Ducati.Net Photo Gallery - Vicki's View

Motorcycles - Vickis View Galleries

Ducati Monster 20th Anniversary Ride to The Quail : 20 years. Ponder that. The only motorcycles that have been in production that long are class defining, life changing machines. Sportster. Bonneville. Goldwing. Motorcycles that redefined riding and how we did it. And now the Ducati Monster is among them. Clearly something needed to happen that was a proper tip of the hat to a motorcycle like that so we decided to do what it does best, we just went for a ride. And what a ride it was, a three day road trip from Newport Beach to Carmel for the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Along the way there were stops at Ducati Newport, Ducati Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Big Sur and even a couple laps of Laguna Seca. Great roads, people food and riding all ending at the best motorcycle show America has to offer. Epic! Photos by Vicki Smith

Ducati Monster 20th Anniversary Ride to The Quail

20 years. Ponder that. The only motorcycles that have been in product ...

Updated: May 06, 2013 9:21am PST

Circuit of the Americas Red Bull MotoGP 2013 : New track, new event, anticipation was high and expectations higher. Here's a look at the weekend from Vicki's View. Welcome to Circuit of the America's (CotA).... Photos by Vicki Smith

Circuit of the Americas Red Bull MotoGP 2013

New track, new event, anticipation was high and expectations higher. ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2013 11:54am PST

Dania Vintage Motorcycle Show 2013 : For Floridians, January is our spring weather and the Dania Vintage Show gives the local gearheads a chance to come out in droves. The Ducati Club of South Florida and Ducati Forza (the local dealer) put together a hospitality spot, throw a Ducati show within the vintage show and it's a pretty great day in the park. Vicki Smith photos

Dania Vintage Motorcycle Show 2013

For Floridians, January is our spring weather and the Dania Vintage Sh ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2013 4:19pm PST

Bryan Fuller visits DesmoPro : Ducati restoration guru Rich and Bryan Fuller, metal guy extrodinaire, are working on a project together and the sparks are flying! Photos by Vicki Smith For more on Bryan Fuller: http://fullerhotrods.com/ For more on Rich Lambrechts and Desmopro: http://www.desmopro.com/

Bryan Fuller visits DesmoPro

Ducati restoration guru Rich and Bryan Fuller, metal guy extrodinaire, ...

Updated: Dec 30, 2012 8:53pm PST

Metal 305 Black Sunday Swap Meet - Miami, FL : Who doesn't love a swap meet? OK, probably a lot of people but I'm not one of them. Having been known to fly halfway around the world to attend them I really couldn't see anything but great in one so close to home. This one was organized by the Miami vintage bike night guys, Metal 305. The idea was pretty traditional, all the spaces were free, and swaps were encouraged. The whole thing was held at Churchill's, which has been serving beer and tunes in Miami's Little Haiti since, well, since a really long time. The vibe was pretty good, lots of vendors and the people watching was great as well. Check out the pics, there's another one shaping up for February - need any old moto parts??? Vicki Smith photos

Metal 305 Black Sunday Swap Meet - Miami, FL

Who doesn't love a swap meet? OK, probably a lot of people but I'm not ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2012 5:25pm PST

Motorcycle Hall Of Fame 2012 : 2012 American Motorcycle Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame weekend. Join us for a look at a weekend full of glitz and motorcycling hero's. Photos and captions by Vicki Smith

Motorcycle Hall Of Fame 2012

2012 American Motorcycle Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame weekend. ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2012 8:29am PST

Barbers Vintage Festival 2012 : Our favorite weekend of the year....

Barbers Vintage Festival 2012

Our favorite weekend of the year....

