Sorry for the delay everyone, but I had a surprise surgery to have my appendix removed. I’ll be putting up some interesting news from Europe this weekend, and I was really happy to see Bayliss tear it up last week. Stay tuned!
Sorry to people ordering Giudici leathers. I’ll get the order in next week. For anyone else feel free to email me at wrichards@worldmarketsolutoins.com and I’ll get your oder in.
Check out MCN’s Michael Neeves pushing the ZX-10R to its max speed with the R1 slightly edging it out.
There has been a lot of interest in the one-piece racing leathers and people are asking me about sizing. See the sizing chart below and email me your numbers and I’ll send you back your size. These suits allow a fit closer to a custom suit compared to an off the rack suit. I guess some of you already know this and have heard of them before based on the emails I’m receiving 
I plan to make an order within the next month and have suits here by April at the latest. Thanks! click here to download a pdf version giudici-sizing.pdf
This is a must see. Finally!
Track: Le Luc, France
click here to see the video motociclismo.it.
The guys over at visordown.com have the first fast onboard lap video of the 1098R in action. The word “missile” was used over and over to describe the bike. Also, reported as “the first production bike that feels like a race bike”. With 99 ft lbs of torque and eight traction control settings, it will take a brave wrist to keep the throttle pegged throughout a corner. I guess that’s why Casey Stoner schooled all the old-school boys with his electronic trickery. The Nintendo, Sega, Play Station generation will think nothing about this I’m sure. See the first ride impression on their site as well.
1.28.07 according to superbikeplanet
Dani Pedrosa.
Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa, who crashed at the Sepang test yesterday, January 23, went into the USP Institut Universitari Dexeus de Barcelona hospital straight from an overnight flight from Malaysia. Upon arrival and after the relevant diagnostic tests it was confirmed, by the team of doctors directed by Dr. Xavier Mir, Head of the Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit, that Pedrosa has; “a fractured second metacarpal on his right hand with three diaphysary fragments, which are the bones found in the middle section of the metacarpian.”
The operation, which began at 14:00, consisted of, according to the statement made by Dr. Mir himself; “First reducing the fracture and then fixing the fracture with a seven holed titanium plate”.
Dr. Xavier Mir later said that the operation proceeded without any untoward happening and was completed according to plan, he also indicated that if there are no post-operation complications, “the recovery of the hand`s functions will start within the next 72 hours”.
Finally the surgeon emphasised the fact that; “Just when the rider will rejoin training and his usual sporting activities is unknown since in this type of case it is surprising how quickly top level professional sportsmen recover their abilities compared to the minimum period of the 6 weeks that are needed by most patients with the same kind of injury”.
Pedrosa should be allowed to leave the hospital tomorrow Thursday, 24th January at 12.30, and so that is when the press are invited to the press conference which the rider Dani Pedrosa himself will attend, he will be accompanied by Dr. Xavier Mir, Jefe de la Unidad de Cirugía y Microcirugía de la Mano de USP Institut Universitari Dexeus.
In an odd day of testing, Pedrosa flamed his bike in an accident. Meanwhile, Rossi was seen dancing around the track laughing. I can’t wait for Qatar!
Rossi was recently spotted at Sepang break dancing for an apparent small group of onlookers. He also tried spinning his bike as well as some old-school beat boy moves spinning on his back. He then proceeded to do his version of the classic ballet “Le Histoire De Manane”. It is yet understood what dance discipline this former world champion prefers.
1.16.08 Translated from Motociclismo
The SBK Phillip Island pirelli test is finsished, Max Biaggi continues to do laps and his performance is record breaking!
Ending with a “crescendo”: January 8th, Biaggi did his best lap of 1’33”5 compared to 1’32”5 from Bayliss – behind 1″. The following days Max reduced his distance from Troy by 7/10″, with a time of 1′32″9. During the third day, the Roman concluded with a fast lap of 1′32″8. These sessions ended and Pirelli started their work. By Monday the 14th, Max’s lap time had come down to 1′32″4. Tuesday the 15th Max did two laps of 1′31″9, end even better by the final laps with a 1′31″7, very close to the absolute record of the track by Troy Bayliss of 1′30″7. Bayliss did this lap time during the winter testing in 2007, with extra soft Pirelli tires. Biaggi left the experts and fans speechless, because he did this on standard tires. Remember, only the factory teams get the high zoot Pirellis and Max is on a satelite team. Bayliss was not able to test on the final day or on the 14th due to injuries sustained in the first testing session.
