Once again the Ducati rumor mill is at work… Motorcycle News is reporting that this is the new Ducati 1200, the much talked about 999 replacement…

Ducati has gone back to the 916 to inspire the 1200 V-twin it hopes will even up the fight with Japan’s four-cylinder 1000s. Expect a return to a single-sided swingarm, twin exit pipes and horizontal twin lights when it is officially unveiled later this year. You’ll find the full details ONLY in MCN out on April 5, 2006.

Personally, while this is clearly an artist rendering and you obviously can’t put a tremendous amount of stock in the picture, it’s not bad looking and certainly would seem to be in line with the recent rumbling coming out of Bolognia with regards to going back to the way things were…