A Stocking Stuffer for Your Favorite Ducatista
It's been a banner year for Ducati. Plenty of buzz is surrounding their 2008 lineup-- which includes the 696, 848, 1098, and already sold out Desmosedici-- and they've also captured their first MotoGP title since re-entering the class in 2003. Not bad for a company that only builds 40,000 units a year (in contrast to Honda, which produces roughly 9 million bikes.)
Pro Italia, an LA-based Ducati dealer, produced Ducati - A Story of Passion (Compare prices) earlier this year. The hour-long documentary is hosted by Alain deCadenet, and celebrates the marque through historical footage and interviews with Troy Bayliss, Claudio Domenicali, Michael Lock, Federico Minoli, and Pierre Terreblanche. While the doc's broad scope sometimes feels a bit scattered and its tone breathlessly adoring (in that sales pitch sort of way), the DVD offers everything from a peek at Ducati's Bologna factory to an overview of the company's storied past, and their struggles of being a David in a world of Goliaths.
Ducati - A Story of Passion makes a great gift for Ducati fans or motorcycle history buffs.
Photo © Pro Italia
Comments
At the international motorcycle shows, Ducati is the only vendor to surround their bikes with a maze of walls. Thus ducati bikes are separated from all other bikes. I figure if there bikes are too good to be among the other bikes, they must be to good for me too. I skip the ducati exhibit…
Frank,
In my experience, I’ve found the Ducati folks to be friendly and courteous– whether or not they know I’m press. They may sell a premium product, but I don’t exactly think they’re turning people away by installing a structure around their display.
Ride safe,
Basem
Frank, if you skip the Ducati stand just because they dare to offer an illission of exclusitivity then it is your loss mate, next time do yourself a favour & take a peak into the wonderful world of Ducati!
JD, Basem…well said. Frank…There’s a reason they exude an air exclusivity…they ARE exclusive and exotic. I’ve worked for Honda Canada for 25 years and I’m as loyal a Honda guy as you’ll find anywhere – but – I’d buy a 1098S in a heartbeat. I spent half an hour in the Ducati booth at the Toronto MC Show talking with a Ducati USA rep…he was genuine, realistic, & honest about Ducatis past & present accomplishments & problems.
No nose in the air there…they’ve got a stable full of winners and everyone knows it….including Honda.