DESMOPHILES 1
November/December 2008
#35
2
MONSTER MADNESS!
S2R 800 Monster was $18495 now $15995+orc
Monster 696 $16995+ORC. Order now for Oct delivery
1098S Tricolore, one only $43,995
Sport Classic 1000S $24,495 Dep $8000
Monster S4R one only, black $19995+ORC
Monster 695 1 only, red was $15995 now $14995+ORC
it’s all here: new bikes used bikes road bikes dirt bikes extra information and photos
3
DESMOPHILES The Newsletter of DOCNZ Ducati Owners Club of NEW ZEALAND November/December 2008 Issue 35
REGIONAL CONTACTS Auckland Chris (Haldane M/C’s) 09-303-0624 Wayne Lyons 027-4728-343 Waikato Heath (Hamilton M/C) 07-849-1919 Garry Robinson 07-855-9370 Manawatu Trevor Smart Hawkes Bay Phil Greaney
0274-660-459
025-386-441
Wellington Todd (Motomart) Tony Cottle
0800DUCATI 021-850-509
Richmond Grant
03-528-0086
Greg Monahan
021-851-916
Motueka
COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Tony Cottle
Nelson
021-850-509
Marlborough Graham McDonald
03-578-2490
SECRETARY Lynda Blair
027-454-5373
TREASURER Chris Marer
Christchurch Craig (Casbolts M/C) 03-366-4401 Phil (Desmocycle) 03-344-1916
027-447-4299
Dunedin/Deep South Gary Winter
EDITOR / PUBLISHER Jamie Littin
021-892-281
WEBMASTER / EMAIL COORDINATOR
Greg Monahan
021-851-916
SOUTH ISLAND EVENT COORDINATOR Stu Jordan 021-062-5239 NORTH ISLAND EVENT COORDINATOR Bill Myers 021-891-305
03-476-7515 021-206-9866
the above members and also the Ducati Dealer Network are a very good way to find out more about the club.
All Magazine contributions and Membership Enquiries to:
DOCNZ P.O.Box 27203 Marion Square Wellington 6141 NEW ZEALAND Email: secretary@docnz.co.nz
www.docnz.co.nz
4
EDITOR’SSAY
to take in, but fortunately for those that need to know, it’ll all be on the Ducati Clubs webEvery year Ducati holds a World Presidents site sometime soon. Meeting for presidents of all the official DOC The rest of the weekend was pretty much clubs from around the world. This year the meeting ran for a week at the end of Octo- spent at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit at Cheste, about 25 minutes by train west of ber in Valencia in Spain, winding up with a Valencia. More than 100,000 screaming weekend in the Ducati Grandstand at the last round of the MotoGP. Seeing as I was fans were there on Sunday making for quite going to be in Spain for the week leading up an atmosphere. They’d scream when Rossi rode past, they’d scream when a Spaniard to the meeting, I volunteered to represent rode past, they’d scream at just about eveDOCNZ. rything. Sitting in the Ducati Grandstand The formalities for those of us only involved meant I was lost in a sea of red shirts (so I’d have been difficult to spot on the telly), and for the weekend started with the checking into the hotel on Friday afternoon, and then our lot would scream when a Ducati went past too. It was great fun, and a very differthe WPM meeting proper. Those that had ent experience from the MotoGP at Phillip attended for the full week had spent their time riding around eastern Spain (on Hyper- Island. The Valencia circuit is like a stadium motards, Multistradas, and shiny, new, un- that keeps in the sounds and the smells, whereas at Phillip Island the race plays out released-at-the-time Monster 1100s), and visiting the factory MotoGP team at the Ri- in wide-open spaces. Both are fantastic though, and the racing is just as good at eicardo Tormo Circuit on Thursday. ther. It was great to see a European GP, I won’t bore you with the details of the meet- with European atmosphere, but the next time I’m at Phillip Island I know I won’t be ing itself, but the highlights were an overmissing out anything at all. view of the new Monster 1100, a sneakpeek at the then-unannounced Streetfighter, new rules and regs for affiliated DOC clubs, Ci vediamo a Tokaanu, and an hour’s Q&A with Livio Suppo, head of the factory MotoGP team. There was a lot Jamie Ciao a tutti.
DESMOPHILES proudly printed by
Ph 04-570-0355, fax 04-570-1299, email: glenn@colourguy.co.nz
5
6
SECRETARY’SREPORT
Hello everyone. Well, this is our last magazine for 2008. The year has flown by.
those lovely South Island roads are made for riding. We’ve got a lot of those who came on the 2007 Turismo back with us again, so it’ll be great to catch up with you all.
Hamish and I have done a few long rides over the last couple of months, which has been really good - I’ve enjoyed being back on the open road in warm weather again.
