Australia Blog: Day 8 - The final day

This was my last riding day in Oz. I’ve given my Streetfighter S back to Ducati and have ridden on my last bit of hot dry tarmac for the foreseeable future.

The next time I turn a wheel will be on Tuesday when we’re testing the new Z1000 in a group test in the UK.

It’s been a great week here and full of highlights: seeing the awesome Deus set-up, hanging with the slightly deranged Extreme Creations crew, meeting Wayne Gardner and his prodigiously talented kids on his farm, and seeing the incredible Mico Products Yamaha YZR500 Abe replica in the flesh for the first time.

Best of all was my time with my black Ducati Streetfighter S.

I loved my Streetfighter long termer last year and I’d loved riding this S model all week.

To be honest, I could live without the fancy wheels, suspension and traction control of this ‘S’ and be happy with the standard model, but Ducati has made such a great package. I’d rate it as the best bike I’ve ever lived with.

It’s comfy, practical, good on fuel, fast, sexy, handles brilliantly (when set-up – it’s much too soft on the front as standard) and sounds great. The only minus is the fact I’d never be able to afford one…

I took it on a final fling this morning on a deserted Old Pacific Highway and just did not want to bring it back. Ah, well, all good things must come to an end.

It’s been emotional. See you back in the UK!

Neevesy