Zach’s Garage

Ducati Test Ride

September 8, 2007 9:41 pm Zach News, Rides

A few weeks ago I got a flyer in the mail for Ducati SportClassic demo week. It had the address of the closest participating dealer, and promises of hassle-free test rides on the SportClassic line. These bikes are meant to be a throwback to the “cafe racer” days, where street bikes were customized with low handlebars, high rearsets and minimal bodywork.

On Wednesday, I set off on the SV, it took just over an hour to get to the dealer. When I parked out front, the only SportClassic I saw was the Sport 1000 S, in red with a white stripe. I headed inside and was amazed at the amount of bikes they had. They mainly sold Ducati, Triumph, and Aprilia, so all the exotics were on hand, in addition to plenty of used Japanese sport bikes. They also had some scooters, including the Piaggio MP3, the three-wheeled scooter. I wouldn’t mind trying one of those out.

Luckily it wasn’t crowded, I’m sure if I went on labor day it’d be a different story. I asked the sales guy if they were demoing the SportClassics today. “We sure are”. He asked me what I rode, how long I’ve been riding, etc. I’m sure this was all a feeler to see if they were going to let me play with their expensive toy. It didn’t hurt that I was wearing gear head to toe, I’m sure they’d be hesitant to let your average squid out on the bike.

They made a copy of my ID, had me sign a waiver, and we headed out front. The 1000 S was the only one I’d be able to ride without waiting. I initially wanted to ride the more naked Sport 1000 monoposto, but I wasn’t complaining. Other than the small “bubble” front fairing, they are essentially the same bike. He showed me a few of the differences with the Ducati compared to my SV. One neat feature was the way the starter works. You just have to touch the button once, then it continues to crank as long as it takes to start. Pretty cool.

I saddled up. It became very clear this bike is not made for comfort. I consider my SV to be relatively uncomfortable with its low clip-ons, but the Ducati had me feeling like I was strapped aboard a rocket. It burbled and vibrated as it idled, I could barely see out of the mirrors. Whoo-boy. I rocked the bike back and forth to get a feel for the clutch engagement. The hydraulic action was nice and smooth, and didn’t require too much effort. I’m sure last year’s dry clutch was much different. The only advice the sales guy had was “be careful with the throttle, and even more careful with the brakes.” With this in mind, I set off. He told me to take the first right, then head down a twisty road behind the shop for a few stop signs, it should be about 5 miles.

I babied it to the light, there was a lot of gravel and I didn’t intend to drop it or loop it right in front of the dealer. First gear felt pretty similar to my SV, a nice low punch from the torque of the v-twin. I took it easy for the first few minutes as the temperature display flashed “lo”. The gearbox was very notchy, but VERY precise. You really feel each gear slam into place. Once it was up to temperature, I began to feel out the throttle response some more. A few runs at mid-throttle in second and third gear revealed quite a bit more punch than my SV. Feeling a little more confident, and with a nice long staight stretch of road in front of me, I dropped down to second and gave it a handful of throttle.

I wish I could have seen my face. The neverending rush of acceleration was amazing. I looked down a few seconds later and was coming up on 100MPH. How in the hell did that happen so fast!? The next few miles were basically a repeat of the above, while keeping it slightly more legal. The power this bike has is indescribable, and is truly addictive. I was coming up to a nice set of curves, and discovered how strong the brakes were. Two fingers on the front brake were more than enough to bring me back to sane speeds. As for the handling? This thing sticks in the corners. Pick your line, and it will keep it until you tell it otherwise. It did feel heavier leaning in and out, but this was to be expected.

All too soon I was back at the dealer. I pulled up next to the sales guy. “Well?” I pulled off my helmet and must have had the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. “Yeah.” We spent the next few minutes talking about the finer points of the bike. Not once did he pressure me for a sale or anything like that. I think he knew I was just there for the ride.

What an amazing bike. I never thought I’d get to ride something like that anytime soon. I can honestly say that, in a few years when its a remote possibility, I will be giving Ducatis a good look. Huge thanks to Martin Eurosports for making it possible. Now I just have to wait until next year to do it again…