Big Red (the Italian one) is at it again. Ducati today announced an all-new model, the Hypermotard 796. The Hypermotard 1100 now has a sibling.

Relying on the proven Ducati platform of an air-cooled, two-valve-per cylinder L-Twin mill, the Hypermotard 796 uses a brand new engine for a brand new bike. The Twin incorporates a light action APTC clutch, and claims 81hp and 56 lb/ft of torque.

The new lightweight motard-like Duc save pounds by utilizing redesigned top and bottom fork clamps, and an improved “frame layout” that apparently eliminates almost all of the forged elements used previously on the 1100. Claimed weight (likely dry) is a svelte 368 lbs.

This should be one kick-ass Duc to ride, making a great urban assault vehicle. And in about two to three weeks we’ll let you know just how cool it is, as we’ll get our first ride on the 796 at Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy.

The Hypermotard 796 will be available at authorized Ducati showrooms beginning in December 2009. Color selections will include Ducati red, matte black, and matte white. MSRP for the Hypermotard 796 will be $9,995, joining the Monster 696 in Ducati’s sub- $10,000 sporting market. It could be a good contender against Triumph’s Street Triple 675 R that retails for $8,999 ($9,599 for 2010), though the Street Triple will likely have an advantage of 15 or more rear wheel horsepower.

The Hypermotard 796 should make another great hooligan option in this price range.

See the rest of the post for more pics.

If you haven’t heard, or have seen the new 2010 Buell Blast, you should check it out before viewing the video below.

Buell has re-branded itself over the last month or so and have been taking a very close look at themselves.  Not only did they change their logo, but they decided to put to rest a motorcycle that just didn’t fit what they really wanted to be making.  Sport bikes.

So the 2010 Buell Blast is a crushed hunk of metal signifying the end of that model.  There will be no Blast in the future so don’t hold your breath!

From comments on our own blog and across the Internet, it seems that not everyone agrees with Erik Buell’s decision to kill this beginner motorcycle.

So to help everyone understand this decision, Buell has thrown together a video explaining why they killed the Buell Blast.  See the rest of the post for the 3 minute video.

For more Buell video, check out the Motorcycle.com Buell Video Channel.

The Aprilia Mana 850 was introduced to the U.S. in July 2008, the Aprilia Mana 850GT was first seen at INTERMOT last November.  The GT version is also equipped with “Autodrive” that has three different mappings: Touring, Sport, and Rain or can switch to a seven-speed manual shift without a clutch, the GT’s biggest addition is a half-fairing with an adjustable windshield and a 2-channel Continental ABS system (850GT ABS).

Hit the jump to watch the Mana 850GT in action.

I’m feeling a little uncomfortable after watching Ducati’s recently posted “Colour Therapy” video.  Are you prepared to watch a Ducati technician strip a Ducati Monster of it’s plastic to reveal it’s true nakedness?  Cover your eyes if you are under 18.

Ducati posted this video on YouTube to promote their “Colour Therapy”.  “Colour Therapy” is there way of customizing the colour of your Ducati Monster motorcycle with an easily interchangeable kit that is available at Ducati dealerships.  I have personally picked out a new colour for the Ducati that I don’t own.

Hit the jump to see how a Ducati technician strips a Ducati Monster to “re-dress” it with some new colours.

Yamaha Motor Europe has just posted a video up on YouTube to promote their new XJ-Series bikes.  The XJ6 and the XJ6 Diversion.

And the XJ6 Diversion:

Virtually every feature on this attractive new 600 has been designed to ensure that the new XJ6 Diversion delivers all of the style, fun and ease of use that today’s middleweight rider is looking for. Its newly-developed 600 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine has been designed to deliver a smooth band of easy-to-handle power, making the XJ6 Diversion an ideal machine for new and experienced riders. The new tubular frame is designed to deliver easy handling, and its clean lines emphasize the bike’s slim appearance. Lightweight cast wheels keep unsprung weight low, allowing the 41mm front forks and Monocross rear suspension to deliver a smooth ride and good roadholding. For added comfort the new XJ6 Diversion is equipped with adjustable handlebars – and ABS is available as an option.

Hit the jump for more on the XJ6 naked version and their recently posted YouTube video.

Harley-Davidson has added a new bike to their Sportster Dark Custom roster.  The Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and it’s under $8,000!  Not a bad price for the Harley-Davidson experience.

Here’s a few pics to wet your appetite.  Hit the jump to see more and a video promo from Harley-Davidson themselves.

Here are a few things going on around the Motorcycle.com Forum Network:

Do you use your rear brake??

Another double question mark post. mrcubes2u on the Ducati Monster forums asks if you ever use your rear brakes. The fear is that clamping that rear brake could send you into a skid and possibly a 400lb bike in the face.

Do you use your rear brakes?