I’m on my way to the US, to attend the AMA Superbike race in Daytona; the only classic race Ducati never won. I was there in 2003 when Eric Bostrom started from pole position and lead almost to the last lap, when suddenly he started slowing down and finally stopped with a punctured oil cooler. The disappointment still hurts.
I like AMA racing. It has almost an amateur feeling attached to it. The paddock is open, the riders are accessible, there are lots of fans with their families. AMA always reminds me of Eraldo Ferracci, the spaghetti he used to cook in the box for the entire team. I remember him holding hands with my four year old son and showing him the different bikes: “this is a Harley ‘potato – potato – potato’, this is a Ducati ‘wroom-wroom-wroom’”. I would like to have Eraldo with me when I meet Ben on Friday.
He always knew what to say to a rider even someone like Ben capable of giving incredible wins and frustrating disappointments. It’s so much harder for me to find the right words.
The engineers tell me the 2006 Superbike is really good and yet I cannot forget the power handicap we have towards the 1000cc four cylinder bikes.
We have to do something about it. It was too hard to watch Troy Bayliss dominate the turns and being overtaken on the straight.
Before the race I’ll be parading on my Multistrada on the high street with thousands of Hogs all around us. The first time I saw bike week, together with Gigi Mengoli, we were incredibly impressed by the sense of belonging and of community. This is exactly how the Ducati WDW was born - we wanted to bring to Europe and to Ducati the bike week feeling. We succeeded. We will miss WDW this year but we promise, WDW will be back in 2007.
On Friday there is Vicki Smith’s party: Ducati Day Daytona. There we will see hundreds of Ducatis brought together by Ducati Clubs – Ducati Online and the Desmodromiclub of Rome (Italy). It will be good to see these Romans at home in Daytona even if they don’t speak the language and the food is hot dogs and beer rather than Fettuccine e Vino dei Castelli. The bike is the same and that is what counts.
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READER COMMENTS
Welcome to the world of motorcycle bloggers. Congratulations on this fantastic move !! You are at the forefront of user friendlyness ! Bravo !
Dear Mr Minoli, I just wrote the articles on the first monoblog and I really want to say from a professional point of view that it is a simple bright idea but very nice for us the owners to follow and listen to different stories on racing.
What I would like to suggest is to communicate with friends - owners (I find that all ducati onwers are friends first of all) about future models, expectations for ducati etc.
It is nice to be able to communicate with all the ducati family!
A very glad owner of a Multistrada
Vassilis
keep up the good work. I guess we all are here to give you all the support you want on that!
Con molto piacere noto che la mania del BLOG ha impazzato anche in casa ducati. Saro’ lieto di consultare il suo blog assieme ai miei amici del DucatiMonsterClub.
W la Ducati
Sapo117
Bellissima la scelta di inserire come foto del primo articolo dei monster.
Rinnovo i miei auguri ed un grande in bocca al lupo per questa nuova avventura.
Ci aspettiamo però che Lei legga i nostri commenti e interagisca con noi, del resto è questo lo spirito del blog.
Alessandro ZARCONE, Ducati Monster Club Napoli
Desmoblog lanuched Ducatiの社長はFedelico Minoliフェデリコ・ミノーリ って人です。
こんな人です。
ステキな流し目ショットも。
社長様、Blogを開始したそうです。その名もDesmoblog。
こちら。
→Desmoblog
http://blog.ducati.com/
英語だったりイタリア語だったりします。
開始とともにDucatiではこんな声明が出てます。
"(抜粋)このブログでミノーリはDucatiの中やDucatistたちの間で何が起こっているのか、バイクを作り上げる際にどのように意思決定がされているのか、世界中で行われるイベントに関して、サーキットの裏側、そして社の戦略などを語ります"
と。
バイクメーカーの社長が自らブログを書くのは世界初の試み、とのことです。そのうちPodcastingも始めるかも、とか。アグレッシブですね。。
週イチぐらいでアップしていくそうです。ペースだけは負けないようにしなきゃ。。
・・・人気Blogランキング[バイク編]
complimentoni, ottima iniziativa!
I am very much looking forward to following this blogg in the future. Excellent idea.
All my thanks to the people involved in developping and assembling my wonderful Paul Smart!
Mr Minoli,
nice thing this blogging!
If you like the atmoshpere around the AMA races with open paddock,accessible riders, whole families in the paddock.etcetc you will love the Dutch DUCATI Clubraces at Assen! Hereby you are invited on 6-7 May 2006! We will even cook real spaghetti for you!
CU
Roel
molto bene, avanti così, questo sarà un grande anno per la Ducati, e non solo per quel che riguarda le corse.
Dear Gigi Mengoli,
The name Eraldo Ferracci was mentioned but, lets not forget the man that started building the racing Ducati Vee Twins here in the States. I know you know him, Mr Reno Leoni. Much credit should go to him and the Berliner Brothers. And also Cook Neilson and Phil Schillings for winning Daytona.
