Ducati passion is everywhere. In this country, if you just wear a Ducati shirt, people will come up to talk to you. Today was no exception. While sitting in the Starbucks across the street from the racetrack and enjoying my Tall Coffee and Blueberry muffin, I was approached by Chalie Lehing. Charlie proceeded to hand me a business card that showed he was a member of the US Desmo Club. Not knowing that I worked for Ducati Motor, he came to chat with me just because I was wearing a Ducati shirt. He told me how he was restoring a 250 Spaggiari, which is a certainly classic.
Today we raced Superbike at Daytona. The Daytona track is the fastest in the US and it is a place that always challenges Ducati, for many reasons. I spoke to Paolo ahead of the race and he informed me that he felt that Ben and Neil were more than capable of putting both bikes on the box. It has been many years since we have had a victory at Daytona and I came here again hoping to go away with a trophy from the box. Alas, it was not to be our day.
After speaking with Paolo and Ernesto, it appears that grip was the biggest issue, and more so with Ben (who is new to the bike this year) than Neil. They told me that the place where we were losing the most time was going out the back straight, and the tires were spinning up. Rumors in the paddock are that Suzuki is using traction control, which is against the AMA rules. Ben said that his bike was literally floating around the banking while spinning up. I could not imagine riding at that pace so close to 200mph with the wall a few feet away. There was some talk about horsepower, but Ernesto tells me we are competitive at 194 at 12,500. Time will tell.
After the race, we went back to the team truck and Paolo introduced me to the umbrella girls who we used for the riders while they were on the line, (always my favorite) as well as some Team Photo shots. They were Leticia Kline and Nicole Sawyer, (www.umbrellagirls.com) who are both from the South and have worked before with the team. They were also part of yesterday’s fashion show, which they said was a lot of fun for them to be part of. It turns out that both these girls are bean-counters during the week when not holding umbrellas for our riders, and they work very hard with real jobs. It also turns out that Leticia is dating a motocross racer. Because I was just at the supercross last night, I wondered if she was crazy.
Anyway, I am writing this from under the Ducati canopy, and I am off to watch the parade on Main street tonight, then off to Bologna early in the morning where I will meet the new investors of the company on Tuesday. Probably I update this sometime next week!
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READER COMMENTS
Buon rientro ;)
See U next week!
Alessandro ZARCONE - Ducati Monster Club Napoli
Ciao Fede!
Non sono una collega… non sono un’appassionata… non sono una ducatista (per ora!)… ma ti seguirò con entusiasmo.
tranquilla,si può sempre imparare Silvia…;)))
Thank you for this opportunity to tell the world that I`ve had to wait 31 years before I could buy the only bike worth riding. A DUCATI. The first Ducati that I saw was in 1974. I instantly fell in love with this bike and new then that DUCATI will be the ONLY bike I`ll ever buy.
So in July 2005 I bought a MULTISTRADA 1000S. What a bike!!!!!!! I`m now in the process of buying a ST3 2006.
What`s happening with the SUPERMOTO?????
Hendrik DUCATI - South Africa
E’ bello leggere di queste scene di vita quotidiana.
Sapere che esiste la possibilità di chiacchierare della propria rossa passione a 2ruote con chi la vive quotidianamente.
grande ducati!
I thought CEOs are made only for Boardrooms,but apparently not anymore.Mr.Minoli has changed that.He was always shielded from the real World of Ducatists and we are glad that everybody now has access to his thoughts and knowledge and will hear from all the people who care for Ducati.Thank you
ho appena scoperto l’esistenza di questo blog, e già ne sono diventata una fan :D
è un’iniziativa molto interessante, la seguirò sicuramente!!
saluti!
Welcome Federico to our family and greetings from Thessaloniki,Greece!
It was a surprise to hear about your decision to listen to our passion and this is a gift to all of us who share the same love for these bikes!
I own a Multi 1000S 2005 and i am so madly in love with it that my woman is jealous!!!But i am used to it cause i owned before a monstro 600 for many years so i deal with it fine!
Monster was a school,but i think that we need to see a new one,with new frame,new tank etc like the ones that Terblance addict us to!!!
Thank him for my multi…and please tell SETE to stay on the desmosedici this year,it hurts me to see this bike down!Didnt have a problem to see Hondas down but not the GP6.
Have a prosperous winning year,hope to see the red flags up this year both GP and SB!
Nice sharing with you,goodbye and we will talk again!
