DESMOPHILES 1
January / February 2010
#42
www.ducatiart.com
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Haldanes ad here
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DESMOPHILES The Newsletter of DOCNZ Ducati Owners Club of NEW ZEALAND January / February 2010 Issue 42 COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Chris Marer SECRETARY Lynda Blair TREASURER Nick Brandon EDITOR / PUBLISHER Chrissie Whitfield
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 Nigel Taylor & Claire Miller
027 727 1883
021 273 9450
Wellington Todd (Motomart) Chris Marer
0800DUCATI 027-447-4299
Richmond Grant
03-528-0086
Greg Monahan
021-851-916
Motueka
Nelson
027-447-4299
Marlborough Graham McDonald
03-578-2490
027-454-5373
021-974-487
Christchurch Craig (Casbolts M/C) 03-366-4401 Phil (Desmocycle) 03-344-1916 Dunedin/Deep South Gary Winter
021-769-826
03-476-7515 021-206-9866
the above members and also the
WEBMASTER / EMAIL COORDINATOR Greg Monahan 021-851-916 SOUTH ISLAND EVENT COORDINATOR Stu Jordan 021-062-5239 NORTH ISLAND EVENT COORDINATOR Bill Myers 021-890-006
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
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EDITOR’SSAY
Wow,
site direction apparently decided that as my riding partner and I were within range, he had had Already we are well into February and still wait- enough of being held up by the car in front of ing for the ‘real’ summer to show up! That’s not him and overtook, coming right over to our side to say that we haven’t a number of fine spells, of the road !! If my friend had not moved into the but there is always that impending cold front that gravel he would have been taken out. To make insists us on reminding that we are on the down- matters worse, a car behind the truck ALSO dewards slope towards autumn already. cided to overtake the slow car and dashed out in front of me!! I had a brilliant Christmas break though I have to say—I hope yours was the same, and for those As I pulled further left ( I was already on the that didn't manage to get a break, I hope it is verge of the gravel given the antic’s of the truck) coming shortly! I looked up to see the driver grinning weirdly at me as they gunned past. (sigh). Following the Tri-Series, we had the first round at Manfeild, the second at Wanganui and the Well I hope that you have been able to enjoy third at Taupo. Close on the heels of Taupo was some of the fine (albeit changeable) weather the Port Nelson Street Races and it seemed silly that we have had recently on two wheels instead not to cover that as well, so down we went. of four! I enjoyed all the rounds for different reasons, although Taupo played havoc with my photography gear! Rain, then fine and rain again. Great effort by most racers to stay upright! Luckily Nelson weather was pretty much superb—many thanks to Andy at AB’s Motorcycles in Nelson for putting us up for a couple of nights! Also good to catch up with some friends that have recently moved down there to live, and now I am wondering how I can move down there and ‘work from home’. Hmmmm. No sooner does it seem that we are back and it is the Pacific Motorcycling Club (PMCC) series, intermixed with that mandatory event every year—Paeroa. At the time of writing this, I am still waiting for my Press Pass so I hope it arrives pretty soon. I have managed to get out and about on ‘the steed’ a wee bit recently. Great weather for it, but again the motorists are of course the ones to look out for (as if we didn't know). I am sure we all have similar stories, but last weekend I was haring off (sorry, riding at a sedate pace) towards Palmerston North on SH56, when all of a sudden a truck coming in the oppo-
This is the last magazine from me for you all. I hope you have enjoyed the wee changes here and there over the past 12 months and I have to say that not only have I really enjoyed the experience, I have really appreciated the opportunity to carry on from Jamie’s great work! Lots of thanks to Lynda for her patience while I sorted myself and got into the swing of things— and then provided all the support required to chase up articles etc—you are an organisational angel Lynda!! ;) ‘Till we meet on the road, Chrissie
Ducati Xerox Team Back on Track
(www.Ducati.com)
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After the winter break, the Ducati Xerox Team is fighting fit and ready to return to the racetrack! The Superbike World Championship gets underway on 28th February at Phillip Island, Australia, and the factory squad and its riders are more than prepared for action. Winter testing on board the Ducati 1198 machines brought positive results which further encourage the team ahead of 2010’s opening round.
Superbike season, with all teams having now confirmed their rider line-ups.
Both Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio, second and third respectively in the 2009 rider standings, are back on board for the coming season and the Ducati Xerox Team, under the direction of new Project Manager Ernesto Marinelli, and strengthened by the arrival of two new track engineers in the shape of Marco Lozej and Luca Ferraccioli, is hungry to improve on last year’s results.
Ducati Xerox is not the only squad to retain its 2009 line-up, as over in BMW too the situation remains unchanged with a contract extension for veterans Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser. Team Ten Kate Honda meanwhile gains Max Neukirchner to ride alongside Jonathan Rea, Suzuki pairs Leon Haslam with Guintoli and Kawasaki signs up Tom Sykes along with Vermeulen. Italian Max Biaggi continues with Aprilia, with young Camier as second rider.
In a series that has traditionally been dominated by Australians, Americans and British riders, and despite the dominance of the Japanese and Italian machinery, there has still never been a Japanese or Italian rider crowned World Superbike champion. Title sponsorship of the squad remains unchanged, with Ducati’s agreement with Xerox in place until 2011, but there is a change to the team logo, in line with the launch of the new Ducati Corse logo in November. Despite a worldwide economic crisis, seven manufacturers will participate in the 2010
The “new”, or returning, entries include Chris Vermeulen on board with Kawasaki, Britons Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland on the factory Yamahas, as well as Leon Camier riding the Aprilia and Sylvain Guintoli with Suzuki.
