Ducati Desmosedici

Ducati is the first and so far only manufacturer to truly bring MotoGP to the street. This was done with the release of the Ducati Desmosedici RR. First announced in 2004, the Desmosedici was launched to the public in 2006 at the Italian MotoGP race in Mugello, Italy. The two-wheeled world was put into a frenzy when the boys from Bologna revealed the road-legal version of their 990cc MotoGP bike that any average Joe could buy – with enough money that is.

Previous Ducati 999R owners were given first rights to purchase the limited edition Desmosedici, 1500 of which that were slated to be produced. It was then put up for sale online to fill the rest of the orders. Production began in 2007, with the first consumers taking delivery in January of ’08. It is reported that the first unit to come to the United States went to none other than famous actor and bike nut Tom Cruise.

Featuring 200 horsepower at the crank and a liquid-cooled V-Four engine, everything about the Ducati Desmosedici oozes beauty and exclusivity. Including the price tag. When first launched it sold for $72,500, which has throughout production rose slightly due to the declining value of the American dollar. Other trick parts include a cassette-type 6-speed gearbox, full carbon fiber bodywork, magnesium wheels and Ohlins GP-spec gas-charged suspension. Dry weight comes in at a claimed 377 lbs and the Desmosedici was available in all red as well at a race-replica red/white color scheme.

Recently plenty of rumors have floated around about the Desmosedici, including that Ducati still has some they are trying to sell. Throughout production Ducati continually increased the number being made as more and more orders came in but with the recent global economic downtown, sources say there are still a few to be had. Either way, there’s no doubt the Ducati Desmosedici RR exemplifies the ultimate sportbike, the likes of which the world may never see again.