When Ducati announced the updates for its 2013 Multistrada 1200 lineup, the Italian manufacturer was surprisingly quiet about the line’s most notable upgrade, the Ducati Skyhook Suspension. All we were told was the system is a semi-active suspension using Sachs components that adjusts its damping settings to varying riding conditions.

Ducati has now provided more information about the DSS technology which will be standard equipment on the three “S” versions of the Multistrada 1200, the Touring model, the sportier Pikes Peak model and the new flagship Granturismo model.

DSS uses a number of sensors located on both sprung and unsprung components of the chassis. Vertical accelerometers on the lower triple clamp and rear sub-frame provide “sprung” data while sensors on the fork legs and rear swingarm. Continue Reading »

When Ducati announced the updates for the 2013 Multistrada 1200 lineup this week, it was very vague on the details. We know the engine received some updates and the Ohlins suspension had been replaced with a new semi-active “Skyhook” suspension system, and of course, we learned about the new Multistrada 1200S Granturismo variant.

It took a couple of days but Ducati has released full specifications for its Multistrada 1200 lineup, shedding some more light on the 2013 models. All versions receive the second-generation version of Ducati’s Testastretta 11° engine. The 1198cc 90-degree V-Twin engine now features a dual-spark configuration, likely introduced to help meet emission control standards.

The new engine also offers more torque than the previous version, with Ducati claiming an output of 91.8 ft-lb. compared to 87.5 ft-lb. for the previous generation model. Ducati claims the power will still max out at 150 hp, at least for the Sport and Touring ride modes. In Urban and Enduro configurations, power is limited to a more pedestrian 100 hp. Continue Reading »

Ducati is issuing a recall on several 2012 models because of a problem with the rear brake. The models included are the 848 EVO, the Streetfighter 848, the Hypermotard 796, the ABS-equipped versions of the Multistrada 1200, and the Monsters 796 and 1100 EVO.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the friction material on the rear brake pads may detach from the backing plate, resulting in a drop in rear braking efficiency and increased stopping distance.

The problem affects a particular batch of rear brake pads from supplier Federale-Mogul. Internal testing by both Ducati and Brembo determined the problem is with the adhesive used to attach the friction material to the backing plate of the affected brake pads. The problem Continue Reading »

A prototype of the 2013 Aprilia Caponord 1200 was one of the headliners of Piaggio Americas’ dealer meeting earlier this month, alongside the Moto Guzzi California 1400. We’ve already heard about Piaggio designer Miguel Galluzzi discuss plans to produce a number of variations of the California, and today we’ve learned further details about the Caponord.

We already surmised the Caponord is derived from the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200, with a similar chassis and engine. We have also learned the Caponord 1200 will be available Aprilia’s full APRC electronics suite, including traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shifter. Also expected are ABS and electronically controlled suspension.

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Ducati North America announced it will return to Colorado to defend its title in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Ducati riders have won the two previous years in the 1205cc motorcycle class with the Multistrada 1200, and the winning riders will be back with Ducati for 2012.

Carlin Dunne, the 2011 1205cc class winner and the Hill Climb’s motorcycle class record holder will be joined by 2010 class winner and six-time overall Pikes Peak winner Greg Tracy to ride Ducati Multistrada 1200s prepped by the Spider Grips team for the July 8 event.

Ducati has put together a short film (look for it after the jump) documenting the 2011 race. Ducati is also inviting fans to travel to Colorado to support the team.

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Carlin Dunne set a new course record for motorcycles in Ducati’s second consecutive Pikes Peak International Hill Climb victory.

Riding the Ducati Multistrada 1200, Dunne completed the 12.42 mile course in 11:11.32 for the win in the 1205 class for 900cc and larger Twin cylinder machines. Dunne’s time was also 34 seconds faster than the winning time set by Greg Tracy on the Ducati Multistrada in the 2010 race.

Dunne, the owner of Ducati Santa Barbara, won in just his first time in the event, and perhaps more impressively, did it on his showroom’s demo bike.

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