1.14.2008 translated from MotoGrandPrix.it
In the next few days, if not now, the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) will divulge the official entry list of the champions under egidia FG Sport, for all categories, World SBK, Supersport, Superstock 1000 and 600. While we’re waiting here at MotoGrandPrix.it, we were able to get a preview of the official entry list for all categories, starting with World SBK, where all riders where already defined for the last month. Like you can see in the list that we report below, it does not bear to what was previously published. Only three riders have changed their numbers, Makoto Tamada, Shuhei Aoyama and Loic Napoleone. The ex MotoGP rider has changed from #6 to #100, while the national champion is coming from the World 250cc class has chosen #88 in place of #73: for both riders its a return to the past, considering that those numbers are the numbers where they achieved their previous successes within their national championships on the grounds of Sol Levante (SBK for Tamada, All-Japan 125 and 250 for Aoyama). For the rest, nothing new: 28 registered permanently, the most riders for Italy with 7 riders, and with a good 9 Honda’s on the track (the most representative brand). Here for you is the official entry list for the World SBK 2008…
HANNspree Superbike World Championship 2008 – Official Entry List
3- Max Biaggi – Sterilgarda Go Eleven – Ducati 1098 RS
7- Carlos Checa – HANNspree Ten Kate Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
10- Fonsi Nieto – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K8
11- Troy Corser – Yamaha Motor Italia – Yamaha YZF-R1
13- Vittorio Iannuzzo – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R
21- Troy Bayliss – Ducati Xerox – Ducati 1098 F08
22- Luca Morelli – Alto Evolution Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
23- Ryuichi Kiyonari – HANNspree Ten Kate Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
31- Karl Muggeridge – D.F. Racing – Honda CBR 1000RR
36- Gregorio Lavilla – Paul Bird Motorsport – Honda CBR 1000RR
38- Shinichi Nakatomi – Yamaha Motor France – Yamaha YZF-R1
41- Noriyuki Haga – Yamaha Motor Italia – Yamaha YZF-R1
44- Roberto Rolfo – HANNspree Honda Altea – Honda CBR 1000RR
54- Kenan Sofuoglu – HANNspree Ten Kate Honda – Honda CBR1000RR
55- Regis Laconi – Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse – Kawasaki ZX-10R
57- Lorenzo Lanzi – R.G. Team – Ducati 1098 RS
71- Yukio Kagayama – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K8
76- Max Neukirchner – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K8
77- Loic Napoleone – Grillini Racing Team – Yamaha YZF-R1
83- Russell Holland – D.F. Racing – Honda CBR 1000RR
84- Michel Fabrizio – Ducati Xerox – Ducati 1098 F08
86- Ayrton Badovini – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R
88- Shuhei Aoyama – Alto Evolution Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
94- David Checa – Yamaha GMT 94 – Yamaha YZF-R1
96- Jakub Smrz – Guandalini Racing by Grifo’s – Ducati 1098 RS
100- Makoto Tamada – Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse – Kawasaki ZX-10R
111- Ruben Xaus – Sterilgarda Go Eleven – Ducati 1098 RS
194- Sébastien Gimbert – Yamaha GMT 94 – Yamaha YZF-R1
1.7.08 check this bike out and their other picks at Motorcycle-USA.com
1.11.08 The British boys at MCN have done the first dyno test of the new Kawasaki ZX10 showing 170 bhp at the real wheel. They say to put it into perspective a 2008 R1 tested back to back on the same dyno popped out 162 bhp. They’ll be testing the two against each other soon. I can’t wait! When will the horsepower stop, this is getting crazy! The ZX10 must be close to 200 bhp at the crank. It’s got to be both the fastest 1,000 cc bike and the ugliest!
