Audi 2014 Annual Report Download - page 122

Whenever surfers reverently talk about monster waves, they
are referring to the ultimate challenge for their own abilities,
coupled with the exhilarating sensation of sliding down the
huge crest of the wave.
“The tension before surfi ng
is like before a fi rst date.” *
Away from the sea, on the road, an equivalent is the Ducati
Monster . It’s perfectly normal for your heart to start racing
before the fi rst encounter. Helmet on, visor down, the rider is
ready for one of the most alluring challenges that Italian motor-
cycle engineering has to o er.
On the coastal road to Lisbon. First take some time to get a
feel for the route. Then start pushing the limits to see how
quickly you can negotiate the bends as they rise and fall, gain
experience as you accelerate out of each bend, and savor the
experience to the full.
The surfers’ paradise of Nazaré, located on a giant trench
that gives rise to enormous waves, quickly fades into
the distance in the rearview mirror. Equipped with the lively
Testastretta ° engine with  cc, the Ducati develops
an impressive  kW ( hp) of power on the asphalt.
The two-cylinder engine is not only compelling with its
smooth power delivery and its powerful torque in all gears,
but also thanks to its tell-tale throaty roar, which is remi-
niscent of the crashing sound of the waves breaking, the
powerful music of the sea.
“On a wave I feel small and powerful at the
same time. A paradoxical yet unique feeling.” *
But back to the road. Just like the board is the interface be-
tween the surfer and wave, so the Ducati connects the rider
with the asphalt. This is thanks above all to your being able
to adjust this motorcycle precisely to the conditions and your
own requirements. The Ducati comes with three di erent ride
modes : Sport, Touring and Urban. Leaving you su cient scope
to set your own rules. Sport mode is the setting of choice for the
rider. Here the full power is transferred to the rear wheel, re-
sulting in instantaneous acceleration. And unlike with surfi ng,
you have braking fully under control at the right point in time.
“You don’t conquer the sea,
you simply try to master it.” *
And into the next bend. Lean and glide out. The power delivery,
the acceleration and the torque are fantastic. You lean forward
and know that the kick will hit you instantly. It must be the kind
of sensation you get gliding down a monster wave and having
it under control despite its massive force.
“Riding a monster wave
makes you forget everything around you.” *
A feeling that’s addictive. That’s what it’s like riding the
Ducati Monster , pure and simple. It’s defi nitely also all
about wavelength. And that’s spot on – as you’ll appreciate
once you’ve experienced the Monster.
“When I know the line I want to ride, being able
to follow it is a sublime feeling.” *
*Professional surfer Sebastian Steudtner on the kick of the big waves.
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