John
c’è uno in questo blog che mi fa pena, che parla di soldi anzichè di passione e si firma con una serie di nomi giapponesi…
Per quelli che si collegano, leggono e scrivono qui, Ducati vuol dire passione, ma io aggiungo che in campo meccanico è l’Italia che appassiona, perche io mi appassiono per il Testastretta ma anche per la rinata Moto Morini o l’emozionante esperienza di Bimota, e non mi vergogno a dire che davanti ad una S4RS o una F4 Tamburini provo puro piacere anche se non me le posso permettere!
Ma dirò di più, mi fa rabbia vedere una Stilo (visto che il poveretto odia le FIAT…) ma poi sono un soddisfatto guidatore di una bellissima e divertentissima Alfa GT, e quando vado dal gommista chiedo le Pirelli.
Non sono fascio, ma in campo meccanico e sportivo il tricolore mi entusiasma.
L’intelligenza dell’emozione è anche credere in quanto di buono fa l’Italia.
E se qualcuno vuole convincerci che il motore Honda-Kawa-Suzu è meglio… ci spieghi il perchè e non ci dica che costa meno:
la qualità resta, il prezzo si dimentica!
I built my own Spaggiarri tribute in the mid 70’s using a Sebring. Am now running a modern Ducati L but would love to think that one day Ducati will produce another single cylinder model for the road.
While I am a Yamaha rider myself, I applaude this endevour to communicate directly with your customers. I hope the other companies’ presidents see the value and follow your lead.
Cheers to federico for the brilliant initiative this blog sure looks cool!
Just one question though… What are you waiting to put the HyperMotard in the production line?!?!?!
WE WANT THIS NEW BIKE!!!
Per i non anglofoni: CHE COSA ASPETTATE A METTERE IN PRODUZIONE LA HYPERMOTARD?
Federico, scusa la franchezza, ma si sente spesso dire che a Ducati manca una moto che possa diventare una degna erede del monster come popolarità, ma voi avete tra le mani un gioiellino che promette di bersi le jap senza dubbio, ma soprattutto “sverniciare” l’HP2 della Bmw e diventare un nuovo cult!!
E lo scrive uno che ha avuto Yamaka, Kawa, Bmw e adesso KTM.
Ho guidato tante ducati, ma la HyperMotard sarebbe proprio una che comprerei!!!
Federico…… dacci la Hypermotard e facci diventare ducatisti anche noi!!!!
scusate l’ignoranza ma sarebbe carino fosse scritto il Minoli pensiero anche e sottolineo anche in italiano visto che Ducati è Italiana anche se vende poco in Italia..grazie un Ducatista incallito
Will Ducati consider a lower seat height for their supersport model for shorter people and women? The older model supersports had lower seat heights than the newer ones. One should not have to go to a superbike or monster model when they rather have a supersport model. Would love to hear from you on this issue. Thank you.
I have not been without a motorcycle since 1959. Of all the motorcycles that I have owned my Ducati 749S has got to be my favorite-not only in terms of performance, but styling as well.
I appreciate Mr. Minoli taking the time to communicate with Ducati owners and fans through the Desmoblog. What a great idea.
P.S.
If anyone out there can tell me how to get the “red key” for my Ducati I would appreciate it. When purchased new from the dealer the red key was not
provided. The New Orleans area dealer is no longer in business. Although I have one black key I sure would like to have a duplicate.
Thanks.
Larry
Buona sera Federico,
mi chiamo Dino, ci siamo incontrati quasi un’anno fa a uno degli incontri organizzato da Profingest dove insieme a Lei presiedeva anche L. Dalla. In quella sede, a fine incontro, in una piacevole chiaccherata aveva annotato il mio indirizzo per farmi recapitare un volume su Ducati, ricorda? Sapendo i suoi impegni, non mi son messo fretta e rimango fiducioso! A presto, Dino.
Hey,
daytona was awesome this year. I came all the way from Germany.
Are there some more pictures of the ducati umbrella girls available? PLEASE let me know!
I met them later at ocean’s and they were gorgeous. it pays off wearing a ducati shirt =)
I recently purchased a Paul Smart. It is truly a beautiful object in my garage, which by the way this bike shares with two other Ducatis.
However, I have a serious problem - one that I expect any Paul Smart owner will have. The problem is that this motorcycle is virtually un-ridable after only 10 or 15 minutes because the riding position is so painful. You may already be aware that the British magazine BIKE has called its riding position “evil”, so I know I’m hardly alone in my judgment!