I hope you all have a happy and safe festive season. And who knows, I may see some of you at Wanganui on Boxing Day! (It’s a very short report this month because I’ve exceeded the word count We’ve got the AGM coming up in mid January at Tokaanu (see details in my MotoGP article!) elsewhere). Unfortunately I won’t be able to go as I’ll be in Timaru at Best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Mervyn Hooper from Taranaki. the National motorcycle racing series - we help out the officials during Mervyn had a little spill off his race bike at the Suzuki track day at Manthe series. I’m really torn about it, but have reluctantly decided (again) feild a week or two ago. Hopefully to miss the AGM to be at the racing. by the time you read this Mervyn will It certainly doesn’t mean I value the be out of hospital. You should have Club any less, and I would be very been racing your Ducati, not your Suzuki Mervyn!! happy to stay on as Secretary if that’s what the members want. Cheers The Turismo will only be three months away by the time you read Lynda this. I’m really excited about it -
TR
Total Roofing Wellington
Ph (04) 526-5252 or 027 44-74-299 Proud sponsor of our website. Total Roofing “it’s better off in the long run”
DOCNZCLUB NIGHTS
7
Auckland Headquarters Restaurant and Bar, 132 Beaumont St, Westhaven 1st Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm Hamilton Hamilton Motorcycle Centre, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm Palmerston North Icons Stadium Bar, Main St, Palmerston North 1st Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm Wellington The Feathers Public House, Corner Featherston & Johnston Streets, Wellington
3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm Nelson Mapua Village Inn, Nelson 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm Christchurch Dux De Lux Restaurant and Bar, Montreal Street 1st Tuesday of each month from 7.00pm
-N New C OTE hrist venue from church Novem ber!
THE THE WHITE WHITE HOUSE RESTAURANT UPSTAIRS AT 232 ORIENTAL PARADE WELLINGTON ● +64 4 385 8555 INFO@WHR.CO.NZ ● WWW.WHR.CO.NZ LUNCH FRIDAY FROM NOON ● DINNER 7 NIGHTS
Special discount for DOCNZ members 25% up to $40 per table but you MUST show your card
8
PRESIDENT’SPIECE
Heeello. This is the lovely start to the riding year—soo much fine weather its very hard to walk past the 1098 and jump on the treadly and pedal to work. The better option would be to try to get the boss ta pay to product-test the Bikes. Bit of a hard sell on that front though I think...
If you get a chance to ride the new Monster 696 I say do it! What a fantastic ride. I stole one for a day, went over the local play roads, and couldn't stop laughing. Sooo much fun and easy to ride. Just what Ducati are all about. On the corners it makes a lot of the big bikes look very silly. I think on a twisty road you could nearly put anyone to shame, especially if you are a featherweight rider.
We have the Tourismo just around the corner I hope everyone is all booked. Hands up who's checked out the new bike range from Ducati! Who needs The AGM is booked too. Check out the internet porn when you have toys like that on the net?! Waahoo! Yummy! details in the mag, and start thinking Yummy! Yummy! Bring on lotto!! about what you want out of your club so we can get it actioned. Go Ducati! We are doing a track day on the 5th of Feb at Manfeild. We will keep Ciao, you posted on that. For those of you that haven't been to the bike show in Palmerston North it's well worth checking out. I wont say too much, but Ducati is well represented.
Tony
Our Advertisers and Sponsors Support Us Support them and Support your Club Whenever you see the services of one of our advertisers (and isn't that all the time?) let them know that you saw the ad in DESMOPHILES. That way they will know that their advertising dollar is being spent wisely. It will help your club, the service provider and above all it will help you (there may be a club member discount available). DISCLAIMER Unless expressly stated, the opinions and comments in this newsletter are those of the contributors only, and are not club policy. Nor does the club guarantee any advertisers products or servicing suggestions made. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the editor or DOCNZ.
9
DUCATI SPECIALIST Dave McDonald NZ agent for ‘Vee-Two’ performance parts Bel-Ray and Penrite Motorcycle Oils Over 20 years Ducati experience and expertise! Bevel Drive and Belt Drive Two Valves a specialty 28-30 Joseph St
Palmerston North 027-682-7083
10
BAY OF ISLANDSRIDE REPORT
Isn’t it funny the rides with rain, rarely does it stay that way. The ride to the Bay of Islands started out that way.....you know forecast with showers and just to keep you guessing, you hear it stopping and starting throughout the night. You wake up like it was Xmas morning hoping to see the dry pavement outside your window.....only to see that it’s still wet and the clouds are moving in the direction of your ride. Ha ha ha we’ve all been there!!! That has never stopped us before and a ride always turns out well worth the effort. Some of the Auckland member’s philosophies on wet weather riding are: •
Fantastic.... what a great opportunity to practice wet weather riding!
•
Hell....you only loose 10% grip in the wet anyway! So you can still ride at 90% of your dry road speed!!!
•
If you ride fast enough, you’ll stay in front of the rain.
