Exclusive first look at Ducati’s new 800SS

In the latest issue of MCN, out July 3, we’ve got world exclusive pictures of one of Ducati’s most important new bike – the 800SS.

You can read much more about Ducati’s 888 and see exclusive shots of the factory’s new 999 superbike in the new MCN, out July 3.

The 888 is the first bike to debut the new TS engine – a design which will revitalise the entire Ducati range. The new air-cooled, Testastretta-derived motor was prompted by the development of the Multistrada, the bike Ducati predicts will become one of its best sellers.

As well as the 800SS, Ducati is expected to launch an 85bhp 1000SS to replace the 70bhp 900SS and follow the same pattern in its Monsters.

The changes mean the end of the 750 and 900cc air-cooled Ducatis. We’ll end up with an 800SS, 1000SS and air-cooled Monsters in 620, 800 and 1000cc versions, complemented by a with a similar Multistrada range with a range-topping 996cc water-cooled version.

Ducati had to invest heavily to perfect the technique for the Testastretta and is now making the most of that spending by making wider use of the technology.

The TS-engined bikes are likely to receive a public unveiling at the autumn shows later this year.