Jezza reviews the 458 Italia!

[RAGNAR]

(HD, but worth the wait.)

Grazie, Enzo!

[dillybar]

Can't say I've ever been much of a car guy - bikes and boats do it for me, but if a car could pull me over to the dark side this one would be it. Pure sex on wheels.
The test driver was priceless as well - nice post.
Still, for now I will stick with my Ducati 1198S Italian Super Model - 180HP, 380 Lbs., 0 - 60 in 2.5 seconds, 200 miles an hour all for about $25k.

[Dirtboy]

I'm with you, dilly. My '03 Aprilia TuonoR isn't the fastest bike I've owned, just the most fun! My much modified and lightened '92 FZR1000 took on all comers from drag trucks to Ferrari's and never lost a race in 10 years, I'd buy it back it I could find it.

Ever do any track days with that there Duc?

DB

[dillybar]

Originally Posted by Dirtboy

I'm with you, dilly. My '03 Aprilia TuonoR isn't the fastest bike I've owned, just the most fun! My much modified and lightened '92 FZR1000 took on all comers from drag trucks to Ferrari's and never lost a race in 10 years, I'd buy it back it I could find it.

Ever do any track days with that there Duc?

DB

It's set up for race only and has actually never turned a wheel on a public road. I don't have the self control (or desire) to ride these race replica rockets on the street at 10% of their potential (anymore)

Those Aprillia's are beautifull machines as well and Biaggi and Aprillia were definitely the bike to beat in World Super Bike last year.

There must be something in the water in the Bologna region of Italy...

[Dirtboy]

It's set up for race only and has actually never turned a wheel on a public road. I don't have the self control (or desire) to ride these race replica rockets on the street at 10% of their potential (anymore)

Very cool. I've actually got two Tuono's; one street and one track. Got a killer deal on a "totaled" Tuono a few years ago and made it into a track bike. At 68 my motorcycle racing isn't in the cards but I enjoy a track day every now and then. I've got a ruinning bet with the youngsters at work ..... I spot them 1 second for every 4 years age difference at JenningsGP; my money's safe!

Those Aprillia's are beautifull machines as well and Biaggi and Aprillia were definitely the bike to beat in World Super Bike last year.

Well, the Tuono is more a beauty of function. It has sort of an odd-ball look that matches my personality just fine. The first motorcycle I ever bought from the heart; no research whatever. I looked, fell in love and took her home three days later, 45,000 miles and the feeling remains.

Your 1198, on the other hand, looks like it's going 90 on the side stand! I've had the pleasure of riding a 1098; what great bikes, so gratifying and willing at every command.

Don't know about you, but I find motorcyclist and sailors very similar. A true cross section of life, but all tend towards extreams. A cross section of people who enjoy a little adventure and danger in their lives. I'm not surprised at the large number of sailors and motorcyclist (of all kinds) on this forum.

DB

[dillybar]

Originally Posted by Dirtboy

Very cool. I've actually got two Tuono's; one street and one track. Got a killer deal on a "totaled" Tuono a few years ago and made it into a track bike. At 68 my motorcycle racing isn't in the cards but I enjoy a track day every now and then. I've got a ruinning bet with the youngsters at work ..... I spot them 1 second for every 4 years age difference at JenningsGP; my money's safe!



Well, the Tuono is more a beauty of function. It has sort of an odd-ball look that matches my personality just fine. The first motorcycle I ever bought from the heart; no research whatever. I looked, fell in love and took her home three days later, 45,000 miles and the feeling remains.

Your 1198, on the other hand, looks like it's going 90 on the side stand! I've had the pleasure of riding a 1098; what great bikes, so gratifying and willing at every command.

Don't know about you, but I find motorcyclist and sailors very similar. A true cross section of life, but all tend towards extreams. A cross section of people who enjoy a little adventure and danger in their lives. I'm not surprised at the large number of sailors and motorcyclist (of all kinds) on this forum.

DB

All my race bikes except one have come from the insurance auction. The Ducati's are great because they have a tiny metal tab on the triple they use for a steering stop and if you push one over in the parking lot it invariably bends and renders the frame "unrepairable".
For the dealer to re & re a frame is over 8 grand and if you add a little plastic rash to that you've got a write off.
I came close to buying a Mille R for the street several years back that had the classic Italian Super Bike lines to it but it threw up so much heat at stop lights I decided against it.
Dirt, you have about 20 years on me - you are an inspiration. I can only hope I am still riding tracks at your age.
If I ever get down there I'll look you up and maybe you can show me the quick way around Jennings - looks like a fun layout.