My question is: when will Ducati offer a bar riser kit for this otherwise wonderful machine? I would pay almost anything to have the pleasure of actually riding this bike for even one hour without pain.
Buon Giorno presidente.Quando iniziamo a parlare delle nostre moto? Sicuramente è il tema più atteso!!! Tutti o quasi vogliono una svolta nella politica aziendale di Ducati, e ora che possiamo vogliamo dire la nostra. Magari un analisi moto per moto con i commenti e le sensazioni dei tecnici e di chi le porta su strada!Attendo fidicioso! lamp lamp
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share oyr comments for our beloved DUCATI`s .
Owner of an SS900 and a Multistrada 1000S DS i am a happy man .
I would be glad to hear that DUCATI will enter the Adventurous side with a smashing 2V adventurer .
This is a great idea…information powers the world economy and a personal touch adds passion which is all about Ducati! Thanks DAP
Interesting account of Daytonas race. I was watching from the banks that lead to the front straight and was very impressed with what “Our” team is capable of. Your comment on Suzukis “grip” begs the question…Is there no contesting the finish? Excellent Blog. Great source of info. Thank you, Greg
capisco l’internazionalità, ma se i post fossero anche in italiano sarebbe una cosa gradita…..ostentare mi sembra un po’ una cialtronata!
Hi Ducati People.I have recent opened this file and I have to tell you that this Blog is quite a thing,unique in motorcycling web world.Mr Minoli just go straight forward this way.Bravo Ducati!!!!
Bravo, Federico for creating this Blog. What a awesome way to stay in “touch” with your customers. In a couple of weeks I take possesion of a MTS620(red of course) and I can’t stop thinking about it. It is my first Ducati and won’t be my last. Thanks…
Buongiorno
una critica come già puntualizzato da un’altro utente, è possibile parlare italiano?
Complimenti comunque per l’idea e forza Ducati.
Dopo 30 di moto giapponesi sono ritornato a casa e sono molto molto soddisfatto, nel 1976 la Guzzi Le Mans nel 2006 la splendida 999.
Tanti auguri da un gionane/vecchio motociclista.
Mauro
Great idea for this Blog!
I agree, people love to see you wearing a Ducati t-shirt, no matter where you are.
I am also restoring an old Duc, a 196? Falcon 80 (the bike my dad had in highschool). Is there any chance you might have information on where to start searching for old parts? The smaller/stranger models are hard to come by…but that is what makes them cooler in my mind.
Cheers,
Bravo!!This validates what I have been feeling for quite a while now,get on the Ducati. I have been riding for over twenty years and wrenching full time for about 7 ,twins have been the preferance,mostly Triunphs and Harleys,but increasing fasinated with Ducati, no coinsident it really picked up after living in Italy for a few months. Anyway at this point I’ve pretty much decided to build how I would want my dream Ducati.It seems the most passionate and proper thing to do.My most recent project built for myself is a 1933 Harley VLE flathead boober custom.Its a beautiful ride but I’m only 37 and feel like I need to get more holligan out once and a while,and the idea of some track days sounds perfect.Ok.,the bike that I’ve been building in my head in preperation to get the right parts is perty much your Hypermotard and when I first saw it , about a month or so ago, my jaw dropped and and I still can’t pick it off the floor,WoW you read my mind so well I may have to buy one as my starting point,it doest look like there will be a whole lot to do.
Then there is racing over the past 5 years or so I’ve become a road racing nut,so much so I’ve considerd writting my own blog > I’ve certainly got my nose to everyones paddock and I get about 6 magazines a month,read the web,watch it all on TV ,play it one the play station and if ask what team I cheer for its always Ducati,there may be some riders whom personaly I like and can appriciate there awsome talent,but its the guys on the red bikes that my heart loves. My hope is that Vale what stop it with this 4wheel rubish and stick where he belongs,and ending his carear a long time from now on a Ducati. so work on that would you please.
amillion thanks for this blog.I love your Bikes and I love your company,good luck Racing.
ciao bello
Ehi Silvia,sono una donna,coraggio,mi ci son messa io sulla moto xchè non farlo anche tu?!…un gran salto di qualità,dalla bici al monster 620! :->
I can atest to Mr.Minoli’s appreciation of the umbrella girls. I was standing in front of him during the fashion show @ the Ducati party @ Daytona, and everytime I turned around to see his response to one of the beautiful ladies, there was always a smile on his face.I couldn’t imagine the CEO of Ducati not seeing the beauty in everything he looks at.
