New Ducati bikes captivates the Perth Ducatisti

The Ducatisti turned out in big numbers at the Ducati Perth dealership in Bayswater this week for the official unveiling of four new motorcycles.

When I arrive, the room is buzzing with anticipation. We all want to see what’s under the four black covers in the showroom.

While I wait, I partake in a bit of people watching. The Ducatisti are a unique tribe of motorcyclists. They are, like most motorcyclists, passionate about their brand, but they tend to have a bit more of a refined appearance that reflect the stylish look of the Ducati motorcycles. I don’t see any scruffy individuals with full beards and leather vests while mingling with the crowd. Hipster moustaches, smart designer clothes and glasses with boldly coloured frames are more the norm here. They quaff quality wine and Peroni beer and nibble on exotic looking canapes.

Managing director of Ducati Australia and New Zealand Sergi Canovas has the Ducatisti in the palm of his hand as he addresses them prior to the unveiling.

He speaks passionately about Ducati and its proud racing history which is, he says, in the DNA of all their bikes: “Ducati isn’t just about making bikes, it’s more like an entertainment company. We make bikes for people to have a good time with them, it is important for us to create experiences for our Ducatisti.

“The Panigale is the hero model but in recent years we have been working hard to ensure that we can offer a Ducati to any kind of riding style, but always with the unmistakable DNA and character of Ducati.

“We have spent a lot of time and energy to develop what is probably the most versatile bike in the market — and even though Panigale is our hero, the bike we sell the most of worldwide is the Multistrada range. And that’s very important to us because it shows us that we accept challenges, and we are able to enter into the market and succeed.”

The time has finally come to unveil the four bikes. The Ducatisti applauds enthusiastically as each of the bikes are revealed.

The first is the Multistrada V4 RS, a red, white and black adventure bike dripping with carbon and exclusive details. Then it’s the Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, a fully kitted-out adventure tourer. It is followed by two more hard core bikes . . . the DesertX, a full-on, off-road adventure bike, and the Hypermotard 698 Mono, a full-on fun machine with a brand new single cylinder engine, which along with a host of other rider aids has four types of wheelie control to help keep it under control.

I join the long queues to see the bikes up close. The Ducatisti are exited. Their hands caress the curvy bikes, their eyes take in every exquisite design detail and their brains are doing the sums to find out if they can afford to upgrade.

You can find out more about the bikes at ducati.com.au or better still, see them in the flesh at Ducati Perth, 520 Guildford Road, Bayswater. Call 9279 9275.