Filippo Preziosi explains technical aspects of the GP12 Ducati Team

The second day of the Wrooom Press Ski Meeting at Madonna di Campiglio saw Filippo Preziosi (Ducati Corse General Manager) inform the international press regarding the technical aspects of the Desmosedici GP12 that Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will ride in the upcoming test at Sepang (31 January - 2 February).

"As is the case every year, it's a pleasure to kick off our season in such a nice setting as Madonna di Campiglio," Preziosi began before providing a brief summary of the work schedule that led to the assembly of the GP12, currently taking place in Borgo Panigale. "Over the recent months, we followed an intensive, consistent test program, which culminated with the two-day post-race test in Valencia. By analyzing the data-acquisition information, the riders' comments and the setup sheets, we defined the target values for the new frame geometry. Now, with Jeremy (Burgess), Juan (Martinez) and our riders, we'll work at the track to define the bike's base setup so that we can then proceed with the customary development work that's typically done during winter testing, with the goal of starting a trend of improvement in terms of competitiveness. Normally, it takes two years to complete the process from the calculation stage, to design, to component construction, to test-bench ‘shakedown,' to track testing, to racing. By compressing this process down to a span of just months, we've accepted a challenge that we know will be very difficult, but we believe it's possible. All this is thanks to the extraordinary group that includes Valentino and Nicky, who last year agreed to a number of tests that often affected their performance, as well as our team, our designers and our sponsors-in particular the Title Sponsor, a partner that has always been steadfastly at our side. Ducati is a company that has already faced significant challenges in the past, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Tomorrow, Wrooom will be dedicated to the Ferrari drivers, so Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden will have the chance to enjoy Madonna di Campiglio before the final day, featuring the kart and auto exhibition with the riders and drivers on the town's frozen lake.

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Ducati Monster 696

Monster Story

In 1992 Ducati unveiled a new prototype that was to become an icon. Ducati's creation awed the crowds and the world's media of that year's Cologne International Motorcycle show. The 900 Monster was a motorcycle that created a truly new niche - dramatically styled, minimalist in stature yet bristling with innovative engineering solutions. The Monster's radical styling has also provided the inspiration for an entire after-market sector specialising in hot-rod parts for this legendary machine. For this reason, rarely do you see two Monsters the same. This radical and refreshing design departure also influenced other manufacturers but, as the old adage states: imitation is the highest form of flattery... The Monster is characterised by a long and successful history, by its introduction during the years of numerous cylinders and uncountable colour options, but above all by a constant technological evolution that this year brings us to the birth of the last version: the Monster 1100EVO, "The Ultimate Monster".

Price : $8995

ENGINE

APTC
The APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilizing of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys. The 21-plate oil-bath clutch (11 friction and 10 steel) represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

Desmodue
The engine of the Monster 696 is the legendary Desmodue, 696cc, air cooled, Dual Spark L-Twin engine whose 80hp gives it that unmistakable Ducati sound. Developed for an incredibly flexible power delivery, the 696 Desmodromic engine provides enough torque to exit the most challenging of corners. The impressive torque, typical of the Ducati L-Twin engines, will excite with every twist of the throttle.

Lightweight Crankcases
The new crankcases hug the gearbox internals much closer to create a smaller and more compact outer profile and achieve considerable weight savings over previous cases.

Exhaust System
Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current noise and emissions regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster 696 definitely provides the L-Twin sound famous of Ducati. Its bold, high-level twin mufflers also make a striking style statement.

The exhaust system on the 696 has one Lambda probe dedicated to each cylinder, enabling precise fuelling for a smoother power delivery as well as complying with current emission regulations.

Power & Torque Curves
The Monster 696 produces 80hp (58,8kW) @ 9,000rpm and 50,6lb-ft (7,0kgm) of torque @ 7,750rpm

CHASSIS

Marzocchi Forks
Outstanding grip and unbeatable riding comfort are ensured by a 43 mm Marzocchi upside down stanchion fork, which provides 120 mm of suspension travel.

Aluminium Swingarm
The GP-style swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Lightweight Construction
Every carefully selected component of the Monster 696 has a net benefit to the overall light weight of the machine. The dry weight of 161kgs (355lb) has dramatic effects on not just manoeuvrability and ease of use, but also by contributing directly to increased performance, braking and acceleration.