Ducati’s new privateer outfit Team Althea Racing is on board with Carlos Checa and Shane Byrne while other private teams include “new entry” Echo CRS Honda Racing that has struck a deal with Australian rider Broc Parkes; Squadra Corse Italia also with Honda machinery, and rider Vittorio Iannuzzo; Makoto Tamada with the Honda Pro Ride Team and Reitwagen Motorsport BMW who will line up with riders Andrew Pitt and Roland Resch.
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Colour Page here
SECRETARY’SREPORT Hi everyone. Well, Christmas came and went and the bikes hardly ventured outside the garage. The weather was, at best, a mixed bag. We ended up taking the car to Wanganui then Taupo for Boxing Day and the racing on the 27th/28th. The weather wasn’t that flash and I wasn’t sorry to be in the car. It was great to catch up with some of you at Wanganui and Taupo. I always enjoy the Wanganui races. Even though it’s not a good spectator track, the atmosphere is great and I catch up with lots of people I don’t generally see other times of the year. We flew to Christchurch for the first round of the National Points races mid January. As always the racing was fast and furious. Both the Superbike and Supersport classes are neck and neck after three rounds, it seems like it’ll be a fight to the wire in both these classes. The other classes had some great racing as well. The trip home on the Sunday night was rather eventful.
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wasn’t in much discomfort, but a quick trip to the dentist revealed a rear molar had developed a big abscess at the base. The choice was to have a root canal and then have the tooth crowned (around $3,000) or have it extracted (around $300). Hamish chose the latter option and a few days and a course of antibiotics later he’s back to normal. We’re off to the Pukekohe Classic meeting this weekend. It’s looking like good weather and there’s always some great bikes both racing and in the bike park. And then of course it’s not long till we head to Phillip Island for the first round of World Superbikes. Can’t wait!! And just think, thanks to Hamish’s economy at the dentist, I’ve got $2,700 more to spend!! So I’ll be able to show off all the purchases at the NDR, which is the week after Phillip Island. I’m looking forward to catching up with a lot of you at Clive, it should be a great weekend. We’ve got people coming from as far away as Invercargill and Wanaka. (continued over page)
As you may have heard in the news, we’ve had lots of problems here in Wellington with low cloud closing the airport. You guessed it, halfway up from Christchurch the pilot said we may not be able to land. Sure enough, we circled Wellington a few times then headed to Palmerston North. They’d put on four buses to bring us back to Wellington - there were two other planes which had diverted there around the same time. Meant we didn’t get home till 1am, which is really late for me, let alone on a Sunday night with a week of work ahead. A week or two ago Hamish’s face started to suddenly swell up badly on one side. He
8 Well, this is my last Secretary’s report. I have really enjoyed my years in this role, but the time has come for me to hand over the reins. I will still, of course, be a Club member and involved in the Club. I would like to thank everyone for their help and support over the years, with a special mention for a couple of people - Stu Jordan for his help with the two Turismos, and Jamie Littin for his help with various things over the years. And last but not least, I would like to acknowledge my wonderful husband Hamish. I simply could not have done this job without him. Ciao Lynda
SECRETARY’SREPORT
Treasurers Report
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Below is a summary of income and expenses for December and January. Balance of account as at 1 Dec 2009
$
10,838.00
Less expenses for December
$
(2,385.08)
Add income for December
$
530.00
Closing Balance 31 Dec 2009
$
8,982.92
Opening Balance as at 1 Jan 2010
$
8,982.92
Less expenses for January
($
4,192.60)
Add income for January
$
3,765.00
Closing Balance 31 Jan 2010
$
8,555.32
Entries for NDR and membership renewals are flowing in at a good rate now and offsetting some of the upfront NDR expenses. That helps to keep the finances in good shape so keep the money rolling in. The numbers for NDR are looking good at this stage – the committee hopes to see a good crosssection of our members there. Remember that you need to be a financial member to vote at the AGM so please make sure you renew your membership of the Club in time to ensure you can participate fully in the proceedings. So far the summer weather has by-passed the lower North Island this year but it will no doubt improve now that everyone is back at work. As a consequence very little riding done but will make up for that in the next few months. And the “work-style” block has been keeping me busy with spring growth continuing right through the summer. I have really got some serious use out of the chainsaw and other power tools over the last few months. Sadly I think I have burned more 2-stroke fuel this summer than I have put through the 998 so I will have to rectify that situation. Keep the rubber side down.
Nick Brandon
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PRESIDENT’SPRATTLE SUMMER
And about bloody time, yeah I know it’s sad to revolve your conversation around the weather, but as you know I own a roofing business & unfortunately my does revolve around it.
checking out the wide range of wicked Ducati’s we are expecting to turn up & of course going out on the fantastic ride we have got organised for the masses, hopefully see you all there. Speaking of club events; the now infamous Ducati Turismo is taking place in March 2011, with planning well underway.
I don’t think we had more than two days in arrow where it didn’t either rain or blow its guts out!! Wellington eh!!
There will be an official announcement at NDR so I won’t spoil it for you, but it will take quite a different route from previous events.
But now it has finally arrived in earnest so much so, that I have had to take the odd day off mid week to do a bit of low flying, sorry I mean cruising over the other side of the Rimutakas around the varies excellent roads the Wairarapa has to offer. Ahh heaven at last!!
Watch this space!!