Updated: Oct 17, 2012 6:05pm PST

Pebble Beach Week 2012 :

Pebble Beach Week 2012

Updated: Sep 06, 2012 1:14pm PST

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2012 : The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is one of those events that is hard to appreciate if you haven't been there. It's a serious event by virtue of the fact that it's upscale and well attended by very good (and lots of really rare) motorcycles. But the promoters will be fast to tell you the focus is to have a nice time, a memorable day on the well manicured lawn (blankets provided if needed) with great food and drinks and live music. This was my first trip and I really hope it becomes a yearly treat. The weekend starts early, Friday at 8:30 am, with a 100 mile ride that includes a friendly police escort, a lap of Laguna Seca, a visit to a winery and a really lovely lunch. The rides sells out fast and attracts a most eclectic, interesting group of cool bikes and people. Friday night includes a charity dinner (speakers included Kevin Cameron) with wines from Roderer. Saturday is the Motorcycle Gathering and this year we were treated to picture perfect weather, record entry's and record crowds. It's even dog friendly and they looked like they might have been having an even better time than the people. It's really a great weekend. See for yourself - Vicki's View - The Quail Motorcycle Gathering Weekend "You Were There" Photo Gallery. Words and photos by Vicki Smith

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2012

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is one of those events that is hard to ...

Updated: May 08, 2012 1:54pm PST

Cafe Racer TV Season 3 | Desmopro | Cafe 31 : Desmopro and Ducati.net did a build for Cafe Racer Season three. Here are some photos I took from the premiere party at Fuller HotRods in Atlanta and the sneak preview party at Moto Corse Performance in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Vicki

Cafe Racer TV Season 3 | Desmopro | Cafe 31

Desmopro and Ducati.net did a build for Cafe Racer Season three. Here ...

Updated: May 10, 2012 8:56am PST

Things for Ducatisti to do at Road Atlanta's Big Kahuna Weekend :

Things for Ducatisti to do at Road Atlanta's Big Kahuna Weekend

Updated: Apr 22, 2012 5:22am PST

Ducati Diavel photo series : Highly customized Ducati Diavel, Owner Guido Duerbaum Specs provided by Guido Duerbaum Engine: Custom 1262cc kit by Melillimoto with: 1198 ported heads, rods, pistons, cut/polished/balanced custom crank shaft, Larger Throttle bodies and intake boots + stuff he won't tell me, lol Sutter Dry clutch – currently only Diavel known with a dry clutch 172HP/104tq on the rear wheel PC5 with custom tune by Redline Motorsports and DP Race ECU with quickshifter/GP shift Body: Ducati Performance Carbon fiber (cf) tank cover, Ducati Performance cf seat cowl – both custom painted by Finishing Touch, cf air intake covers, Ducati Performance cf lower tank panels, cf hugger, Ducati Performance cf front fender, Ducati Performance cf belly fairing, cf belt covers, cf sprocket cover, cf fuel cap, cf heat guard, Ducati Performance cf upper gauge housing, Ducati Performance windscreen, Ducati Performance Brake and clutch reservoir covers. (all other carbon from Shift-Tech) By Desmoworld: Black front & rear brake caplipers with all Titanium hardware, Black handle bars & upper tripple clamp with black handlebar clamp, Black rear sprocket hub with black/gold DiD chain & Supersprox sprocket, Titainum clutch guard, Black clutch side engine case for dry clutch Titanium: Front Axle nut, Front caliper bolts, Rear sprocket nuts, Swingarm pinch bolts, Clutch & brake master pinch bolts, R&LRear axle nut, Custom Carbon look seat recovered, Custom Tidy Tail, HID kit, Gilles adjustable foot pegs, Shift-Tech Stage 1 exhaust with ceramic coated headers, CNC Mirrors, Gilles clutch & brake lever, DP windscreen, Clear Euro Tail lights, Billet Shock Adjuster, BST Carbon wheels

Ducati Diavel photo series

Highly customized Ducati Diavel, Owner Guido Duerbaum Specs provided ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2012 7:03pm PST

