Last minute decision to go to the ABR shindig at the weekend where Ducati had the full Dtest fleet so it would have been rude not to have a ride. Had to queue from 7.45 until nearly 9 to sign up (inc. £1000 damage waiver) but that was no hardship as the sun was out & queue was full of like minded people. Got one of the last slots of the day - the guys just behind in the queue missed out. Foggy was on the stand during the day, waxing lyrical about the bike having just been out on one (I doubt he'd had to queue...) Come 5 pm and there were a dozen bikes lined up waiting. After a 5 minute briefing we were split into two groups and finally got to have a ride on the bikes. I'm 1.8m/5'11" and could get balls of both feet on the ground. A slow spped test on a small circuit to check we weren't complete numpties and we were then taken out on teh trail proper (including parts of the 'expert' route, ooer). Bike felt well balanced, didn't even notice the weight. of it once on the move. Low 1st/2nd gears and quickshifter (up and down) is a brilliant combo for off road. Riding position felt spot on. Pliant suspension, great display (easilt readable in bright sunshine). Only negative was that it looks like the matte paintwork might mark up quite easily (most of the bikes were marked - but they'll have had a hard life as a test fleet) We only got a total of 20 minutes or so on the bike but enough to be impressed. If you've got one on order I doubt you'll be disappointed.