1.10.08 Roadracingworld.com
1.10.08 Crashnet
Superbike – Test Pirelli Phillip Island – 1.10.08 Times
01- Yukio Kagayama – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 – 1’32.1
02- Fonsi Nieto – Suzuki GSX-R 1000 – 1’32.3
03- Michel Fabrizio – Ducati 1098 F08 – 1’32.3
04- Ruben Xaus – Ducati 1098 RS – 1’32.3
05- Troy Bayliss – Ducati 1098 F08 – 1’32.4
06- Noriyuki Haga – Yamaha YZF R1 – 1’32.6
07- Troy Corser – Yamaha YZF R1 – 1’32.7
08- Max Biaggi – Ducati 1098 RS – 1’32.8
09- Regis Laconi – Kawasaki ZX-10R – 1’33.5
10- Makoto Tamada – Kawasaki ZX-10R – 1’34.6
1.9.08 from www.motociclismo.it
Bayliss dominating again, however Biaggi closed the gap to only 7/10th’s of a second and is showing promise. Kagayama, Max’s ex-teamate, was in second place giving nothing up in the process. Frabrizio wasn’t satisfied and wants to gain another 5/10th at least.
Pirelli Test Classification – Phillip Isalnd – day 2
01 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati) 1’32”2
02 Kagayama (Gia-Suzuki) 1’32”3
03 Haga (Gia-Yamaha) 1’32”4
04 Fabrizio (Ita-Ducati) 1’32”6
05 Xaus (Spa-Ducati) 1’32”7
06 Corser (Aus-Yamaha) 1’32”7
07 Biaggi (Ita-Ducati) 1’32”9
08 Laconi (Fra-Kawasaki) 1’33”0
09 Nieto (Spa-Suzuki) 1’33”0
10 Tamada (Gia-Kawasaki) 1’35”5
It’s official, MotorcyclePerformance will start importing Giudici leathers. I can’t say enough about this find and they cost less than other top brands, but have the same or better quality. What impressed me first was the leather is much softer than my Dianese and it fit like a custom suit. I also like that the suits are ventilated for those hot days. Protection is optimal as well. When I was at there store in Cermenate, Italy last month I saw a suit from one of the SBK riders for MV Augusta who went down at 250 kph at Monza and walked away. The leathers were scrapped up a bit and needed to be touched up, but he was safe and sound.
If anyone is interested please let me know as I’m placing the initial order for a small amount of inventory and I’d like to know what sizes I need. Giudici keeps its costs down by keeping it simple, there are three main color combinations to choose from for their top of the line Stealth model -see pic above without gloves (Red, Blue, and Grey). All one-piece suits will also come with a free pair of gloves to kick things off.
The euro is incredibly strong right now, but I think I can do pricing of $679 including a pair of gloves. I can email a sizing chart so that you can take measurements and get the size you need. Understanding that this would be purchasing leathers via the internet I will guarantee all purchases and in the event you need a different size I will send you a new suite for you to try and pay for shipping myself. I will then pay for shipment back for the suite that doesn’t fit. Payment would be through paypal.
I’m not a store, but instead just want to provide some of the great finds I’ve made in Italy that aren’t currently available to us in the US. I hope you find this useful and I look forward to hearing what you think.
1.08.07 translated from Motociclisimo
PHILLIP ISLAND AUSTRALIA 8 January 2007 – Debuts and returns as riders resumed testing for start of the SBK championship 2008, with the second stage of development for Pirelli, the only SBK supplier as the single tire regulation has been adopted.
This time on the circuit Max Biaggi was present for his debut with his Ducati 1098RS from the satellite team Sterilgarda GoEleven, which came from the fusion between GMB/Borciani brothers, which also manages the team, and the company Lonato (BS) GoEleven, who are promoters for the sponsors from Ruben Xaus’ livery (his Roman team mate).
Biaggi, who has never climbed aboard the new Ducati before this test, just concluded the session and returned to the paddock to explain his feelings about the ride: “It’s a motorcycle completely different from the Suzuki that I rode last season, today tried only to understand the sensitivity of the bike but I have to say that my first impression is really positive”. His return to an Italian motorcycle has been 11 years after his victory in the 250 class with Aprilia.
The Roman was in 7th place with a time of 1’33”5, 1” away from the 1st position. His placing is excusable however as he has only made his first contact with his Ducati during for this test because he was not able to test at the Jerez circuit in December because Ducati had not yet finished preparation of his1098RS.
