Meeting with Pierre Terblanche: Ducati Unitard
What the heck am I doing next year? Had a short get together with Pierre, and we discussed possible options for the Hypermotard - something that I am very interested in. Owing to that, read this and let me know what you think:
November 08, 2006
A Legend in the Making.
Ducati Unitard to debut at Intermot Show, Milan.
Ducati Corse will unveil its radical and ground-breaking concept bike in less than two weeks, the Ducati Unitard, at the Intermot Bike Show, in Milan, Italy. More than just a concept, the Unitard represents a quantum leap forward in motorcycle design, and is destined to become the first of a new family of Ducati Sportcycles. The Ducati Unitard combines revolutionary engineering with progressive styling to take motorcycling to the next level in performance and style, while still being affordable to the consumer.
Owing to its rich and innovative racing solutions, the Ducati Unitard is designed to maximize the potential of the testastretta four valve, L-twin engine by housing the motor in a chassis that features just one wheel. The engineers at the Borgo Pamigale factory have elected to capitalize upon their successful partnerships with MotoGP tire supplier, Bridgestone, and electronics supplier, Magnetti Marelli, and utilizing the information gained through race research, have birthed a new breed of motorcycle with a simple and elegant design which allows for unprecedented advances in motorcycle handling and performance. With the lightest weight of any production Ducati, a Dual Spark 1000 engine, and the fantastic vision of the Ducati Corse engineering team, the Unitard promises to deliver an unparalleled riding experience that can only be found on a Ducati.
The Ducati Unitard retains several design elements of previous Ducati racebikes, such as the trademark trellis frame, and booming, high-torque, L-Twin engine, but all similarities end there, as the Unitard boldly forges ahead into previously undiscovered territory, and into legend. Eschewing the traditional inverted front fork and wheel assembly, the Unitard effectively rolls on a single Ohlins rear shock and wide wheel, reducing the total vehicle weight, the complexity of the frame, and the cost to deliver this stunning machine to the public. Handling is precise and immediate, as turning the motorcycle requires little more than a gentle twist of the frame mounted control sticks. Secondary benefits of the single wheel design include less rolling resistance of the wheel, reduced maintenance costs, reduced production costs, and an exclusivity that no other marque aside from Ducati can hope to aspire to.
Previously unimaginable, the Unitard was created to showcase new technologies developed in conjunction with electronics supplier, Magnetti Marelli, and this marvel of a machine proves that it is more than capable. With a unique and proprietary traction control system, Unitard riders will never have to fear flipping over backwards, or spinning out of control mid-corner. A unique slipper clutch and internal gyroscopic retradyne create a stopping force incomparable with anything on the market today. Making the most of the sophisticated traction control electronics, the Unitard will feature a specially designed 600mm Bridgestone tire, capable of sustained high speeds and unmatched cornering ability. Similarly, low speed work will be nothing more than a second thought, with U-turns being accomplished in as small a space as three feet!
With production times cut roughly in half, Ducati will begin producing the Unitard immediately, and hopes to have debut models in dealer showrooms by winter's end - just in time for spring. Pricing is yet to be determined, but expect Limited Edition UnitardS and UnitardRR race models, and also an enclosed, saddlebag equipped touring version, the Tournitard.