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.

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.

Check out Ducati’s Colour Therapy site.

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.

From Yamaha’s website on the XJ6:

New to the 2009 Yamaha model line up is the XJ6, a naked version of the new XJ6 Diversion. Powered by a 600 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine with all-new internals, this cool-looking middleweight delivers easy controllability together with strong all-round performance. A newly designed easy-action clutch makes for smooth gear shifting, and the stylish 4-1 exhaust and compact midship muffler give this new 600 a seriously sporty image. The combination of a lightweight tubular diamond-type frame together with 41mm front forks and an efficient Monocross rear suspension system ensure agile handling performance in the city, through mountain passes and out on the highway. A low seat height enhances overall controllability at low speeds – and ABS available as an option.

I think I have a thing for white motorcycles…  Here’s the vid!

Yamaha Motor Europe XJ6 page

XJ6 Website (caters to Europeans (duh).  North Americans, pretend you are from the UK )

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

More Pictures are Here!

Read Motorcycle.com’s Review Here!

Bike Specs are Here!

Harley’s cool promo video that I would like to call:

“Hipsters on Harleys”

I want this bike.

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?

Police Bike Test Report

muleskinner on the V-Twin Forum has somehow tracked down information on the LAPD’s 2006 tests on potential police motorcycles. The bikes submitted for the test were:

• The 2006 BMW – R 1200 RT-P
• The 2007 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
• The 2007 Harley-Davidson Road King
• The 2005 Honda – ST1300 PA

Tests consisted of a high-speed and pursuit course for a rider to go through. The document even contains comments from the offices that tested the bikes about how each one felt and performed.

Here is a link directly to the document: Police Bike Test Report

Winter Preps??

Two question marks make this post even more important. JD.2008 of the R1-Forum asks what he should do to get his bike ready for wintertime storage. While there is an ongoing debate about what to do about oil, there are some good tips and good discussion as to how to keep your baby safe in the garage.

My answer? Keep the bike in your living room and everyday turn it on for a bit. Just make sure you open some windows, especially if you decide to do a few of these:

That’s it for this week. Stay tuned for more forum highlights next week or sign up on the forums now and partake in the discussion. All for a low price of FREE.