The dominion of Phillip Island has always been a Ducati, ridden by Ducati’s boss, the Australian Troy Bayliss, who concluded his test with the best time of the day and for the 2008 season expects a victory here. For Troy, now 39 years old, who was recently excluded from a title, winning here could represent a beautiful goodbye to his career. Bayliss turned a time of 1’32”5 versus 1’33”5 for Biaggi, who didn’t have available to him the 2008 Pirelli Evoluzione tires, which are exclusively reserved for official riders. Biaggi commented: “For the first time I will ride with a private team, it’s a new dimension for me, but also from this point of view it has been a promising day, the technicians on this team are really passionate and want to demonstrate that they know how to manage a rider at the top level. My challenge is to try and win with a non official team.”
THE ENTIRE SESSION – Noriyuki Haga, on board an official Yamaha, confirmed the second best time of the day. Fonsi Nieto had a slide in the afternoon, fortunately without consequences, while in the morning Michel Fabrizio on the new official Ducati team was flying off the track, without reporting back any problems. With eyes of concentration on the Kawasaki PSG-1 for its official debut, with the new ZX-10R ridden by Règis Laconi and Makoto Tamada, that were both added to Team Sanmarinese for 2008. Not present at this test was the Honda Ten Kate team, that was still busy preparing the CBR-RR for the 2008 Championship: the first outing on the track is expected to be at the end of the month at the Spanish circuit Almeria.
TODAY’S CLASSIFICATION 1: 1. Bayliss (Aus-Ducati) 1’32”5 (66 giri); 2. Haga (Gia-Yamaha) 1’32”8 (95); 3. Kagayama (Gia-Suzuki) 1’32”9 (70); 4. Nieto (Spa-Suzuki) 1’33”2 (65); 5. Corser (Aus-Yamaha) 1’33”4 (72); 6. Fabrizio (Ita-Ducati) 1’33”4 (77); 7. Biaggi (Ita-Ducati) 1’33”5 (69); 8. Xaus (Spa-Ducati) 1’33”5 (62); 9. Laconi (Fra-Kawasaki) 1’34”0 (70); 10. Neukirchner (Ger-Suzuki) 1’35”5 (85); 11. Tamada (Gia-Kawasaki) 1’35”8 (61).
1.7.08 directly from www.Italiaspeed.com
ENEL to Sponsor Ducati Corse (MotoGP)!
There was a spectacular opening ceremony at the Wrooom – MotoGP Press Ski Meeting 2008 today. The Desmosedici GP bike was demonstrated on the iced lake at Madonna di Campiglio by Vittoriano Guareschi.
On the day before the official Ducati MotoGP Team launch, the Borgo Panigale motorbike manufacturer and Enel have officially entered into a new, top-level partnership agreement. The biggest electric company in Italy, and second listed utility company in Europe by installed capacity, has decided to link its trade mark and corporate image with Ducati, the 2007 MotoGP World Champions famous for their own winning ‘power’.
According to the two-year agreement, the Enel brand will feature on the Desmosedici GP bikes as well as the leathers and helmets of both Ducati MotoGP Team factory riders, the reigning World Champion Casey Stoner from Australia and Italian Marco Melandri, who makes his Ducati debut this year on the Italian four-cylinder machine.
“It is not just a sponsorship agreement,” commented Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Ours is a partnership between two major industrial concerns which – through their innovation, productivity and knowledge – typify Italian excellence and winning strength in sport and in business. This partnership, like all the other prestigious agreements that support us in the highly demanding MotoGP challenge, confirms the level of credibility achieved by our brand and professionalism. Enel will be not only our partner in MotoGP, but also our official energy supplier, therefore actually contributing to the growth and development of our company.”
“The partnership between Enel and Ducati,” said Fulvio Conti, Enel Managing Director and CEO “brings together two companies that are examples of that virtuous Italian spirit acknowledged internationally. Ducati is a world-famous model enterprise. Enel is today a multinational company active in 21 countries, using international expansion as its main asset to become a European leader. Competitiveness, professionalism and innovation combined with loyalty and fair practice are values promoted by Enel over many years. Today, we share these values with a sport and a brand that are part of our national heritage. This is a partnership that goes beyond sporting competition, as starting from today, Enel is also the official energy supplier to Ducati. Hopefully, our combined efforts will help us achieve more and more important goals”.
The new partnership with Ducati is part of Enel commitment to sports. Enel, which already supports basketball, volleyball and football, now sponsors a motor sport for the first time and begins in style by supporting the World Champions of the highly prestigious MotoGP class.
