Comparative bike tests with plenty of track time are popular magazine articles, but this is the shootout I really want to see – the Ducati superbike/supersport shootout. In this, you’d take the 4 valve Dukes from down the years and pit them on track and a bit of road with some top riders (Neil MacKenzie, James Whitham et al). The bikes would preferably be the base or S models (rather than the exotic R’s) and as stock as possible: 888 (because the most developed of the 851 range) 916 (or maybe 996 – that didn’t have the Testastretta motor, did it?) 748 999 749 1098 (possibly 1198) 848 1199 899 You would get Ducati on board to provide a free service to owners who lent their bikes (so that they would be in top form). You would get a couple of magazines involved to handle the expense – a Brit mag and someone like Motorrad, or Motociclismo or whatever. Use a track that has a bit of everything – ie, not a kart track and not the fastest one. Do all the bhp and torque measuring, much like the Americans did. Now that would be a test I’d pay to read. How much real progress has been made in 20 years in terms of lap times within one marque? How competitive are the smaller bikes compared to the bigger versions? How much fun are they to ride on the road? Maybe bike journalists who read this forum could pick up on the idea – or members can prod it to influential people they know. Great PR for Ducati!
As the bikes got newer they'd go quicker with pro riders on right up to the 1199, Not sure it would tell us anything we don't know. I've owned all those except 888/899 and my favourite chassis is the 996 and engine is the 1198, I'd still read the article tho
If the anecdotal evidence is to be believed, it should also include a Diavel. Now that would be interesting. (As long as the pictures of said bike are pixellated like faces and number plates on google street view)
Yes. Traction control, similar power, lighter (I suspect) easier to ride fast. Sure Shakey may prefer it but, in std trim, he'd be quicker on the Pani ;-)
