Ducati Motocycles

Ah, the Monster. Classic racing bike, emulated but never equalled by other manufacturers. Ducati remains the Italian king of motorcycle racing. But Ducatis are seen every day on the streets as well.

Seldom does a motorcycle inspire such fierce loyalty and enthusiasm. Harley-Davidson unquestionably has a huge following and American Victory is building one. But Ducati owners are just plain crazy in love with their bikes.

Here's why.

As the inventors of the 'naked' bike - huge power, few frills - in the early 1990s, Ducati can rightly claim to have perfected the genre. The line contains air-cooled or liquid-cooled, two and four-valve Desmo engines that provide an earth-shattering acceleration.

And, talk about style. Ducatis are instantly recognizable on the street, whether zooming by as a streak of red or black. The engineers may well have studied the classic Avanti or the contemporary Ferrari for lessons on how to look great going fast.

Here are two examples:

Multistrada 620

Not one of the best names for a bike, maybe, but the Multistrada 620 delivers all the goods. Ultra-stylish and built for sport, this bike belongs in the pantheon of motorcycles. Powered by an air-cooled 618cc L-twin, it provides substantial, smooth get up and go.

For a sport bike, the 620 is surprisingly comfortable and easy to drive. It's comparatively light weight, built to handle well around the Italian mountains, but just as agile on city streets. For those looking for an easier ride than the Multistrada 1000 DS (the 1000cc model), this just might be the perfect choice.

ST3s

Ducati has poured all its experience into developing the ultimate combination of sport and touring bike with the ST3s. The 992cc Desmo3 engine gives this bike plenty of power, while the inverted Showa shocks provide the comfort you expect from a touring bike.

That superb power plant delivers 107 hp and 72 ft-lb (foot-pound) of torque, while the Marelli electronic fuel injection and superior exhaust system keeps it running flawlessly.

Though many of the design elements are classic, the electronics is the latest technology has to offer. From the computerized instrument panel to the standard anti-theft device, to the fuel system, the ST3s is one high-tech dream.

When you buy your Ducati, don't neglect to join the club of maniacs who worship their motorcycles. Whether it's the Ducati Monster List, www.ducatimonster.org/, or the Ducati Women at http://www.ducatiwomen.com/home.html, or any of dozens of others, you'll find a website full of enthusiasts ready to share their knowledge and experiences.

If you want to find the best upcoming rally, or a cheap source of parts (though with a Ducati you won't often need them), one of the forum posters will have a tip you can use.