What do you do when it’s winter, there’s snow on the ground, and you have another baby to add to the family? Well, needless to say, I’ve been rearranging the garage, buying new shelving, and looking for ways to spend my hard earned money on frivolous things like a new Ducati banner or a paddock flag (in the mail). Warning Ebay is dangerous! I also recently bought my dream bike, a Ducati 1098S Tricolore with full 70mm Termi’s, and need to make some room. The bike has been shipped and is safely in town, but I just need to get it home and I can’t risk unloading it and having it slip out of my hands to hit the ice covered ground. Maybe tomorrow there will be sun and snow will be melted. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
I’m curious what other people do when there’s snow on the ground? Don’t say skiing!
Motorycle News reports today that Colin Edwards supports the growing participation of electronics in MotoGP, saying that it becomes more of a team sport. This is highly contradictory to his former teammate Valentino Rossi’s idea that it’s making the sport too easy and boring. Take a look at the article. This topic seems to be the big controversy for 2008, much like tires were for 2007. My question is, are we making the sport to easy, less competitive, and more like a video game than a physical battle for the finish line? I support the development of electronics for the simple reason that MotoGP pushes teams to research and develop motorcycles to their limits, and this creates better motorcycles for all of us as it technology trickles down to the consumer.
We’re a short time away before the official FIM entry list for the World Superbike 2008 is divulged, but by now all of the pieces of the puzzle are coming together perfectly. Twenty-eight are registered, with a number not to exceed thirty thanks to wild-cards still waiting. Superbike, against any dissatisfied forecasts, enjoys the ultimate in health as it waits for 2009 that it will arrive with certain new entries firmly planted by Aprilia, BWW and KTM with official factory teams.
The season that we expect is truly going to be a “drunken party” for the passionate fans: 28 moto’s already firmly on the grill, with 5 companies engaged (Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha e Suzuki) directly or through their own European sport divisions.
An overbearing presence by Honda, leading with 9 Fireblades against 6 Ducati 1098’s, and 5 Yamaha R1’s, while the riders consist of 7 Italians, 6 Japanese, 5 Spanish and only 4 Australians. With 28 elected they will gladly add both Niccolò Canepa with the 3rd official Ducati 1098 (for 3 rounds for certain, not being obligated for the Italian races) *(Canepa won the Italian superstock on a Ducati 1098 this year), and Luca Scassa, with the MV Agusta F4 312R from Unionbike GiMotorsport followed directly by the mechanics from the MV Agusta racing department.
World Superbike 2008 – Entry List “temporary”
3- Max Biaggi – Sterilgarda Go Eleven – Ducati 1098 RS
4- Loic Napoleone – Grillini Racing Team – Yamaha YZF-R1
6- Makoto Tamada – Kawasaki PSG-1 – Kawasaki ZX-10R
7- Carlos Checa – HANNspree Honda Ten Kate – Honda CBR 1000RR
10- Fonsi Nieto – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000
11- Troy Corser – Yamaha Motor Italia – Yamaha YZF-R1
13- Vittorio Iannuzzo – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R
21- Troy Bayliss – Ducati Xerox – Ducati 1098 F08
22- Luca Morelli – Alto Evolution – Honda CBR 1000RR
23- Ryuichi Kiyonari – HANNspree Honda Ten Kate – Honda CBR 1000RR
31- Karl Muggeridge – DFX Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
36- Gregorio Lavilla – Stobart Honda – Honda CBR 1000RR
38- Shinichi Nakatomi – Yamaha France – Yamaha YZF-R1
41- Noriyuki Haga Yamaha Motor Italia – Yamaha YZF-R1
44- Roberto Rolfo – HANNspree Honda Althea – Honda CBR 1000RR
54- Kenan Sofuoglu – HANNspree Honda Ten Kate – Honda CBR 1000RR
55- Regis Laconi – Kawasaki PSG-1 – Kawasaki ZX-10R
57- Lorenzo Lanzi – RG Team – Ducati 1098 RS
71- Yukio Kagayama – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000
73- Shuhei Aoyama – Alto Evolution – Honda CBR 1000RR
76- Max Neukirchner – Alstare Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R 1000
83- Russell Holland – DFX Bertocchi – Honda CBR 1000RR
84- Michel Fabrizio – Ducati Xerox – Ducati 1098 F08
86- Ayrton Badovini – Team Pedercini – Kawasaki ZX-10R
94- David Checa – GMT 94 – Yamaha YZF-R1
96- Jakub Smrz – Team Guandalini – Ducati 1098 RS
111- Ruben Xaus – Sterilgarda Go Eleven – Ducati 1098 RS
194- Sebastien Gimbert – GMT 94 – Yamaha YZF-R1
This article was translated from MotoGrandPrix.it 12.12.07
The Armchair Bike Fan guys also put together a great list of awards for MotoGP. I especially like the “You are feeling sleepy” award. Check it out!
