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Ducati's 916 was
a tough act to follow. The 999 bravely broke away from being
just a facelift, although while a better bike in most
respects, some of the earlier magic was perhaps missing. The
1098 promises to give Ducatisti the best of both worlds, by
combining the practical improvements of the 999 with the
looks and presence of the 916.
The members of the the Motorcycle Design Association,
made up of the majority of designers active in the
motorcycle industry worldwide, clearly agree. They
have voted the Ducati 1098 not only the best in its class
within the Supersport category, but also the overall best
design of 2006, winning this year's Motorcycle Design
Trophy.
This is the second year Ducati achieved consecutively this
prestigious award. Last year, the Association voted the
Hypermotard as the best overall motorcycle design trophy
winner for 2005. This award follows on from the Best of
Show award that was given by Motorcycle Design Association to the
Ducati Hypermotard
during the Eicma Show in Milan in November 2005, one of the
most important shows worldwide for the motorcycle sector.
The first Motorcycle Design Association Trophies were awarded during the
opening day of the "Mondial du Deux Roues", the Paris
Motorcycle Show, on September 27th 2001. These were organized by the
newly formed Motorcycle Design Association, these
Trophies went to three machines nominated by the designers
themselves.
There are many
motorcycle awards, which evaluate performance, handling,
price and other factors in addition to the styling. These
are general awards, of which the design is a small, and
often very subjective aspect. However, styling is often
quoted as the primary motivation for the purchase of a new
motorcycle, so the need to recognise the aesthetic
properties in isolation from other factors is important. And
who better to judge them than a jury of motorcycle designers
themselves.
Each year over
70 designers from all over the world, independent, or linked
to the main manufacturers, gather to choose the best
motorcycle designs in the year's show. A jury, consisting of
designers, factory and press representatives, elect the
final winners in five categories, culminating in the
awarding of the Motorcycle Design Trophy to the best overall
design.
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