Speaking of low flying, as I mentioned in the last mag I had been doing some mods to my bike, well what a difference… a lot more torque in the mid range & a much bigger rush at the top end. This think actually flies for an old two valve aircooled machine. Summer also means our own National Ducati Rally; I thought I remind you of this just in case you had forgotten. Nigel & Claire have been organising their collective butts off, and to be honest I am getting more than a little excited about getting over to the sunny Hawkes Bay. Looking forward to catching up with old friends & new and
Well while the sun is still shining I’m off for a ride. Catch Ya Later Chris
DUCATI MotoLogic Racing—2010 13 January 2010 DUCATI MOTOLOGIC RACING RIDERS FOR 2010 The Ducati Motologic Race Team has now confirmed their rider line-up for the 2010 Australian Superbike Series. Bringing the Ducati brand back to the grid will be two-time Australian Superbike Champion Jamie Stauffer and an emerging Superbike talent, Jordan Burgess. It has been 10 years since Ducati challenged the Australian Superbike title and the level of expectation for the brand’s success going into 2010 is understandably high given the irrefutable success of the brand in the World Superbike Series. It is for this reason that Motologic owner and Ducati Motologic Racing team manager Paul Free has entrusted the responsibility of racing the new Ducati 1198R in the Australian series to Stauffer and Burgess. Stauffer’s two Australian titles are not the only reason he will be piloting the 1198R this year. Throughout an extremely difficult year off the track in 2009, Stauffer demonstrated great strength of mind and a perseverance many would not have been able to achieve. This strength and his obvious prowess on the track will give the Ducati Motologic Race Team the edge it requires in the development of the 1198R as the newly formed team enters the season. Two-time Australian Superbike Champion, Jaime Stauffer: “I am really excited about joining forces with Motologic and Ducati. Motologic is a professionally run team lead by Paul Free who has a lot of experience in leading a team to victory. I feel that with a team of this calibre on a bike as successful in Superbike racing as Ducati, we definitely have a
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formula for a successful year. It is great to see Ducati back in the Australian Superbike Championship and I will do my best to have it at the front of the field. I am looking forward to testing the bike and competing in the first round of the ASBK at Phillip Island in February.” The other side of the Ducati Motologic pits houses Jordan Burgess who is emerging as one to watch in the Superbike class. In 2009 Burgess raced a Honda in the Superstock 1000 class on a bike prepared by Motologic. He raced under the Teterin Engineering banner and in his rookie year he took 2nd place in the Superstock 1000 class. Burgess not only shows a great degree of talent, but has also displayed terrific determination and focus in regards to his racing. Entering the 2010 season on the Ducati 1198R in the premier class is a challenge the 25 year old recognizes is not one to take lightly, yet appears more than ready to tackle. #33 Jordan Burgess: “To have the opportunity to ride for the Ducati Motologic Race Team is awesome and I feel particularly privileged to be part of the Ducati’s re-entrance into the Australian Superbike Championship for 2010. The Ducati 1198R is simply the best in terms of a race bike and has the track record on the world stage to prove it. I also feel honoured to be part of Paul Free’s Team, especially in my rookie Superbike year, as it is one of the most professional and successful race teams in Australia. To cap it all off I will have Jamie Stauffer as my team mate; a rider I have always admired. I am looking forward to working alongside him. I can’t wait to get on board the Ducati 1198R at Phillip Island for the World Superbikes in front of all the passionate Australian Ducati fans and give it my all!” (continued over page)
12 Team owner and manager, Paul Free couldn’t be more pleased with the riders now contracted to re-introduce the Ducati brand to the Australian Championship. Free: “Choosing the right riders for the task is not an overnight process and a lot of consideration has gone into my decision to contract Jamie Stauffer and Jordan Burgess. I am extremely proud to have them representing the Ducati Motologic Race Team. I know the individual strengths and abilities of these riders as well as the hard work put in by the team will prove to be a force on the track as we develop the 1198R in the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship. Our goal is to win as many races as we can throughout 2010 and
Ducati Test Rides hopefully that brings the Superbike title at years end. We all have a steep learning curve in front of us, riders included, but I think that challenge is what motivates people in this industry in general, so we have plenty of motivation going into the World Superbike event at Phillip Island at the end of February.�
Here is your opportunity to make your magazine work for you. Comments, suggesMotoGP—Winter tions, feedback and questions allTest welcome.(www.Ducati.com)
Friday Feb 05 2010 The second and final day of MotoGP testing at Sepang was affected by mixed weather conditions, with rain in the morning making way for sun in the afternoon. However, several riders chose to take to the track from 9am, including Nicky Hayden who was the fastest on the wet track. Others, like Casey Stoner, preferred to wait until around 1pm, by which time the track had completely dried until another heavy downpour on the strike of 5pm that saw the session extended until 6pm. Casey Stoner, second fastest overall, was satisfied with the set-up work done with the new bike over the two days in Malaysia and with his physical condition, following what was a very demanding session due to the intense heat and humidity. Hayden, eighth fastest, would have been happier if it hadn’t started to rain just as he was preparing to fit new slick tyres but he was pleased to have at least improved on his best time from yesterday and to have set a consistent pace. Casey Stoner (Ducati MotoGP Team) 2nd fastest, 2’01.320 (44 laps) “We are quite happy with the test. Today didn’t start really well because of the rain and the wet track, which set us back a few hours, but when it finally did dry out we were able to make some progress. We have definitely improved the set-up of the bike, trying some different things with the swingarm. The lap times are still not where we want them to be and we have to work on
