Notes from the Ducati at Bike Shed Moto event (By Ricardo Rodriguez Long)
Southern
California is an ideal place to enjoy motorcycles. A new meeting place for
enthusiasts is the Bike Shed Moto restaurant in the art district of downtown
Los Angeles.
Ducati
has just won the FIM Moto GP World Championship and also the SBK Superbike
World Championship. To celebrate the triumphs and present their new range of
motorcycles, they held a special event at the Bike Shed. Hundreds of “DUC” fans
came to enjoy a spectacular evening.
Jason
Chinnock, CEO of Ducati in North America, was in charge of giving the full details
of each new machine. The private talk I had with him allowed me to learn more about
the excellent season they had and at the same time to know why sales continue
to increase worldwide.
The 2023
range includes new versions of the Monster, Diavel, Multistrada, StreetFIghter,
Scrambler, SuperLeggera, and the Panigale. The firm continues with the V-layout
engines that have characterized it since the seventies.
The
Diavel is already a very unique phenomenon. Designed for the American market,
the silhouette and driving position make it a unique machine. With a 160 HP
engine and nearly 100 pound-feet of torque, the bike is the most responsive in
the Cruiser segment. Huge air intakes on the sides of the headlight and four
giant exhausts on the right-hand side immediately communicate the intentions of
this devil on two wheels.
The
Multistrada has already become one of the best machines for those who like an adventure. The new one incorporates many safety technology and rider road
assistance features.
Among
the electronic changes, the “power mode” has been expanded. So you can program
the engine, transmission, and brakes to take advantage of the type of road or
current weather you are traveling on.
The V4
engine can cut ignition to two cylinders when idling. This
deactivation improves consumption and lowers emissions.
The
suspension has a leveling system that lowers the rear suspension of the
motorcycle when it stops. Thus accommodating short riders. This “EasyLift”
system compresses the suspension. The windshield is now taller and wider to
reduce fatigue when riding for a long time.
The
suspension has been re-calibrated and is of the semi-active type. It has more
than 200 mm of travel. The shocks are Ohlins and allow for the most brutal
abuse found on dirt and rocky roads.
The star
of the night was the new Panigale V4 R. A very limited edition for
those brave who dare to go out on the track and control 240 furious horses.
This
machine is the version most similar to the racing motorcycles of the Italian
brand. The heart is the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine. This spins at
16,5000 rpm, and its sound has no equal.
The new
version has new pistons, connecting rods, and a camshaft that are lighter to
reduce inertia at such high revs. The dry clutch is also lighter and smaller in
size. All of this requires a specific engine oil to minimize friction
and temperature. All these revisions are the product of what was learned on the
track.
The
suspension and aerodynamic package have been improved. The Ohlins inverted fork
and shock are fully adjustable. But to improve the hold at high speeds,
magnesium wheels are used.
The
night celebrated the championships and also the Ducati tifossi. A very colorful
event with music that made hearts flutter even more. Hundreds of motorcycles in
the parking lot displayed their colors, predominantly white and red. I consider
Ducati the Ferrari of motorcycles, and from what I saw, they did not disappoint
me. Jason Chinnock told me, “Look around
you; these hearts can't be bought. Our product has to win on the track, but
more important, is has to give everyone something unique and exclusive.” I don't
think I should add anything else.