Sachs Rear Suspension
At the rear, a Sachs monoshock unit with progressive linkage provide a wide spectrum of both spring and damping settings. 

Brembo Brakes
The latest in Brembo braking hardware delivers exceptional braking power front and rear to improve rider safety. At the front, 320mm floating discs are gripped by four-piston, radially mounted callipers, while a 245mm floating rear disc works in combination with a twin-piston calliper. This powerful braking set-up offers unrivalled feel and feedback making the 696 safer across a broader spectrum of riding abilities. 

Monster Trellis
An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of the Monster. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the chassis design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity. A separate, all aluminium sub-frame saves weight and adds a pleasing continuity with the aluminium footrest hangers and matte finished swingarm.

Lightweight 3-Spoke Wheels
Lightweight 3-spoke aluminium alloy wheels increase agility and reduce rider effort. The 3.50x17 front wheel wears a 120/60ZR tyre while the 4.50x17 rear wheel runs 160/60ZR rubber. By resisting the temptation to over-tyre the 696 for styling’s sake, the end result is light, predictable and confidence inspiring steering qualities at a wide range of speeds with truly outstanding stability.

Seat Height
The riding position of the Monster 696 has been specifically designed to put you firmly in control. The seat height is only 770mm (30.3in), making it easier for get both feet firmly planted on the ground.

Ergonomics
The heavily tapered and deeply sculpted fuel tank cover allows maximum comfort and control. The narrowing of the bike's ‘waist’ has the same effect as lowering the seat height, making it easier for more riders to get both feet flat on the floor.

The steering-lock is vastly improved with a useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel. Incredible attention to detail has gone into maximising the effective steering-lock.

EQUIPMENT

LED Taillight
An LED rear light unit satisfies the minimalist, weight-saving design ethos found throughout the Monster 696. The specially designed strip of LED are enhanced by a special diffuser lens to deliver outstanding light clarity and incredible longevity.nFor the Monster 1100EVO, even the license plate light uses LED technology.

Silencer Covers
The new silencer guards feature a longer shape and provide improved heat protection.

M696 ABS
For the first time since its debut, the Ducati Monster is available with ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Unlike the majority of motorcycle ABS set-ups, this system has the advantage of ensuring a more natural braking ‘feel’ for the rider.
The Monster 696 ABS is equipped with ABS, the single seat cover and the neat micro-bikini fairing.

Headlight
The triple-parabola headlight on the Monster utilises the latest optical technology and advanced construction techniques to provide an incredibly compact lighting package. In spite of its compact size, the headlight throws a broad and deep beam to provide excellent visibility and make night riding safer. Viewed from the side, its discrete silhouette mimics the radical shape of the fuel tank.

Instrumentation
Visually simple digital instrumentation provides an array of data on command or, at a glance, just speed and revs. Information available at your fingertip include: scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip odometer, lap time, fuel reserve, warning light for low oil pressure, turn signals, over-rev warning, immobilizer and neutral warning light.

Stopwatch
The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.

DDA Ready
The instrument display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The bike has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of special DDA software and a memory key that slots into a plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new battery charger available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

Adjustable Levers
The new user-friendly brake and clutch with 4-point adjustable levers provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes.

More about → Ducati Monster 696

Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden ready to return to action with the Ducati GP12

The Ducati Team riders were the stars of the first day of Wrooom 2012 at Madonna di Campiglio, with Nicky Hayden first to "take to the track" and answer questions from the international press in attendance. The American, who is recovering well enough from his injured left scapula that he has already removed his sling, then passed the baton to a pleased Valentino Rossi, who is motivated to get back in the saddle and start winter testing in just over two weeks.

"I'm much better," confirmed Nicky Hayden, "so I've been able to remove the sling right on schedule. Here at Madonna di Campiglio, I'm starting to do a little training on a stationary bicycle under the supervision of the team physiotherapist, with the goal of being ready for the Sepang test (31 January - 2 February) as strong as possible. I can't wait to ride the GP12, because it will be my first time ever. I wasn't able to try it in the post-race test at Valencia, and I definitely won't miss the next chance. I never made any secret that I prefer the new displacement to the 800s, although I think things will be much different than in 2006, beginning with the tyres, and the electronics have also come a long way. We'll have more power, and we'll have to find the right balance between controlling it while still taking as much advantage of it as we can. I've stayed in contact with Filippo (Preziosi) and the guys in the Ducati Corse department over the winter, and I know they've worked really hard. We'll have a lot of things to try at Sepang. I know it won't be easy, but I'm also confident that we can start to reduce the gap between now and the first race at Qatar. I believe in Ducati, this project and Filippo, and I want to get back on my Ducati as soon as possible."