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taking another couple of tenths off on hard tyres, but to be consistently doing 2’01.9 or 2’02.0 laps is a decent pace. Considering that we are using a different engine to the one we’ve had for the last three years and some other new parts that we still need to get the best out of we certainly can’t be unhappy with where we’re at. There is work to do but we have two more test sessions before the season starts for real. In general I am really pleased with how it’s gone.” Nicky Hayden (Ducati MotoGP Team) 8th fastest, 2’02.493 (64 laps) “I am satisfied but I could be happier. These past two days have flown by and the weather hasn’t helped us to make the most of the track time available. Anyway, this morning we got the chance to find a wet setting for the new forks and engine. When we went out in the dry I could feel an instant improvement on yesterday and I set a decent pace but then we didn't improve further. I would have liked to post a better lap time but just when we put some new tyres in the rain came back. However, it was a very positive test and I can’t wait to get back to work at the next one in a couple of weeks’ time.” Sepang Circuit Record: Casey Stoner (Ducati - 2007) 2’02.108 Best Pole Position: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha - 2009), 2’00.518 Unofficial lap times (Top 5) 1. Rossi (Yamaha) 2.00.925 (20 of 32) 2. Stoner (Ducati) 2.01.320 (34 of 44) 3. Lorenzo (Yamaha) 2.01.680 (27of 60) 4. Pedrosa (Honda) 2.01.822 (46 of 50) 5. Spies (Yamaha) 2.02.266 (17 of 31)
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Ramblings of an 851 (Part 3)
Well here we are again. The Jolly Fat man in the big red suit is long gone, another holiday break is over and done with and it's back to work. Over the previous two parts of my ramblings I've just managed to scratch the surface on how special these early Superbikes really are. Now if your a traditionalist you'll be snarling at me by now, almost seething with anger. I'm not for one minute saying early era Ducatis are less important, for these hold a special place in Ducati history as well, hell one of them is on me future shopping list (just don't tell my wife alright!?) Over the years Ducati have built a proud racing heritage on many fine models, the 851 and 888 just upped the anti somewhat and have added to this proud heritage. Yeah sure they were a radical bike design at
the time but this was coupled with the Italian attitude, backed up with that raw Italian passion, to win. There must be some vino in there as well :) The Ducati factory engineers did what Cosworth could not do, all along with one vision and a ‘no compromise’ attitude. Arr yes, back in the early 90's Ducati laid down the gauntlet somewhat, upping the anti ... more like created a new yard stick methinks and made out of a massive bit of four by two, it hit the other WSBK factory teams like a truck. It was a massive bench mark for other factories to try and follow and keep up with, it was so big it took nearly half a century before they even came close! These old girls really do have a special place in Ducati history, there are a number of these now on display at the Ducati factory museum I've been told. I've never been to the Ducati factory, or the museum for that matter,
By Andrew Gilligan sure I've seen pictures but I've never stood their in person. It's a Mecca to some and if you’re rich then you'll more than likely have been there and done that, know what's it like and have some fine pictures too! For too long my image of the factory museum.. When I was buying my first brand new Ducati, the gloating dealer had just come back from a factory tour (b*stard) he handed me a handful of pictures he'd taken on his travels. Like a kid with chocolate I couldn't wait get me hands on them and thumb through ‘em to have a look. The images covered everything of interest from wooden boxes full of cams to various stages of assemble, those types of factory pictures. So anyway, he handed me this one picture and said, “this is the bloke who put your engine together”! The picture was of an Italian bloke standing there assembling a 2v engine, he was wearing a house wives pinnie! Yep a pinnie, you know the kind that an old house wife use to wear years ago? For some reason that image of Ducati has never left me, at the time I thought, “O' Christ what have I just shelled out over $17k on”?. This was my introduction to the Ducati factory and how un-sophisticated they really were back then. Now don't laugh, he's assembled thousands of engines apparently. So the next time your sit on your bike and hit the starter button, don't think of that pinnie wearing Italian bloke will ya. A foot note to this pinnie wearing bloke, I reckon the 2v engine he was assembling was a 900ss, at the time I was buying a 750ss so it just had to be a 900ss 2v en-
15 gine :) There is a lot involved in keeping one of these old girls going, being the not so firm 20 year old she once was. I was going to start off this installment with showing you the results of the first batch of bits I've just received back from the painters, but like all early Ducatis, those darn electrics nearly cost me me pride and joy, it was almost a complete loss, where there is smoke there is fire! Apart of my annual routine maintenance is to go over all the electricial connections, contacts, relays, plugs etc. It's a mythodical process which involves massive hours (that's what the wife now thinks so leave it at that, all right?) In a nut shell I check everything, connectors are un-plug, check for oxidization, cleaned if necessary and re-connected. Relays are treated almost the same, contacts cleaned etc. If it's possible I'll make sure of a good contact by metering it, looking for minimal resistance, if not I'll try and measure the load, this is just to ensure it's as good as it can be. So here I am in her back end If you'll recall she's nearly naked at present with bits off at the painters and all. There's no hiding any of her privates (electrical bits) to peering eyes. So here I am in her back end If you'll recall she's nearly naked at present with bits off at the painters and all. There's no hiding any of her privates (electrical bits) to peering eyes. I'd not long got back from a wee ride and parked her back up in the shed for a quick wipe down before putting her to bed. Crickey all of a sudden she's all on in me shed I tell ya! What the farr cannal is that smell? I'd thought I'd run over a bit of road kill for a moment, slow roasting something down by the headers? The wife playing weird smelly pratical type joke on me? Quick a quick check of surroundings and all's normal, no road kill on said headers, the smell seemed to come from
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Ramblings of an 851 (Part 2) Continued
her rear end! Mice in one of me staintunes, apart from being deaf by now, nah can't be, I'd have blow the little fella out and half way to Auckland with the exhaust air flow. phew I got a good nose full of it then and knew straight away what it was, kinda like a plastic smell. I stumble across this burnt relay cover, like a complete idiot I touched it (doh!) like a wet paint sign aye. Yep it's hot!