The guys over at Arm Chairbike Fan have created a witty list of awards to bring us into the new year! Where is Troy’s finger, did they ever say?
Easily the best Ducati shop I’ve ever seen this side of Borgo Panigale! I found these guys about a year ago when I went to the DMV to get plates for my new 1098. I lady there mentioned that there was a nice young fellow who came in a week before to register two 1098’s and they had a racing team. I thought she was nuts, but a week or so later I googled the situation and low and behold she was telling the truth. The head mechanic Brian Sharp is legendary with Ducati racing and his name has popped up more than once in Italy talking to people like Edo Vigna at EVR. I saw that they won Daytona in 2006 with the legendary Doug Pollen, and for 2007 they campaigned a 749R (848cc) with Australian Marty Craggill. If I’m not mistaken Marty had three podiums after a late start to the season. I met him at an open house this summer and he was a really an interesting guy. As a cyclist, I was really impressed with the fitness expertise he had. Can you believe these guys are anaerobic for the entire race? I don’t know how they do it.
This year they’re waiting to hear if they can run racing pistons in the 1098 to contend the SBK series or whether they’ll be running the new 848.
Best mechanics I’ve met, and they’re local! I’ve been know to hang around there place looking at nuggets of Ducati eye candy. Friday they had a 916 SPS and one of the most impressive 1098 SBK bikes I’ve seen complete with an SBK front fork. I can’t wait to hear what kind of hp Brian is getting out that bike. Don’t hesitate to check these guys out if you need something serious done to your Ducati.
These pics are from the EICMA show in Milan (November), which is the largest motorcycle show in the world. I was also lucky enough to see the R at Ducati’s production facilities in November as well. I’m always amazed at the art these guys create. Why don’t I ever get tired of looking at these bikes?
It’s not immediately noticeable, but this bike has a ton of carbon fiber on it. I had to battle through a crowd of excited Italians so that I could get a few pictures, and take a peek inside the fairings where I saw more carbon fiber!
I cannot wait for the SBK races this year, go Bayliss!
EVR Slipper Clutch – MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edo Vigna was Ducati engineer for their SBK race team about 15 years ago and is the inventor of the slipper clutch! He also developed the clutch for STM and Ducati’s Bucci. He also has a superstock team in Italy.
The EVR Slipper Clutch (I hope I explain this correctly, if you see something questionable please let me know):
According to Edo his new patented slipper is the next evolution of the slipper clutch. The old style slipper clutches (STM, Bucci, etc.), have a moving central hub that puts pressure on the ramps at different angles and cause friction between the clutch plates and the clutch drum causing excess friction and wear on the discs. The other issue he explained is that the bearings of the old style are made from steel and aluminum, which creates a mismatch in metals both from a fatigue standpoint and the simple fact that the two metals don’t work well together. (old clutch in pics)
This problem doesn’t happen with EVR slipper clutch because the clutch drum doesn’t move up and down, but is fixed. Only the cover of the hub moves. Also, there are no ball bearings or different metals coming into contact with each other.
Rather than relying on ramp angles, the control of the torque/slippage system can be adjusted by replacing the spring weights and/or adding and subtracting springs.
The CTS model for Ducati’s with a dry clutch includes all parts and mounting hardware for the slipper clutch system including the 1) inner clutch and steel sintered clutch plates (most kits force you to buy new plates!!), 2) the housing clutch with 48 hemispherical grooves, and 3) ventilated pressure plates (multiple colors), which also lower the function temperature by about 10%. I believe the only piece not provided is the larger diameter washer required for the 1098, but this is included for all other Ducati’s.Anyone have any experience with these? I spoke with a local mechanic with experience racing and he said they work great on the track, however the first versions were difficult when launching at the start. From what I understand this has been addressed by EVR with their new version.
