Ghetto (W)rap
Ghetto (W)rap
Mountain Snow
Painter's tape is such a versatile tool, and Arizona snow is not to be missed. With warm temperatures at the lower elevations, the "what's different/same/better" question beckoned.
Yesterday, I de-stickered the bike and temporarily wrapped the tank -- she gets 3M film applied shortly, but I couldn't wait! Every new Ducati has a ton of compliance stickers affixed to the frame, which ruins the "look" and are easily removed and saved just in case. Same goes for the fork reflectors.
These go "in the book."
Down to Sonoita, and the Elgin loop under sunny skies and 65 degree temps.
First Impressions
Compared to my 2014 Monster 1200S the Anniversario feels similar, but better in every way. That may sound like a new owner's purchase justification; nevertheless, it's true. The 2014 model was the first year of this platform and Ducati have built on all the original strengths without sacrificing anything.
Engine
The heart of any motorcycle, especially a big-bore naked. The Anniversario motor is noticeably smoother and more tractable than my 2014. Perfect fueling all the way down to 3000 rpm and the same linear torque on demand. In fact, she's almost as smooth at low rpm as the DVT Multistrada 1260 we rode in Tuscany, but more direct. No drivetrain lash, perfect throttle pick up. A joy; looking forward to the rpm restriction being lifted. Same wonderful sound, even with the stock exhaust. Ducati made it more ridable without losing an ounce of character.
Dash
One of the biggest disappointments on my 2014 was the dash: it was virtually unreadable in direct sunlight. Although it looks the same, they have improved it substantially. Now, even with the Arizona sun over your shoulder and directly on the dash, it is legible. Not sure what they have changed, but it is much, much, much better, now an asset rather than a liability. More info is presented as well, including a gear indicator, which is always nice.
Handling
The Anniversario has two significant changes compared to my 2014: a shorter wheelbase and lighter, forged wheels. These combine to make her turn quicker, with no apparent loss of stability, perhaps assisted by the steering damper absent on the 2014. Not really pushing it yet, but the difference is obvious. The Brembo brakes are once again "haul it down NOW" powerful, with the added advantage of the rear brake actually working from the factory without the need for a re-bleed.
Comfort
Same great riding position, seat, plush Ohlins suspension. Comfortable Ducati is no longer an oxymoron. I really do wish they would offer heated grips across their model range (like BMW), this is a marketing opportunity for them and a really nice to have feature that's unfortunately missing.
Electronics
I hope never to try this, but the Anniversario has Bosch's cornering ABS, which is a nice safety net. Wheelie and traction control can be endlessly configured. There's also a quick shifter, up and down, that works well, but I'll likely rarely use; I'm a "man-u-al" kinda guy. Going thru the menus also reveals that a Bluetooth module can be added, so you can answer calls, see texts, etc. Who cares, see my previous sentence.
Overall
Honestly, everything is just a wee bit better, and nothing is worse. Beyond the beautiful paint, Ducati has developed the bike into a remarkable machine.
Ben fatto!
Post Wrap
Awesome job, ready to go!
Well, there's the tail tidy, LED signals...and probably more carbon fibre...are we ever really done?
Well...even the 3M wrap was getting some scuffs, so on with the Ducati tank pad!
I can live with it... 😎
Mountain Snow
Painter's tape is such a versatile tool, and Arizona snow is not to be missed. With warm temperatures at the lower elevations, the "what's different/same/better" question beckoned.
Yesterday, I de-stickered the bike and temporarily wrapped the tank -- she gets 3M film applied shortly, but I couldn't wait! Every new Ducati has a ton of compliance stickers affixed to the frame, which ruins the "look" and are easily removed and saved just in case. Same goes for the fork reflectors.
These go "in the book."
Down to Sonoita, and the Elgin loop under sunny skies and 65 degree temps.
First Impressions
Compared to my 2014 Monster 1200S the Anniversario feels similar, but better in every way. That may sound like a new owner's purchase justification; nevertheless, it's true. The 2014 model was the first year of this platform and Ducati have built on all the original strengths without sacrificing anything.
Engine
The heart of any motorcycle, especially a big-bore naked. The Anniversario motor is noticeably smoother and more tractable than my 2014. Perfect fueling all the way down to 3000 rpm and the same linear torque on demand. In fact, she's almost as smooth at low rpm as the DVT Multistrada 1260 we rode in Tuscany, but more direct. No drivetrain lash, perfect throttle pick up. A joy; looking forward to the rpm restriction being lifted. Same wonderful sound, even with the stock exhaust. Ducati made it more ridable without losing an ounce of character.
Dash
One of the biggest disappointments on my 2014 was the dash: it was virtually unreadable in direct sunlight. Although it looks the same, they have improved it substantially. Now, even with the Arizona sun over your shoulder and directly on the dash, it is legible. Not sure what they have changed, but it is much, much, much better, now an asset rather than a liability. More info is presented as well, including a gear indicator, which is always nice.
Handling
The Anniversario has two significant changes compared to my 2014: a shorter wheelbase and lighter, forged wheels. These combine to make her turn quicker, with no apparent loss of stability, perhaps assisted by the steering damper absent on the 2014. Not really pushing it yet, but the difference is obvious. The Brembo brakes are once again "haul it down NOW" powerful, with the added advantage of the rear brake actually working from the factory without the need for a re-bleed.
Comfort
Same great riding position, seat, plush Ohlins suspension. Comfortable Ducati is no longer an oxymoron. I really do wish they would offer heated grips across their model range (like BMW), this is a marketing opportunity for them and a really nice to have feature that's unfortunately missing.
Electronics
I hope never to try this, but the Anniversario has Bosch's cornering ABS, which is a nice safety net. Wheelie and traction control can be endlessly configured. There's also a quick shifter, up and down, that works well, but I'll likely rarely use; I'm a "man-u-al" kinda guy. Going thru the menus also reveals that a Bluetooth module can be added, so you can answer calls, see texts, etc. Who cares, see my previous sentence.
Overall
Honestly, everything is just a wee bit better, and nothing is worse. Beyond the beautiful paint, Ducati has developed the bike into a remarkable machine.
Ben fatto!
Post Wrap
Awesome job, ready to go!
Well, there's the tail tidy, LED signals...and probably more carbon fibre...are we ever really done?
Well...even the 3M wrap was getting some scuffs, so on with the Ducati tank pad!
I can live with it... 😎