The most important fact is it never rains everywhere and rarely does it rain everywhere you are… especially if you’re moving! So...... on to the good stuff. The riding! The turnout was for a Ducati ride, but by the end the odds were getting close in favour of a new KTM club being
formed. I know, I know, clean yer mouth out Myers! I can see all those votes coming in at the AGM....ha ha I’m just reporting the facts, Ma’am. Yes, you Lynda. We meet in Albany. 5 Ducatis and 3 KTMs.....they make dirt bikes.....right? Alright we’re still ahead! THEM: Tony and Hugo on their new RC8’s and Maree on her 690 Duke. US: Kevin 851, Perry on his trusty Monster, Wayne and Erin on the S4RS, and me on my 749S......... But where's Pam?..... She's never late! Here she comes...... Something about breakfast in bed, I think she said. Tama must be a really good cook.
By Bill Myers
11
12 Yeeha, the showers stop and dry roads up ahead. SH16 thru to Waipu and lunch. Kevin peels off and heads back to Auckland, so now, Ducati is 1 up on the bike front at 4 vs 3.
BAY OF ISLANDSRIDE REPORT—cont.
The next day we woke to a gorgeous day. That was especially good because there was just a wee bit of belt showing on the rear of the 690. Shhh we won’t tell Maree, eh Tony?! We took the ferry over to Russell and had a We stop for gas and I notice that the coffee before getting into that magnifi749 has done only 160k’s on nearly a cent road to Oakura. If you have never full tank......hmm... we’ll get to that soon. Thru the Otaika Valley and hey, been thru there or haven’t been rethe bike decides it will start playing up. cently, it’s in good nick and reminds me Almost like it’s running on one cylinder of the road between Gisborne and Waiintermittently...... we’ll get to that later.... roa. NICE!! Bugger, right when you get in the More steel showing, but I was confident groove. I catch up to the rest and we decide that the 30 odd k’s to Dargaville about getting home. Back thru to Waipu for a bite and home via 16. No is better than seeing if we can make it to Kaikohe. On the way there I decide worries! rather than monkey around and try to Just want to thank the Auckland reguget it going properly, which I probably lars for changing their minds on the wouldn’t, I would pillion Maree on the 690. Thank god for the 2 up bike! Less venue....BOI turned out a real winner. than 10 minutes later the bike was se- And special thanks to Perry for being cure and before Maree could say, “hey, my wing man while Maree was exploring new limits! this is my bike, I don’t want to share!”, the boys secured my bag to the 690 Oh, the bike?....went back up to Dargaand we were off. Yep, that’s right we ville with a couple of crates of beer for are even now KTM 3 Ducati 3! storage costs and towed it home. In a Those back roads up to Paihia are awe- nutshell, it was the coil. Good things, some. I wrung the neck out of the 690 mechanical warranties, but be advised, depending on your cover the AA will trying to keep Wayne in sight. We all had the odd slide from unmarked road only tow to an AA garage, regardless works......you know that pea gravel just whether or not that garage can do the work required. So, when I rang the AA, out of sight on the 65 corners. You they said they would only tow it to an know you feel alive, after those, aye Wayne and Tony? We arrived in Paihia approved garage in guess where.....yep to a lovely evening, a delightful après- Dargaville......ha! bike on Wayne and Erin’s deck and a Happy trails amigos! meal at the aquarium restaurant.
By Ben Hunter
13
14
NFIMPORTERS
Back in September I had to spend a couple of days in Sydney for work, so I decided to add a day’s leave to the end of the trip and see some of the sights. I mentioned to Lynda that it’d be neat to visit the guys at NFI (the Australia and New Zealand Ducati importers) if that was possible, and after a brief flurry of emails a visit was arranged. Norm Fraser Importers is based in an industrial estate a couple of kilometers from the Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush. So after a train ride to the Olympic Park station, I hired a mountain bike for a twohour “tour” of Olympic Park, and promptly set out for my appointment with Warren Lee at NFI.
Expo truck ready for Phillip Island
When I arrived it was pretty clear that NFI is a busy place, particularly so with the MotoGP round at Phillip Island in a couple of weekends time. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was delighted when Wally organized a tour of the building for me with Niña Henderson. Niña showed me The NFI demo fleet through the stock rooms (lots and lots of helmets, leathers, gloves, boots, posters, parts, you name it!), the huges stacks (yes, stacks) of shiny, new Ducatis in their shipping crates, the workshop (with NFI’s demo fleet, including the boss’s own Desmosedici RR), and out the back for a quick look at the Expo truck—all packed up and ready to head to Phillip Island for the MotoGP.
15
By Jamie Littin
Along the way I met some of the guys who work in the stock room, managing the goods from Ducati on the way in from Italy, and back out to the dealers. I also met Craig McMartin, Aussie Pro Twins champ, who was keeping the demo fleet in working order. After the tour I had a chat with Wally about how things are going as far as Ducati is concerned in our part of the world. He was pretty positive, with sales on the up both here and in Australia, thanks in no small part to the incredible success of a couple of Aussies in the MotoGP and Superbike world championships. Heading back to Olympic Park with an hour of rental time up my sleeve, I decided DUCATI “MOTORCYCLE” PARKING it had been a pretty good day. The Park itself was something of a ghost town, with only the occasional tourist providing any signs of life. That would change in nine days time though, when the rugby league Grand Final would be played there, and all the talk when I returned the bike was about whether the Warriors would be playing in that game.
