MONTLHERY 2011

It appears that motorsports activity hasn't entirely died at the Circuit du Linas Montlhéry, just south of Paris.  This is the most historic race track in the world, which is still intact and functional (Brooklands is too far gone, Daytona is too new, and Indianapolis only had ONE motorcycle race in the 20th Century - 1909).  Finished in October 1924, the fully banked oval is 2.5km long, and two longer 'road courses' using only one end of the banking were also laid out, although the much longer circuit through the adjoining forest is no longer in use.

While Brooklands was built 'the old fashioned way', by piling up earthen mounds and digging out the track near the river Wye at Weybridge (see some historic photos here), Montlhéry was designed and built as a modern piece of engineering, using a lattice of reinforced concrete beams and pillars to support the high banking. The near-vertical top section of the track was designed to withstand use by racing cars up to 1,000 kilos (2,200lbs) moving at 140mph (220km/h).  Motorcycles present no such hazard to the infrastructure!

Having walked the complete circuit and raced on the track,  I encourage anyone with a passport and an appreciation of racing history to make a pilgrimage next May 8/9, 2011, and see the place for yourself.  The facilities are a bit crude, but it's possible to camp in the forest inside the circuit, which has a grubby charm, as many of the competitors are camped as well, with their vehicles - a relaxed opportunity for a conversation.

If you have the opportunity to enter a racing motorcycle, I can imagine few opportunities to sample an extant Vintage track, on which an incredible legacy of speed events was laid.  Every long-distance speed event, from 1, 12, or 24 hours, was held post-war at Montlhéry, from the Velocette 24hr/100mph record, to the less successful attempts by Vincent at 24hrs, Norton's streamliners, plus a host of European factory attempts.  (For a video of several ex-record breakers on the banking, click here)

My own experience of the circuit is sadly limited to one weekend in 2000, where I was invited to ride a '49 MkVIII Velocette KTT by my friend Rob Drury.  While camping conditions were primitive, my personal hygiene was forgotten once I was underway in a pack of racers in my class.  The Velo seemed perfectly matched with a Mondial 250cc racer with full dustbin fairings, and we always seemed to round the hairpin on the 'road' section at the same time, his lithe machine undercutting the much heavier Velo every time!  Frustratingly fun.

Riding the banked track is an acquired taste, and most riders preferred to keep fairly low on the track and their speed down.  You won't get up above the top white line at less than 100mph, at which point you're literally perpendicular to the slower riders below.  I've passed other motorcycles from every vantage point - inside, outside, crossways - but never while looking at the top of their helmet!  Disorienting at first, but after a few laps it became really enjoyable and the chicane set up to slow riders down mid-bank was ignored by the lustiest riders, without censure from the organizers I might add.

The surface of the track brings to mind the many descriptions of Brooklands in the 1920s onward, as the plates of concrete paving began to settle and shift.  Bumpy!  But still better than most California backroads... although I imagine riders took quite a pounding after a few hours at full chat.

The future of the Montlhéry track always seems uncertain; the Coupes Moto Legende hasn't been held there for almost 10 years, so a weekend at the track will be welcome in 2011.  There are consistent rumors that the track will be torn down, as the proximity of this large plot of acreage to Paris makes the land worth billions.  But, what price history?

ADDENDUM:  Below is a note from the organizers..

“VINTAGE REVIVAL” AT MONTLHERY

Plans are well advanced for a vintage gathering next year at Montlhéry, the dates being 7^th and 8^th May 2011. Many will remember the tremendous atmosphere of the events a decade ago and it is hoped to recreate this spirit in 2011.

Organisation is in the hands of two French clubs, “Vintage Revival” (of which Mrs. Jacqueline Potherat is honorary chairman) and “Patrimoine Sportif et Mécanique”.

Pre-1940 sports and racing cars and sporting motorcycles will be able to circulate on the famous banked circuit, as will racing bicycles with vintage motorcycle pacers. The less sporting vehicles of the same era will be equally welcome to attend and will be able to drive the circuit at their own pace at the end of the weekend. There will be provision for commercial and club stands.

Enthusiasts, clubs and businesses wishing to be kept informed are encouraged to register their interest by e-mail to Vincent Chamon at vintage-revival@voila.fr.

