2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Ducati have released their new 2010 Mulitstrada 1200, a super-trail bike with the BMW 1200 GS firmly in its sights. Ducati aimed to produce a comfortable, reliable touring machine that was able to produce sports bike levels of performance on almost any terrain. Ducati have fitted a smoother, more efficient version of the latest liquid-cooled Testastretta powerplant from their own flagship 1198cc superbike.

Promising 'four bikes-in-one' available by the flick of a switch, the 2010 Multistrada posseses technology in abundance. Four distinct riding modes, Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro- endow the Multistrada with variable power, torque delivery, suspension and traction control settings. In both Sport and Touring modes the full 150bhp is available, whilst in Urban and Enduro settings, power is limited to a more manageable 100bhp.

Also new is the ride-by-wire throttle system. There is no throttle cable on the new Mulitstrada, the rider's inputs are now electronically transmitted to the throttle bodies. Depending on which riding mode is selected the control unit then decides the ideal power delivery of the engine. Combining this level of computer intelligence with a slipper clutch must make for incredibly smooth progress. All impressive stuff, but I would'nae like to experience a faulty one..

Weighing in at a paltry 189kg (dry) the new Mulitstrada has been on a rather impressive diet. Ducati believe it's the lowest in it's class, although once the 20 litre tank is full of go-go juice, that figure will undoubtedly creep past the 200kg mark.

Advanced instrument controlled Ohlins suspension is supplied on the higher spec 'S' model in the form of Ducati Electronic Suspension. This permits spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping adjustments on the fly. Of the two versions available the Touring model comes with a centre-stand, heated grips and purpose made panniers, whilst the Sport model is a stripped down beasty with various carbon components.

With some added clever touches including hands-free start, adjustable windscreen and LED indicators on the handguards, the punchy 2010 Ducati Multistrada is a direct competitor to BMW's class leading, hardy GS and upcoming Yamaha Tenere 1200. But, if you are a die-hard sportsbike fan looking for a grown up machine with long distance, possible two-up continent crossing abilities, the Multistrada should definately be at the top of your wish list.

I'll take a Touring S model in white please, but don't just take my word for it- hear what MCN have to say about it on video whilst testing the Multistrada in Lanzarote. Now where did I put that £14,000!?

Vyrus 987 C3 4V The Most Powerful Production Motorcycle

Against conventional telescopic forks and underpowered modern bike engines, forward thinking Italian manufacturers Vyrus are now producing the 987 C3 4V, the worlds most powerful production motorcycle, complete with front and rear swingarms. Controlled by a series of rods the front end consists of a hub-centre-steered design, brainchild of ex Bimota deisgner Ascanio Rodorigo.

"The front end of a Vyrus doesn’t dive when you brake into the corners, which means you don’t get the weight transfer on the front wheel. This allows you to brake later and corner harder and always keeps the bike tremendously stable and safe. At the same time when accelerating, the rear end, doesn't 'sit down'. The result is an experience that always feels easy and secure."

Packing over 210 bhp and 107ftlb of torque the flagship supercharged Vyrus will also weigh less than a current R1. Utilising a tweaked version of Ducati's 1198 motor and chassis, Rodrigo believes “Everybody will be able to ride it without killing themselves”. Let's hope so Rodrigo.

Also available will be two non-supercharged versions producing 170 bhp and 184 bhp depending on what level of tune you require. Race spec traction control systems and clever engine management help deal with the power delivery and also help warrant price tags of £44k, £50k and a ridiculous £70k for the supercharged version.

Bimota DB8 Biposto

Exotic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota edge one step closer to the mainstream with the new DB8. Famous for matching existing power plants with innovative and industry leading chassis design, Bimota have done something very different with the Biposto.

Now sporting a pillion seat, although you'd have to be Kylie-sized to want to use it, Bimota have managed to retain the exciting chassis and bodywork design and blended in an Espresso of practicality.

Cradling an 170hp 1198 Ducati V-Twin motor, the Biposto (meaning seats two) uses cheaper chromoly materials for the frame rather than carbon fibre as used on the exquisite DB7. This in hand brings prices down to a more reasonable £20,000! I know, it's still not exactly cheap but Bimota ownership just got that tinchy bit closer. Now for Kylie..