I’d like to thank Wally, Niña, and the rest of the guys at NFI for making the time to show me around during one of their busiest times of the year.
Jamie Troy crashed here...
16
DOCNZEVENTS
The DOCNZ AGM will be held at the Aotearoa Thermal Resort in Tokaanu on Saturday 17th January 2009. The AGM will start at 4.00pm which should give people a chance to have a bit of relaxation after the ride there. We'll try to keep the meeting short and sweet so we can move onto drinks/ dinner/swimming (the important stuff!) as soon as we can. The Resort is on State Highway 41 between Turangi and Taumarunui - you can't miss it. It's next to the (one and only) petrol station in Tokaanu. If you will be going, please book your accommodation directly with the Hotel. Please let them know you are part of the DOCNZ group, or they will tell you they are fully booked - we have the whole complex booked for our group. If you haven't been to our AGM before, please don't be put off by the formal AGM title—it's a relaxed event, and we try to keep the formalities to a minimum. We are able to park our bikes in the courtyard in the middle of the Hotel.
Tokaanu
It's a great ride to get there, and the restaurant does a good buffet meal. We have the whole complex to ourselves, and if the weather's warm the swimming pool is always inviting! The Hotel phone number for reservations is 07 386 8873 Any enquires about the AGM please contact Lynda at secretary@docnz.co.nz Meeting points for riding to the event: Auckland ride details: To be advised Wellington, Manawatu and Wanganui ride details: Wellington group: meet at BP Waikanae at 9.00am Manawatu group: meet up with the Wellington group at BP North End in Feilding - ETA of the Wellington group is 10.30am. Wanganui riders: ETA at Wanganui is 12.30pm, meeting point to be advised. Any queries to Tony 021 850 509
17
18
1098RBAYLISS LIMITED EDITION
A DUCATI LEGEND Troy Bayliss is a Ducati legend. In celebration of his victory in the 2008 World Superbike Championship aboard the 1098 R, and the end of a career that proudly claims three World Championships aboard three generations of Ducati Superbike, the factory have built a 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition. Enjoying exactly the same high specification as the standard 'R' model, the 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition has a special colour scheme designed by Aldo Drudi and approved by Troy Bayliss himself. The livery, which was used during Troy's final race at Portimao in Portugal, incorporates the key colours of his success. Sporting the famous number '21' on the pearl white nose and side-fairing number plates, the red and white paint scheme uses the dark blue background of the Australian national flag to blend beautifully along the side of the bodywork and into the unpainted carbon fibre stripe along the seat unit. This attention to fine detail is also evident in features like the carbon lower-fairing finished in red, except for aerodynamic recess for the side-stand, which remains natural carbon fibre. A subtle '1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition' graphic on the tail fairing
www.ducati.com
19
leaves no doubt as to what this magnificent bike is. The striking design contrasts perfectly against the 5-spoke wheels finished in matte black and additional special features like the carbon fibre heat shield on the exhaust. The 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition will be limited to only 500 units and comes with a numbered plaque on the top fork clamp, indicating exactly where in the limited edition the motorcycle was built. The number also corresponds to a numbered commemorative desk-top plaque, beautifully encased for safe keeping and bearing the engraved signatures of Ducati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele Del Torchio and Ducati Corse triple World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss. In addition, the model will be supplied with a full racing exhaust system including 102dB carbon fibre mufflers by Termignoni (strictly for track use only), a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover and rear paddock stand. What better way to mark the incredible career of Troy Bayliss than by Ducati building the 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition.