"We're starting with a different spirit," Valentino Rossi began with a smile. "When I came to Wrooom, I was still healing from my shoulder operation, and after that, the season didn't go at all like we'd hoped. For this year, Filippo (Preziosi) designed a different bike, and they've made a big effort at Ducati to have it in time for the start of the winter tests. I visited the factory and saw it on a computer, and it's beautiful. We're not expecting it to be immediately perfect at Sepang, but rather to understand if we've worked in the proper direction. We're very realistic, and our goal is to reduce the gap to our competition, step by step, working in a logical way, and from there to be able to refine the details in order to be competitive and to try and win. One of the most important things for going fast is to make the tyres work as they're able to, so together with Filippo, we've tried to come up with a bike that will let them perform as well as possible. We'll see if we've managed it. I like working with Ducati. I feel good here because there's a nice atmosphere and we all have faith."

Wrooom continues tomorrow with the press conference for Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Manager, who will go into detail on the bike's development and the technical program.

More about → Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden ready to return to action with the Ducati GP12

Tips from the Master Kevin Schwantz

We ran across a list of track tips attributed to Kevin Schwantz to make your first track day better. We trimmed down the list and will be looking at a few of the items in detail. We are focusing on tips for setting up for a turn and getting through the turn. The list of tips from Kevin Schwantz:

1. Go slow when learning a new track. Get the flow first. - During your first session if the track is new to you, take it easy on your first two laps. See if you can get a map of the track to help familiarize yourself with the track before you ever put your motorcycle on the track.
2. Find and use reference points for braking, turn-in and apex. - Look for the objects around the track that do not move that you can use for your reference points. Many tracks will have signs up before the turns indicating feet before the turn that you can use for braking reference points.
3. Get body position set for corners early. - Do not wait till you are already leaning the motorcycle over into the turn and then decide at the last second to get your body off the bike. Get your butt off the seat as you start your braking.
4. Get hard braking done early; don't wait till you see God! - Starting breaking at the first brake marker you selected earlier and marked down on the track map after your first session. As you pick up the pace and start getting faster you can start braking a little later. Just be sure that the hard breaking is done as you hit your breaking reference point, not your turn in point.
5. Hang off slightly--and comfortably--in corners. - Hanging off your motorcycle is unique to each rider. Hang off at your comfort level, your knee does not have to touch the track on your first outing. Progress slowly and see what works for you. Start by getting half your butt off the seat.
6. Ease off the brakes smoothly as you lean the bike into a corner. - You should be done braking by the time you hit your turn in point. As you approach your turn in point you should be letting off the brake lever slowly. So when it is time to turn your braking has been completed and you can focus on the turn.
7. Get to neutral throttle ASAP approaching the apex. - Get the throttle turned to the point where you are at a constant speed and can complete the turn. Keep the throttle to that point and leave it there.
8. Apply smooth but forceful throttle exiting a corner. - When you are exiting the turn you can start to twist the throttle to add more speed. On you first few laps wait till the bike is fully upright then slowly add more throttle. Do not open the throttle so fast that you start pulling the front wheel off the ground.

We located video that has two riders on a track. The video was taken at Jennings GP located in Jennings Florida. We have provided time codes for turn 1 on this track. This turn is a very unique double apex turn. The braking markers can be seen on the right side of the track as the rider approaches the turn. There are also turn in markers indicated next to the track with an arrow to turn. On the video next to the track you will also see round orange dots that can be used as reference points.

• 1:34 to 1:47
• 2:57 to 3:10
• 4:15 to 4:29
• 5:36 to 5:46
• 7:00 to 7:10

We consulted Greg Melka CCS Racing #2, the rider with the camera in the video, to get more insight on turn 1 at Jennings GP. Greg suggested that you need to start setting up for the turn on the front straight by heading to the right side of the track. Use the brake markers on the right of the track to set where you will start braking.

