DUCATI 749 DARK—STEADFAST ITALIAN

It was the very end of April when I found, purchased, and fell for the DARK Ducati, exquisite Italian. After much search I bought it from the well known Montreal dealership--Monette Sports. It was additionally a bonus driving to Montreal, Canada’s European style culture, with trailer to pick my future ride--I love Montreal. To date I’ve not added many kilometres to Dante’s (as I’ve named him) history, yet gratifyingly, 2/3 of the time spent on the bike has been on the track.

It’s namely due to this summer’s new historic record rain fall, and a busy test ride agenda (other manufacturer bikes I must ride) there’s really been not much of a chance to ride him on the street. The time we’ve shared has been "magnifico" — I made a great choice—the DARK is so sexy and radical looking. Its odd how one’s vision of beauty changes -- I remember when the DARK came out; I was the first to turn my nose up at it stating “traditional red” is what a Ducati should be. Now, well, I own one — the DARK has this futuristic, contemporary-architectural proclamation about it — and the silver frame an amazing accent. I find for the first time ever, I simply like to gaze at the bike, admiring it; in fact I could stare at it for hours. Yet his name didn’t arrive easily -- Dante as in Italy’s famed poet and the name translated means “stead fast” — fitting I found.

Again yesterday I was on the track teaching and enjoyed getting to know the bike better. Yet this also reminded me I’ve really got to get a steer damper and sort out the suspension set up.
A better suited rear spring, for a rider of 51 kilos not 70++ would make a big difference as well. Even though there's much to do with Dante, it's a pleasure adding him to the bikes I've owned. As the 749 is not produced any longer, I intend to keep him always—the beginning of my new collection this side of the globe.
My former Ducati 900SSC was a 1995 (Canadian customs would not allow it into the country, sadly I sold it) and I can say, in a decade, "Dante" (he's a 2005) with computer technology and increased HP/torque, design, style/weight, the machine is astounding — it's not all bad to move on to new technology. Having the 1098S last year was also quite a modern day leap to the next Ducati era after only knowing the 1995 performance — which I still regret parting with, both my 900SSC and the 1098S. Never mind, "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" — sure, the saying applies to motorcycles too.

FLUSTERED BY A BUNCHA MOTORESS'ES

During National Female Ride Day, after the kick off at the beginning of our Toronto city ride—we, the females (and a few accompanying males) experienced an incident that's been supplying us with giggles ever since.

Here we are, a modest sized group of motorcycles, admittedly looking impressive. The young urban fashioned KYMCO team--the Benelli custom designed "cafe racer", Robin’s downtown film trés feminine style on her Harley Davidson and my MOTORESS DUCATI 1098S. A pack of motorcycle riders on a downtown Friday morning rush hour--a sight to draw attention amidst the usual bustle.

As we departed the Princes' Gates heading city North, passing under the downtown expressway, a fellow motorcyclist was stopped on the shoulder, curbside of the on coming traffic lane. His motorcycle had stalled and he was attempting to kick start it. He had his left foot on the ground and was leaning to the right, against the road side curb (actually sidewalk) as he attempted to steady the bike and kick-it into operation. It was some type of retro motorcycle. In the midst of kick-starting, along we came captivating his attention on the other side of the street. He kicked the bike, looked at us, looked back, looked at us, looked back at what he was doing, but is was too late—in a chaotic scramble for balance and coordination, over he fell! It was as a classic slap stick comedy routine—whoa WHOA, WHOA, over he went overcome by our approach.

We were laughing and laughing! Not intending to be cruel, it was just plain funny. The fella didn't have far to fall—the motorcycle was already leaned over somewhat against the curb while trying to kick start it. Certainly there'll be a scrape or two, nothing significant.

A priceless memento on Female Ride Day.
Still "giggling"--you too Carol Anne? (no that's not him in the picture)

Montreal Moto Show

Last week at this time, I departed for home from the 3 day Montréal Moto Show. What a delight to experience the moto culture of Canada’s French city from the very busy Ducati stand. Not much different from the Toronto shows—I did sense a greater attendance and appeared, to me, there were far more females—female riders. I did expect this as Montréal has a greater rider populace.

One of the major highlights for me was meeting my Ducati 1098S for the first time—to actually climb on board. Exciting! He has that Ducati fit and feel and now, most anxiously I want to ride! A few more weeks and I’ll have delivery.

The show shared three days of great atmosphere, super pleasant people who spoke English most willingly (I did do my best to speak French) --familiar industry faces and a Sushi restaurant in the congress centre for lunch each day!
Yet one thing that’s left me puzzled — during Saturday breakfast, I was reading the Montreal Gazette newspaper (English) I came across the advert for the very moto show I was working. Within this advert, within the ad itself, bottom right hand section, a notation, stating that there will be two blood donor clinics so please donate. How strange. In the midst of promoting motorcycling, the start of season 2007 —spring around the corner and here an ad, a plea for blood donors. I think you’re with me on this one—odd ja? How can we affect the image of motorcycling while we have Canada’s show leaders / organisations allowing such an association with the activity we are so passionate about? What’s next? Funeral service promotions? I understand the logic and admittedly, I’m a realist so I get it—but come on-- is this appropriate? Picture this, family breakfast “hey honey lets go to the motorcycle show---oh, but wait a minute, give blood? Hmm, let’s go to the movie matinee with the kids instead”. Motorcyclists accept higher risk factors that go with riding—we do pay attention when we hear of bike accidents--learn from others theory. Perhaps we are more sympathetic, hence quicker to part with our haemoglobin. Was that the intent of this association? Are they playing on our empathy—our camaraderie? I sit on the fence on this one. Nonetheless, the show hosted happy, energetic attendees awaiting the end of winter to roll out on to the streets and ride.