So burn cream and plaster on finger I returned to garage to thumb through the most used page in any early Ducati manual, yep the wireing diagram :) Next installment I promise, it'll be pics of the bits back from the painters!
Women's Training Day—Manfeild
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Women's Training Day at Manfield on Tuesday 30th March An opportunity has been arranged by WIMA for a women’s only motorcycle training day with Karel Pavich. It is open to ALL WOMEN RIDERS. It’s being held at the Manfield track (outskirts of Feilding). it is not a race day, but a skills day held in a safe environment. It's an excellent opportunity to get to know your bike. This is a training day for ROAD RIDERS – it is not designed for racers. The purpose of this day is to LEARN more about your riding so you can ride more safely and with more understanding about yourself and your bikes capabilities. Even new motorcycle riders will gain valuable experience from this day. Riding in a safe, controlled environment around a constant track will help you learn a lot more about the fundamentals of riding. You will come away with an increased level of skill and confidence that you can immediately apply to your road riding. You will also have the chance for some one-on-one time with our instructors during the afternoon sessions. This is a fun, relaxed day, where you can ride as fast or as slow as you choose. Max of 30 riders for the day $125 for the whole day of training by one of NZ best road riders - Karel. See http://www.prorider.co.nz/motorcycle-training-courses.php?course=12 for more information.
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Bits and Pieces
Committee Positions Vacant The roles of Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and North Island Ride Coordinator are all becoming vacant at the AGM, so don’t forget to think about who you would like to see in these roles. Feel free to have a chat with any of us to find out what’s involved with the role, and either nominate someone (with their agreement of course) or put yourself up for the role. This is your Club, you get out of it what you put into it. Don’t forget that to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you will need to have renewed your membership - memberships expired at the end of January.
Turismo 2011 Plans are underway for the 2011 Turismo, and these will be revealed at the NDR. We will be advising more details in the next issue of DESMOPHILES.
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
What I Did over Christmas 1. I've been itching to ride the 1098 as often as I can lately, and seeing as the weather has been pretty good around the Waikato so far this summer the opportunities have been ample. We've done a couple of trips to the Coromandel in amongst it, and with circumstances meaning the first of those was done on a Fireblade I was pretty happy to be heading for Thames on the 1098 on January 2nd. The Coromandel is always traffic-mad over the holiday period, so we were prepared for a more relaxed ride than usual - just taking it easy, and avoiding the boats, campervans, and sightseers. This was all well and good until we got to the top of the hill heading into Tairua and hit the tailback... the traffic was stopped for nearly 10kms thanks to the one lane bridge in the middle of Tairua! What a way to spend a sunny, hot, oh so very hot, Saturday afternoon - stuck in a car for hours going nowhere, when you should be on the beach. It wasn't really a problem for us of course, and the occasional high five as we pootled along dodging the very occasional car coming the other way suggested it wasn't a problem for the tail back residents either. We did decide that if that was going to be the norm for the roads on that side of the peninsula we might as well head home more directly, and skipped the Whangamata loop heading straight across the Kopu instead. Up until that point it had been an OK ride, but the Tairua Parking Lot wasn't the most comfortable place to be as the bike's temperature shot past 100 degrees, so I guess we won't be heading to the Coromandel (or any other holiday hotspots) on January 2nd 2011. Jamie Littin
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2. Hello one and all I have been asked to pen a few words on what wonderful things I did over the 2009 Xmas break. Well not a lot really, just the usual kind of thing ate too much ham drank too much lolly water. Socialized with reprobates of dubious personality and some of them even ride Ducati as well. The fun thing for me is the lead in to the new year. I have a habit of liking fireworks, not the 5th of November warehouse specials but the commercial kind up to 8 inch in diameter and down as low as an inch. For the past 11 years a colleague and I have travelled to Napier and spent a couple of days preparing for their new years eve musical and pyrotechnic extravaganza. So if any of you Hawkes Bay locals are reading this and saw the last show please let me know what you thought as we always like a bit of feedback on the fireworks show. A wee bit of a gripe from me now.. In the Nov/ Dec edition of the club magazine there was an invite from the Auckland Motorcycle Club to attend an Interclub night on Thursday 21 Jan 2010 at their clubrooms here in the land of the great unwashed (read Auckland). I know a lot of people have plans, families and prior commitments but there was plenty of advance warning. I felt a bit let down as there was Robert on 1100S Multistrada and myself there representing DOC, I know the weather was a bit foul that night but we both rode in and I know I got home as well without getting wet. For those who thought about attending you missed out on a good evening, great catering and a good social gathering with AMC, Hamilton MC club and some DOC members. I know we can't reciprocate too well since we don't have clubrooms but I thought it was a great gesture from AMC. (continued on page 28)
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SUPERBIKE Calendar 2010 (Provisional Dates)
February 28
Phillip Island
Australia
March 28
Portimao
Portugal
April 11
Valencia
Spain
April 25
Assen
Netherlands
May 09
Monza
Italy
May 16
Kayalami
South Africa
May 31
Salt Lake City
USA
June 27
Misano
Republic of San Marino
July 11
Brno
Czech Republic
August 1
Donnington Park
Europe
September 5
Nurburgring
Germany
September 26
Imola
Italy
October 3
MagnyCours
France
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22
Port Nelson Street Races
Photographs
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MOTOGP Calendar 2010 (Dates Provisional Only) 11Apr
Losail Circuit
Qatar
Grand Prix Of Qatar
25Apr
Motegi
Japan
Grand Prix of Japan
02May
Jerez
Spain
Gran Premio De Espana
23May
Le Mans
France
Grand Prix De France
06June
Mugello
Italy
Grand Primo D’Italia
20June
Silverstone
Great Britian
British Grand Prix
26Jun
Assen
Netherlands
TT Assen
04Jul
Catalunya
Catalunya
18Jul
Sachsenring
Germany
25Jul
Laguna Seca
United States
15Aug
Automotodrom Brno Czech Republic
Grand Prix Ceske Republiky
05Sept
Misano
San Marino
GP Di San Marino E Della Riveria Di Rimini
19Sept
Balatonring
Hungary
10Oct
Sepang
Malaysia
Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
17Oct
Phillip Island
Australia
Australian Grand Prix
25Oct
Estoril
Portugal
07Nov
Comunitat Valencia
Valencia
Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland
Gran Premio De La Comunitat Valencia
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Fighting the System—ACC Levies
I Fighting the system - ACC Levies
Motorcycling as sport.
