DUCATI LAUNCHES DESMOSEDICI GP IN STYLE:The Ducati GP team is known for its unusual press events, but the unveiling of the 2008 Desmosedici GP bike surprised even the most war-weary hack.
The bike got its first public outing at the Ferrari/Ducati Press Ski meeting where the Desmosedici GP was ridden on the iced-over Madonna di Campiglio lake in Northern Italy. Piloted by Vittoriano Guareschi, Ducati's test rider, those present were treated to the rare sight of seeing the new GP bike kicking up a huge spray of churned ice. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 799cc V4 four-stroke that produces "more than 200hp" the Desmosedici GP has a maximum speed beyond 310km/h but was barely modified for its outing on the ice. Ducati fitted special tyres with 640 spikes on the front and 580 on the rear, lowered the gearing and fitted a large rear sprocket.
BIKER GROUP SAYS UK SHOULD PROMOTE BIKING
David Taylor, chief executive of the UK's Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA), is calling for government, legislators, local authorities and transport planners to start treating motorcycling as a serious alternative to cars and public transport. The UK saw an 8.6 per cent increase in motorcycle, scooter and moped registrations last year and there are currently 1.2 million powered two-wheelers on UK roads. The organisation also wants to see better roads with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users, lower duty on bikes, the exemption of bikes from road pricing, parking and congestion charges as well as access to bus lanes and secure parking facilities.
ACUMEN NEW HID LIGHTING SYSTEM
UK bike electronics specialists, Acumen, has released a new HID, High Intensity Discharge, headlamp system designed specifically for motorcycles. The light produced by the 35W xenon bulb is twice as bright as that produced by a 60W halogen bulb while the bulb life is around 4,500 hours - three times the life of a standard light. The units start at around €180 and are available on www.acumen-electronics.co.uk.
SUZUKI UNVEILS BANDIT 1250 GRAND TOURING
Suzuki's UK subsidiary has announced details of its new Bandit 1250 Grand Touring. The GT is based on the standard Bandit 1250SA ABS, but comes with extras including full fairing, panniers and a top box plus a Garmin Zumo GPS system with special Suzuki software that ties in with a community website. At £6,799 (€9,121), the GT represents a saving of £500 (€671) compared to a standard Bandit with the options added individually. The new Bandit GT goes on sale in the UK later this month.
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