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Ducati Presents 2008 Line

Luxury Superbikes: While some might call Ducati the Ferrari of motorcycles, there definitely are others who would counter such corollary is appropriate only if it is Ferrari that would be the Ducati of automobiles. Pedigreed "cycle-trons" scoff at anyone claiming to know spit on bikes without keen awareness of Ducati's legend. It is for the casually knowledgeable types, such as myself, that such reference is offered.

More motor-sports events have been won on Ducati bikes than any other brand of motorcycle. Fourteen Superbike world records have been set on Ducatis. The company's engine designs are precedent setters. The 2008 line of Ducati bikes remains bleeding edge with the introductions of the new 848 model, the Monster 696, and the ultimate racer, the 1098 R.

North America is going to be seeing more Ducati red soon, as the fabled bike maker is pressing forward to increase the company's presence in the USA, according to Ducati's CEO Gabriele Del Torchio.

"Our future plans are clear and precise: Ducati will continue to be the leader in the premium-bike sector, confirming the passion, the Italian style, the unrivaled design, and the superior track-honed performance that make up our DNA."

Del Torchio further added, "The continuous growth that Ducati is experiencing is confirmed by positive economic and financial results. [Our] new products represent the results of the research and technological development that Ducati is offering this new range [of bikes]."

The newest 848 is a light and nimble middleweight sports bike with super-bike technology that can be enjoyed on the streets -- legally no less, too. The engine, which is at a 134 horsepower, is 30-percent more powerful than the previous version of the bike. The Monster 696 is brimming with more muscle than ever with its V-shaped tapered line from tank to seat. The 696's edginess is further enhanced by the bike's large Hybrid Trellis frame.

The Ducati 1098 R is the most powerful and lightest twin-cylinder bike produced by the firm, which was founded in 1926. The bike offers 180 horsepower as-is standard and can be boosted to 186 hp with a racing kit. The price of this two-wheel blur with the racing kit comes in at around $40,000. The approximate price of 848 model is $13,000.

Ducati Motors sells its bikes in more than 60 countries worldwide in five segments of the marketplace for motorbikes.

For LxM James Rothaar