[Ducati] Test drove the 1098R and HM1100S today

[T]

Today was Ducati-testing day, which was about 1/2 mile from home (plus I 
was invited). So I hoped on my LeMans at 10AM and headed over. I got the 
first ride of the day on one of the 1098Rs (there were 2). I stopped by 
where my daughter works to show her the bike and have her take a picture:

http://www.mandozzi.ch/tom/me%20on%201098R.JPG

Then, I went home and got my 999R. When I returned there was this in the 
parking lot:

http://www.mandozzi.ch/tom/D16%20and%20my%20bike.JPG

He also had come to test the 1098R.

Then there was free food, afterwhich I took a ride on the HM1100S, which 
I almost crashed when I managed to lock the front wheel up and got some 
really nice headshike. Luckily, I was able to ride it out.

1098R was surprising, very easy to ride slow or fast. A bit viby 
compared to my 999R, and I hate the digital tach. Strange that most of 
the fairing is plastic and the only DZUS fastener is the one to close 
the tool compartment behind the seat.

The HM was OK, but the suspension was a bit rough over bumpy roads, the 
throttle is too digital in lowspeed corners and traffic circles, and the 
brakes are touchy. I figure I must have hit a bump while on the brakes 
slightly, which added pressure to the brakes, which made the front dive 
and the tire lock. I think I'd remove one of the front brakes if I were 
to get one.

Tom