Bologna catwalk

Italians are truly passionate about five things— pizzas, pastas, the weather, and of course, their women.But, when it comes to motorcycles —this passion takes obsessive overtones. Little wonder then that every automobile rolling out of Italy has class written all over it. Ducati bikes, made in Bologna, are no different. And now, these are set to burn our roads. Here’s what’s in store.

The 1098R

The pedigree here is unblemished; after all, the 1098R is based on Ducati’s World Superbike Championship winning motorcycle. However, what really sets the 1098R apart from the competition is its styling, the exotic motorcycle parts and the superlative performance. The bike uses an 1198cc V-twin engine that puts out a staggering 180 bhp, making it the most powerful twin-cylinder bike in the world. And then, there’s the weight (or rather, the lack of it, really); at 165 kg, thanks to the lightened frame, it gives the bike a tremendous powerto-weight ratio. In the real world, however, the 1098R needs a bit of getting used to.

Get hard on the throttle and it’ll throw you back like an angry bull dumps a rodeo. Moreover, the 1098R is uncomfortable to ride on an everyday basis—the seating posture can hurt your wrists, and then the ride, especially for our roads, is just too bumpy. But, if you are a passionate spendthrift, there’s no better return on investment in terms of elation than the 1098R.
Specs: 1098R
Engine capacity: 1198cc
Max power: 180 bhp
Max torque: 134 Nm
Top speed: 300 kmph
Price: Rs 48 lakh

848

The 848 is a slightly more sensible option. It is Ducati’s middle-rung sports bike, and as smooth as a 600cc bike even as it delivers the top-end rush typical of a litre class motorcycle.

At 134 bhp, it is good for propelling the bike to an eye-searing top speed of over 250 kmph. It doesn’t sport the same top-spec cycle parts, of course, and it is not as exhilarating to ride as the 1098R. But, the 848 is better for daily riding and a tad more comfortable than the 1098. Most of all, it delivers almost the same (expensive) thrills, at a much lower price.
Specs: 848
Engine capacity: 849cc
Max power: 134 bhp
Max torque: 96 Nm
Top speed: 265 kmph
Price: Rs 21.7 lakh

Monster S4Rs Testastretta

The Monster range is important to Ducati. It has, above all, got the numbers that has made the Italian marque what it is today. And, the S4Rs is the most sexed-up version in this range. However, the styling here isn’t starkly different to the Monsters of yore, which first hit showrooms almost 15 years ago. With their exposed engines and the single-sided swing arm, these have the road presence of an Italian long-legged beauty—a little mature, but gorgeous nonetheless.

In the S4Rs’s guise, Ducati has also strapped on some high-end cycle parts from the super-sport range and given the engine more spunk. So, it remains up-to-date. There’s liberal use of carbon fibre and aluminium and the electronics have been updated as well. Unlike the 1098 and the 848, the S4Rs isn’t a raging bull on the road. It’s very sporty no doubt, and is very much at home on the track as well, but it’s even better on the road. The riding ergonomics are less demanding and the ride, more plush.
Specs: Monster S4Rs Testastretta
Engine capacity: 997cc
Max power: 130 bhp
Max torque: 104 Nm
Top speed: 235 kmph
Price: Rs 26.3 lakh

Hypermotard 1100

A ‘motard’ is a motorcycle that combines the attributes of an off-road bike with the dynamics of a regular one. So, it gets long travel suspension, a more upright seating posture and high ground clearance along with sharper steering, a nimble, sportier chassis, and sticky on-road tyres. Add an 1100cc, 90 bhp engine to the package, and you are looking at the most aggressive of the motard outcomes, the Ducati Hypermotard 1100. The engine is fuel-injected and aircooled, and offers much better driveability than any of the other Ducatis featured on these pages. To boot, it’s light and easy to handle for everyday use, and still accelerates quite spiritedly.

The ride is well sorted, too. And yes, it looks stunning all the same. What more could you ask of a bike on Indian roads? Ducati says the Hypermotard is designed to thrill. And given its attributes, we couldn’t agree more, especially in the Indian context where doing stunts on motorcycles these days seems to be a new religion. So, for all you extremely well-to-do “stunters”, get yourself the Hypermotard, because wheelies, stoppies, burnouts and even powerslides were never this easy.
Specs: Hypermotard 1100
Engine capacity: 1078cc
Max power: 90 bhp
Max torque: 103 Nm
Top speed: 201 kmph
Price: Rs 20.7 lakh

The Challengers

If Ducatis don’t do it for you, or you choose to save some of your hard earned money (actually, a lot of it), you can now legally buy the R1 and the MT-01 from Yamaha. The R1, like the 1098, is a thoroughbred race bike. It is as fast, as precise and entertaining around twisty roads, and brakes almost equally well. However, in terms of bragging rights, the R1 just isn’t up there with the 1098.

The MT-01, on the other hand, might be a better bet for the showboating types. It’s rare, and with its naked, monstrous looks, it’s a definite stand out. It gets loads of power, too, but just about average dynamics. So, the MT-01 goes like stink in a straight line, but around corners, it’s best if you have your prayers well revised.
Specs: MT-01
Engine capacity: 1670cc
Max power: 90 bhp
Max torque: 150 Nm
Top speed: 210 kmph
Price: Rs 10.5 lakh

Vikrant Singh is Road Test Editor, Auto Bild India and a bike expert