Like a number of you, I attended the protest at Parliament in November last year, which was a worthwhile exercise.
Many motorcyclists treat their motorcycling as sport and recreation, rather than just transportation from A to B.
However I was concerned that the Government may not actually take too much notice and was also offended by ACC and Nick Smith’s campaign of misinformation, so I made a submission to the Transport select committee and asked to be heard.
If the thinking behind the increased levies is carried to its logical conclusion then those who participate in dangerous sports such as skydiving, mountaineering, rugby, mountain biking and hunting should also be included as they indulge in their particular passion which also happens to involve some element of risk. But of course that would be impossible to do as there is no easy way of taxing those people.
My submission focused on the following main points: Community Responsibility. This basic founding principle of a compulsory Accident Compensation scheme like ours is Community Responsibility.
Motorcyclists are easy targets for additional levies because the information is already captured by NZTA. Media Beat-up.
This principle has been eroded by successive Governments over the years and this latest Bill sought to take the process another step along that path. The Bill would permit ACC to target those people who they perceived were engaged in risky activities with increased levies. The ACC scheme was never intended to be a user pays scheme in which those who allegedly incur specific costs must, as a group, also meet those costs in full. The scheme is intended to draw upon the overall resources of the community to ensure that those who suffer an accident do not find themselves disadvantaged because they cannot afford treatment or rehabilitation, or meet the expenses associated with a lengthy court case. By proposing that motor cyclists must pay higher levies than presently because they are ‘responsible’ for their accidents not only breaches a key principle behind the scheme, it also re-introduces the notion of fault into the scheme which was set up in the first place to avoid it.
The numbers quoted in the ACC material just don’t add up or make any sense. They said it costs ACC $62 M p.a. for motorcycle crashes and that they only collected $12 M – that statement simply does not stand any scrutiny. There are 100,000 registered motorcycles and at $250 each that equates to a minimum of $25.0 M paid by motorcyclists, plus whatever they collect from petrol sales – the real figure must be about $30.0 M in total. If 50% of bike crashes are caused by others – then we were already paying our fair share. There was no need to increase levies at all. And ACC has accumulated $11.0 billion as a buffer for a major event (such as an earthquake) and is making an overall surplus each year of $1.0 billion so it certainly is not broke.
Anyway I found myself in the hallowed halls of the Beehive on 10 December along with a
By Nick Brandon
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handful of others with similar points to make. Just a few hours before we were due to appear before the committee, Nick Smith announced their back-down on the levies - quite obviously an orchestrated plan from the outset. These reduced levies are still far too high. In fact it works out that for me the amount that the Motorcycle levy was reduced by was more than offset by the increase in the earner levy so it’s really smoke and mirrors. As motorcyclists we can’t afford to relax –I am sure that next year they will go through this all again. The Bill to amend the act if passed as drafted will make it even easier next time – it will simply require a change of regulation. I reminded the National Party members of the select committee that they are subject to the electorate’s whim at the next election and noted that they had won an election on the basis of promises of lowering taxation and nanny state interference but had instead been busy doing the opposite. This was the cue for the Labour and Green party committee members to poke some borax at them. So I have to say my first experience of actually participating in the select committee process provided an opportunity for some fun as well as the more serious stuff. Anyway I’ll leave you with the thought that when it comes time to cast your vote in 2011, remember these lyrics by The Who (one of the greatest rock & roll bands of all time). “And I get down on my knees and pray We don’t get fooled again”
From DOCNZ’s political correspondent Nick Brandon.
(Ed Note: Hope we will be seeing everyone at the next protest scheduled for Feb 16th!)
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What I did over Christmas (continued)
We passed our thanks on during the night but would like to see a thanks letter come from the club if that is possible. (Lynda has sent off a letter - Ed) Right, with that wee gripe out of the way I hope that everyone also had a great xmas 09 and saw the new year in with friends and family, and didn't have to contribute to the Governments coffers via the government sponsored revenue gathering service, who seem to haunt all the fun roads when the weather is at it's best. I am looking forward to annoying you all at NDR2010 so until then avoid the revenue collectors, enjoy the sun and burn as much fossil fuel as possible to create a large carbon foot print so that future generations will not have to suffer from the toxic emissions given off by our rare and delicate pieces of poetry in motion. Cheers Perry Dunfoy
29 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 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.
