Quote from: koko64 on December 10, 2019, 01:17:46 PM
We're a different generation Lars, for sure. The hipsters who want to recycle old bikes for the analogue experience, that's a good sign, they're looking for something.

I was trying to be hopeful about the factory.
20 years ago, I was converted by my experience with the Melbourne dealership that Brad worked at. It was run by real enthusiasts and the passion for the marque was infectious. The service was spectacular and the sense of community was strong.

Sadly this is a dying bred. I can only think of 1 dealer in the SE US that fits your this brand enthusiasm you described and even they have been moving away from Ducati to brands like MV Agusta due to the factory BS.

... and it's still a lot stronger than most other brands, but it will take tons of work to keep the myth alive 

Yes, very sad. I guess that's why this place is so important.

Quote from: koko64 on December 10, 2019, 01:17:46 PM
<snip>
20 years ago, I was converted by my experience with the Melbourne dealership that Brad worked at. It was run by real enthusiasts and the passion for the marque was infectious. The service was spectacular and the sense of community was strong.

That's kind of how I got sucked in.

I was working with a guy that had a Monster, and he needed a new well. I went to BCM to find out about the bike, and was instantly caught by Bruce's infectious. enthusiasm. He knew how to treat customers, and nothing was ever a problem for Bruce, it was an opportunity.

The shop was a destination. One day there was this older English gent there picking up a bike. We chatted a bit. Really nice guy. I had no clue who he was.  Turned out to be Paul Smart borrowing a bike from Bruce to do a little traveling. Another time Bruce asked me to show this other guy around the area. He introduced him as L.T. Snyder. L.T., it turns out, didn't think dirt roads were suitable for motorcycles.

  Great story.

Boy, 23 years ago actually. Got a letter from the factory welcoming me to the family. That was it.

https://youtu.be/Y6AxbyClf7M

https://youtu.be/SnrF8i5FboA

https://youtu.be/COpGcEiyo-A

Quote from: kopfjäger on December 12, 2019, 04:47:16 PM
https://youtu.be/SnrF8i5FboA

Vale truly exudes joy when he’s around motorcycles and racing of any kind. I just don’t get the sense that joy exists with many of the other world class riders. The guy knows how to have fun!1

https://youtu.be/ccbSRrYPtBE

So, Yoshimura R&D has officially dropped running the Suzuki MotoAmerica team. Team Hammer taking over. Riders TBA. On the heels of Yamaha & Graves split that must be a kick in the teeth for Rainey & crew.

My boy Joe testing his airbags.



https://www.instagram.com/p/B6JZfI_oQxY/?igshid=rjhlk4vruxbr

I thought Mav was your boy.

How many kids you got?

Quote from: ducpainter on December 16, 2019, 04:22:31 PM
I thought Mav was your boy.

How many kids you got?

Joe’s my American boy. I traveled a lot in my career.