Best regards,
Seth
Glad to see you have joined the blogging world! I look forward to reading about your adventures!
John Krehbiel
Ducati Owners Club Of San Diego, USA
Mr Minoli good luck in Daytona and also to Ben & Neil I wish I could be there with you and all my friends at Ducati Day and the races .
This is the first time in a few years I can’t make it but I’m sure like always it will be a fantastic time .
Your blog here is a terrific idea and I’ll look forward to it through out the year.
Try hard to get us the power that you mentioned we’re lacking ,
but remember never in spirit .
Per sempre Ducati .
Stephen , PennDesmo
Don’t forget to talk with Neil Hodgson - he’s also racing for you at Daytona ;)
Henners
Ciao Federico…
well done on your first blog…and more so, quite smart to communicate with your customers in this way!!!
as to the AMA Superbike race with Eric B, we too were disappointed to watch him exit on what was sure to be a WIN…we however were able to see and talk with Eric before and after the event…a superb rider, as was your Ducati support center:
http://www.esscape.com/rides/2trips/jgoodlett030604/jcg030604_2c.htm
also thanks for the hospitality your company extended when we visited the factory and museum in Italy a year before…other brands could well take a lesson from the marketing and support (not to mention the products)
http://www.esscape.com/rides/4factoryvisits/ducati/1a_ducati.htm
thanks once again for extending Ducati beyond the confines of the sales channel…brilliant work indeed…
Ciao Ciao,
Jim…
Brilliant idea. Good luck at Daytona
Dear Mr. Minoli,
This blog is a great idea. Thank you for taking time out of your day to keep your fellow Ducatists up to date on the joy you get from riding your Ducati. I am the proud owner of a 2003 ST4S. This is my second Ducati. My first was a 1995 900SSCR. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Ducati factory about four years ago. I was very impressed to see the lean manufacturing practices that were in place. By the way, everyone that I met at the factory was hospitable and pleasant.
You are right about the AMA. I have been attending AMA racing for over twenty years and there is always a family type of atmosphere at the events. All three of my kids have ridden to the races with me. My first introduction to Ducatis was at one of the AMA races and I knew that after hearing a Ducati that some day I would just have to own one. I was rooting for Eric B. last year. Looks like I’ll be rooting for Ben and Neil this year.
Sincerely,
Ken Wynne
Denair, California USA
A welcome to all, and a hearty congratulations to Mr. Minoli for a superb initiative. Seeing how this idea has already taken off, we can only expect the best from it.
Looking forward to reading about everything Ducati!
Warm regards,
Chris - Ducati Johannesburg
I can’t wait to see the first V4 big bang Ducati road bike.
When do we get them?
Excellent!!
Brilliant!!
I have been a fan of Ducati for more than 30 years, but never owned one for many obscure reasons!!! Dreaming of a 999R which is completely out of budget, I think that I just fall in love with the new Monster S4Rs. Yeap, I think it is now or never. Keep on going with your initiatives on the net, it is definitively the right and only way to move forward. As I can read from bloggers from all around the world your initiative is already a success.
Bravo and FORZA DUCATI
Yet, ANOTHER REASON why I am in love with Ducati’s and the “family.” Thanks, you make my obsession really that much more fun! Have 3 working on 4…. Rhonda
This blog is Great idea!!!!
I’m a proud owner of a 1992 model 851, former daytona winner it is!, and a great ride still! and I will never sell it.
Keep up your good work.
Carissimo
Sono contento di questa sua iniziativa e ciò dimostra
che la nostra passione è premiata anke da ciò!
Le auguro di continuare così e di crescere ancora di più…e che sia un anno pieno di soddisfazioni!!
giancarlo callegaro M1000
giankdark DucatiMonsterClub
da quello che ho capito,negli usa il pubblico segue molto le gare delle derivate dalla serie,cioè superstock e AMA,poi,nell’ordine,world superbike/supersport,e la motogp invece se la filano appena…infatti honda e yamaha non si può dire certo che facciano correre rispettivamente hayden ed edwards per il loro talento,bensì li hanno prelevati dalle categorie preferite dagli americani per richiamare un pò di attenzione sulla motogp,un pò come quando si parlava di un ipotetico gordon(nascar) in F1…
questa idea del blog è significativa di un’intelligenza e di uno spirito di appartenenza al marchio indiscutibili…noto con piacere il fatto che il pres. scriva i post anche in inglese..aumenta ulteriormente, se possibile, il valore dell’iniziativa..
complimenti pres., vada avanti così…probabilmente lei è il primo (almeno in italia) ad aver scoperto la rete come mezzo di comunicazione, di avvicinamento al marchio e se vogliamo anche di promozione (anche se sono convinto che lo spirito non sia questo necessariamente), in maniera economica, intelligente ed immediata..buon lavoro
Venerdì 23 settembre 2005 - DRE principianti
Lunedì 26 settembre 2005 - firmato contratto di acquisto del mio multistrada 620 rosso fiamma :-)
Great!
