dark, Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour, all-red Diavel S and Panigale V2.
There was nothing new for Monster, Supersport or Hypermotard.
Despite talking about the importance of the Panigale V4 and race wins in the MotoGP, WSBK and BSB, boss Claudio Domenicali started his presentation with the launch of three e-bikes.
Claudio Domenicali and Ducati e-bikes
This stresses the future focus of the company on electric mobility.
The e-bikes are the MIG-RR limited edition on which you can have your name printed on the frame, the MIG-S mountain bike and the e-Scrambler for riding in the city.
Ducati Dark Scrambler cheapest yet
Speaking of Scramblers, which are now the company’s biggest seller with more than 70,000 sales since launch in 2015, Claudio unveiled their cheapest yet, the Scrambler Icon Dark.
IN fact, it will be €800 cheaper than the Icon on which is is based. that means it should be about $A1000 less than the current price of $A13,990 (plus on-road costs).
Like previous Ducati Dark models, it has a blacked out engine and is a cheaper model.
‘It strips away what was not necessary for the product,” Claudio says.
Yet it still features cornering ABS which was introduced last year, plus round rear mirrors and bulb blinkers.
Claudio also showed a future direction for Scrambler with two artist impressions for a Motard version and a Desert X with Dakar Rally styling and powered by the 1100ss engine.
While on the topic of black he also unveiled a Diavel 1260 matt black as well as an all-red 1260 S Red available from February 2020.
Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour
One of the highlights of the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour, according to Claudio, is that it has an electric fuel cap with no need to use your key.
It also comes with new styling features and creature comforts for the long haul.
Claudio says that in the past 16 years they have sold more than 100,00 Multistradas.
Ducati unleashes Panigale V2
Claudio stressed the mid-weight sports bike section with the unveiling of the Panigale V2 in all red.
“You can see how lean and pure this bike is,” he says.
It features a low and short muffler, single sided swingarm and is powered by the V2 Superquadro engine with 115kW at 10,750rpm and 104Nm @ 9000rpm.
It also has the same electronics as the top Panigale, TFT colour dashboard, up and down quickshifter, engine brake control, traction control, ABS cornering control and wheelie control.
“It is the safety package that is the most developed we have in Ducati,” Claudio says.
Among the tech is “DTC Evo 2 with predictive strategy” which apparently regulates revs so you have better stability out of a corner even when aggressive on the throttle.
“It’s the perfect first track bike for young people; a springboard bike,” he says.
Panigale V4
The updated V4 is now lighter and has upgraded aerodynamics with a wider side fairing, wider front fairing, racing screen and winglets.
The result is 30kg of downforce at 270km/h on the front wheel to reduce wheelie tendency and improve high-speed stability.
Claudio then went very techno as he rambled a= on about the “science of speed”, mentioning “higher centre of gravity”, “higher chain force angle” and the “new torque correlation law”.
And hallelujah, it now has softer springs to handle bumpy roads.
Streetfighter V4 and V4S
The highlight was the Streetfighter V4 and V4S which was unleashed the same day as Kawasaki unveiled their Z H2 with 147.1kW of power.
Ducati’s Steetfighter retains the Panigale’s 208hp (155kW), but only weighs 177kg dry.
Claudio Domenicali and the Ducati Streetfighter V4
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.
They will be available from March 2020 in a “base model” at €19,990 and an S version at €22990.
Ducati’s Scrambler 1100 is expected to have another couple of variants when the company unveils its blitz of 2020 models on 23 October 2019.
The company recently filed documents with the US emission agency for a “Scrambler 1100 Pro” and “Scrambler 1100 Pro Sport”.
They will have the same 1079cc, L-twin motor with 62kW and 88Nm.
Ducati already has a Scrambler 1100 Sport model (pictured above) with Ohlins suspension.
So the “Pro” addition could be off-road models like the 803cc Scrambler Desert Sled with taller suspension and knobby tyres. It could also feature electronic suspension adjustment.
It would be an obvious move to compete with the Triumph Scrambler 1200 with 66.2kW and 110Nm.
Ducati blitz
Ducati is set for a blitz of up to seven new 2020 models and variants in October.
And last month a leaked document from the US Environmental Protection Agency listed the “Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour” and “Scrambler Icon Dark”.
Since the Multistrada GT will be powered by the 1262cc L-Twin engine as the name suggests, maybe the Multistrada V4 is on hold for another year.
Or they may be considering running two Multi ranges with twin and four-cylinder engines.
We also expect the Grand Tour will have luggage and a bigger windscreen.
As for the 803cc Scrambler Icon Dark, it is likely to have a blackened engine and matte-black paint instead of its iconic yellow.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Whatever their model blitz in October is composed of, every model will have blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control, as they announced in April 2018.
Ducati is tipped to unveil its 2020 models on 23 October 2019 with a Streetfighter V4, Multistrada V4, Multistrada S GT and a Scrambler Icon Dark added to its ranges.
And now a leaked document from the US Environmental Protection Agency lists the “Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour” and “Scrambler Icon Dark”.
Since the Multistrada GT will be powered by the 1262cc L-Twin engine as the name suggests, maybe the Multistrada V4 is on hold for another year.
Or they may be considering running two Multi ranges with twin and four-cylinder engines.
We also expect the Grand Tour will have luggage and a bigger windscreen.
As for the 803cc Scrambler Icon Dark, it is likely to have a blackened engine and matte-black paint instead of its iconic yellow.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Whatever they release in October, Ducati announced in April 2018 that every model in their 2020 range will have blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.
Dakar-winning Cagiva
Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled
