Redesign

I’ve redesigned the blog. It is now simpler, slicker, sexier, smoother and more functional at the same time. It now features a sophisticated map which has a programmed ability to show my location live during the long journeys (of which I’ll be speaking extensively), tweets streaming straight into the posts list, all sorts of fancy social media sharing tools,  but most importantly — the new colors match the design of my awesome helmet!

Shining new design
Shining new design

Fact: No traveler has a map as cool as the one on the new One Hell of a Ride. Seriously.

Why Ducati Monster Owns Honda CBF

“The Monster 796 is the perfect synthesis between sports performances, aesthetics and daily riding pleasure. Cared for in each single detail, it is the ideal bike for each riding style and represents the utmost evolution of the Monster family.”

—Ducati

Despite the differences, these motorcycles are essentially aimed at the same crowd: young urban dudes who want style, performance and daily commute (at our age it’s always a matter of a choice between a car and a motorcycle; both together are very rarely an option). For all these young dudes who want something more stylish (yes, more stylish!) and more fun (that’s right!) than a plastic sportbike, all major motorcycle manufacturers have something to offer. All these offers are generally within the 500cc and 800cc range naked streetfighters with upright riding position, have a good performance engine and stylish design.

Honda has two ideas of that for 2011. First is Honda Hornet, which is pretty cool looking but is not very practical due to its very low ground clearance (might as well get a CBR600) and limited accessories options. It’s awesome if you want to ride around cafes, but what if you encounter a little gravel?

Second is Honda CBF600, a 600cc 4-cylinder naked motorcycle that is fantastic in every way.

2011 Honda CBF600
2011 Honda CBF600

Until you see what Ducati is offering.

2011 Ducati Monster 796
2011 Ducati Monster 796

Oh my God! Now take a look at numbers!

Ducati Monster 796Honda CBF600
Engine Size796cc600cc
Cylinders44
Power87 hp (64 kW) @ 8250 rpm76.43 HP (55.8 kW)) @ 10500 RPM
Weight167kg191kg
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Ground Clearance150mm130mm

OK, you say, the numbers are good, the looks are definitely awesome but it’s a Ducati against Honda, and this means thousands of dollars of price difference! Ducati is the “elite” motorcycle for the posh guys (who have both a motorcycle and a car), and Honda has always been there as an affordable alternative to the European motorcycles! How much more would the italian beauty cost than its cheap japanese counterpart? And that’s where the whole point of this post comes in:

2011 Ducati Monster 796: ~$9,950
2011 Honda CBF600: ~$9,000

Question: would you pay 10% extra to ride a motorcycle that is sexier, faster, lighter, more powerful, taller, has a better build quality, is hand-made in Italy and has “Ducati” written over it?

[pe2-gallery class=”gallery aligncenter” ] M 796_10S_LM-Imola-72_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_LM-Ducati-Corse_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_B_C01S [1920x1280].jpgM 796_10S_LM-IOM78_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_LM-Ducati-Sport-100_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_LM-Pantah_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_CT-Giallo_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_LM-Ducati-Mach-1_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_W_C01S [1920x1280].jpgM 796_10S_CT-Lilla_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_LM-Darmah_C01S [1200x800].jpgM 796_10S_R_C01S [1920x1280].jpgM 796_10S_CT-Arancione_C01S [1200x800].jpg[/pe2-gallery]

Note: Gallery pictures are extremely sexy and high-res, check the spectacular stock paint job of each one of these Monsters!

Ducati Multistrada 1200S

Here is Ducati’s answer to BMW’s R1200GS. As Ducati itself calls the motorcycle, it’s “4 bikes in 1”. “A dream Ducati – 4 bikes in 1. A sport bike, long-distance tourer, urban and road enduro”. Multistrada’s offroad capabilities are obviously not up there with the R1200GS, but damn this motorcycle looks sexy! Over and over again, Italians do know how to design a motorcycle!

Ducati Multistrada 1200S
Ducati Multistrada 1200S