[Ducati] Back in Black

[Peter Bonner]

Delayed on Monday, didn't get to ride out of the KC Int. until about 4pm but
Frans and Steve had set it up just right.

First Frans made me take a ride on the stock Hypermotard (in red of course,
and not an S) so I took it to a nearby twisty road. Return and mount the
Black HM and immediately a different sound from the 2 into 1 exhaust etc.
Gear selected, clutch let out and thud, killed engine. Perhaps a bit less
low end torque, and different feel from the slipper clutch. Refire and away.
Twisties were better than with the stock, but then, this is an S. So full
tank and all, head out for some miles, mainly slower twisty roads to get
lots of different revs and gears. Finish Old Number 9 at Fredricksburg and
pull in for gas. Guy pulls in with a truck and stock trailer. Wanders over.
"Is that one of those supermotards" he asks.  Yes, this is a Hypermotard
model. "Nice looking bike" he says. Motor on down 290 to Johnson City and
stop off at a coffee house for a soft drink. Just finishing up and on the
porch to leave, when a family of three arrives, a young boy of 5 or 6
leading the way. "Sure is a cool bike" says the boy on the way
in...."Ducati" appreciately says dad.........   Then about to put the helmet
on and a young fella about 10 or so rides up, lays his dirt MX style bicycle
on the ground next to the HMS and takes a good look. Walking up to the porch
where I am still standing, he asks if it is my bike, to which I reply in the
affirmative.   "Sweeeeeeeet" he says and goes in the store. Made it back in
time for tennis with the wife.

Then tuesday morning I start a bit late, after getting a few things done
first. then head out for a little ride. Starting with 120 miles on the
clock, I gradually push the pace and speed as I tour around some of the more
open parts of the hill country, including Marble Falls, Austin, Kerrville,
and generally riding around. Filled up with gas so many times (though only
once over 2 gallons) that my credit card quit and I had to use another.
Nervous nellies....  Knowing full well I had to stop off at the house, pick
up my tennis racket and meet the wife around 6pm, I managed to get my stuff,
make it back to KC International and drop the bike off for the 600 mile
checkup, jump in my truck and still beat the wife to the tennis court.

Anyway you look at it though, this bike is a keeper! ( Of course I still
have the 81 MHR, the 87.5 Elefant, the 2005 Multistrada S bikes that I
bought new..... now if I had just kept the 1964 NC Scrambler I bought new)

Peter