The website is at http://vintage.revival.free.fr

1. Supplementary information can be obtained from Gyles Cooper, the UK representative of Vintage Revival (020 8883 1024, gpc@belette.co.uk ).

motorcycle rocket

Copper Canyon.

Photo not provided by Lantana Links

Crotch rocket users are getting more bold and brazen nowadays.

Authorities are on the lookout for a brazen biker who likes to harass horse riders.

Twice in the past month, a teen on a sport motorcycle has confronted equestrian trail riders in Copper Canyon and revved his engine in an attempt to scare their horses and throw the rider, according to town officials.

Motorcycles are not allowed on the trails, which are located on Army Corps of Engineers land.

The first incident was reported at the end of January. The second incident occurred on Feb. 3rd around 3:00 p.m. on the trail just east of Chinn Chapel Road.

The "crotch rocket" type sports bike is painted yellow and purple or dark blue. The suspect is described as a slim male between 14-16 years old and around 5' 6" tall. He wore a dark helmet with a full mask so his face was not visible. Witnesses said that his helmet, clothes and bike appeared new.

Triumph Rocket III Roger Allmond Style

Here's a very nice edition of the Triumph Rocket III motorcycle as commission by Bennetts Insurance company in the UK.

If only Triumph would dare bring something like this to the market...

It was produced by Roger Almond.

HARRY HACKER'S HARLEYS

I've had so much response to the Hacker-built Harleys at the Grossglockner Hillclimb, it seemed appropriate to give a littl background on these enigmatic and compelling machines.  First mention on these pages was the appearance of the 8-Valve Harley at the Bonhams Pamplona collection sale; photographs of the machine from the Bonhams press kit had me immediately cross-eyed.

It was clear the machine was special, and very likely indeed A Special, as four-valve cylinder heads weren't used on J-model crankcases... but you never know what you'll find in the motorcycling world, and there was a slim chance it was some factory-built European roadracer, a la the OHV 1926 Indian 750cc, of which 3 were built to compete in Europe, complete with brakes, mudguards, and megaphones.  The black Harley was very clearly built in this spirit, although 'modern' touches like the twin Amal TT carbs gave a hint to some modern thinking. The bike was clearly built for speed, with a period aspect, giving the whole ensemble a unity which is very convincing.  Plus, an applied patina to all parts gives a feeling of real period authenticity.  Full marks.

The black Harley sold at Bonhams for £29,000, to an English rider/collector, who was kind enough to bring it to Grossglocker so all could revel in its glory.  Unfortunately, serious magneto trouble prevented a run up the hill, even after long hours spend on Friday night; only one cylinder would cooperate, so the bike was shelved for the weekend.  Sad, as the bike was built by Harry Hacker to make some serious horsepower.  Note in the above photos how slim is the machine; those 1920s Harleys were lithe and fast, giving no hint of the bloated dinosaurs the marque would produce in years to come.

I spoke with Harry Hacker, proprietor of his own shop and perhaps best known as partner of Fritz Simmerlien in the Harleysons motorcycle club and website, during the weekend, to prise the secrets of his build on the two OHV Harley conversions at the Hillclimb.  The Black machine used standard Harley 'J' crankcases, with cylinder barrels and 4-Valve heads provided by Fred Lange Restorations.  A standard J rolling chassis is used, with the addition of a front drum brake, from a later model; the rear brake is the typical contracting-band item which grips the outside of the brake drum.  Kind of humorous, that brake, given that Harry reckons the bike puts out around 70hp!  That's almost 3 times the original output of the inlet-over-exhaust J... expect wheel-spinning antics from the new owner of the machine... although he seems a civilized sort, sporting a tie underneath his Belstaff jacket - a Vintagent for sure!

The Second Hacker machine, in green, was hitched to a vintage Harley sidecar, ridden by the man himself, with wife Otilie as active ballast.  The green bike is similar in general configuration to the black, although the engine is entirely new, with beefed-up crankcases, all new internals, and replica Peashooter cylinders and heads.  It makes a little more hp than the earlier black machine, around 72hhp Harry says, but sports the same patinated condition, lagged exhaust pipes (four of them!), English saddle, and later front brake, this one looking identical to a BSA 8" item, but methinks it is actually a Harley 'K' model item?