20
SUPERBIKERESULTS 2008
23/2
LOSAIL
Qatar (Saturday Race)
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Biaggi 2nd Race 2: Xaus 2nd, Biaggi 3rd
2/3
PHILLIP ISLAND
Australia
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Fabrizio 3rd Race 2: Bayliss 1st, Xaus 4th
6/4
VALENCIA
Spain
Race 1: Lanzi 1st, Bayliss 2nd Race 2: Bayliss 2nd, Xaus 7th
27/4
ASSEN
Netherlands
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Smrz 6th Race 2: Bayliss 1st, Xaus 4th
11/5
MONZA
Italy
Race 1: Bayliss 3rd, Biaggi 5th Race 2: Fabrizio 5th, Xaus 7th
1/6
SALT LAKE CITY
USA
Race 1: Fabrizio 3rd, Smrz 6th Race 2: Fabrizio 3rd, Biaggi 4th
15/6
NĂœRBURGRING
Germany
Race 1: Bayliss 2nd, Xaus 6th Race 2: Bayliss 4th, Fabrizio 6th
29/6
MISANO
San Marino
Race 1: Bayliss 3rd, Xaus 4th Race 2: Xaus 1st, Biaggi 2nd
20/7
BRNO
Czech Republic
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Fabrizio 3rd Race 2: Bayliss 1st, Fabrizio 2nd
3/8
BRANDS HATCH
Great Britain
Race 1: Bayliss 2nd, Biaggi 3rd Race 2: Fabrizio 6th, Smrz 9th
7/9
DONINGTON PARK
Great Britain
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Biaggi 3rd Race 2: Fabrizio 5th, Biaggi 6th
21/9
VALLELUNGA
Italy
Race 1: Biaggi 2nd, Bayliss 6th Race 2: Fabrizio 2nd, Smrz 11th
5/10
MAGNY COURS
France
Race 1: Bayliss 3rd, Biaggi 4th Race 2: Bayliss 1st, Xaus 5th
2/11
PORTIMAO
Portugal
Race 1: Bayliss 1st, Xaus 9th Race 2: Bayliss 1st, Fabrizio 2nd
21
MH
22
JL
MH
MH
MH
ers’ DOCNZ Memb MotoGP Gallery
JL
JL
23
JL JL
SF JL
24
MOTOGPRESULTS 2008
25
9/3
LOSAIL
Qatar
Stoner 1st
30/3
JEREZ
Spain
Stoner 11th
13/4
ESTORIL
Portugal
Stoner 6th
4/5
SHANGHAI
China
Stoner 6th
18/5
LE MANS
France
Elias 11th
1/6
MUGELLO
Italy
Stoner 2nd
8/6
CATALUNYA
Spain
Stoner 3rd
22/6
DONINGTON
Great Britain
Stoner 1st
28/6
ASSEN
Netherlands (Saturday Race) Stoner 1st
13/7
SACHSENRING
Germany
Stoner 1st
20/7
LAGUNA SECA
USA
Stoner 2nd
17/8
BRNO
Czech Republic
Elias 2nd
31/8
MISANO
San Marino
Elias 3rd
14/9
INDIANAPOLIS
USA
Stoner 4th
28/9
MOTEGI
Japan
Stoner 2nd
5/10
PHILLIP ISLAND
Australia
Stoner 1st
19/10 SEPANG
Malaysia
Stoner 6th
26/10 VALENCIA
Spain
Stoner 1st
26 Ever since I came to New Zealand around 2003 I've been wanting to see more of this beautiful country. It wasn't until a work colleague told me she had just done her practical test for motorcycle license I considered getting a bike myself. As a kid I used to ride dirt bikes in the woods, so I've always been on two wheels, but road riding was new to me. I got my learner license around Christmas 2005, but had no clue what bike to buy. I saw an ad about a Hyosung 250 Comet. It looked big and comfortable, so I bought one. I then did my first big tour around the north island with it about a year later, when I had got my full license. A friend back home in Sweden had suggested a Monster as a good entry bike if I wanted to try out Ducati. He also suggested the smaller capacity models around 600cc, which I ignored. He was riding a yellow 916 at the time which I thought sounded great. So after deciding I wanted a Ducati, I sold the 250 and found a stunning newly imported 2002 Monster 900ie Dark with loud Arrow mufflers, down in Nelson on Trade Me. So I flew down and rode it home. What a ride! A few months later, a work mate who was riding an R1, asked if I was interested in going to a track day, and off we went to Manfeild. I was dragging the Monster's mufflers in the corners and I started to think about upgrading to some-
RACING A 998
27
By Johan Aberg
thing sportier. I decided to get the beautiful 996. The following summer I started to visit MotoTT's trackdays at Taupo with the 996. I also bought a van so that I could transport the bike to the track more easily. My lap times dropped and I was looking for more grip. A whole new world opened up when I got my hands on a set of Pirelli's sticky race tyres. After about four track days with the 996, I decided to get a race license and participate in Victoria Motorcycle Club's winter series. Maybe the road pace was getting a little bit too high to be safe as well, so it was probably a good decision to get off the road at this time. I met up with the guys and girls from the Ducati Owners Club for a beer and got a few tips from them when I told them I wanted to go racing. The choice was made to switch to a 998 to get a newer generation engine, hoping it would be more suited for racing. I found an '02 998 in average to poor condition for a bargain on TradeMe, this time way up north of Auckland. It was transported down to Wellington from Auckland a week before first race. It was stripped down and Motomart kindly helped me service and setup the bike's suspension and made sure the bike complied with all the racing regulations in terms of safety wiring and other preparations. I bought a race fairing and I managed to get it ready in time for the race. By this time I had sold my road bike to concentrate on the racing over the winter. With the van loaded with a bike I never had ridden before, me and
28
RACING A 998—cont.
