Demo Day

Today was the official US release date of the Ducati 848 and Spectrum Ducati had demo rides on the 848 along with most other bikes. Former Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider Alex Hofmann was also there signing autographs.

I got there about 10am and there was already 20 people hanging around waiting for their turn on one of the bikes. I immediately signed up for a ride on the 848. 30 minutes later I was throwing my leg over the sweetest bike I have ever laid eyes on. Just sitting on the bike in neutral I felt like I was going fast. Put her in gear, ease out the clutch and it was a dream come true, I was riding my 1st Superbike. Everything else I have rode up to this point in my life was either a dirt bike, enduro or my Multistrada. And right away I was in love with it. Goin down the street it begged me to twist the wrist. Going into the 1st corner she showed me what I had been missing all my life,... her. Accelerating out of the turn I almost cried. It was a thing of beauty. A few quick shifts and I looked down at the display and its reading 105mph. And it felt like she was only showing me half of her teeth. It was amazing. But before I knew it I was back at Spectrum and had to hand her over to the next anxious rider waiting for his turn with my future Italian Mistress. Without a doubt, the 848 will be my next bike.


While I was there, I also jumped at the chance to ride the Hypermotard 1100. All I can say is WOW. What a freakin fun bike. Coming right off the low profile rocket of the 848, I felt like I was on stilts sitting on the Hyper. But it was so light and so powerful, 30 seconds into it, she was seducing me. Quickly acclimating to her riding style I couldn't stop smiling. Although being used to my Multi, then having just rode pure bliss in corners. I was a bit slow getting used to how the Hyper cornered. But I could tell, take this bike to the track or twisties and you will have a blast. 5 minutes on either of these bikes was just simply not enough.

For much better reviews of these awesome bikes check out the 848 here and the Hypermotard here.