A Harley such as this would have no problem hauling a chair and passenger up a steep incline, if those hp figures are accurate.  The Peashooter heads share a single Schebler carb of large diameter, making a tune-up much easier, and perhaps a better low-end mixture - very important when carrying a bunch of weight alongside.

The result of all Hacker's work is a pair of extremely appealing vintage motorcycles, with serious performance and an eye towards authenticity.  To the uninitiated, they look like 'the real thing', even though such bikes never existed in the 1920s...would that they did!  But, it would add another zero to the selling price...

And a little video action from youtube!

Confederate P120 Fighter Breaks Cover

Confederate Motorcycles is back with their latest motorcycle post-Katrina, the P120 Fighter. Taking similar cues from the Wraith, sans the giant carbon front spars, the Fighter is made out of copious amounts of the polished hard stuff. Built around an aluminum frame, the center-piece of the bike is the machine’s 1966cc v-twin motor, making 160hp and 145lbs•ft of torque.

You can get your first glipse of the P120 Fighter at the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California this coming August 14th, which is a part of the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

No word on price or delivery times yet, but figure on somewhere along the lines of a donor kidney or unicorn tears. You would think for the price though, some snazier wheels would come with the package. Maybe that’s just how things are done down South.

Honda Released Five Newest Motorcycles Models

New York: Honda Company in the United States introduced five new motorcycles in 2010. Motorcycle sites such as preaching, not long ago, five motorcycles, among others Saber, Stateline, Interstate, Honda ST1300, and the Shadow RS V. Honda Product Manager Bill Savino said the motorcycle is the fifth new model.

Honda Saber 1312 cc activated 52-degree V-Twin with fuel injection program. Vehicles available in black and red candy. Saber 2010 has antilock brake system (ABS) and will be available in April 2010 for U.S. $ 12,799.

For bikers who love the classic style, with Stateline Honda engine and stylish black curved frame may be an option. Stateline also supported by 52 degree 1312 cc Twin. The motorcycle will be available starting later in February with black and dark red candy for U.S. $ 11,699.
ABS version will be available for U.S. $ 12,699.

The Interstate Honda designed for long trips with wooden floors, glass front, and exclusive new custom leather-wrapped hard saddlebags. Interstate 1312 cc to be launched in February 2010 is available in black and blue pearl with a retail price of U.S. $ 12,749.

Another is Honda Shadow RS V. This vehicle is activated liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with 745 cc fuel injection program. Hospital Shadow will arrive in dealerships in March next Honda. There are a variety of colors, namely silver and white pearls. Honda Shadow V RS sells for $ 7799.
Last Honda ST1300. This bike is activated 1261 cc V4 engine with fuel injection program. Available with or without ABS, ST1300 comes with a three-way adjustable seats, customized motorized windshield, saddle bags and dual full coverage bodywork. ST1300 will be available in March later. However, the current price has not been announced

Layaboutfor Three

Cute, I wish I had a Hayabusa alone... never mind the trike

Yes, a high-speed motorcycle for three, and that's not only three people, but also three wheels ! Nick Dagostino converted his Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle into a trike, but not a conventional trike. The two rear wheels are behind each other (in-line) instead of next to each other. This way he can still use the Hayabusa's aerodynamics to obtain many speeding tickets.

On top of the three wheels, he also fitted an electronic camera in the rear and a 5" TV monitor into the tank.

Now, he has place to put two pillion passengers behind him on the motorcycle.

legend of dragon motorcycle

Wikked Customs pulled off a nice one with the Dragon Motorcycle. The name does not seem too heavy or strange for the bike, in fact, it is quite justifiable. Clearly, a good amount of design and work went into making this bike so interesting in every detail; the bright color scheme, the handlebar and the rims go very well with the design. Wheels on this dragon, look wicked enough to hold our attention and make us drool. The era of dragon riders passed long ago, but the modern Eragon could happily part with $69k to hop on the crocodile skin seat. And with that interesting design, we don’t doubt that this Dragon has a soul.