my partner set off to Taupo. After the qualifying I was stoked to see I had qualified 2nd in Clubmans, which is the entry class for racing. The races went very well and I finished 3rd and 5th. Sitting on the start grid, with all the other bikes revving around you, waiting for the start lights to go out, is an incredible rush and the starts are now one of the highlights in a race for me. I had a lot of fun during my first race and met some very nice people who help me to get my head around everything that was going on at the track. The next three rounds were held at Manfeild, both in wet and dry. My laps times were still dropping between each round and I was close to the cut off lap time in Clubmans and would soon have to leave this class for a quicker one. The decision was made to leave Clubmans and enter the Superbike class with the 998 in round 5, that was going to be a two day weekend race, held the last weekend of September. I managed to qualify 20th on the grid, which is on the fifth row. Very happy with this, as some people didn't qualify at all, I prepared myself for the race. I got a good start and was around 11th out from the first corner. I dropped a few places during the race but managed to hold my tight lines and finished 13th which would be my best result over the weekend, which I'm very pleased with. With only one round left in the winter series, I can look back on a very positive experience as a newcomer in the bike community in New Zealand on my Ducati. It's been a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere with many people who are willing to help and share tips to a newcomer. As a bonus, the odd Ducati among the Japanese bikes seems to draw attention and I always have people coming up looking and asking about it, which is great! I would highly recommend any bike owner to at least participate in one of the well organized track days held around the country. You will develop your riding skills a lot in a safe and fun environment. I've found the Ducati to be great fun to ride with an awesome grunt and sound. Also, with the proven handling you
All photos
29 have a bike which will most unlikely give you any unpleasant surprises and you will have to push it very hard to even get close to its limit. I know I'm still far from it. Thanks for reading and hope to catch you at a track in the future!
Johan #65
: Chrissie of WF Photography
30
31
32
PHILLIP ISLANDMOTOGP
With Rossi clinching his 8th title I wanted to see how well he’d go against the Dukes at the Island, so a trip across the ditch was in order. After leaving my travel arrangements a little too late, our esteemed secretary, the wonderful Lynda, came to my rescue with a spare room in a cabin on the Island with the team of TSS Motorcycles – fantastic! When I arrived at the Island on the Friday the weather was sh*ting itself, uh oh! I booked a ticket to the Yamaha dinner on the Friday night and it was really good to see Rossi, Edwards, Lorenzo and Toseland talk about the challenges of MotoGP life. Great night, finished off with a few quiets in the main street afterwards! Saturday morning dawned fine, sunny and cold, but at least the weather Gods were playing their part! I’d managed to score myself a paddock pass so headed to the track early to get a good spot and see who I could run into. Toseland, Edwards and Ducati supremo Livio Suppo were some of the more visible on practice day and they were all friendly and happy for a quick chat. Spending the day checking out the practice races I found some great spots up by the Hayshed and on Lukey Heights to watch the action. Back in the paddock later I ran into
By Steve Ferguson
33
Liam Shubert, Parts and Logistics Coordinator for Pramac D’Antin Ducati. He talked about the team, the highlights and hassles of being the Ducati satellite, and the performance of the riders – Elias and Guintoli. Liam has his own website – motoliam.com where he chronicles his travels in MotoGP, and is a regular on the MotoGP OD podcast. It was great to put a name to the face and find he was as friendly as he comes across on the cyber-airwaves. Saturday night was party time in Cowes and the town really went off in the main street – lots of bikes, bands and merriment. All in all, a great night! Sunday was a stunning day to watch racing at the Island. What can I say about the races, all good, with the 250’s being a real highlight, and Rossi’s charge up the field and battle with Toseland also great to watch. It was good to see Hayden doing well and maybe it bodes well for his move in ‘09. A couple of other highlights of the weekend were meeting Dr Costa, head of the Clinica Mobile, and Jeremy Burgess, another unassuming guy that knows how to win. Heading out of the Island on Monday morning and it was pissing down again, so I guess the weather Gods really did their job. It was another great weekend – fantastic racing and awesome weather. Meeting some of the riders really topped things off - I guess I expected more of an F1 atmosphere in the paddock, but I was surprised how friendly everyone was.
34
DUCATIPRESENTS ITS NEW LOGO Along with the line of 2009 motorcycles presented at EICMA, Ducati CEO, Gabriele Del Torchio gave the world a glimpse of the new company logo.
The new logo celebrates the unique thrill of the corner, where a Ducati bike really packs a punch like no other. A curve is framed within a red shield, symbolising victory and the Italian racing colour, with the classic Ducati script emblazoned above it. To accompany the launch of this new logo, Ducati has produced a video to highlight its distinguishing features: passion, racing and heritage.
