The Ducati boys have been busy lately testing the new GP12 at Jerez. Nicky Hayden jokingly tweeted earlier today, “That rossi guy i was talking bout looks pretty good out there. He might have future at this stuff if he stay wit it. keep a eye out 4 him..” Some of Nicky’s followers speculated about Rossi’s lap times aboard the new GP12 machine but Nicky was not able to confirm/deny. (Side note: follow Nicky on Twitter – @NickyHayden69). “I’m happy,” Valentino Rossi said after the test. “I like the GP12. In my opinion, it’s more enjoyable, more fun to ride. It was the first time we had it on the track, so we had some work to do, but the engine is nicer. It’s a lot of fun, and you can do some nice slides. It’s the bike we’ll ride next year, so it was very important—and also very nice—to be among the first to take it on the track.”
Courtesy HellForLeatherMagazine/Ducati Motor Holding
First post since November? Sigh. While motorcycles are undoubtedly my passion, the 9 to 5 job is what pays the bills. When things got hectic on that side of life, I was forced to step away from the site for a while. The plan is to set aside more time to get back to posting regular updates so … welcome back!
Ferrari’s 458 Italia is admittedly badass. It’s hard to deny the allure of a 557hp V-8 that revs to 9000rpms and there isn’t much on the street these days that can match its performance potential… on four wheels that is. Motor Trend brings us the latest episode in the ongoing, “Car vs. Bike” argument by pitting the Ferrari 458 against the Ducati 1198s in drag strip and road course comparisons. The results shouldn’t shock you…
My first bike was a Honda Nighthawk 250. I absolutely loved that bike although I’m sure if it could share its feelings on our relationship it would tell you I rode it like I hated it. I blame being a teenager lacking the fear (or sensibility) gene and the poor Honda not having a tach. I worked those 250cc’s for all they were worth and probably looked a little crazy in a sportbike tuck on the ancient entry level standard. Let’s face it, the Nighthawk was never much of a looker and the technology was just as dated. Flash forward to today and companies like KTM are making sure that teenagers and new riders of all ages have the opportunity to get into the two wheel lifestyle while looking like a proper badass.
The 125cc mini-Duke from KTM will only crank out 15bhp but with a claimed weight of just 276lbs with a full tank of gas that should be plenty for new riders. Hell I’d probably pick one up myself if they came to the US. For more info, check out www.125duke.com.
