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Some people look toward the groundhog to predict the coming of spring. Others look to the weather forecast. Not us. No, for us here at Motoworks Chicago we know spring is approaching because of a completely different kind of arrival: new models. On Saturday, January 30, we gathered with a good crop of Chicago motorcycle enthusiasts at our store to celebrate the arrival of two rad new models from our friends at Ducati. Specifically, the new 959 Panigale, and the Pikes Peak Edition of the latest generation Multistrada.
With temperatures edging into the upper 40s and no indication of rain, droves of people came out to see the new motorcycles. Many, including yours truly, rode their motorcycles and scooters out to the event simply because we could. Riding in January always feels like getting away with something. Visitors were greeted inside with the big Ducati tent, half a dozen gigantic pizzas, and warm coffee for those who’d ridden in.
The Multistrada, or “Multi” as we tend to call it, is a spectacular motorcycle. If you’re looking to tear through thousands of road miles at maximum fun-per-hour, the Multi is really tough to beat. Yet for many, it’s a tough motorcycle to categorize. It’s got kind of an adventure motorcycle stance, an enduro seating position, sport motorcycle suspension, all the touring motorcycle bells and whistles, and enough horsepower to get you from zero-to-jail in a single twist of the throttle.
The Pikes Peak edition of the Multi makes things a little easier. This is a race-inspired street motorcycle dressed in the livery and options that pay homage to the actual motorcycle that former Aisle of Man TT racer Jamie Robinson piloted just last year in Colorado’s iconic Pikes Peak Hill Climb event. The motorcycle is outfitted with a special low-profile windscreen, some choice carbon fiber bits, and the high-performance Termignoni exhaust system. Add to that the race motorcycle livery, and you’ve really got something special. While that might not sound like much, keep in mind that the Multi is already running Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes and all the other choice components Ducati always puts on their top tier machines.
For 2016, Ducati have updated the smaller of its two Panigale supersport motorcycles. Formerly the 899, the new 959 takes its place next to its bigger sibling, the 1299 Panigale. Pumping out 157 hp, the 959 Panigale is no slouch in the power department. In fact, the 959 has inherited a lot from its more famous 1299 sibling — including engine architecture and case finishes. Why the change? The short version is that Ducati has to meet the tighter Euro4 emissions standards now, and they didn’t want to sacrifice overall performance. Who would want a new motorcycle that was less powerful than the old motorcycle? Nobody, that’s who. So Ducati have bumped up the displacement, and with it the power output of the 959, all while still hugging the minimum number of trees.
We love the smaller Panigale simply because it’s a little more usable in the city, while still being a streak on the track when you need it to be. Best of both worlds? Maybe so.
New models aside, we were excited simply to see everybody come out. That’s the real reason we have these events. Sure, we’ll take a deposit or two, but that’s not the point. It’s a great excuse to pal around with our favorite customers and have pizza in the store!
So whatever spring looks like to you, as far as we’re concerned, it’s on it’s way fast. Even the groundhog agrees with us this year. Stay tuned, as there will be more new models on the way.
Get the wheels turning on your new Ducati today.
Email our Sales Team or call (312) 738-4269.
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