Ducati is using this weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California as the backdrop to launch its new 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition sportbike. The new machine, which will only be available here in the States, features the same 134-horsepower L-twin Evoluzione powerplant, wet-clutch and six-speed gearbox as the rest of the 848 line.

As the first of the 2010 848s introduced, the new Special Edition ushers in a revised LED dash cluster, optional 30mm mirror extensions for those with long-torsos and improved aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys to go along with its new patriotic livery.

The 848 Nicky Hayden SE will carry a $14,495 sticker price – a reasonable $500 over the asking price for last year's 848 – and will hit Ducati dealerships in America on July 7th after being on display throughout the U.S. GP festivities starting on the 4th.

 

i like the white better

 

That bike does not suck. Very cool!

 

Why would anyone want a Hayden rep? He got lucky in 06.

 

^^^^He definitely wasn't the fastest that year(The Rookies Pedrosa and Stoner were quicker but crashed a lot, Melandri was on and off, and Rossi just plain had bad luck from race 1(thanks Elias)), but he was very consistent and would have wrapped up the 'ship earlier if Pedrosa never crashed him out in Japan.

 

I certainly would not want to rep Hayden, but I do like the paint on that bike.

 

I like it ALOT.... But I would still go for the white.