The idea of owning and riding motorcycles in your mid-30s—especially fast, red ones—is often instinctively eclipsed by thoughts of a comfortable family car that they can easily get in and out of. Not that I could afford a garage full of exotic Ducatis, but this subtle conditioning to be sensible instead of hedonistic has been a constant tug-of-war personally, perhaps signaling a mid-life crisis.
But when the World Ducati Week 2024 transports you to a place where engines are composed like symphonies and motorcycles are sculpted as works of art, you understand that beneath the romantic veneer of adrenaline and adventure lies a rich history and deep-rooted passion that adds nuance to these seemingly frivolous thrills. This edition of the biennial celebration reignited a personal passion that’s usually stifled by the need to conform.
A Walk Through Time
Italy has always been a siren call for enthusiasts of art, food, and fashion. There's a certain kind of magic that the country weaves around you, blending history, culture, and an unabashed passion for the finer things in life. This was my first pilgrimage—as any motorcycle enthusiast would confirm—to Bologna, the epicenter of Italy's famed Motor Valley.
The Motor Valley, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is to automobiles and motorcycles what Silicon Valley is to tech. Bologna sits at its core, surrounded by legendary names like Ferrari in Maranello, Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Maserati in Modena, and, of course, Ducati right here in Bologna. It's a place where passion for speed and engineering excellence is woven into the very fabric of the local culture. It is a mecca for enthusiasts worldwide. It’s also analogous to their fashion counterparts including Prada, Versace, Armani and Dolce&Gabbana in Milan. If it’s not good looking, it’s probably not made here. The city’s famous porticos—the world's longest stretch of covered walkways—are also proof of the same.
As we walked through the city centre, Ducati India’s Managing Director, Bipul Chandra casually shared tidbits of the city’s past. From the story of how a renowned Italian carmaker adopted Neptune’s trident to the fact that this city has the largest concentration of medieval towers in the world, he regaled me with tales of the region. His knowledge was so profound that I assumed he was based out of Misano, before he corrected me with a humble shake of his head.
We ended the evening at Pizzeria da Michele, a charming spot that gained fame from Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love. Over slices of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Chandra shared more stories about the evolution of the Italian bikemaker and its deep-rooted ties with the local community. It was my first proper taste of Italy, both figuratively and literally.
Behind the Curtain
I’d seen pictures of the Ducati museum in Borgo Panigale before, but stepping inside it feels like entering a time capsule. Early models like the Cucciolo, essentially a bicycle with a 48cc engine, showcase the Bolognese bikemaker’s humble beginnings—a far cry from the powerful beasts that we know today. From the sleek lines of the 1970s 750 GT to the aggressive stance of the modern Panigale series, these relics are a reminder of just how far the bikemaker has come, with racing woven into its DNA from the very beginning.
In the age of mass production, Ducati’s factory feels bespoke—cutting-edge machines are assembled with poetic precision, each piece fitting perfectly into place. Be it the hand built Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Panigale V4 undergoing rigorous tests for quality or the carbon fiber frame of the Superleggera V4 and even the Diavel’s billet aluminum components—when you observe this craftsmanship up close, the pursuit of thrill seems discerning and intentional, rather than mere frivolity. The brand's commitment to nurturing future talent through local education initiatives is just as impressive—a reminder that the legacy of the Motor Valley isn’t just preserved but actively cultivated. Standing amidst these masterpieces, I realized that Ducati’s exhilaration is deeply rooted in a heritage of excellence and innovation.
As the sun dipped, we made our way to the Misano World Circuit for the unveiling of the 2025 Panigale V4S. The atmosphere was electric, with spotlights cutting through the night sky and a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. But nothing had prepared me for what came next. During a four-course dinner served on the racetrack (because where else?), Ducati’s racers Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Nicolo Bulega, and Alvaro Bautista roared in on the newly unveiled 2025 Panigale V4S. With the motorcycles as stars and an audience comprised of a mix of awestruck corporate guests and diehard fans, it was pure theatre.
Full Throttle Fest
On our way to the circuit the next day, the spectacle wasn’t just confined to the track. Call it Misano’s identity crisis—it had become an extension of the Ducati universe, where every street hummed with the shared beat of engines. It’s a sound that’s impossible to forget, and even harder to replicate. Ducatis of every model and vintage stretched as far as the eye could see. The streets, the stands, even the air seemed to hum with the sound of motorcycles. The crowd was a mix of all ages, backgrounds, and even nationalities—a testament to the brand's global allure. I thought I knew what to expect from the World Ducati Week, but the sheer scale of it was overwhelming.
With 15 Ducati racers, including the reigning MotoGP, WorldSBK, and WorldSSP Champions lining up on the track for the qualification round of the Lenovo Race of Champions, anticipation had reached fever pitch. As it turned out, Bagnaia wasn’t joking the last night when he had referred to it as ‘the most important race of the season.’ After all, it was the first time Marc Marquez and he were racing on the same machines. But perhaps the most emotionally charged moment was the Ducati 916 tribute parade, commemorating the 30th anniversary of this iconic model. Rows upon rows of gleaming 916s paraded down the track, their owners beaming with pride. A fitting nod to the machine that redefined superbike design in the 1990s, it reaffirmed that the community is what helps make an icon a legend.
A Supercar Sojourn
On the final day, I found myself behind the wheel of the Lamborghini Urus S with Amit Chauhan, Ducati India’s Brand and Marketing Head in the passenger seat before swapping places with him. Driving through the serpentine roads of Misano Adriatico, the Urus S responded to every touch with explosive grace. Unleashing its horsepower on open stretches, feeling the tail tease the edge of traction had Chauhan and I grinning with sheer delight. Navigating an Italian supercar through its native landscape wasn’t exactly on my bucket list, but I’m not complaining.
Of course, the day climaxed with the Lenovo Race of Champions, which lived up to all the hype and then some. Marc Marquez’s controversial third-place finish, though discussed online in detail, was just one part of the spectacle. The post-race celebrations continued into the night, with Ducati racers and fans mingling, singing, and laughing. The collective gasp at close track encounters, followed by impassioned debates on whether Marquez went overboard, or the Ducati Corse team’s cheeky but lighthearted ‘Peco’s on fire’ take on Marquez’s infamous ‘Ducati’s on fire’ during the post-race karaoke are best enjoyed with an all-access pass felt like wond
The Afterglow
As WDW 2024 drew to a close, I found myself lingering, reluctant to let the experience fade. The European heat wave had been relentless, and traversing the expansive venue was a test of endurance, but every moment was worth it. The mosaic of memories—the Urus S’ tail sliding, the sight of Misano World Circuit crammed with red motorcycles, or even —will fuel my love for motorcycling for years to come.
Sure, speed may seem like a frivolous thrillseek, that probably ‘suits’ men better in their 20s, but Italy's Motor Valley ignites a discerning spirit that will resonate with anyone, no matter their age, colour or gender. Until the next World Ducati Week, I'll be chasing horizons, both literal and metaphorical, with the throttle wide open and the spirit of Italy's Motor Valley fueling every mile.