los dragon motor

TTI Dragon This is by far not a mini chopper! Our chopper is a bit smaller then a full size chopper with speeds of 80+ MPH. Our chopper is the most cost efficient and best looking bikes out there! This chopper has a powerful 200cc engine that packs enough power for all your riding needs! Our engine is E.P.A Certified! It also is a 4-stroke air cooled engine with a 5-speed/manual clutch transmission! This bike is geared for fast take-offs and high speeds! It also comes with front and rear hydraulic brakes, which will allow you to stop when you need to. Currently available in 7 different colors. Each bike comes with its own serial number and (MCO) Manufacture Certificate of Origin for registering! Yes, these bikes are street legal! All of our choppers now come with head light, turn signals, brake light, horn, and speedometer. Our choppers all have EPA approved engines and come with MCO's.

dragon motorcycle

	This Dragon Bike was on display at the Two Wheel Tuner Booth.

HDR

When you can’t ride your motorcycle, because it’s winter and your bike is safely tugged away in the garage, you can at least scrounge around the Internet for good motorcycle photos, right? That’s what I did last night, and here’s what I found; High dynamic range (HDR) motorcycle photos. If you don’t know what the heck HDR photos are, here’s a description from an article by Jon Meyer

“Today’s digital cameras match or slightly exceed the performance of silver halide film. Computer graphics has achieved the goal of photorealism. Now the goal is to go beyond simply matching paper and silver halide – to create display technologies which can present any visual stimuli our eyes are capable of seeing.

One area of rapid development is in dynamic range. A new crop of technologies using High Dynamic Range imaging (HDR or HDRI) aim to extend the dynamic range of digital imaging technologies way beyond traditional media.”

I haven’t tried my luck with HDR motorcycle photography yet, but here’s a few examples from people who have. If you’re keen to see more, or learn how to do it, I’ve included links to some guides and galleries below the photos.

Formula Bike – 125cc Entry Level Racing

A Swiss company, Marilley Motosport, has designed and built a 125cc entry level racer called the Formula Bike. Its purpose is to give young racers the chance to prepare for racing in the higher level classes and also to be a very accessible level of racing for the non professional. The initial version is a 40+ horsepower 2 stroke available in March of 2008 eventually to be transitioned to a 4 stroke by 2010.

The Formula Bike sports 14 inch wheels front and rear on a tube frame with an aluminum swingarm. Price is quoted as 8500 Euros.

There seems to be growing interest in small displacement motorcycles at reasonable prices for entry level racing, something less costly and more manageable than jumping on to a 120+ horsepower 600cc racer. The formula bike is similar in concept to the 450cc dirt bike based racer from Gavin Trippe.

The company is working to organize a Formula Bike World Cup series to showcase these bikes and the racers who ride them.

motorcycle f3

F3 Adrenaline from TriRod Motorcycles
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TriRod launches F3 Adrenaline 3-wheel motorcycle
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Fox Racing F3 Boots - Motorcycle Superstore
Find the Fox Racing F3 Boots at Motorcycle Superstore. . Dirt Bike Motocross > Men's Riding Gear > Boots > Full Length (44) > Fox Racing F3 Boots .　->

TriRod Motorcycles - High Performance Three Wheel Motorcycles - Trikes
. three wheel motorcycles. The ultimate custom motorcycle, trike, and reverse trike. . F3 Adrenaline Prototype on Display at the San Diego .　->

Fox Racing F3 Boot - Motorcycle Men's Motocross Boots Gear Apparel 2009
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Motorcycle Scooter F3 HL50QT-8A
Model:HL-50QT-8A 1)Engine Type: 49.6cc,four stroke,air cooled 2)Bore x Stroke: 39.00mm x 41. . Scooters > Gas Scooters > Motorcycle Scooter F3 HL50QT-8A .　->

Tripod Motorcycles F3 Adrenaline Minimalist F1 Racing Inspired Trike .
Tripod Motorcycle's up and coming F3 Adrenaline high performance trike fused F1 racing styling with minimalist design elements and looks the business.　->