Moto Corse Performance : Moto Corse is our local independant race/tuner shop and we stopped by recently, camera in hand......We thought it was worth sharing so join us for a walk thru Moto Corse Performance (LOTS more photos on the link) Photos - Vicki Smith Place - Fort Lauderdale, FL Camera - Nikon D7000 http://www.motocorseperformance.com/

Moto Corse Performance

Moto Corse is our local independant race/tuner shop and we stopped by ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2012 11:29am PST

Las Vegas Auctions, January 2012 : Three auctions. 3 different hotels spread all over Las Vegas. It's crazy. Roughly 1300 bikes went across the block over a 4 day period representing more than 100 years of motorcycle production. It's really something to see. Join us for a look at the annual winter auctions, Las Vegas style. Photos and commentary by Vicki Smith

Las Vegas Auctions, January 2012

Three auctions. 3 different hotels spread all over Las Vegas. It's cra ...

Updated: Jan 16, 2012 9:32pm PST

Duncan Quinn at Art Basel 2011 : Art Basel is an international art festival that comes to Miami once a year. It attracts people from all over the globe and includes fashion, and furniture design as well. We spend it at Duncan Quinn's, fashion superstar and well known Ducati guy, in the design district of Miami. It's a 4 day party.... Join us for a weekend at Duncan's Photos by Vicki Smith

Duncan Quinn at Art Basel 2011

Art Basel is an international art festival that comes to Miami once a ...

Updated: Dec 13, 2011 7:18am PST

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2011 :

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2011

Updated: Jan 06, 2012 8:24am PST

Boz Bros ride the Cafe 31 Ducati : Desmopro's latest build was for Cafe Racer TV on Discovery HD and was tested by Ben and Eric Bostrom...... Cafe 31 and the Desmopro build team kick off Cafe racer TV season 3 - April 19th (2 episodes) and April 26th (1 episode)

Boz Bros ride the Cafe 31 Ducati

Desmopro's latest build was for Cafe Racer TV on Discovery HD and was ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2012 8:12am PST

Jim Dillard : Scenes from a high quality life...... We will miss your voice, your wisdom, your friendship, your kindness to everyone you came in contact with and your bottomless knowledge of all things vintage moto , forever. One of the most incredible things about you is that you had no idea how big a hole your passing would endlessly leave in all our lives. Queenie

Jim Dillard

Scenes from a high quality life...... We will miss your voice, your wi ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2012 5:55am PST

Devonne and her new Carbon Monster : New Ducati Owner Devonne and her Carbon 696 Monster

Devonne and her new Carbon Monster

New Ducati Owner Devonne and her Carbon 696 Monster

Updated: Jul 30, 2011 5:31am PST

Ducstock site - Barbers Motorsports Park : Barber's 2010, site is where Ducstock 2011 will be held

Ducstock site - Barbers Motorsports Park

Barber's 2010, site is where Ducstock 2011 will be held

Updated: Oct 14, 2010 3:43pm PST

Dime City Cycles Grand Opening, Cafe Racer TV shoot and Miss Dime City Contest :

Dime City Cycles Grand Opening, Cafe Racer TV shoot and Miss Dime City Contest

Updated: May 17, 2011 5:30am PST

Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show 2011 : When most of the USA is digging out of snow the one thing you can pretty much set your clock by is Dania Florida will be the sunniest place in the country on the last weekend in January and that they will be having one seriously rocking motorcycle show. This year, it's second in the park venue, Dania practically doubled in size, attracting well over 200 entries and an estimated 10,000 people. Join us for a stroll around Frost Park in Dania for the Dania Vintage Motorcycle Show Photos and words by Vicki Smith

Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show 2011

When most of the USA is digging out of snow the one thing you can pret ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2011 7:00pm PST

Motorcycle Auctions Las Vegas Style! : Like we needed an excuse to visit Las Vegas! But we had a great one, this year for the first time the giant MidAmerica Motorcycle Auction was joined by a competing first time Bonhams Auction across town. The result was a HUGE showing of outstanding collector and riding motorcycles, including the largest group of early 1900's bikes we have ever seen for sale. Join us for a weekend in Vegas, this time what happened in Vegas won't stay there at all..... Story and photos by Vicki Smith

Motorcycle Auctions Las Vegas Style!