HELLO FEDERICO…CONGRADULATIONS FOR THE BLOG INSIGHT.I HOPE YOU COME TO SAN DIEGO CA .I CAN TELL YOU I STILL RIDE MY CUCCIOLO’S ( THE FIRST DUCATI )I HAVE ALL THE 50′S DUCATI’S THEY ARE ALL WONDERFUL BIKES.ENEA ENTANATI (FAMOUS IN ITALY FOR HIS RESTORATIONS)I AT THIS MOMENT WORKING ON A 1946 SIATA CUCCIOLO. IT IS ALMOST THE VERY FIRST DUCATI CLIP-ON ENGINE.THE DUCATI PASSION GOES ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE VERY FIRST ONE.THEY WERE RACED ALMOST FROM THE DAY OF BIRTH.LEONARDO.
Mr.Minoli’s,
I am an ex-ducati racer here in the US. I own a 999, S4R, 996, 916 and have an S4RS on order. I went to Daytona to watch the race, but was very disappointed to not have any Ducati display a gathering point if you will for all of us to come and park our bikes meet and mingle with other Ducati riders. Most of us rode hundreds if not thousands of miles to get to Daytona only to find every brand but the one we all love represented. What a let down!!! We had such a good time last year, where we all had an exclusive place to park, show your key and get under the tent to get connected to other riders from around the world. The monster build off was great as well. Not in 2006, we as Ducati riders and owners got robbed at Daytona. I hope you will rethink this for next years event.
Regards, Jay
Ottima iniziativa sul web di uno dei marchi italiani che ci fa onore nel mondo. Complimenti.
Come have a look at www.ducatisti.com Federico, its our UK Ducati blog site, you’d be very welcome. I have owned 906/907 Paso, and an 888SP2 ( No260) and if Sgr Tamburini was still your designer I’d still own one now……..
Buongiorno Sig. Minoli, you gave me the book “Down To The Wire” in 2003 and signed it ‘to the Ducherty family’. I just thought I’d let you know that on the way out of the factory, I got the security guard to sign the book also as he was the first person we met when visiting the factory. The two signatures mean that I have the best wishes from the guy at the front door and right to the top! A few of my friends and I are planning another visit this year so I’ll bring some ‘Arbroath smokies’ which may remind you of your first ever job picking berries in Scotland. Pass on my warmest wishes to all your tour staff. They do a wonderful job of passing on their ‘Pazzione’
Congratulations on the weblog idea.
Well…I really would love to see Ducati win in SBK and AMA this year…I also would love to see Ducati Place podiums in the MOTOGP.
I went to Bologna and visited my relatives during my R&R from the war in IRAQ.Gian Luca took me to the DUCATI Factory at Borgo Pinagale. Well,while in Iraq during the war I was dreaming of buying a Yamaha R1. My trip to the Factory of the worlds Best Exotic Bikes made me change my mind. I ended up coming home to Hawaii alive after a year at war. The first big purchase of my hard earned war money was partly spent that first weekend after coming home. Guess on what!!!!MY first bike a DUCATI 749 Dark. I have now placed over $2000.00 on Ducati performance parts for it ever since and rode 10,500 Miles in 11 months. My anniversary gift to my bike on my one year mark on 26 March is a Ducati Performance Racing Slipper Clutch Kit. Since I already wore out my original clutch. May this year be the year for DUCATI.
Congratulations on the decision to publish this blog. This seems to me like a move towards a new openness to enthusiasts and one I welcome.
To be honest it has been my opinion that Ducati has been going in a direction I was not interested in, combined with some undesirable styling changes in the machines. As much as I had admired them, and owned two, I began to doubt I would wish to own another.
I think that showing yourselves willing to hear from the customers, especially from the top, is a wonderful and well timed move.
yes it is great to associated with a company where you can meet & talk to the top people at all sorts of events.i have bumped into frederico,pierre + the top engine men at the MOTOGIRO in sicily & mid ohio last year.ALL of them were only to pleased to talk to fellow ducati riders/racers. if chalie lehing is out there what is a 250 spaggiari as noted in fredericos posting????? i own a 350SCD ex factory racer raced by bruno but have never heard of a 250 spaggiari.
YES!!!!DUCATI wins SBK and places 3rd in MotoGP…Wish someday AMA!!!Great JOB DUCATI Race Teams.
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