Toyota and Ducati build motorcycle race transporter

Ducati and Toyota collaborated to produce one of the most impressive motorcycle accessories we’ve ever seen at the recent specialist automotive equipment SEMA show in Las Vegas. Beginning with a 2009 Toyota Tundra as a base, the race transporter produced is something to behold – under the skin it’s turbocharged, with special suspension and brakes but the design and functionality of the vehicle was the knockout with a lengthened chassis, flip up bedsides, a motorized loading ramp, integrated tool and spares storage, and popup solar panels for accessory power. Twas all tied thematically to the bike on the back, the US$70,000 Ducati Desmosedici RR – the only street legal MotoGP bike yet produced – owned by such luminaries as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Michael Jordan.

It seems logical that the Ducati Desmosedici RR, which was until recently the ultimate track day bike, should have some form of special transport and the 2009 Toyota Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter certainly fits the bill.

The transporter is built on a Tundra CrewMax, which has been modified to accept a 6.5-inch bed. It incorporates Ducati Corse styling and was constructed using high tech materials to create synergies for two companies obsessed with quality and performance.

The performance was enhanced through the full catalog of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Performance parts such as a supercharger (boosting power to 500 bhp), dual exhaust, intake, suspension (lowering kit and sway bar), Boost Gauge and Pod and big brake kit. The interior treatment was done by Fast Ed’s Interiors and custom seats, sewn carpet, suede headliner and seat massagers from In Seat Solutions and Relaxor Massage Products.

Externally, the development team used a Rampage Powerlift Ramp, Alcoa 22” custom forged aluminum wheels, Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico tires and a CarriageWorks Rear Roll Pan. There’s also a built in USAG 526V ToolBox (the Official Tool Supplier to Ducati), RockBlocker protective light films and a VIS Racing Carbon Fiber hood.

The 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR Motorcycle has already been eulogized extensively on this site (here and here), and the entire production run was sold before production began, so don’t expect to get your hands on either of these desirable beasties, as there are no plans to produce the transporter just yet, and the RRs are all gone.

Also part of the highly desirable total kit on show at SEMA were Dainese Ducati Corse Racing leathers, an Arai Ducati Corse helmet and Ducati Corse Boots and gloves.

It’s kind of ironic that the bike, which was coveted by such celebrity motorcyclists as Cruise, Pitt and Jordan was effectively bettered by the 1098R emanating from the same manufacturer, winning its first race in fairly standard guise, and taking the World Superbike Title at its first attempt, but we guess the 1098 would look just as good on the back of this thing.

BTW - the first RR into the USA was delivered to Ducati fan Tom Cruise.