USA RECALL #1 - DUCATI - Cable may Prevent the Throttle from Closing

RECALL Subject : Cable may Prevent the Throttle from Closing

Report Receipt Date: MAR 16, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V152000
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,962  

Manufacturer: Ducati North America

SUMMARY:

Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles. The inner sleeve of the opening throttle cable may move and prevent the full closing of the throttle.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the throttle cannot be fully closed, there is an increased risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the upper throttle cover with one that prevents the inner throttle sleeve from moving, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 11, 2015. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-800-231-6696. Ducati's number for this recall is RCL-15-001.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

New Ducati Monster 821 arrives in UK dealerships this week.

• New Monster 821 arrives in dealerships this week
• Available from £109 per month on Ducati TriOptions Finance
• Major service intervals of 18,000 miles
• Class leading electronics and componentry
• Restricted A2 licence version will be available

Following the successful unveiling of the new generation Monster 1200, Ducati now introduces the Monster 821, a mid-size version of the exciting new model and the latest entry to the world of Monster.

More than two decades on from the Monster’s first unveiling, Ducati presents the iconic model’s latest generation middleweight, the 2015 Monster 821. Maintaining the stylish character made famous by the original concept, the model sports the same new chassis and muscular styling as the Monster 1200 and is designed with premium components and fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

Powered by the latest edition of Ducati’s immensely successful 821 Testastretta 11° engine, the accessible new Monster combines 112hp and 65.9ft-lb of torque with an impressively lightweight 179.5kg (395.7lb) (Dry weight) overall package. Super comfortable and with an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines class-leading electronics that include 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The Monster 821 features premium componentry that include high-spec brakes with twin radially-mounted Brembo monobloc M4-32 calipers, gripping 320mm discs, excellent suspension from Kabaya (43mm forks) and Sachs (rear) and stylish 10-spoke Panigale-style light alloy wheels. Merged with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics, the Italian manufacturer offers the most attractive mid-range Monster ever. The 2015 Monster 821 uses next generation technologies to create an enhanced rider/motorcycle relationship, delivering a high-adrenaline experience while constantly reassuring with the feeling of complete control and ergonomic integration.

Available at Ducati Dealerships now, the Monster 821 Dark is presented in a dark stealth colour with black frame and black wheels. The Dark is priced at £8,795 and is also available on Ducati TriOptions Finance from £109* per month. The Monster 821 comes in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels or star white silk with red frame and matte red wheels. Both red and white liveries are equipped with colour-matched single-seat covers. The Monster 821 is priced at £8,995 and is also available on Ducati TriOptions Finance from £109* per month.

The new Monster’s Testastretta 11° engine underlines another milestone in Ducati’s constant investment in quality by enabling the distance between major service intervals (valve clearance check) to be set at an owner-friendly 30,000 kilometres (18,000 miles).

The brand new model is also made available to restricted license holders with a specially regulated power version of 35kw and eligible under the A2 licence category.

*Based on a deposit of 25% and a period of 37 months – full finance details on this model can be found atwww.ducatiuk.com/news/monster821_trioptions/index.do

Ducati UK achieves record sales in March.

• Highest ever single month registrations since Ducati UK was first established
• Record sales of 483 Ducati motorcycles recorded in March 2014
• Three-figure sales across Monster, Multistrada and Superbike model families

After finishing the second half of 2013 with record registrations, Ducati UK has maintained momentum with March delivering the best ever registrations in a single month since Ducati UK became operational in 2000. The Ducati UK sales network of 33 dealers registered a total of 483 motorcycles in March, an increase of nearly 60% over the same month in 2013. 

Whilst the arrival of new models such as the 899 Panigale and Monster 1200 helped achieve this record, the month delivered success across all of Ducati’s model families with three-figure sales of Monster, Multistrada and Superbike for the first time ever.

Ducati UK Managing Director, Tim Maccabee, commented:  “Obviously, it is very satisfying to see motorcyclists endorsing the desirability of our new models and, indeed, the entire range. I think that more and more are recognising the work we have done to deliver high quality, innovation and value in our motorcycles in addition to the excellent sales and service provided through our network of professional Dealerships around the country.” 

The results show a strong overall model range that has a broad appeal and is now more affordable due to attractive Ducati TriOptions finance packages. The TriOptions PCP finance plans feature low deposits and low monthly payments from £89 per month for the Monster 696 up to £189 per month for the award winning 1199 S Panigale. 