DUCATI GP7 & 1098 F08 DASHBOARDS
PER IL PILOTA POCHE DISTRAZIONI (For the rider little distractions): “It’s a question of habbit” says Stoner to explain how it’s not difficult to use during a race. “The information you use are lap times and engine mapping, and logically the engine danger light.”
LOWER LEFT OF PAGE:
UN “MONITOR” PER TRE SITUAZIONI (A MONITOR FOR 3 SITUATIONS): The display offers three modes (to be changed only in the pit box), the display on the right is used when warming up the bike in the pits.
Rossi Cartoon from Italy
I opened the “La Gazzetta Dello Sport” here in Italy this morning and saw the first review of the 848 (see attached) and I will translate the more important points.
YES (Si) *performance of the new motor like the 1098 *High level of performance superior to a 600 Japanese bike *Advantages: the 848 is very fast and easy to ride, also for those that aren’t experts *Potent brakes, but more manable than those on the 1098, also good for those who ride the bike on the streets
NO (Non) *the pesonality of one of the top bikes, very efficient but with less emotion compared to the 1098 *the saddle is a bit slippery on the track *the price while normal for a Ducati is around $3k more than current 600’s!
OTHER KEY POINTS OF THE ARTICLE:
*The sister of the 1098 costs a little bit less, around euro 14k, but offers always great sensations when riding it
*850 cc motor that is very refined and totally new with the objective of beating the Japanese 600’s on their ground, the track
*this is just a smaller version of a Ducati superback and lacks nothing, offers superior performace associated with the Ducati name, which is already worth something more than the Japanese bikes (that’s what it says!)
*very balanced, powerful with 134 hp at 10k rpm, you won’t find any 600 rivals that can compare to 9.8 kgm at 8,250 rpm
*an “entry” level bike with the best parts, Ducati didn’t try to scimp to keep the price down basically
*no mono block Brembo’s on the front, but normal radial mounts with 320 mm discs, they don’t have the force to stop based on just a thought like the 1098’s, but this is better for a motorcycle of this level with more modulation possible – and great on the street as well.
*Apart from the front brakes it’s equal to it’s big sister the 1098 with light wheels and refined suspension.
*Ducati did not try to save money on this little motor! The little Testastretta Evolution was engineered with the same attention as the 1098’s. The motor is very very refined with the monoelyptical butterflies as seen on the 1098 and Moto GP bikes, and the desmodromica distributin is the latest generation.
*A new arrival is the wet clutch from Carter, allowing for a much lighter motor than before. The motorcycle weighs only 168 Kg, a good 20 Kg lighter then the 749 with 24 hp more!
*RIDING: on board you fill the same sensations as the 1098. Measurments and position of the seat are exactly the same. *You find your comfort zone immediately because the motor is a monster than spins strongly throughout all levels of the rpm, and is neve in trouble. Provides a little less emotion than it’s big sister but is very efficient and you can above all value from every last hp generated.
*Agile just like the 1098’s excellence, great in the curves, only a 600 can change directions like the 848.
That’s the translation, anything I didn’t know I made up! Just joking!
I recently came across a brand of leathers in Italy called Giudici that I had never heard of before. Giudici currently sponsors SBK rider Roby Rolfo (Hannspree) and already have a world championship to their credit. Who would have thunk it even the great Freddy Spencer wore their leathers!
I’ve always been somewhat of a Dianese snob, but I’ve got to tell you the Giudici suits had softer leather and were more form fitting when I tried on a one-piece (they also have 2 piece suits and jackets too). Stefano Giudici, the owner, also explained to me that they can do custom suits, and kangaroo hide. I have a one piece on order, so I’ll let you know what I think once it’s here and I’ve had some time with it.
The leathers look very durable as well. While I was there I saw an MV Augusta suite that had obviously been in some sort of crash, so I asked Stefano what the story was. He said that that suite belonged to and SBK rider who went down at about 150 mph and was uninjured, but was later fired because he’s always crashing!
Review coming up…. If I like them I may import them into the US, so stay tuned.
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