Like we needed an excuse to visit Las Vegas! But we had a great one, t ...

Updated: Jan 10, 2011 5:56pm PST

Harvest Classic 2010 European & Vintage Motorcycle Rally - Luckenbach, Texas : A couple hours down the road from Austin Texas is Luckenbach. It's not even a real place, not exactly. There's a little road that loops off the main road and goes past a few old buildings. The sort of place that has more past than future and that's mostly what it's got to sell. But once a year a perfect storm decends on Luckenbach and 3000 + motorcyclists pull on to that little loop road. The result is just about the perfect laid back pure fun Euro themed weekend. I loved it and I think you will as well. Join Ducati.net for the Harvest Classic 2010 Photos and story by Vicki Smith

Harvest Classic 2010 European & Vintage Motorcycle Rally - Luckenbach, Texas

A couple hours down the road from Austin Texas is Luckenbach. It's not ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2010 11:50am PST

Riding Into History 2010 - St. Augustine, FL : Every year I swear I am going to Riding Into History, then I start to organize my calendar for the year and every year, it's the same weekend as the Motogiro d'Italia, something I consider pretty central to my happiness to compete in. But this year the schedule shifted and there it was, a free weekend and Riding Into History beckened. A 5 hour ride with a couple of bikes in the back of a pickup truck and we arrived in St. Augustine at the Golf Hall of Fame, the spectacular location where this upscale show is held. I'll let the photos take it from there....... (Additions of bike info or owners names happily accepted in the comments area) Photos and Captions by Vicki Smith

Riding Into History 2010 - St. Augustine, FL

Every year I swear I am going to Riding Into History, then I start to ...

Updated: May 16, 2010 1:43pm PST

Ducati Owners Club of South Florida at Dania Bike Show, Dania FL : The Dania Bike Show isn't a new event but this was the first year it was held in Frost Park in Dania, right next to Dania Jai Alai. It turned out to be the perfect spot for an event of this type with lots going on and a little windy but a lot sunny weather. Admission was free and there was really something for every member of the family to do. Chek it out....... Photos by Vicki Smith

Ducati Owners Club of South Florida at Dania Bike Show, Dania FL

The Dania Bike Show isn't a new event but this was the first year it w ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2010 2:20pm PST

Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) November 2009 Milan Italy : EICMA is what the Italians call it but most know it as the Milan Motorcycle Show. It's so big one could spend a couple of days trying to take it all in. This years "fair" was marked by plenty of big new bike introductions (here's the link for the shots from Monday night's huge kickoff Ducati press conference:http://photos.ducati.net/Ducati-Events/EICMA-2009-Milan-Motorcycle/10266553_LzjSb ) and a couple of big manufacturers who didn't attend because of the economy. Given that a medium size booth here can cost a whole bunch of euros I suppose the bigger surprise is that this years fair doesn't seem smaller at all. The first two days are for press and foreign trade visitors and there were plenty of them as well. Join us for a look at what lots of people travel half way around the world to see....... Photos and captions by Vicki Smith

Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) November 2009 Milan Italy

EICMA is what the Italians call it but most know it as the Milan Motor ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2009 1:31pm PST

Milan Motorcycle Show November 2008, Milan Italy : When it comes to motorcycle shows, EICMA is the macdaddy. It's easy to spend three fulls days here looking at the many pavillions loaded floor to ceiling with every brand, product and country's products. This year the econony was the big topic but it was hard to see it when most manufacturers had big displays, pretty girls and new models. Did I mention this place is HUGE? For those of us used to Cycle World shows let me put it in perspective - the NY City Cycle World show in total costs what the Milan show charges for models and dresses. I mean seriously, this is a really huge show. See it all here now....... Photos and story by Vicki Smith

