ATTENTION!
Ducati Riders!
If you haven't already noticed, Ducati is noticeably absent from the
MEME introduction page. This isn't due to an oversight or because
we don't like Ducatis (I own three). Unfortunately the Ducati riders
of the state don't seem to be as well organized as say BMW, Guzzi,
or Triumph. YOU CAN CHANGE THIS! If you'd like to use this site as
a base to start something or if you'd like to keep everyone updated
on Ducati news by all means please get in touch with me. You don't
have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner just be able to fill everyone in
on the news.
If you're interested contact me at mike@eurobikemaine.org
Mike
I don't know about you but I can remember the first Ducati that I
ever saw just as if though it was yesterday. I believe it was the
spring of 1969 and a friend of mine at Windham High School took us
out into the parking lot to show us the new bike he'd just purchased.
It was the most beautiful bike I'd ever seen! Sitting there in candy
apple red, it's chrome tank panels sparkled in the sun. We slowly
circled this amazing machine soaking in the curves and textures that
made the Ducati 350 Mark III D the icon that it was and still is today.
The white faced Veglia tach on it's alloy perch was like nothing I'd
seen on the little Honda step through I'd been riding. This was a
REAL motorcycle. Dale then started it and rode off. Now this wasn't
just a putt away departure. When he headed out of the school's driveway
and onto route 202, he laid it over onto the footpeg and as soon as
he straightened up he pulled the front wheel up and road away on one
wheel! What kind of a motorcycle was this thing?!? Needless to say,
from then on I was hooked.
Even though Kawasaki had it's KH500 and Honda it's CB750, they still
didn't tug on my heartstrings like Ducatis did. When the 750 Sport
came out I had to run down to the dealer in Portland to see one in
the flesh. Years later when I worked at Portland Cycles the flame
still hadn't died. The 750 SSs and Darmahs were still the bikes I
lusted for. The thundering Conti pipes just made music that could
not be ignored. Now, decades later, I own three of the beveldrive
machines from Italy. Although I love the new Ducs, it must be that
old 350 Mark III D that makes me like the bevel drives so much. Nothing
wrong with the new ones and the electrics are FAR better than the
old stuff but I just love the old ones more. I had a chance a couple
of years ago to buy the first Ducati single that I ever rode. A friend
had a 72 250 with a 450 motor in it. Because of illness he was selling
his bikes and mentioned that he'd be selling the 250/450 along with
some of his other bikes. For once in my life I actually had the cash
when the deal came along and didn't hesitate. I had too much history
with the little bevelhead single. Back when we worked together, my
friend would loan me the 250 when my BSA 441 would break down so I
had enjoyed quite a few miles on it in the late 70s and it was great
to finally own it for myself. This isn't a show bike but a rider and
I'm glad to say that I've had a chance to ride it a bunch over this
past summer. The only thing that's different from riding it in my
youth is that I don't remember it being so uncomfortable on a 60-mile
ride. (Ah, the wonders of youth...Seems like I could ride it forever
when I was 25).
Anyway, it now has company in the form of a 67 250 Monza and a 75
860 GT. Both are on going projects and as they come together I'll
post pictures and articles on life with beveldrive Italian singles
and twins. For now the garage it's a happier place to be in the cold
winter months thanks to Ducati's wonderful machines.
Ciao for now,
Mike