MAlign Centeragic Tricycle

The Magic Tricycle is aptly named because it’s capable of switching from three wheels to just two, becoming a motorbike for those tight spaces. On the highway it uses all three wheels, but when you have need just well, transform. I thought the Proxima concept car was cool until I saw this beauty. The entire passenger cabin rotates as the third wheel is lifted into the air, which sprouts some kind of foil that keeps the chassis stable.Yes, it looks like a Transformer from the upcoming sequel and we’d all love to see it do battle. Alas, it’s a design concept by student Seyyed Javad Ghaffarian, created for Car Design News’ 2008 design contest. I think Michael Bay should give this guy a call don’t you?

the Tesseract

Yamaha’s new motorcycle, the Tesseract is very different from what you would expect a motorbike to be, simply because this one has four wheels. An additional pair of rims provide extra stability, but still the driver is able to lean the bike around bends and park it upright.

The company says addition of more wheels has not increased the width of the new motorcycle, as compared to conventional motorcycles. Set to debut in Tokyo Motor Show this month, the Tesseract has a V-Twin petrol engine and a hybrid drivetrain. Apparently, even motorcycles have decided to go hybrid.

catching electric motorcycle

Tom Miceli's ION electric motorcycle - click above for high-res image gallery

Kids today! We've all heard the exclamation made just before the recitation of a time-honored list of character flaws; lazy, irresponsible, always partying, no motivation etc. As evidenced by the sleek work of eco-vehicular art pictured above, apparently there's at least one young man you can't pin any of those attributes on. Fresh out of Appalachian State University where he left with a BS in Industrial Design tucked in his pocket, Tom Miceli showed off his ION electric motorcycle at the recently held Southern Energy and Environment Expo 2009. We suspect he needed someone standing by with a bucket and mop to keep the floor drool-free.

The ION was conceived, designed, modeled and constructed in a single semester with a "minimal budget" rendering results that are most impressive indeed. The 84 volt, lithium battery-powered bike uses an AC motor that yields 105 lb feet of torque, 46 hp and allows for regenerative braking. Top speed is estimated at about 80 mph with a range of 60 miles while the waiting time for a full charge using a typical household plug is six hours. Performance characteristics are probably best summed up by Tom on the video after the break. Conferring with someone off camera after driving the bike from its exhibition booth across the waiting pavement outside, you can hear him say, "it doesn't need to pull any harder than that. It's kinda scary." If you know anyone who could make good use of Tom's talents, better contact this employment seeker quickly before he realizes he could start his own company. Kids today, indeed.

GSXRs

The late '90s GSXRs had an aerodynamcially shaped tail section, but the new R1 came out that had the slashed tail that looked SOOOOO aerodynamic to people and that killed the aerodynamic tail sections for modern sport bikes at production level.

One of the problems wit the fairings set up for all out frontal aerodynamics is the side wind curse. That is one of the things that guys like Craig Schultz (the 3rd bike in 1st post) are trying to over come. I've got a guy that is going to do some work with me for aero fairings when I get to that point. It will be interesting to see how to work some of the true aero concepts with actual sportbike riding. I really want to just build one on pure function and the hell to how it actually looks.

Honda’s 2010 Electric Motorcycle

Honda is refocusing on production of their motorcycle segment, while adding attention to gas-free economically friendly vehicles with the announcement of their 2010 Electric Motorcycle.

Early rumors seem to believe Honda will be taking their DN 01 Cruiser and transforming it into an eco-easy rider with an all electric engine. According to Honda CEO Takeo Fukui. “Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel. Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now.”

It’s the perfect time for an electric hog – with gas prices surging up and down like someone’s bad cholesterol reading and parking in urban areas becoming scarce, the general public can use a small mode of transit that doesn’t have four doors. So, Honda claims ready by 2010 – by 2011 we’ll have a sequel to Wild Hogs featuring silent riders and more bad puns from Tim Allen. Damn You Honda!!

BlueShift Motorcycles to Make Electric Cruiser

Michigan based BlueShift Motorcycles is entering into the electric motorcycle business, but instead of the track bred entries we saw for the TTXGP, BlueShift is focusing on the cruiser end of the market. BlueShift describes the bike as a heavyweight and street fighter. At over 600lbs, we’ll agree with the heavyweight part of that statement.

