Went to the Ducati Demo Day at my local Ducati store (Harbour City Motorsport - thanks, guys!) this morning. I got to ride the StreetfighterS and new Multistrada 1200S. Rode the Multistrada first - WOW! Sure a lot more comfortable than my 696. Tried all four modes (sport, touring, urban, enduro) on the 20 minute ride. All I can say is awesome. Didn't really get to do much spirited riding in the twisties, but it definitely felt nimble. Very comfortable, very powerful. On to the Streetfighter next. That bike is badazz. I could feel the horns growing out of my head as I rode it. It was the S with open clutch cover and Termignoni slipons. It felt even more upright than my Monster. Huge power. I rolled on to about 3/4 throttle from 120km/h and it felt like I was on a rocket ship. Felt narrower and quicker handling than my Monster too. The only negative thing I have to say about the Multi was the centrestand gets in the way of the back of your left foot when trying to put the balls of your feet on the pegs. With the Streetfighter it was the same thing on the other side - the exhaust heat shield pushes your right heel out when on the balls of your feet. Other than that, two excellent, very different bikes. If I had an extra $40-50K in my jeans I would have taken both home!
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/Motorcycles/th_ducati005.jpg?t=1276120265)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/Motorcycles/th_ducati004.jpg?t=1276120265)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/th_ducati002.jpg?t=1276120462)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/Motorcycles/ducati005.jpg)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/Motorcycles/ducati004.jpg)
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae4/redeng/ducati002.jpg)
went to demo day.....by total accident...on a Saturday.....I had been dreaming of Hypers and 1198's, etc.....rode everything....left happier then ever with my S2R1000....no more dreaming ...just enjoying...
Thank goodness for demo's.....
Thanks for fixing my pictures, Heath. MYSSRHL - my 696 felt "just right" this morning (if maybe a little underpowered!). There are so many things I love about motorcycles and the sport of motorcycling, and one of those things is how different every motorcycle feels compared to each other. I don't get this feeling anywhere near to the same extent from one car to another.