Ducati’s heart is racing. We know. The Italian brand has long been showing the public a dream bike. A motorcycle with incredible performance and features. A bike able to surprise its fans. The Japanese brand Honda and Kawasaki, such as, have the RC 213-V and the Ninja H2R. Now, it looks like that Ducati wants to respond to rivals with the new Ducati Project 1408.
A Motorcycle for some selected customers
A few days ago, Ducati created a site with restricted access. So, some selected customers can preview the new Ducati Project 1408. What’s on this site? A bike covered, some not-too-detailed technical about the frame, the swingarm and little else.
However, the Ducati Project 1408 will be “the most powerful twin-cylinder ever.” This will be the Ducati brand’s number one motorcycle? Although it won’t be a true race replica with V4 engine, the wait is high.
It will have a limited production. The price will be very high. 80.000 euros or more. If you want to discover it, you have to wait until November 7. When Ducati will reveal the latest new models of 2016 Eicma. In Milan, we will see the first production motorcycle with carbon fibre structural parts from the frame through to the swingarm, rims, provided by BST, with only aluminium hubs. Also, the final version might even have the exhaust system identical to that of the official SBK of Davies and Giugliano.
Why the twin-cylinder Ducati Project 1408 won’t be over 1400 cm3?
Because the Superquadro engine has already reached its maximum cubage (1285 cm3) with 1299. Theoretically, you could still increase the displacement. But Ducati technicians should redesign too many components. His numbers, 1408, instead, show the year (2014) and month (August). The date when Ducati revealed officially its ambitious project.
While the Ducati Project 1408 is ready for EICMA, the new V4 engine continues its development. It tests the “real world”, with a new chassis. If the program will continue, we could see the new Ducati Supersport at 2017 EICMA. So, we will watch a new motorcycle, which will have a true V4 engine. The Italian brand has already produced a V4. The Desmosedici RR, a road bike that is inspired by MotoGP. However, it cannot be considered a product of a great series.
Today it is over Supersport bikes. Also, it’s quite expensive to produce. According to Ducati engineers, the 1198 cm3 and 1285 cm3 units can easily approve like Euro 4. Currently only the Panigale 959 exceeds this type of certification and the full range of non-sports are constructed or around the Testastretta or air cooled engines.
Now the Superquadro costs too much
After the arrival of the V4 super sport, Ducati should spend much money and re-engineer many models to integrate the big Superquadro in the its range.