Start looking into the turn, look for the first orange dot. You should be off the brakes when you are starting to make the turn. Roll off the throttle and get it to the point so you motorcycle settles in. When you can see the 2nd orange dot in the turn start to drift out to the center of the track and hold it there. Look for the next orange dot on the right side of the track. By the time the motorcycle is at the orange dot you should have the bike stood up and you can roll on the throttle.

More about → Tips from the Master Kevin Schwantz

Buell Lightning XB12Ss

Price

It will require $10,495 in order to find its place in your garage, but it will soon end up being your most attractive piece of machinery. The street fighter you’ve always dreamed about is here to make a good impression.

Engine and Transmission

Engine: Air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45 degree V-Twin

Valve Train: OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting

Bore x Stroke: 3.50 in. x 3.81 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82mm)

Displacement: 73.40 cu. in. (1203cc)

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Fuel Delivery: 49 mm down draft DDFI |||| fuel injection

Intake: Zero-resistance airbox

Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized
mounting

Torque: 84 ft. lbs. @ 6000 rpm (113.90 NM @ 6000 rpm)

Horsepower: 103 hp @ 6800 rpm

Starting: 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement

Lubrication: Dry sump

Oil Capacity: 2.50 qts. (2.37 L)

Oil Filtration: Screw-on disposable element

Primary Drive: Chain, 1.5:1 (57/38) ratio

Final Drive: Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Goodyear Hibrex belt with
Flexterr Plus technology, 2.407:1 (65/27) ratio

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated

Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh

Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.648

2nd: 1.892

3rd: 1.407

4th: 1.166

5th: 1.000

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Aluminum frame with Uniplanar powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame

Front Fork: 43mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound
damping and spring preload

Rear Shock: Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload

Front Wheel: Cherry Bomb Translucent or Designer Black Powdercoat 6-spoke, ZTL cast aluminum 3.50 in. x 17 in.

Rear Wheel: 6-spoke, cast aluminum, 5.50 in. x 17 in.

Front Brakes: ZTL-type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor.

Rear Brakes: Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor

Front Wheel Suspension Travel: 4.72 in. (119.89 mm)

Rear Wheel Suspension Travel: 4.97 in. (126.24 mm)

Overall Length: 81.50 in. (2070.10mm)

Overall Width: 29.70 in. (754.38 mm)

Seat Height: 30.50 in. (774.70 mm)

Ground Clearance: 4.66 in. (118.36 mm)

Rake: 23.5 degrees

Fork Angle: 22.0 degrees

Lean Angle:

Soft Contact, Right: 42 degrees

Soft Contact, Left: 42 degrees

Hard Contact, Right: 50 degrees

Hard Contact, Left: 48 degrees

Trail: 4.70 in. (119.38 mm)

Wheelbase: 54 in. (1371.60 mm)

Front Tire: 120/70 ZR-17 Pirelli

Rear Tire: 180/55 ZR-17 Pirelli

Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gal. (16.66 L)

Reserve Fuel Capacity: 0.83 gal. (3.14 L)

Fuel Economy: 48/65 mpg (4.90/3.62 L/100 km)

Dry Weight: 400 lbs. (181.44 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 850 lbs. (385.55 kg)

Load Capacity: 381 lbs. (172.82 kg)

More about → Buell Lightning XB12Ss

Buell Firebolt XB12R

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Engine Thunderstorm 1203 air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45 degree V-twin
Displacement 73.4 cu in (1,203 cc)
Bore 3.5 in. (88.9 mm)
Stroke 3.812 in. (96.82 mm)
Peak Torque per SAE J607, North America 84 ft-lb (114 Nm)
Peak Torque RPM per SAE J607, North America 6,000
Peak Horsepower per SAE J607, North America 103 hp (77 kW)
Peak Horsepower RPM per SAE J607, North America 6,800
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Mileage per US EPA Urban Trace, CITY6
48 mpg (4.9 l/100 km)
Mileage per US EPA HIGHWAY Fuel Economy Test6
65 mpg (3.6 l/100 km)
Intake Zero-resistance airbox

