Ducati and Elizabeth Raab team up for ultimate garage art

Designers have been coaxing organic shapes out of cold metal and composites for generations, and while few are so bold as to recreate the bombshell lines that we saw on display in the early ’50s, the tradition doesn’t show signs of slowing up any time soon.

Nowhere is that more true than the realm of motorcycles. Unburdened by cumbersome safety regulations, motorcycle artists are able to bend tanks and frames to whatever shape they so desire. More often than not, those lines are lifted straight from the human body.

Ducati has just partnered with fine-art photographer Elizabeth Raab to explore that relationship a little further. Raab set about combining some of the manufacturer’s more lust-worthy creations with the arching forms of beautiful models. The parallels between the two are absolutely stunning, especially as viewed through Raab’s lens work.

Ducati is offering limited-edition, individually numbered prints for sale in a variety of sizes, so if you like what you see as much as we do, head on over to the Duc site and get while the getting’s good. Just be warned, not all of the shots are exactly safe for work.

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2011 Ducati Superbikes gain features, keep prices in check

Ducati’s range-topping sportbike gets a pretty substantial upgrade for the 2011 model year, gaining a bunch of new standard equipment and seeing the introduction of an SP model as a replacement for the discontinued 1198 R. Perhaps the best news of all, though, is that pricing has pretty much held the line, even with the new features.

At the low end, not that any Ducati 1198 is exactly a stripper, is the standard 1198 for $16,495. For 2011, Ducati graces its superbike with Traction Control, a Ducati Data Analysis computer and a new quick-shifter. Stepping up to the next rung will get you the $21,995 1198 SP, which boasts the same updates as the standard model plus a sexy aluminum tank that weighs less and holds a gallon more fuel than the old steel unit, seven-spoke Marchesini wheels, slipper clutch and finally an Ohlins front fork and TTX rear shock.

Though the SP seems expensive, it’s actually a pretty good deal considering it comes in at just a $100 premium over last year’s S model. Still, if you want to save some coin, we doubt you’ll be disappointed by the new 2011 848 EVO and its 140-horsepower engine for $13,995. See more details on the 848 EVO here, and be sure to check out our high-res image galleries below.

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Video Keira Knightley straddles Ducati for Coco Chanel

What does Keira Knightley have to do with Ducati? Well, nothing really… at least not on the surface. In fact, the British actress doesn’t even know how to ride a motorcycle, at least, not that we know of… and notice that the Duc in the photos is firmly strapped in place and has outriggers when Keira is in the saddle.

So, what’s she straddling that oddly colored 750 Sport for? Ostensibly as a way to promote Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume, but we think it was just another opportunity to put a pretty girl atop a motorcycle to take some photos and make a video.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

No matter the reason, after the break awaits a video detailing Knightley’s time with the Ducati, where she’s wearing a bespoke (and matching, naturally) beige leather catsuit, boots and Ruby helmet. Oh, and feel free to peruse the photo gallery below.

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