loudbike APPROVED

I was speaking with Toronto DOCC member Patrick Chartand  late this week when he mentioned that he had been talking to some folks in California about a new NCR bike that had him - at least on paper - blown away.  Patrick's been wrestling with the right direction for an all-out Ducati based track bike that would have the fine edge of his RS250.  To-date, the only bike that had come close was Alex Ortner's GPDue or perhaps my 853F1 and over the next few months, he hoped to make a decision between the $30,000 GPDue or the $20,000 F1.  He was positively gushing over the look and spec of the NCR bike as he gave me the url and as I launched the page, I had to admit that I liked it right away.

What is it?  The NCR Millona sold in North America by Pro Italia in limited numbers in Standard, R and One Shot trim options.  Is it LOUD?  Oh, definitely.  In metallic grey livery, I think it looks stunning.  Powered by a breathed-on DS1000 and weighing in at 275lbs (wet), this machine's lighter than Alex's GPDue and would probably have a bit of power/weight edge.  Cost?  About $35,000US.

Specs for the "R" version:
Engine: Ducati 1000DS (67,7 kw - 82 cv @ 8000 rpm/min)
Brakes: Racing Brembo mono block brake system, Braking Wave disks or Brembo disks
Forks: Ohlins 999R fork, 43 mm with adjustable off set
Suspension: Ohlins, set up by NCR
Wheels: PVM Magnesium wheels set or MARCHESINI Magnesium wheels set
Fairing: Complete Carbon fiber fairing kit
Bolts and fasteners: Full Titanium kit
Exhaust: Inox/Inconel full system by HPE
Weight: 125 kg
Accessories: Al 7075/Titanium footrests kit, Al 7075 fuel cap, Titanium Rear stand and Titanium clutch cover
Options: Carbon fiber look, Drudi's color, NCR silver color, custom color, NCR engine upgrade kit

MCN News tested the bike and raved - no surprise there. 

So, Patrick will be looking at his collection with a view to liquidating the stuff he doesn't ride and with any luck, I'll get to sample this tasty morsel in May '06.  Damn, it's going to be a long winter...

This whole topic raises an interesting question though..  Do you have to spend upwards of $20,000US to get a high-end Ducati-based track bike?  For those of us that have moved up the ladder, sure you do.  But do you have to spend that much on a Ducati track bike that'll scratch your itch if you're just getting into the game?  Of course not... but there's no such thing (in my opinion) as a cheap Ducati track bike.  When I put the '90 once-750-now-900-Sport (AKA the Cadillac) on eBay to fund this winter's project, I was swamped with emails from folks wanting to know what it would take to build-up a first time Ducati track bike.  I've been working on a post for the last week, but it's not your basic short subject.  Probably get something up by next weekend the way things are going around here.

Meanwhile, I'll keep snooping around for more pics and reviews on this fine looking piece from NCR.

Comments

[Dylan]

Though I've never ridden one, I have to say that the NCR is an absolutely gorgeous bike in person. When I was at ProItalia the other week, I just couldn't help but stare at it for what must have been at least a half hour. It just oozes the sensation of speed even when it's standing still. What a magnificent looking machine - especially if they knocked off the goofy graphics on the orange model.

Looking foward to your upcoming first time track bike post... :)