30 PUKEKOHE CLASSIC FESTIVAL REPORT: LYNDA BLAIR Late last year I decided I’d try to save some money. So I promised Hamish we wouldn’t do any of the three South Island Castrol Superbike rounds, or the Classic meeting at Pukekohe. I was sincere at the time, honestly I was. I truly meant it. Well, the promise didn’t last long as I couldn’t help myself when in early December I found some cheap-ish air fares to Christchurch for the first round of the Castrol series. So I promised Hamish that this was it, Christchurch only - no Timaru, no Invercargill, no Pukekohe races. Over Christmas one of our mates who races an Aprilia RSVR (Peter Tanner from Feilding) was offered the chance to ride Dave McDonald’s lovely bevel drive at the Classic meeting. Well, how could we not be there to see him race? Onto the internet, some okay-ish fares later and one more promise to Hamish broken. That’s how we came to be at Pukekohe on Waitangi weekend. We flew up on the Friday night. I was pleased it was an uneventful flight - I’m not all that keen on flying. We picked up our rental car at Auckland airport and got to our motel at Manukau, near Rainbow’s end, by 8.30pm. We weren’t able to get a motel any closer to Pukekohe. We were staying at the same motel as Peter so were keen to hear how his practice day had gone. Peter has only been to Pukekohe once, and that was as a spectator, so Friday (the practice day) was his first ever time on the Pukekohe track, and his first ever time on a bevel drive. He went round and round, getting used to the bike and the track, having a very interesting moment in the second prac-
Pukekohe Classic Festival tice session when coming into the hairpin at the end of the long back straight the front tyre went flat. Overall he was really pleased with how he went, his times were coming down with every lap. And he absolutely loved the bike - mind you, how could you not? Dave’s bikes are just wonderful. Saturday dawned fine and warm. Picked up McDonalds for brekkie and out to the track we went. It was hard to know which bikes to look at first, there’s so many lovely bikes racing. And fast riders, quite a few from overseas. Paul Smart was entered as usual, but unfortunately at the last minute he couldn’t make it. Andrew Stroud was entered on one of Ken McIntosh’s Manx Nortons, and he rides a classic bike to its limit just like he does with his GSXR 1000. There were some big names from the old days riding - Ginger Molloy, Hugh Anderson, and Stan Woods from the UK. And some of the “younger” generation of fast lads - Sam Smith, Nick Cole, Jamie Galway, Paul Dobbs and Steve Bridge. After the racing finished on Saturday we decided to head down to Morrinsville to have tea with my elderly Dad. He didn’t know we were coming so we picked up fish and chips and surprised him. On the way back it was still light so we called into Hampton Downs and had a nosey. There was a big car meeting on and the pit gates were still open. We’re heading there at the end of March for the final round of the Castrol Superbike series, so it was good to see what the facilities are like. Sunday was cloudy but fine. Another early start and McD’s brekkie at the track. The day whizzed by and before we knew it the racing was over and it was time to head to the airport. Peter’s bike had some mechanical issues over the weekend, which unfortunately meant that he never got to finish a race. However, by the last race of the weekend he was only 2
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Lynda Blair seconds a lap behind the leader, a pretty amazing feat. The Britten was there, along with some other “specials” - the König; a 1968 125cc 4 cylinder Yamaha racing bike (40 bhp at 19,000rpm…boy did it scream!); and a Supermono. These bikes all did several demonstration lap sessions during the weekend. Andrew Stroud was on the Britten - doing amazing standing-up wheelstands. And he did the best rolling burnout I’ve ever seen. We were very privileged to see these bikes out on the track. There was also a Moto Paton, ridden by Lea Gourlay from the UK. I’d not heard of these bikes before, but both Lea and the bike were very fast and ended up having the fastest lap time of the meeting. The Moto Paton is a
500cc twin. I met up with several club members during the weekend, along with lots of other people I know. It’s a great place to catch up with people you haven’t seen for ages. If you have never been to the Classic Festival before, you should seriously think about going. It is a really special meeting.
PS: Hamish was secretly very pleased I’d broken my promise….
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Pukekohe Classic —Lynda and Hamish Blair
DOCNZCLUB NIGHTS
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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
Wellington The Featherston Bar and Grill, Corner Featherston & Johnston Streets, Wellington 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6.00pm (although Lynda is usually there from about 5.15pm)
Nelson Mapua Village Inn, Nelson 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm
NOTE: New location for Christchurch
Christchurch Dux de Lux on Montreal Street. Start time 7.30pm—1st Tuesday of each month from 7.00pm
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For Sale - Ducati Caps and T Shirts
For Sale We have a good supply of black Club t-shirts and caps - t-shirts are $35.00 and caps are $25.00 - both plus postage.
Anyone interested please contact secretary@docnz.co.nz
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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
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DOCNZ Member Profile
— Lynda Blair
Our profile for this edition is from the lovely Ducati Fan Extraordinaire—Lynda Blair. Let us get to know you our fellow DOCNZ member! Keep an eye out for a copy of this questionnaire in your email inbox. Alternatively don’t be shy, copy down the questions and flick the answers through to me at editor@docnz.co.nz and help us to get to know YOU!
Question
Response
Your favourite Ducati model?
Is there any other model than a two valve Monster?
Have you owned one?
Is the Pope a Catholic? Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back? (Actually, I have two!)
