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First shots - Ducati's Xtreme

SPIED: Details are still sketchy on Ducati's 1198 replacement. <a href="http://preview.wheels24.co.za/Galleries/Image/Special/Ducati Xtreme (Spy)" target="_blank"> Picture gallery.</a>
SPIED: Details are still sketchy on Ducati's 1198 replacement. <a href="http://preview.wheels24.co.za/Galleries/Image/Special/Ducati Xtreme (Spy)" target="_blank"> Picture gallery.</a>
Italian motorcycle magazine Motociclismo has managed to get access to several photos of Ducati’s new superbike which, according to the mag, will be called the Ducati Xtreme.

Although no photos of the bike as a whole have been published, it is possible to get a pretty decent idea of what we can expect from the machine that will  replace the 1198.

The most obvious new design detail is the headlights, slanted to help direct air to the intakes directly beneath them. LED running lights follow their contours.

WEIGHT REDUCTION

The Xtreme has also moved away from the traditional trellis frame of the 1198, instead opting for an aluminium monocoque chassis as used on the Desmosedici. Instead of a separate chassis, this arrangement uses the bike’s engine as a central element that connects everything.

Although this approach does bring a small advantage of weight reduction with it, the greatest benefit is more compact dimensions which gives the company more design freedom for the bodywork. A monocoque chassis also provides better torsional rigidity and superior engine cooling.

PLENTY STILL TO KNOW

At the heart of the Xtreme is a completely new engine, one very different to the L-twin architecture that went before it. Generally referred to as the “Superquadrata”, this all-new V-twin has an ultra-short stroke and appears to feature a gear rather than a belt-driven camshaft.

There is plenty we still don’t know about the new bike – such as the exhaust set-up the company has chosen and what the rear and swingarm will look like.

For the time being, these picture certainly point to a very exciting new contender in the highly competitive litre superbike segment.

When we have more, so will you...
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