Milan Motorcycle Show November 2008, Milan Italy

When it comes to motorcycle shows, EICMA is the macdaddy. It's easy to ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2008 4:00pm PST

Valencia, Spain Ducati Offical Clubs President Meeting and Motogp, October 2008 : You'll love Spain, it's just like Italy, maybe better. If I heard that once I've heard it 100 times. For me Italy was always the sirens call but this year the annual Ducati Official Clubs Presidents meeting was being held in Valencia so off I went.... Photos and Story by Vicki Smith

Valencia, Spain Ducati Offical Clubs President Meeting and Motogp, October 2008

You'll love Spain, it's just like Italy, maybe better. If I heard that ...

Updated: Nov 21, 2008 12:46pm PST

Milan Motorcycle Show 2007 : If you are a lover of Italian motorcycles you know that historically, this is the week the industry gathers to show off it's best efforts. To the Italian way of thinking all new product introductions of note must be introduced on Italian soil and the Milan show is the big beneficiary of that. The 10,000 pound gorilla of motorcycle shows, EICMA takes place in a series of giant halls that take days of walking to cover. Most booths have warrens of offices in the centers behind closed doors with models making appointments and giant wheels of parmesian and bottles of Prosecco lined up to snack on while you wait for your appointment with a CEO. It's another world, where business, design and horsepower collide. We wouldn't miss it for the world and now you won't either.... Pictures and captions by Vicki Smith Show

Milan Motorcycle Show 2007

If you are a lover of Italian motorcycles you know that historically, ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2007 12:46am PST

Ducati Great Lakes Trackfest and Rally : A few Ducati Owners Clubs got together and threw a party...... Photos by Vicki Smith

Ducati Great Lakes Trackfest and Rally

A few Ducati Owners Clubs got together and threw a party...... Photos ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2007 8:02pm PST

Daytona 200, 2007 - Daytona Beach, FL : Welcome back Larry! Larry Pegram returns to the Ducati fold in 2007 in AMA Formula Extreme. See the teams new look here. Larry's team is a privateer team and as such can always use monetary help. If you'd like to join the effort go to www.pegramracing.com Photos by Steve Leukanech and Vicki Smith

Daytona 200, 2007 - Daytona Beach, FL

Welcome back Larry! Larry Pegram returns to the Ducati fold in 2007 i ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2007 5:38pm PST

Milan Motorcycle Show, Milan Italy, November 2006 : Milan Motorcycle Show 2006, Milan Italy - Ducati unveils the stunning new 1098 Superbike, the production Hypermotard and NCR's "New Blue" a moderversion of th Daytona 200 winning "Old Blue" the California Hot Rod. See it all right here.... Vicki Smith

Milan Motorcycle Show, Milan Italy, November 2006

Milan Motorcycle Show 2006, Milan Italy - Ducati unveils the stunning ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2007 4:42pm PST

Toy Run Weekend 2006, Fort Lauderdale, Florida : "It's for the kids." Every year in the city where I live the local bikers clubs all get together to raise money for the kids. If you have the time and money to participate in the three day package you get a chance to have a great time but more importantly you get to see what those words really mean. For a glimpse into a great weekend and an even greater cause, click here...

Toy Run Weekend 2006, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

"It's for the kids." Every year in the city where I live the local bik ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2006 4:17am PST

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2006, Pickerington, Ohio : This year the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honored Cook Neilson for being the only man to ever win a Daytona Superbike race on a Ducati. Cook and Phil Schilling pulled this feat off as privateers, making the accomplishment all the more incredible. Here are the photos from the induction ceremony and the bike show held on the museum grounds. The Hall of Fame Museum show is an invitation only show, now in it's 5th year and is probably the toughest motorcycle show in the US at this time because it attracts the winners of virtually all the other notable shows and attracts a real balance of all makes, models and conditions. I spent the best part of the day looking at these pedigreed motorcycles of every kind imaginable through a camera lens and hope you enjoy the results. Vicki edit

