Ducati North
America has unveiled a 175 hp, 362 lb two-wheeled tribute to the historic "Martini Racing" Porsches of years past
at the Monterey Historic Weekend. The one of a kind Martini-Ducati was the idea of
Ducati’s North American CEO and Public Relations Manager, both major fans of the
Martini-Porsche competition sports cars of years past.
The Martini
Racing Superbike project began life as a 1098
S Superbike, and was outfitted with most of the Ducati Performance accessories catalogue. Upon completion, it was decided the bike needed a special paint
scheme to accent the significant modifications performed to make it the ultimate
street/track weapon. With the bike to be shown at the Rolex Monterey Historic
Automobile Races, held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Martini was a natural
choice and the scheme was designed and painted right away. It has been embraced
as the ultimate expression of a custom Ducati Superbike since its initial
showing within the motorcycle industry.
Modifications to the Ducati 1098 S include: racing camshafts, race pistons and
titanium connecting rods; all connected to a lightened crankshaft. Chassis
modification includes magnesium wheels, a World Superbike racing-spec gearbox,
1/4 turn throttle for instant response, billet racing footpegs, Ohlins
suspension, titanium exhaust with 70mm tubing and carbon mufflers, and numerous
carbon fibre panels- all from Ducati’s own performance catalogue. As the project
came together, several of Ducati’s friends and partners also took part in the
celebration.
As a result of
Shell’s dedication to motorsport throughout the decades in
Formula One, the Le Mans Series and more recently in MotoGP
and Superbike with Ducati Corse, Shell also supported this
bike project.
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterised by
unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall
technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments
which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers:
Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, SportClassic and Hypermotard.
The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a
primary focus in the Western European, North American and Japan markets. Ducati
competes in the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In World
Superbike, Ducati won both the 2008 Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles, bringing
the total to 15 of the last 18 Manufacturers’ titles and 13 Riders’ titles.
Competing in MotoGP since 2003, Ducati won both the Constructors’ and Riders’
world titles in 2007.
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