12/16/05 Some two years ago, when Ducati first showed the Sport Classic prototypes, I instantly realized two things. First was that I wanted one (the bubble-fairing version, named after Paul Smart to commemorate his victory at Imola in 1972 which put Ducati on the map). The second thing I realized was that the 'prototype' was too well finished to be just that - this was headed for production. So I called Motocorsa, my local Ducati (and later Lotus) dealer and told them to put me on the list when there is one. Sure enough, a couple of months later it was confirmed and the long wait started... I even picked out a place in my livingroom where it would sit :) Fast forward to the present. I've actually known that the bike is in town for a week or so but having the M5 to play with I was distracted enough to let the dealer put it together and take care of the paperwork in peace. Today being one of the last dry/sunny days in the forecast, it was time to go retrieve it, nevermind the 28F temperature and patches of ice on the roads. Arriving at the dealer, some formalities and then the first introduction in the flesh (I pretty much knew what to expect having seen the bikes being built during my factory tour in July). Cool :)

Motocorsa is probably the only dealer to get eleven of these (I was the second customer to actually take delivery - waited a day too long :). Seeing the remaining bikes all in a row is quite a sight... Then, mine was fired up and rolled out.

The short ride home was COLD. Despite the Roadcrafter suit with enough layers under it to make me feel like the Michelin man the chilly wind snuck in. In particular, the gloves were totally inadequate for the contitions and it got progressively harder to operate the clutch and brake. Having to mess with the visor to balance windblast and fog didn't help. Whatever attention I managed to give to the process of riding allowed me to conclude that the handling is very light and nimble, engine is torquey but not too powerful, a gear whine of sorts dominating the audio. Which is cool, though I might switch exhausts in the spring, perhaps going to a 2-1 system with a single can. Dual ones look a bit bulky. But all that can be dealt with later. In this weather the best way to enjoy a motorcylce is to stare at it while sipping chianti by the fireplace... So, after the obligatory garage shot I pulled the new arrival into its winter home and raised a toast to the many memories yet to be made.

Cheers!

01/20/06 (updated 01/21/06) One of the consequenses of staring at the bike in the livingroom every day is that I start envisioning ways to modify it. In particular, the whole rear fender arrangement is clearly there for regulatory reasons and while Ducati made a valiant effort to make it fit the styling of the bike, it doesn't really. Looks more like an odd appendage of some kind, especially with a license plate mounted.

So today when said license plate came in, I tried it on and didn't like the look. Out came the toolset and after some disassembly I found that the stock taillight unit fits very nicely upside-down under the seat minus the bracketry. All that's needed is swapping left/right turn signal wires in the connector and drilling three small holes under the seat. No other mods. In fact it fits so perfectly I can't help but think it's not entirely unintentional. Here is what it looks like:

Right now it's just held in place with zip ties for test fit, I'll drill the holes when I bring the drill back from the shop. Only question that remains is how to mount the license plate. I wonder if I can just use industrial velcro to attach it to the battery, ahead of the rear wheel. It's just the right size. I've seen plates mounted in this location on highly modified bikes so while it's probably not legal as such, one could possibly get away with it. Besides, this bike is not going to see much street use anyway so I'd be willing to take the chance.

UPDATE:

Decided to go ahead and finish the job. So, the three holes were drilled and the two wires swapped in the connector. The latter took a bit of doing but basically you need to reach inside the connector from the front with a sharp instrument and bend the plastic retaining tab back from the pin while pulling on the wire. There is one position that does not have a pin so practice bending the tab on that one first. Ultimately very doable and clean (and reversible if need be).

A quick turn-signal check verifies that I've got it right and all is well. The bike looks more compact and even lighter somehow (ok, it actually is but only by 3 pounds). Cool. The whole procedure takes about a half hour with no visible mods to any stock parts, with all stock hardware. Highly recommended to anyone who owns one of the Sport Classics. It's easy, it's reversible and it's free :)