A rigidly triangulated Trellis frame and track-tested chassis geometry is matched with state-of-the-art suspension. Start off with the road-holding prowess of huge 50mm Marzocchi forks, gripped by a triple screw lower fork crown. These forks work as impressively as they look, with special high rigidity stainless steel sliders and external adjustability for compression and rebound damping, plus spring pre-load. The rear suspension performs with equal precision by using a fully adjustable ZF Sachs shock mounted to a robust single-sided swingarm.

Light Marchesini wheels mounted on large diameter axles are fitted with Z-rated Bridgestone BT015 tires sporting a fat 180/55 section on the rear. Stopping power is controlled by twin radially mounted Brembo four piston calipers gripping new lightweight 305 mm twin discs up front, and a 245 mm disc at the rear to make stopping as thrilling as gassing it.

The new 1100 Desmo engine pumps out potent torque and horsepower. Twist the throttle and no matter the RPM, fuel injected power is at the rider’s command. The lightweight, 90 degree Twin stands at the pinnacle of more than three decades of Desmo air-cooled development. One ride makes it clear why the 1100 engine has charmed journalists worldwide. This is the perfect motorcycle engine.