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2006, Pickerington, Ohio

This year the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honored Cook Neilson for being t ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:18pm PST

Italian Motofest 2006, Sheperdstown West Virginia :

Italian Motofest 2006, Sheperdstown West Virginia

Updated: Mar 18, 2011 2:57pm PST

VMD 2006 - MV Agusta : When I'm not lurking behind a camera I sometimes contract to organize historical motorcycle exhibits, so I go from Cameraman to Museum Curator. Vintage Motorcycle Days (or VMD as it's known) offers a unique oppertunity to really expolore the history because of the size of the display so from my love of Italian motorcycle history perspective, it's impossible to resist the chance to "show off the history". In 2006, the featured marque was MV Agusta and Agostini was coming, how could I resist?Join me for "how I spent my summer vacation".

VMD 2006 - MV Agusta

When I'm not lurking behind a camera I sometimes contract to organize ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:25pm PST

Mid Ohio AMA Race Weekend Two :

Mid Ohio AMA Race Weekend Two

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:20pm PST

Milan Intermot Motorcycle Show 2005- Milan, Italy : Italy and Motorcycles is a combination that works for me. Click here for my pictures of the 2005 EICMA, the biggest Motorcycle show of the 2005 season worldwide.

Milan Intermot Motorcycle Show 2005- Milan, Italy

Italy and Motorcycles is a combination that works for me. Click here ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2005 4:04pm PST

Virginia International Raceway AMA Weekend 2006 :

Virginia International Raceway AMA Weekend 2006

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:22pm PST

Ducati Daytona Biketoberfest Grand Opening - Destination Daytona, Florida : Motorcycle World Domination, thy name is Destination Daytona. The vision of Bruce Rossmeyer, one of the largest Harley Davidson dealers in the world (maybe he is the largest?) Destination Daytona is to be all things motorcycle to all people. First order after the Harley store, hotel and lots of food and beverages was the addition of Ducati Daytona. Biketoberfest was the perfect time to have a party so that's when the grand opening was planned. Naturally a good time was had by all. I had a chance to wander around the complex and document some of the fun, interesting and beautiful things on view. Enjoy! Vicki

Ducati Daytona Biketoberfest Grand Opening - Destination Daytona, Florida

Motorcycle World Domination, thy name is Destination Daytona. The visi ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:18pm PST

Mid Ohio AMA SBK 2006 (weekend 1) :

Mid Ohio AMA SBK 2006 (weekend 1)

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:23pm PST

Laguna Seca Ducati Island, MotoGP and AMA SBK races 2006 :

Laguna Seca Ducati Island, MotoGP and AMA SBK races 2006

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 12:05pm PST

Miller AMA Superbike Weekend 2006 : Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah opened it's doors for it's inaugral AMA Pro racing weekend June 16th 2006 to brillant blue sky's, dazzling ladies and the usual blur of Superbike action. Here's what the weekend looked like from the prospective of the Parts Unlimited Ducati Team and the Ducati owners that attended. Photo's by Vicki Smith

Miller AMA Superbike Weekend 2006

Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah opened it's doors for ...

Updated: Jun 20, 2006 12:00pm PST

Barbers AMA Superbike Weekend and Monster Challenge Finals 2006 : Barber Motorsports Park is a favorite on the AMA circuit. The track itself is one of the best in the world, maintained to perfection and boasts the best overall motorcycle museum in the country. Add the Ducati North America Monster Challenge Finals and the result was just beautiful. Photos by Vicki Smith

Barbers AMA Superbike Weekend and Monster Challenge Finals 2006

Barber Motorsports Park is a favorite on the AMA circuit. The track i ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 2:10pm PST

Road America AMA DoubleHeader Jun 2006 : WADE DOC and Ducati North America threw a party and a great time was had by all, join us at the Road America AMA races. ALL PHOTOS BY MIKE MENARD

Road America AMA DoubleHeader Jun 2006

WADE DOC and Ducati North America threw a party and a great time was h ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2006 1:07pm PST

Road Atlanta AMA Superbike 2005 : Some images of the Ducati team, hospitality area and pit action from the Road Atlanta Superbike race labor day weekend 2005. All pictures taken by Vicki Smith

Road Atlanta AMA Superbike 2005

Some images of the Ducati team, hospitality area and pit action from t ...