Roberto Righi, Director of Sales at the Ducati factory in Bologna, added:  “We are delighted with current trend in the UK for Ducati and with two British stars riding Ducati on the world stage with Cal Crutchlow in MotoGP and Chaz Davies in World Superbike, I think we have combined sport-oriented interest with a great and accessible model line-up.”

Ducati announces national Demo Day to play on all the new bikes.

• Nationwide ‘Demo day’ on April 12
• Opportunity to see new 2014 model range
• Diavel will be the newest model on display at dealers
• Other new models include 899 Panigale and Monster 1200

Ducati dealers around the UK and Ireland will be opening their doors on April 12 for a demonstrator day that will give customers the chance to view and try out the latest 2014 Ducati model range. Visitors will be among the first in the country to see the newly arrived Ducati Diavel.  

The new Diavel arrives in dealerships boasting a range of updates to one of Ducati’s already most impressive models. The list of new Diavel features includes the latest version of the new Testastretta 11° DS engine, a new exhaust system and the latest technological elements such as the new full-LED headlight, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes. The new model follows the company’s “Performance Redefined” philosophy, using cutting-edge innovation and technology to provide a smoother, safer and more rider-friendly experience, enabling easier access for the ever-increasing number of people who desire the unique thrill of riding a Ducati.  

There will also be the opportunity to test ride some of Ducati’s latest models including the stunning 899 Panigale and the latest evolution of the iconic Monster, the Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S.  There will also be a selected range of 2014 models on display and available to test ride although this will vary from dealer to dealer.  

It is advisable to book test rides in advance. Details of your nearest dealer can be found herewww.ducatiuk.com/find_dealers/index.do  Terms and conditions apply, please contact your dealer for details.

ŠKODA AUTO to present 12 milestones products from it's 119-year history at the Techno Classica in Essen.

• ŠKODA presents twelve outstanding old-timers from its 118-year history
• From L&K motorcycles and the first L&K automobile to the ŠKODA Forman
• Anniversary: ​​ŠKODA celebrates 50 years of the ŠKODA 1000 MB

ŠKODA AUTO will be presenting twelve milestones of the company’s 119-year history at this year’s Techno Classica in Essen. The phalanx of the classics from Mladá Boleslav ranges from the motorcycles and the first automobile of the ŠKODA founders, Laurin and Klement, the ŠKODA legends of the 1930s, 40s and 50s through to the ŠKODA Forman dating back to 1993. The one thing all the vehicles have in common is the outstanding importance they had for the brand and models in each period.

“ŠKODA is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world,” explains Michal Velebný, Restoration Workshop Manager at the ŠKODA Museum. “In the history of the company, spanning almost 119 years, there have been a number of vehicles that set the course for the company and the brand. We will be presenting twelve of these milestones at the Techno Classica, including a replica of the first L&K automobile.” The ŠKODA stand is located in Messe Essen’s Hall 7. The presentation will be in association with ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland.

The two ŠKODA founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement (L&K) laid the foundation stone of the ŠKODA brand’s success at the end of the 19^th century with the production of bicycles, and motorbikes from 1899. By presenting three motorized bicycles from the L&K early years, ŠKODA will be taking Techno Classica visitors on a journey back in time to the roots of the brand. An L&K Motocykleta TB dating back to 1902, an L&K Motocykleta L 80 from 1903, as well as an L&K Motocykleta CCR from 1905 will be on show in Essen.

In December 1905, L&K presented the new company’s first car: the so-called Voiturette A (French: little carriage or small car). At the Techno Classica, ŠKODA will be presenting a faithfully constructed, roadworthy vehicle as would have been seen in 1906. The Voiturette A was a huge hit in its time, not least because of the water-cooled engine and the low price of only 3,600 crowns. Under the bonnet you will find a 7-hp two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,100cm³.

In Essen, ŠKODA will be displaying one of the most successful L&K models ever – the L&K Typ S dating back to 1911. Between 1911 and 1925 more than 2,000 of these vehicles were produced in various versions. The customers particularly appreciated the model’s excellent reliability. The Type S was powered by a 14-hp four-cylinder with 1,771 cm³ displacement.

In June 1925 L&K merged with the ŠKODA plants in Pilsen, which was already the largest Czech industrial company of that time. The luxury-class model L&K ŠKODA Type 110 on display at the Techno Classica is a special representative of its time, in that it bears the logos of both companies – both L&K and ŠKODA.