All that mass doesn’t come for nothing though. BlueShift is claiming 200 lb•ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 time of 3 seconds. Beyond the brawn, BlueShift if claiming some brain too. The cruiser has a special design that will allow for easy rider (A-OH!) customization, and also includes what BlueShift calls “special communications systems and location awareness” features.

All of these details sound very vague to us, and so far only a few CAD renders of the bike exist, yet BlueShift will let you pre-order a bike for $1,000. If you like buying things before they’ve ever been made, neon lights, and electricity, you can go to their website and lay

How can one woman simultaneously satisfy 12 men?

Check this out! Those are huge! Now that's my kinda gal!
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DUCATY evolution

Describing the new 848 as "agile and light," Ducati intends its new superbike design to "redefine the middleweight sportbike class." Much closer to the regular 1098 than its middleweight 749 predecessor, at a claimed 369 lbs the 848 is lighter than both designs - 44 lbs lighter than the 749 and 11 lbs less than the 1098. The real difference from its predecessor, however, is the 849cc Testastretta Evoluzione engine.

Utilizing the typical L-Twin Ducati configuration, the 848 arrives at its displacement via an oversquare layout of 94mm bore and 61.2mm stroke (compared to a 104mm bore and 64.7mm stroke on the 1098). Compression ratio on the 848 is 12:1. The claimed power output from the smaller-displacement Testastretta Superbike mill is a remarkable 134 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 70.8 lb-ft torque at 8250 rpm. Those claims coming from the crank, we assume, but still significant gains over the rear-wheel 106 hp and 55 lb-ft readings sourced from the 749 we tested in our 2006 Supersport Shootout.

In power-to-weight ratio the new middleweight Ducati 848 not only bests the 749, it betters the 999 superbike.

While utilizing the same valve angle from the 1098, the desmodromic system on the 848 uses smaller diameter valves - 39.5mm inlet and 32mm exhaust (42mm inlet, 34mm exhaust on 1098). Like its 1098 sibling, the 848 utilizes MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies, although the cross-section of the bodies is smaller - 56 square mm to the 60 square mm on the 1098.

Engine weight on the 848 is kept low thanks to the same cylinder head design and magnesium covers found on the 1098. The 848 goes a step further, however, by utilizing Vacural casting of the engine crankcase. A first for the Testastretta Evoluzione lineup, Vacural is a forced vacuum die casting method.

One major difference between the 848 and its larger sibling is the use of a wet clutch. A change which figures to be more durable for street use.

Recognizable from the 1098 are the 848's dual underseat exhaust system and the single-sided swingarm. The trellis frame also appears the same, but the main section tubes have increased in diameter from 28mm to 34mm. The frame is not heavier, however, as the thickness of the tubes has been reduced from 2mm to 1.5mm. The end result is a design which Ducati claims increases rigidity by 14% and drops weight by 3.3 lbs.

Displacing 250cc less than its 1098 forbear, the 848cc Testastretta Evoluzione L-Twin produces a claimed 134 horsepower at 10,000 rpm.

The 848 chassis sources fully-adjustable Showa suspension components, with a 43mm fork up front and a single shock mating the rear frame and swingarm.

Marchesini Y-spoked wheels add to the sleek design, with Brembo Monobloc brakes completing the high-performance package. The 848's braking system is a showcase for Brembo's four-piston M4 radial-mount calipers which bite down on a pair of 320mm rotors.

A significant upgrade over the 749, Ducati claims the power-to-weight ratio of the new 848 is better than even the 999 literbike. If true, the 848 sounds like a stick of dynamite on wheels. One we can't wait to ride. The all-new model will be available in two colors, Red and Pearl White, for an MSRP of $12,995.

Ducati 1098R

Ducati says it all when it says of its '08 World Superbike machine: "The new 1098R is the most powerful and lightest twin-cylinder bike ever produced by the Borgo Panigale factory, with the highest torque/weight ratio in the sportbike category." This is the 1198cc machine that the World Superbike Championship changed its rules for - the bike that two-time champion Troy Bayliss and second-year rider Max Biaggi will campaign in the 2008 season as the 1098 F08.

Producing a whopping 186 claimed horsepower in full race kit trim, the 1198cc Ducati 1098R figures to be a major player in the 2008 World Superbike Championship.

