New Ducati Multistrada replacement spotted

By Chris Newbigging
New bikes
06 January 2009 11:59


Ducati’s replacement for the Multistrada adventure-style motorcycle has been spotted testing in Italy.

The new bike is well advanced in to development – dealers have already been shown the sporty new model, which will completely replace the Pierre Terblanche-designed Multistrada 1100 next year.

The pictures show the bike is completely road-biased with wide sport tyres and a thick single-sided aluminium swingarm similar to the 1098.

Insiders who have seen the bike confirmed that the bike also has the Ducati 1098’s 1099cc engine, complete with Ducati’s DTC traction control system as debuted on the Streetfighter.

The bike will be unveiled at this year’s Milan show in November and available next year.

Picture courtesy of Motociclismo Spain
For the full inside story see next week’s MCN, on sale January 14 2009.

YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE BLACK X-MAX 250

Black, with the occasional flash of red, the BLACK X-MAX 250 is exclusivity and sophistication combined in a top-line, top quality sports scooter that goes straight to the high-end of the 250 class. Its stunning look is given a sharp technical edge by carbon-style instrument faces, a new seat skin material, hot red instrument backlighting and a unique 3D logo. Because BLACK X-MAX 250 is based on the X-MAX 250, it blends outstanding midsize handling and maneuverability with the no-questions-asked power, torque and refinement of Yamaha’s liquid-cooled, fuel-injected quarter-litre engine. Besides strong performance, there’s luxurious comfort and great accommodation for two, with a roomy dual seat providing s torage space for two helmets and a lockable knee-box. The effortlessly distinctive special-edition style of BLACK X-MAX 250 makes it a scooter that will be welcomed and admired in any social situation. It’s exquisite, and exclusive.

Features -
‘Special edition’ black and carbon finish with red accents
Motorcycle-style ride from 15inch front and 14inch rear wheels
Strong, rigid chassis for secure handling
Telescopic forks and twin rear shocks for comfort and suppleness
Twin-piston 267mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes
Reliable, refined, liquid-cooled fuel-injected 250cc four-stroke engine
Big windscreen and hand deflectors for all-year protection
Underseat storage for two helmets plus lockable knee-box


Engine -
Engine type Liquid cooled, 4 stroke single cylinder
Displacement 249.78 cc
Bore x stroke 69.0 x 66.8 mm
Compression ratio 10.0 : 1
Maximum power 15.6 kW @ 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque 21.3 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Fuel System Fuel injection
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system V-Belt Automatic
Fuel tank capacity 12.5 L


Chassis -
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 110 mm
Rear suspension system Unit swing
Rear travel 95 mm
Front brake Disc, Ø 267 mm
Rear brake Disc, Ø 240 mm
Front tyre 120/70-15
Rear tyre 140/70-14


Dimensions -
Length 2,210 mm
Width 790 mm
Height 1,380 mm
Seat height 755 mm
Wheel base 1,545 mm
Minimum ground clearance 113 mm
Wet weight 176 kg