First Look: Ducati Vyper

Ducati Vyper - already in testing, apparently

DUCATI ARE to launch a 1400cc muscle-bound street bruiser to challenge Harley-Davidson - that's the word on the street from Italy this morning.

Sources say the bike, which has been dubbed the Vyper, is already in running form and has started preliminary tests at the Bologna factory. They also say Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali has revealed the company is looking to branch out into a wider market.

It's reported the Vyper will feature a stroked version of the company's Testastretta engine, housed it Ducati's signature steel trellis frame. A 240-section rear tyre mounted in a beefy, hollow-section swingarm, is believed to also feature on the new machine.

Looks good to us!