VW Adds Two-Wheel China Charm Offensive
Volkswagen’s motorcycle brand, Ducati, has followed its parent company’s charm offensive on the lucrative Chinese market with two models making their debuts this autumn.
Leading the charge at the Shanghai Exhibition Center auto tradeshow was the Italian bike maker’s custom inspired bruiser-cruiser the Diavel 1260. The machine attempts to marry urban lifestyle with sheer sportsbike performance boasting a Testastretta [narrow head] desmodromic valve V-twin 1262 engine claiming 156bhp.
A week later, Ducati embarked on mass ride to showcase the off-road abilities of its mid-market Multistrada 950 with a journey through the Nangxi countryside. The bikes were unveiled at the foot of Jade Snow Mountain before the 125-mile test ride along the mountain valley in Lijiang.
The model claims lightweight improvements to tips the scales at just 449-lbs a none too challenging seat height of 32-inches, a the 110bhp Testastretta 950cc V-Twin engine, a 19-inch off-road focused front wheel and a beefy 4.4 gallon (5.3 gallon US) fuel tank for long distance touring. It is now available for the first time in China in the full-optional S version featuring car-like cornering lights, remotely adjustable suspension and a new HMI display system.
Fabrizio Cazzoli, general manager of Ducati China, said: “Multistrada 950 family has a great potential in China. Its lightness, easy-to-use yet top performance features make it the perfect bike both for new riders, who are looking for a comfort and non-intimidating riding experience, and for expert riders who wants to push its technology and performance.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
