848 gets additional 100cc and 1098 styling.

Ducati's middleweight sports model has grown up this year, with a boost in displacement and a 30 per cent increase in maximum power.

The 848 has also lost 20 kg from the 749 for a total dry weight of 168 kg (369 lb), which makes it 5 kg lighter than its big brother, the 1098.

The enlarged Testastretta Evoluzione engine – both bore and stroke have been increased, from 90 x 58.8 mm to 94 x 61.2 mm, bringing displacement to 849.4 cc – produces 134 hp at 10,000 rpm, giving the bike a better power-to-weight ratio than the 999. Max torque is 70.8 lb-ft at 8,250 rpm.

The new motor gets engine cases formed through a vacuum die-cast process, which trims nearly 3 kg. The 749's dry clutch has been replaced by a wet, hydraulically actuated unit that cuts another kg of mass and should tame the rattles.

Wheelbase is 10 mm longer at 1,430 mm (56.3 in). Seat height is increased by 50 mm to 830 mm (32.6 in).

The 848 will be sold in two colours: red, and pearl white. Canadian MSRP: $15,995.

Monster 696 gets a meaner bite

With more muscle and a convertible wardrobe, Ducati's Monster 696 enters 2008 to defend its status as a member of the famiglia Naked Bike numero uno.

The new 696 cc air-cooled motor produces 9 per cent more horsepower (now 80) and 11 per cent more torque (50.6 lb-ft) than the 695 it replaces and boasts the best horsepower-per-litre ratio of any air-cooled Ducati.

Cylinder heads are now similar to those on the 1100 Multistrada and Hypermotard, and camshafts rotate on bearing surfaces directly, supported by oil pressure, which reduces weight in the heads.

Bore and stroke have not changed from the 695, but pistons and combustion chambers have been altered to improve flow. Engine cooling is improved through new fins more tightly spaced. 

Skin the tank for a new look

A new trellis frame with larger diameter tubes is attached to a rear aluminum subframe, and front brakes operate four-piston, radially-mounted calipers on 320 mm discs.

Ergonomics have been changed with a shorter reach to the bar and slightly lower, more forward footpegs. A slimming program has also trimmed 5 kg (to 163 kg/359 lb) from the Monster's already-lithe figure.

Uniquely,the bike is equipped with removable outer tank skins to enable easy colour swaps, and a removable rear seat cover adds to the convertible look.

Don't get too anxious for this one: it's a 2009 model, so price and arrival date are unknown.

1098R gets more power and less weight.

The new 1098R is a tuned up 1098 with an 8 kg weight loss over the standard to boot. Ducati claim that this makes the 1098R the most powerful and lightest twin ever built by them.

Max claimed power is 180 hp, with a 100 ft.lb of torque, although it does come with a race kit (pipes and chip) that should boost power by 8 hp. Of course, that kit is for track use only, with Ducati leading by example by proclaiming that the 1098R will be competing in World Superbike in 2008.

Price? A mere $44,995 in Canadian currency. Hey, it's not like your kids need a university education.

Ducati’s MotoGP bike for the street, the Desmosedici RR, is proving so popular the company has decided not to make enough of them to meet the demand. Unless demand stops at 1,500, that is.

With 200 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque on hand, Moto GP blood in its veins, and built-in exclusivity, Ducati won't likely have trouble selling out their stock of this bike -- whatever the price.

They’re promising the first 500 to owners of 999R Ducatis who placed early orders for the MotoGP replica. The full production run will be done by the end of 2008.