Street Clothes For Ducati's V-Four
STREET CLOTHES FOR DUCATI'S V-FOUR
RUMORS OF ROAD-GOING derivatives of the new MotoGP four-strokes began circulating before the revolutionary machines even turned a wheel on the racetrack. So far, though, no one has brought to market anything duplicating that being raced. Ducati may soon change all that with a civilian version of its Grand Prix-winning Desmosedici.
When the Desmosedici was unveiled at World Ducati Week in
June, 2001, Ducati Corse General Manager Claudio Domenicali and Technical Director Filippo Preziosi were asked if there would also be a streetbike. Both denied the possibility of turning the just-unwrapped prototype into a production item, given the sophisticated nature of the project.
Now, rumor has it that not only will the Bologna bikemaker introduce a Desmosedicibased sportbike, but that said machine will make no less than
160 horsepower and weigh approximately 420 pounds. Reportedly close to completion, the all-new engine may differ greatly from the 220-bhp V-Four that powers the 200-mph factory racers of Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss. Still, even an altered spin-off would have superb sales potential, particularly if it retains the racer’s looks-no additional intakes, louvers or vents, Pierre, please! One thing is certain: It won’t be cheap. -Bruno de Prato