BODY KITFOR SALE Ducati 916 Body Kit — Vimori Racing UK BSB INS Corsa Replica Orange impregnated f/glass and includes: • Tank which was sprayed by Vimori when supplying the kit. • Seat unit with cut outs for seat and lights, • Head fairing with cut-outs for lights • Two 1 piece sides and racing belly pan. • Full set of BSB TEAM INS Racing stickers. Unused Phone: 027 291 6029
MOTORCYCLESUNLEASHED
35
Te Manawa “Motorcycles Unleashed” opening I was contacted some time ago by the Palmerston North Museum, “Te Manawa”. They were starting to organise an exhibition called “Motorcycles Unleashed” and wanted some contacts for motorcycle/ Ducati people. Always keen to help give good PR for motorcycles, I was happy to help. And I was delighted to receive an invitation to the “invite only” opening of the exhibition on a Friday night in early November. It was a good night, a veritable “who’s who” of motorcycling, and was opened by Rod Coleman, a kiwi motorcycle and racing legend. The exhibition itself is superb. The curator has put together a unique collection of bikes and associated bits and pieces, and the way they are displayed is brilliant. A lot of the bikes around the walls have mirrors underneath and behind them, so you get a 360o view of the bikes. There’s huge custom-made banners and photos around the wall, and sets of racing leathers. There’s all sorts of bikes on display, including some lovely racing Ducatis. They’ve even got a special section for kiddies, where the youngsters can play in a “den” with Lego or on the motorcycle racing video games. The official opening for the public was the Saturday morning. Some of our Club members rode up and we joined in the ride around the Square in the centre of town to publicise the event. There were about 80 of us, so it looked quite spectacular. Everyone visited the display afterwards, and all thought it was great. If you’re in the Palmerston North area between now and May 2009, I’d thoroughly recommend you spend an hour or two at the exhibition. It’s worth every cent of the $15.00 entry fee. The Museum is in Main Street, just off the Square. See www.temanawa.co.nz for more information.
Lynda
36
PHILLIP ISLANDMOTOGP
For the fifth year in a row, we headed over to Melbourne early October for the MotoGP at Phillip Island. A very early start was needed on the Thursday morning for the 6am departure from Wellington, but there were a lot of familiar (bleary eyed like us!) faces on our flight. This was the first time we’d managed to find a motel (we’d booked one a year earlier) instead of being in a camper van. It was nice to have a normal car to drive around Melbourne, rather than the huge van. We did our good Samaritan act when we arrived at the airport, as two of our mates had a problem with their rental car booking and there was no car available for them at the airport. None of the airport companies had any vehicles whatsoever, and none of the “rent a dent” type companies could help out either. James phoned his wife (who was back home in Wellington) who had done the booking. You won’t believe this - she got on the net and through the Avis website, booked an Avis car from their city depot - despite Avis at the airport telling us there were no cars to be had for love nor money anywhere in Melbourne! So we gave James and Mark a ride into the central city, calling into Melbourne Ducati on the way. James has a 1098 and I did my best to persuade him to buy all sorts of Ducati trinkets but he isn’t a trinket man like me (well, I’m actually a trinket woman, but you know what I mean!) I even tried my hardest to sell him the Puma Ducati shoes, on special
37
By Lynda Blair
at $150.00. But no, he stood firm. I found a lovely cordura Ducati riding jacket…I was very tempted but decided to wait and get it on Monday if it was still there. It wasn’t cheap at $650, but it was very stylish. I made do with some keyrings and lanyards. I use a lanyard every day at work for my access card, and my current Ducati one was getting a bit tatty. We carried on to the Elizabeth Street bike shops and in each one we spied lots of Kiwis (including Mark and James) loaded down with helmets and jackets. We left central Melbourne after lunch and called into Zagame in Richmond, then headed south. We stopped at Moto One in Oakleigh, and it seemed they were no longer Ducati stockists. (I have later heard that they have closed their shop doors.) We got to the island and went straight to the track to collect our tickets. We were in the Yamaha corporate suite on the Gardner Straight, near turn one. We then booked into our motel. We were staying at Newhaven, a fishing village on your right as you enter the Island via the bridge. The motel was clean and tidy, and was going to work well. We then headed into Cowes for a meal with our mates James and Mark at Pinos Trattoria, the Italian restaurant with photos and leathers from all the racers on display. Simoncelli and his team turned up while we were there, as did Randy Mamola. I said g’day to Randy - he had come over to NZ for our Marlboro Series, when he was a snotty, freckled 15-year old kid, so I felt like I knew him! We wandered up and down the (short) main street and bought
38
PHILLIP ISLANDMOTOGP—cont.
