Bayliss heads up Ducati Riding Experience

The Ducati Riding Experience is set to continue in 2014, and online enrolment for the 11th edition of the Italian manufacturer's riding school is now open.

 

Troy Bayliss

Participants can look forward to using some of Ducati's latest models, including the new, 148hp 899 Panigale Superbike for Racing 1 & 2 courses or the new Monster 1200 for the Intermediate course, Ducati's latest generation Monster awarded "Most Beautiful Motorcycle of the Show" when unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan in November.

As usual, the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) covers all levels of riding experience, from absolute beginners taking their very first steps on two-wheels in the Basic course, to the Master Racing and Troy Bayliss Academy courses for regular track-day experts wishing to perfect their talent.

For DRE 2014, the Racing 1 and Master Racing courses take on a new format intended to provide participants with enhanced instruction for fast and safe riding, with a dedicated classroom session prior to the track experience. Courses will spread over two days, during which Racing 1 participants will start the first afternoon with a briefing and theoretical exercises designed to lay a firm foundation of knowledge before practical tuition on the track. For the more advanced Master Racing course, participants will have a highly informative classroom session with Ducati's official test-rider, Alessandro Valia, and Chief Instructor, Dario Marchetti, before taking to the track aboard Ducati's impressive 1199 Panigale S Superbikes.

Participants of the highly prestigious Troy Bayliss Academy courses will be instructed in groups of five by the triple World Superbike Champion himself. Academy students will ride the Ducati 1199 Panigale S further equipped with a Termignoni exhaust system.

Racing 2 courses, which remain unchanged, are intended for riders who already have track experience and wish to develop it further. In addition to many other details, they will work on areas such as increasing corner turn-in and mid-corner speeds and on how fully capitalising on every last hp of acceleration can achieve a smoother, more fluid and confidence-inspiring riding style.

Enrolment for Racing 1 and 2 courses is limited to 50 students, divided into efficient learning groups of just five, whereas the Master Racing course is open to just 12 participants, divided into groups of three. While all groups are guided by an expert instructor, all track-riding participants must be holders of Class A driving licenses without engine size limitation.

For non-track riders, DRE 2014 also offers a fully comprehensive range of courses from Basic to Intermediate. While learners in the Basic course will use the Ducati Monster 796, participants of the Intermediate course can improve their existing road skills to enhance their overall safety using Ducati's own versatile Multistrada 1200 S, Hypermotard and Hyperstrada models and, new for 2014, the Monster 1200 with excellent user-friendliness and the enhanced ergonomics of an innovative adjustable seat height.

Within the cost of the courses, all DRE participants will be provided with a motorcycle and instructor as well as a welcome kit and lunch, while those who need to rent riding gear can do so during the online enrolment.

Dates are:

28-29 Apr - Adria - Racing 1 course
29 Apr - Adria - Intermediate course
29-30 Apr - Adria - Racing 1 course
30 Apr - Adria - Base & Intermediate courses

13-14 May - Mugello - Master Racing course
14 May - Mugello - Intermediate, Racing 2 & Troy Bayliss Academy courses
14-15 May - Mugello - Master Racing course
15 May - Mugello - Base, Intermediate, Racing 2 & Troy Bayliss Academy courses

09 Sep - Mugello - Intermediate & Racing 2 courses
09-10 Sep - Mugello - Master Racing course
10 Sep - Mugello - Base, Intermediate & Racing 2 courses

With more dates expected to be added, visit Ducati.com to remain updated on DRE 2014.

In the motorcycle / related trade? register for FREE motorcycle industry news at www.britishdealernews.co.uk