Purpose-built with racing in mind, the 1098R showcases technology developed by Ducati in the world's two top racing series. An accompanying racing kit makes the Ducati a full-blown racing platform, with its ECU teamed with the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) system. Fitted for the first time to a production Ducati, the DTC is controlled by the rider, who chooses between eight profiles on the MotoGP-sourced instrument display.

As you would expect from a bike built for competition on the world's highest stage, the 1098R produces ample power. Frightening power really, as Ducati claims the new mill delivers 180 ponies at 9750 rpm and 98.8 lb-ft of torque at 7750 rpm. In racing kit trim, Ducati ups the peak power claims to 186 horsepower.

Generating those impressive numbers is an engine which Ducati claims is "the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history." Using the new SBK ruling that pushes Twin displacement to 1200cc, Ducati took its 1098 and increased bore by 2mm and lengthened stroke by 3.2mm. The end results is an oversquare 106mm x 67.9mm configuration that displaces 1198cc.

With its single-sided swingarm and styling lines, there's no denying the 1098R is a descendant of last year's 1098, yet the juiced up 1198cc motor delivers 20 more claimed horsepower.

Sand-cast aluminum cylinder heads and crankcases aim at decreasing weight. Although set at the same angle, the desmodromic valve system is altered from the 1098 with larger intake and exhaust valves - 44.3mm intake and 36.2mm exhaust on the R compared to 42mm intake and 34mm exhaust on the regular 1098 and 1098S. The new R's valves are also made from Titanium, with the new configuration compressing the air/fuel mixture at a 12.8:1 ratio. Internal engine changes include weight-saving titanium conrods.

Like the 848 and 1098, the new 1098R sources MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies. To feed the monster motor, the R's throttle body surface openings are 63.9 square mm - 3.9mm more than the regular 1098. The fueling also uses two injectors for each cylinder - a four-hole central injector and 12-hole side injector.

Changes to the R version of the Testastretta Evoluzione engine result in a 7.7-lb reduction from the standard 1098 and 14.3-lb drop from the 999. The exhaust system on the R is also lighter than that on the regular 1098, due to the exhaust wall thickness being reduced by 30%.

Not just a speed demon, the Ducati 1098R benefits from the power of Brembo Monoblock brakes.

The trellis frame on the 1098R resembles that on the 1098, but Ducati promises "several modifications were required to allow it to be used on the racing bike in next year's World Superbike Championship." The R's swingarm is the same, except it has been painted black to compliment its racing look.

Although SBK teams are allowed to swap out suspension components, Ducati saw fit to equip its production racer with the best. As such, fully-adjustable Ohlins components adorn the R. The Ohlins TTX rear shock allows a rider to change the rear ride height of the bike, while the front fork sports low-friction Titanium Nitride sliders.

The Brembo Monobloc M4 calipers used on the 848 decorate the new R, although even larger 330mm rotors are sourced. Although larger in diameter, Ducati claims the disc weight has "not increased due to the use of racing-style narrow braking surfaces."

Overall claimed dry weight is a remarkable 364 lbs. Aiding in the feathery claim are Marchesini forged and machined wheels, which together tally a 4-lb weight reduction from the 1098S. Weight is also shaved by the liberal use of carbon fiber in some of the fairing components as well as the front fender.

The regular 1098 is not replaced by the larger-displacement R model. It will return with a new yellow color option, along with the Ohlins-equipped "S" model.

As a full-blooded racer, the 1098R sports wind-tunnel developed aerodynamics. White-background number-plate blisters on the front and tail fairings complete the racer look. Distinguishing itself from the its smaller-displacement namesakes, the 1098R also sports gold-colored wheels.

Ducati promises the red 1098R looks just as it will appear for the factory squad in the 2008 World Superbike series, when the marque's ace, Troy Bayliss, will try and claim his third SBK title. Far Less talented riders will be able to source Ducati's replica racer from their dealer for a princely sum of $39,995.

Ducati 1098 & 1098S

Although its smaller 848cc and 1198cc siblings get the limelight at Milan this year, the regular 1098cc 1098 will return for 2008. For '08 a yellow version of the regular 1098 will be available. The Ohlins-equipped "S" model also returns, not supplanted by the new "R" factory racer.