Updated: Sep 06, 2005 7:11am PST

Virginia International Raceway : Some shots from the VIR AMA weekend, 2005

Virginia International Raceway

Some shots from the VIR AMA weekend, 2005

Updated: Sep 08, 2005 6:47am PST

2005 Toys In The Sun Run - Fort Lauderdale, FL : 40,000 motorcyclists raising funds and toys for kids in the Florida sunshine.

2005 Toys In The Sun Run - Fort Lauderdale, FL

40,000 motorcyclists raising funds and toys for kids in the Florida su ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2005 3:16pm PST

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Daytona Bike Week 2010

Updated: Mar 10, 2010 6:57pm PST

Ducati Forza April 2010 Open House Weekend : Ducati Forza in Pompano Beach Florida was host to the Ducati Demo truck this weekend so they rolled out their usual great food and hospitality and a good time was had by all...... Photos by Vicki Smith

Ducati Forza April 2010 Open House Weekend

Ducati Forza in Pompano Beach Florida was host to the Ducati Demo truc ...

Updated: Apr 11, 2010 6:21pm PST

Gene's Birthday In Key West :

Gene's Birthday In Key West

Updated: May 16, 2011 8:33pm PST

Ducati 520 Single : The story of the 520 Ducati Single : I have always thought the Ducati Supermono was the most interesting example of the perfect engineering creation I have ever seen, even ranking it up there with the P-51 Mustang. As a working class guy, the purchase of a serial numbered Supermono was not possible, let’s face it, they are expensive. My Ducati 1198S was serving me well as my weekend bike, which eventually became my track bike. Over time, you begin the typical race conversion; the bike gets body work, rearsets and intermediate race rubber. When on the track and at speed, you find the low trail numbers will cause you all kinds of grief leading to a search for offset triple clamps. What all of this does, is slowly get you to understand how these Ducati Superbikes are made and put together from the layman’s point of view. Many times when performing maintenance or changing parts for minor improvements on the bike you are racing, your mind begins to think like a mad man. You see things you would change, improve upon or simplify for the hours it might save when you go through the rigors of race prep. Personally, I don’t do lightness for the sake of spending money, for me, it is not cost effective. I never quest to save a few grams here and there, being more inclined to error on the side of robust. I have built other “one off” singles over the last 30 years, trackers, street trackers, different versions of café racers, you name it, I have tried it. In late 2009 I was getting the itch to build another 450 Super Single and was talking with a local dealer about doing a Husky MX conversion. Invariably you have to think about geometry and triple clamp offset to stay away from those dangerous trail numbers. I had everything planned about the project and it was just a matter of getting the bike purchased, but I kept going in circles with the suspension issues I would be faced with doing another MX conversion. Wouldn’t it be easier to start with a frame with proven geometry, known numbers and predictable handling characteristics? I was now thinking a little outside the box and more of the “what if” scenario’s, started to disrupt the formula. With many hours now spent on the Internet looking at all the Super Single racers in Europe, particularly a few race shops and their Ducati single conversions, I had a new direction. I can tell you that initially, I didn’t have the confidence in this plan to take my current 1198S and begin something as crazy as I was about to do in theory. I was now back discussing this new idea with a couple of my local Ducati dealers. Whether or not they understood the scheme, they at least agreed to look for a wrecked Ducati that would be a candidate for this project. It was nearly 6 months later when the 848 Superbike was offered as an option. It was now in route to the dealer, having been purchased at auction I guess, after a low side crash. There was a bit of a coincidence here, because I was hesitant about the displacement issue when you remove a cylinder from the little 848. It seems the Ducshop was announcing their new 1040 big bore kit about the same time and when you do the math; a 520cc single just might do the trick. A week later I was able to view the Ducati 848 in the service bay of my