Ducati's next-gen superbike a step closer

INSIDERS say that the next-generation Ducati superbike – a machine that's often referred to as the “Superquadrata” - is nearing the final stages of its development, and that the machine has now been previewed to selected importers from around the world.

Although it's hard to pick the truth from speculation around the new bike, the first new Ducati that will benefit directly from the Rossi-effect (even though it was under development long before he joined the firm), if it lives up to even a fraction of the frenzied rumours surrounding it then we should be in for a treat.

One thing that seems certain is that it will benefit from a new engine. That's a big deal, since even the latest Testastretta motors share their roots with much earlier Desmo twins. At the moment, front-running rumours about the tech spec suggest a massively over-square bore and stroke, letting it rev far higher than you'd expect from a 1200cc twin, plus gear-driven Desmo valve gear and a monocoque chassis like that of the latest GP bikes. Insane electronics can be taken for granted given Ducati's recent dabbling with datalogging, traction control, electronic suspension and all the other features that already grace the Multistrada and Diavel.