Paola
p.s. ora però qualcuno me la fa la traduzione del post in giapponese vero? :-)
incredibile quante ragazze facciano la patente della moto perchè vogliono il monster sotto le chiappe…è un’altra delle “magie” della naked di borgo panigale…;))))
Most disappointed in Daytona results. I was hoping for better, closer competition from Ducati for the Suzuki. I had read that Ducati was to provided first line Ducati for the U.S. effort. There appears to be a very large technology gap between the Ducati and Suzuki bikes. What happened?
e’ solo in inglese?
Dear Mr. Minoli;
All Ducati owners in America are concern about the financial difficulties Ducati is going through. ¿How can research & development take place, when you do not have the resources to pay for it?. What is the future of Ducati?. Who is going to control Ducati?. Are Ducatis becoming museum pieces?. I hope you have a viable plan to financial success. Regards, Juan.
I bought my 999s and st4s from Jeff Nash. They are both great bikes, but I would like to see the ST4s continued with the 4 valve engine.
It is just about the perfect street bike as far as I’m concerned.
I visited the factory and museum in 2001. Italy is a beautiful country.
Thanks for listening Mr. Minoli.
here is a marketing idea that I invite all to comment on and please turn me on to any other blog that may exist concerning such topics.
for Hypermotard I forsee a super standard platform to build on that will become bigger than the monster and increase market shares. The idea is custermer customization, its such a no brain even Harley is doing it now. Victory was the first big manufactor in recant history that offerd and kind of custom shop easliy accesable through dealers. Of course these same tweaks to the basic design and drivetrain focus could be made at any time using your handy dandy assecory catalog,full of juicy examples of how your dream machine might look. The question is then do you want to wait a few months to get just what you want or get the closest one that is on the showroom floor and grab the catalog.
granted some of you, maybe most don’t see the point but I for one have been building and riding customs in one form or an other for many years. Though some changes are relatively minor.No stock bike has yet to fullfil all my wants. Street fights rule.
Fo example I would like flat black on a red frame ,a mono oppstion.Perhaps a slight rise, instead of dirt bike straight back,something to hold your ass agaist and the racing look(no passangers thanks)rear cowl,but still very minimal as the corrant platform is.No enduro style front fender for me thanks,unless some one can convince me why I would need that on that street. Instaed I would like a small top faring/windscreen ala Buell thunderbult, and bars not quite so wide.
I would also go so far as to offer different engine set ups. depending on the cam,map , exhaust, you could order a bike for track days /holligan, or even ow down foe a smooth linear(easy going rocket). You could bo so far as to offer a differant tank. Say that took cues from the 916 or 999 for that maker I think they are both stunning, in an effect to again cater to the custom market and at the same time provide longer distance travel with out fill up. While we are at it some small but functional hard bags. Hey I want to take it to work to.
Ok, i went off there, but its only because the Hypermotard has me drunk with two wheel passion as ducati most always does and I would have a shit eating grin to own a Hypermotard just as it sits right now. Grazi
OTTIMO.
Si va sempre crescendo e battendo la concorrenza in novita’.
Siamo forti.
I’ve been following the debate surrounding allowing an increase of capacity to 1200cc for V-twin engines in World Superbikes. I think this would be a foolish move for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it would alienate the 4-cylinder manufacturers, leading to a possible pull-out and I doubt if the market for 1200cc bikes is that big anyway. People buy bikes they like, not which is the fastest. Which is fastest - a Ferrari 430, Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston-Martin Vanquish, Lamborghini or a Pagoni Zonda? - yet all sell becuase of their name, design and quality!
There are two ways to increase performance - increase power by development or capacity increase - and Ducati say the limit for the 999 is now reached - or to decrease the weight of the motorcycle.
decreasing the weight has may benefits. It reduces the rolling mass, so the bike will accelerate and brake faster, it will be easier to handle in and out of corners, which is where races are won anyway.
Gordon Murray’s McLaren F1 road car was the fastest in the world not because of the specific power of the BMW V12 it had, but becuase it was incredibly light. A Lotus Elise is faster than a Dodge Viper yet the Lotus has only 1800cc and 160BHP against the Vipers 7,000cc and 450BHP!
Ducati - push for a reduction in weight for your SBK 999 - maybe to the MotoGP limits and ask for the 4-cylinders to stay heavier at the current limit.
I managed to reduce my 749S by 12 Kgs by removing heavy accessories, fitting a Termi system and replacing with carbon panels, titanium and aluminium screws, etc. That is the equivalent of adding 12BHP. Easy!
Stop bullying the SBK group and apply some imagination!