In 2010, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition in conjunction with the Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Nicky's Hayden hometown at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The bike featured an American-inspired paint scheme, a Nicky Hayden autograph on the fuel tank, and other improvements.
Some other improvements included an LED illuminated dashboard for better visibility in the nighttime, a 30 mm mirror extension kit, and aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys for reduced weight, moving mass, and better acceleration.
In all other departments, the special edition machine was identical to the standard model, featuring a full fairing with a windscreen, a dual exhaust system mounted under the seat, a dual headlight system, a single-sided swingarm, and Y-shaped 10-spoke aluminum wheels.
In the suspension department, the bike packed a 43 mm fully adjustable USD Showa fork on the front and a fully adjustable Showa shock absorber with progressive linkage on the rear, offering strong stopping power.
As for the power figures, the 2010 Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition had its soul brought to life by an 848cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine fed by an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, boasting 134 hp at 10,000 rpm and 96 Nm (71 lb-ft) torque at 8,250 rpm.
The bike's power was sent to a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically-controlled wet multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive, pushing the bike to a top speed of 258 kph (160 mph).