some t-shirts to take home for our mates. Friday dawned fine and clear, and we had a great morning at the track. Our Yamaha tent had a good view of the riders coming out of the pits and accelerating into turn one. We spent time in the Expo Tent (or should I say Expo Building - they have just completed a permanent building to house the Expo in). I made a beeline for the Ducati stand, and guess what... They had some Ducati leather riding jackets on special, in several different designs. I tried some on, and settled on a lovely red/black/white Ducati Corse one. It was $600, so it was much better value than the cordura one I’d seen in Melbourne. I was RAPT. From there Hamish went up to Lukey Heights to take some photos and I went back to the Yamaha tent. The bouncer wasn’t keen on letting me in carrying my Ducati jacket, but I folded it inside out and promised him I’d take it to the car when Hamish got back with the car keys. He reluctantly let me come in. The support races were great. The Australian riders put on a really good battle for the wins, especially in the Superbike class. Craig McMartin was racing the 1098 in the Superbike class, and he’d qualified a credible 8th. During lunchtime the weather quickly clouded over and by the end of the day it was hosing down, and very cold. The last support race was cancelled as the light was so bad. Friday evening we went to a Yamaha dinner in Cowes where Rossi, Lorenzo, Toseland and Edwards were guest speakers. It was really good. They also unveiled the new
39 R1, first time it had been seen in Australia. Saturday and Sunday were great weatherwise. Saturday was superb racing for the Australian support classes, and qualifying for the GP riders. One of my mates who’s a Yamaha dealer very kindly loaned us his pit pass for a couple of hours, so we were able to get right in the pits. I was lucky enough to see (among lots of others) James Toseland, one of my heroes. I asked for his autograph on a photo I had with me. An added bonus was he gave me a hug and a kiss after - and Hamish captured it on camera!! The highlight of my weekend!! Sunday was race day and wonderful as usual. It had a great start. Hamish took a look out the motel door when we got up to see what the weather was doing. He yelled out “Lynda, come and look at the bike parked next door”. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about, but I came to have a look anyway and lo and behold, it was a Desmosideci!! We had a chat with the owner and he kindly let me pose for some piccies. After the racing, it took ages to get out of the circuit because of the way they’d set up the exit gates, but we weren’t in a rush and eventually we got into Cowes and had another wander and a meal. It was crowded with bikes - they close off the main street to all other vehicles on the Sunday night, and it’s patrolled by mounted police. Monday we had a leisurely start with a breakfast at Pinos in Cowes, then a drive back to Melbourne and our hotel at the airport. We spent all Tuesday in transit and arrived back in Wellington late afternoon. Another great MotoGP weekend. We’ve decided that we might economise and do just the World Superbike races in Australia in 2009. But as we left the motel, we booked it for the GP next year, just in case we change our minds…
40
DUCATI GOLD INSURANCE A specialised tailor-made insurance package for Ducati Owners featuring:
Highly competitive rates Sensible excess Flexible payment options Bonus – interest free monthly payment scheme Reduced premiums 0800 helpline service for policy holders Accessories and riding gear cover included in each policy
Phone, fax or e-mail for a no obligation quote
CASBOLTS MOTORCYCLES 39 MANCHESTER ST CHRISTCHURCH Ph 03-366-4401, Ph & fax 03-366-4402 E-mail sales@casbolts.co.nz
DOCNZMEMBERSHIP FORM I ........................................................… [first name] [postal address] [postcode]
...…….................................................… [surname]
of ......................................................… ..................................…
41
...........................................................… [suburb / city]
..................... ...........… [Home telephone]
…......................................... [Cell phone]
......................................................... (I am happy to receive Ducati related emails
Y/N)
[email]
hereby apply for Full m/ship [$50.00] Family* m/ship (family members or partners living under same roof) [$60.00] Associate m/ship (non Ducati Owner – no voting rights) [$50.00] of the Ducati Owners Club New Zealand. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to abide by the constitution and by-laws of DOCNZ. I enclose payment of $....................................... by cheque made out to DOCNZ. I wish to pay by direct credit. (Our account details are: DOCNZ National Bank-Palmerston North 060746-0276337-00 Please ensure your name is included in the information. Please note that you must still send in your membership form, noting you have paid directly.)
Signature: ..........................................................
Date: .............................................
Please note that memberships expire at the end of January. Applications and renewals received between November and January are registered as a membership for the following year. Particulars of motorcycle/s: ________________________________________________________________ [model and capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] ________________________________________________________________ [model and capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] ________________________________________________________________ assoc. [make, model & capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OFFICE USE ONLY Cheque No ____________________ Rcvd: ___/___/___ Amt: $__________ Clearly state name on back of cheque DOCNZ Interim Membership: Received the sum of...……......... from……………….....................................being for membership renewal / application. (to January 31 2010) Signed .................................................... on behalf of DOCNZ Committee Ducati Owners Club New Zealand. P.O.Box 27203 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, NZ Email: secretary@docnz.co.nz
42
DESMOPHILES ADVERTISING RATES
IF YOU'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF DUCATI MOTORCYCLES YOU MAY WISH TO REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE THROUGH THIS SPECIAL INTEREST CLUB MAGAZINE SIZE
1 ISSUE
3 ISSUES
6 ISSUES
1/8 page
$7.50
$15.00
$25.00
1/4 page
$10.00
$17.50
$30.00
1/2 page
$17.50
$35.00
$55.00
Full page
$32.50
$55.00
$100.00
Payment is due at the time of placement of advert.
Club Classifieds Free classified advertising for club members is available on the DOCNZ website. Registered users can surf to www.docnz.co.nz, click the Forums link, and use the Buy/Sell/Swap forum. If you have any queries or need help please email webmaster@docnz.co.nz.
CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions should be sent to: The Editor DESMOPHILES P.O.Box 27203 Marion Square Wellington 6141 Email : editor@docnz.co.nz Deadlines are the 1st February, April, June, August, October and December for issues due out towards the end of the month. Display advertising is available for business – please contact the secretary. Rates above.
PICTURECREDITS Front cover: Lynda and some of her Ducati collection— Chrissie Whitfield, WF Photography WFactor@xtra.co.nz
Centre spread: DOCNZ Members’ MotoGP Gallery— MH: Mark Henshaw; SF: Steve Ferguson; JL: Jamie Littin.
43
44