Feeling as though it has been completely overwhelmed in the power and performance race, the Italian maker has deiced to stick with the V-twin format for the time being, but up the ante to a 1200cc design in a sports chassis. The as yet un-named machine is expected to debut at the European shows later this year.
Meanwhile, little more has been heard of plans for a production V-four based on the moderately successful MotoGP racer. The factory proudly showed off a prototype production engine over a year ago but has so far been tight-lipped about its release date. No doubt the company's uncertain finances have played a role in this.
However we have heard the purse strings have been sufficiently loosened to allow production of the angular prototype Hypermotard, which claims 100 horses for a 175 kilo dry weight. The first bikes are expected to roll off the assembly line this Northern Spring.
Published : Thursday, 6 April 2006