The Škoda Popular was a revolutionary lightweight and inexpensive vehicle concept released in1934. The ŠKODA Popular fulfilled the long-awaited dream of owning a car for a broad range of customers. At the same time the Popular founded a new successful Škoda Generation of vehicles with modern a central tube frame (instead of the previously-seem lead frame), OHV engines and sophisticated technology. Over 5,000 of the vehicle were sold between 1934 and 1945. The example on display in Essen is a ŠKODA 420 Popular Roadster from 1935.

The ŠKODA 1200 was a milestone for ŠKODA in the period after the Second World War in the spring of 1952. One special feature was the initial design based on a metal chassis instead of the usual mixed construction made of wood and sheet metal. Moreover, this notchback sedan was the first ŠKODA to be tested in the wind tunnel. The no less important ŠKODA 440 from the museum inventory will also be on show in Essen. The ŠKODA 440 was the manufacturer’s answer to the growing demand from the Czechs for an inexpensive, populist and modern vehicle. The number 440 stood for four cylinders and power of 40 hp. The vehicle was named Spartak in local slang. The model rolled off the production lines for five years and a total of 75,417 the vehicles were produced.

The ŠKODA 1000 MB will be celebrating its half century at the Techno Classica. This model first introduced in spring 1964. A vehicle from 1966 from the ŠKODA Museum’s collection can be seen at the fair in Essen.  As the first ŠKODA with rear wheel drive, rear engine and a unibody construction, the ŠKODA 1000 MB marked the beginning of a new ŠKODA era. The spacious five-door was one of the best vehicles in the one-litre class in its time and set new standards in terms of comfort, performance and technology. The 1000 MB strengthened ŠKODA’s position in the European automotive industry, and shaped the manufacturer's model strategy for many years. A total of around 443,156 ŠKODA 1000 MBs were produced between April 1964 and August 1969, more than half of which were exported, even as far as New Zealand and Australia.

An important representative of the later ŠKODA vehicles with a rear engine was the ŠKODA Rapid of the 1980s – a two-door coupé based on the 105/120 series. ŠKODA will be presenting a Rapid type 135 in Essen. The Rapid was powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine with 43 hp. The vehicle featured a five-speed gearbox. A characteristic of the type 135 was the newly developed aluminium engine, which was later used in the ŠKODA Favorit.

The dozen ŠKODA milestones to be presented in Essen is completed by the ŠKODA Forman dating back to 1993. It will be about the estate version of the model ŠKODA Favorit, which was first presented in 1987 at the Engineering Fair in Brno. The Favorit first marked the development of a modern compact car concept with front-mounted engine, front drive, versatile interior and a large hatch. A total of around 1,000,000 of these vehicles ran off the production lines, as saloons, estates and pickups.

Ducati launches 2014 Monster in the UK

The eagerly awaited Monster 1200 arrives at Ducati dealerships throughout the UK.

• Monster 1200 demonstrators now available in dealers throughout the country
• New Superbike derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS  engine
• Innovative adjustable seat
• Available from £129 per month on Ducati TriOptions finance

Ducati dealers throughout the UK have now taken delivery of their Monster 1200 demonstrators as this eagerly awaited icon arrives on UK shores.

Customers now have the opportunity to see for themselves a bike that that has been praised for the performance and fluidity of its engine, its neutral, yet agile handling and for the comfort that entices riders to come back for more.

It is twenty-one years on from the Monster’s first unveiling and Ducati now introduce the iconic  model’s  latest generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S powered by the formidable, Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS  engine. The brand new flagship of the family presents an entirely new chassis and muscular styling designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

High-spec  brakes,  suspension,  single-sided  swingarm  and  lightweight  wheels  combine  with  Ducati’s  best-yet  ergonomics  to  offer  the  Italian  manufacturer’s  most  attractive  Monster  ever.  Super comfortable  and introducing  an  innovative  adjustable  seat  height,  the  model  also  combines  8-level  traction  control,  3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The standard 135hp Monster 1200 is available in red, priced at £10,695 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £129 per month. The higher spec ‘S’ version is available in red and white liveries, priced at £12,995 or can be ridden away on a Ducati TriOptions finance scheme from £149 per month.

To discover the Monster 1200 and how Ducati TriOptions can make every Ducati more affordable, visit your local dealer now.