This week's bike news
Ferrari AF1 in Isle of Man TT races
IT WAS announced that the Ferrari Motor company will enter its new motorcycle – the AF1 – in the 2009 Isle of Man TT Races.
The team, led by ex-Honda boss Barry Symmons, will take part in the Superstock Race and the Senior TT. The rider has yet to be announced.
Michael Schumacher helped develop the machine, which features a monocoque design, with the fuel carried beneath the engine. It weighs just 177kg and lubricants are carried in the swinging arm.
“This machine will usher in a new era for Ferrari. We are in the final stages of buying the contract of one of the TT’s greatest stars to ride the bike. I cannot say more at this stage,” said Mr Symmons.
Ducati's new scrambler bike
RUMOURS ARE circulating that Ducati is proposing an new all-purpose scrambler motorcycle for young riders.
The Desmoscrambler 696 should be based on an L twin 696. According to reports from Italian motorcycle designer Oberdan Bezzi, Ducati is planning a more “basic range of motorcycles”.
Details of Ducati Streetfighter
DETAILS OF the new Ducati Streetfighter were revealed in Spain.
The 156hp bike weighs in at a nifty 167kg dry, making it 17kg lighter than the bike it replaces – the S4RS.
It’s a hybrid of the 1098 and 1198’s engines, but with a shorter frame. Also, the tank is one inch shorter and the seat unit is three inches shorter than the 1098.