dealer and found it to be in great shape without body work, so I bought it. Now I have to decide on the best way to balance an engine that was a v-twin by design, and as most would know, this is no small task. I knew of one gentleman who had built a rod box to balance in the same way as the original Supermono, while it was cleaver, I wanted simple. More research and several email exchanges with Ben Fox lead me to send the crank to him for a lightening process using his “black magic” formulas. The Pistal Piston from Mark Sutton is a real beauty and the only way this was going to work. The 848 cylinder is swapped for a 1098 jug to accept the 104mm piston and would be married to a Carillo rod that I bought from Ben on his recommendation. A few weeks later the balanced crank with the unused oil journal plugged and the rest of the parts were returned to me, and I promptly took them to Paul Lima, the owner of G.P. Motorcycles of San Diego. He was personally going to build this engine, for which I am eternally grateful. While the engine work was going on I took the time to prep the chassis in my garage. The list of items I bought for the chassis was short, Ohlin’s front and rear, Woodcraft rear sets, a quick change 520 chain conversion and Dan Kyle’s offset triple clamps with a steering damper. I was trying to keep the cost down; after all, this is still highly experimental. As the motor was nearing completion, final preparations were made to blank the vacant cylinder hole and acquire a Microtek ECU as the fueling would need some serious attention. I am only a hack in the garage and have to thank all those with professional skills in the world of motorcycles that helped me complete this project. The chassis went back to Paul Lima to get the motor installed with attention to exhaust details. I had already removed the rear most throttle body and sealed the airbox. The front injector and throttle body were not modified to improve the odds and keep fabrication as simple as possible, even to the point of using the stock air filter. We are down to the final stretch now and the time for a dynamometer break-in and tuning by Jody at Lee’s Cycles. Much like an expectant father, I waited outside the not so, “sound proof” room. I hear long periods of idling and long pulls over the next few hours. The dreaded “Big Bang” never happened and I was eventually handed a dynamometer sheet showing almost 63 horsepower and with a very flat torque and power curve. This is what you dream of, a nice usable power band to make the bike as easy to ride as possible. Even though the bike weighs 321 pounds, and is probably not light enough for racing in the European Supermono series, it was turning out to be good enough for me. As I have told others in various emails, and follow on discussions, this bike was always an exercise in function and sustainable engineering with little to no emphasis on lightness. There is a little vibration in the 4000 to 5000 RPM range; but otherwise it is not noticeable, especially on the track. I can’t thank Ben Fox enough for his prowess there, even though I have a mental shifting RPM, this engine will rev way beyond 11,000 before the Microtek intervenes. Without the team from G.P Motorcycles and the personal engine services from Paul Lima, I would never have completed a single lap at Willow Springs Raceway. I could talk about the little items about this build for hours on end; as it has been a milestone for me on so many levels. I have completed what I set out to do, and now the time has come for someone to see what this Ducati 520 is capable of. Ducati really needs to build one of these for the rest of us since the real Supermono’s are priced out of the reach of us mere mortals. If you are interested in this Super Single, feel free to email me. Please note, this bike is not, nor was it ever destined to be a show piece. It is not drop dead gorgeous, it is functional and designed to be ridden, in fact, there are still some scratches from the original low side as a reminder of its origins. There is more information, movies and documentation at http://felkinsr.smugmug.com and my email address is richard.felkins@gmail.com should you need more information or express interest. Regards, -Richard Felkins.

Ducati 520 Single

The story of the 520 Ducati Single : I have always thought the Ducati ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2012 8:46pm PST