Your favourite virtue?
Being organised (is that a virtue?)
Your favourite qualities in people
Kindness and thoughtfulness
Your main fault
Hamish would say it is either talking too much or spending too much money. I say I am perfect (just kidding … Hamish is probably right on both counts!)
Your favourite occupation
Bossing people around (I do it very well)
Your idea of happiness
Me and Hamish on South Island roads on our bikes in brilliant sunshine
Your idea of misery
Camping in a tent (give me a motel with a roof over my head, clean sheets and my own shower/toilet any day)
Your favourite colour and flower
Purple and daffodils (King Alfred variety)
Your favourite music
Buddy Holly; Billy Joel; Elvis Costello; ELO; and most 80’s music except punk
Your favourite bird
I think Tui’s are stunning birds, with the lovely green/ black sheen on their feathers in the sun, and the little white bit on their throat (see what Hamish means about talking too much??)
Your favourite heroes in fiction
The men in the Narnia books (I devoured the books when I was a kid, and I still read them every now and again
Your favourite heroines in fiction
The women in the Narnia books
Your favourite sport (not motorcycling!):
If I am not allowed to say motorcycle racing, it would be Grand Slam tennis (particularly when Federer or Nadal are playing…) or netball—Silver Ferns Vs Australia
DOCNZ Member Profile —(cont.)
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Your favourite hobby:
Reading both books and bike magazines, and watching bike racing on the 42 inch Plasma
Your favourite heroes in real life:
The late, great Barry Sheene; Nitro Nori; Aaron Slight; Andrew Stroud
Your favourite moment of the day:
Weekdays—5pm Weekends—sipping a flat white in a café wherever the fancy and fine weather takes me
Your favourite place in the world:
Anywhere with Hamish
Your favourite food and drink:
Chocolate in any form; flat whites
Your favourite names:
Hamish and Ducati
What you hate the most:
Hate is a very strong word; I dislike small mindedness
What is your favourite holiday destination
It is a toss up between Phillip Island at WSB/MotoGP time , and the South Island roads
Your favourite motto
The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese
.
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be
NDR2010—Clive New Zealand
We are in the final stages of organisation for the NDR2010. All the official NZ Ducati dealers and service agents have very kindly picked up the sponsorship of the concourse, by covering the cost of the trophies for each of the categories we have nominated. Motomart have agreed to come in as principle dealer and will be bringing along some demo bikes and having a merchandise stall. So what’s on; we start the event on Friday evening with registration followed by a get together in the River Bar for a chat and a catch up. Saturday morning sees those eager to see some of the best roads in Hawke’s Bay head off for a 200km ride. In the afternoon there will be a Riverside Concourse where you can show off your pride and joy. Andrew Forward has kindly agreed to bring along his 1198 Bayliss featured in Septembers Bike Rider Magazine. We also hope to have at least one of the new Streetfighters that have just been landed. At approximately 4.30pm we intend to hold the DOCNZ AGM, so if you have any issues with the way the club is run then get your remits in before the meeting. There will be the usual (re) election of officers and we will be looking for someone to pick up the opportunity to organise the following NDR for 2012 in the South Island, St Arnaud always appeals but if there are alternative suggestions (Kaikoura, Hamner Springs etc) then put up a proposal. The evening meal and prize giving will be held at the Waterline Restaurant where we will have the services of long time Ducati stalwart Dallas Rankine as our guest speaker. No doubt there will be many tales told and handles lifted. Can’t wait so cheers for now. If you want to attend but haven’t already done so it’s not too late, although note that it will cost you the late fee in addition to your entry fee. The Clive Motel and the Chalets are almost booked out, but there are a few other options. We have reserved Gannett Cottage, gannetcottage@paradise.net.nz / www.gannetcottage.co.nz for 10 people; this is a backpackers style cottage about 300m down the road from the motel, with four bedrooms and two toilets/showers. Bookings for a room here will be on a first in first served basis. The campground at Clive may have cabins and/or caravans left. Clive Colonial Cottages, 195 School Road Clive (06) 870 1018 or 021 026 19835 (about 1km down the road from the motel). Driftwood Cottages 44 Grey Street, East Clive ph (06) 870 0013 Fax (06) 870 0017 info@driftwoodcottages.co.nz www.driftwoodcottages.co.nz Riverbank Cottages, 524 State Highway 2 RD 2 Clive, ph (06) 8700759 www.riverbankcottages.co.nz Lawn Cottages, 527 Lawn Road, East Clive Ph (06) 870 0302, Mobile: 027 490 8447, Fax: (06) 870 0346 www.lawncottages.co.nz Any queries to Nigel Taylor and Clare Miller, NDR2010 coordinators, nigel.taylor@clear.net.nz or (06) 878 0188 evenings
(
colour page
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DOCNZMEMBERSHIP FORM I ........................................................… [first name] [postal address] [postcode]
...…….................................................… [surname]
of ......................................................… ..................................…
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...........................................................… [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 31st 2011) 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
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IF YOU'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF DUCATI MOTORCYCLES YOU MAY WISH TO REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE THROUGH THIS SPECIAL INTEREST CLUB MAGAZINE Payment is due at the time of placement of advert.
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CONTRIBUTIONS Magazine 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—Ducati.com (www.ducaatiart.com) Page 13—Motologic Racing Pages 14 and 16 — Andrew Gillian Page 22, 23—Chrissie@WF Photography Page 31 and 32 — Lynda and Hamish Blair Page 37—Courtesy of Lynda Blair
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