Primary Drive Type Chain
Primary Drive Ratio 1.500 (57/38)
Secondary Drive Type7
Constant path, 14mm pitch aramid reinforced Hibrex(R) belt with Flexten(R) Plus technology.
Secondary Drive Member Pitch Length (# of Teeth or # of Links) 128
Secondary Drive Ratio 2.407 (65/27)
Transmission type 5-speed, Helical gear design
Transmission Ratio, 1st 2.648
Transmission Ratio, 2nd 1.892
Transmission Ratio, 3rd 1.407
Transmission Ratio, 4th 1.166
Transmission Ratio, 5th 1
Transmission Ratio, 6th

Chassis and Dimensions

Front Brake ZTL-2 (tm) Braking System
Front Rotor and Caliper Configuration 8-piston, fixed caliper. Single-sided, inside-out, floating rotor.
Front Rotor Size, OD 14.77 in. (375 mm)
Number of Front Brake Rotors 1
Rear Rotor and Caliper Configuration Single-piston, floating caliper. Fixed rotor.
Rear Brake
Rear Rotor Size, OD 9.45 in. (240 mm)
Rear Suspension Type and Configuration Fully adjustable (adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload), coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir.
Front Suspension Type and Configuration Fully adjustable (adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload) inverted forks.
Front Fork Slider Tube Diameter 1.69 in. (42.9 mm)
Fork Lock Availability (true or false) True
Suspension Travel, Front Wheel, Along Fork Line 4.72 in. (120 mm)
Suspension Travel, Rear Wheel, Vertical 5.06 in. (129 mm)

Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Soft Contact, Left (degrees)8
47°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Soft Contact, Right (degrees)8
47°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Hard Contact, Left (degrees)8
48°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Hard Contact, Right (degrees)8
50°

Frame Aluminum frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system - FUEL IN FRAME
Swingarm Description Cast aluminum swingarm with detachable brace. OIL IN SWINGARM.

Overall Length 276.2 in. (1,935 mm)
Seat Height, Laden 330.5 in. (775 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 31.9 in. (810 mm)
Overall Width without mirrors428.1 in. (714 mm)
Ground Clearance, Unladen24.35 in. (110 mm)
Rake (Steering Head Angle) at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Fork Angle at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Trail at Ride Height 3.3 in. (84 mm)
Wheelbase, Unladen 52 in. (1,321 mm)
Fuel Capacity, Total 3.82 gal. (14.5 l)
Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.8 l)
Oil Capacity 52.5 qt. (2.4 l)
Dry Weight 395 lb. (179 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lb. (386 kg)
Load Carrying Capacity 379 lb. (172 kg)

Wheels and Tires

Tire Brand and Model, Front Pirelli Corsa III
Tire Brand and Model, Rear Pirelli Corsa III
Tire Size Designator, Front 120/70 ZR-17
Tire Size Designator, Rear 180/55 ZR-17
Wheel Type, Front 6-spoke, ZTL, cast aluminum front wheel.
Wheel Type, Rear 6-spoke, cast-aluminum rear wheel.
Wheel Size, Front (width x dia) (in) 3.5x17
Wheel Size, Rear (width x dia) (in) 5.5x17

Electrical

Battery Type and Specifications Sealed Lead Acid, maintenance-free, 12-volt, 12 amp-hour (per Battery Council International rating), 200 cca.
Charging System Specifications 30-amp max permanent magnet single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405 watts@3,000 rpm, 405 watts peak)
Starter System Specifications 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Headlamp Type and Wattages (high, low and position lamp) Twin-projector beam (H3). 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam. 3-watt position lamp (EUR, ENG, JPN, AUS).
Tail Light Wattages (stop and running) .55W for tail light, 5W for stop light
Turn Signal Lights Type (manual or self-canceling) and Wattage Manual canceling, 10w.
License Plate Lamp Wattage 5w

Miscellaneous

Windscreen or Flyscreen

U.S. MSRP

Sunfire Yellow $10,299
Midnight Black $10,299

Color Options

Midnight Black, Racing Red, Arctic White/Black

Colors/Finishes/Graphics

Body Work (molded in color) Sunfire Yellow, Midnight Black Frame Phantom Metallic
Wheels Hero Blue Translucent (on Midnight Black body) or Midnight Black (on Sunfire Yellow body)

More about → Buell Firebolt XB12R