Ducati New York Grand Opening heats up with Italian Speed and Style

Cupertino, CA (May 20, 2005) - As the sun went down over New York City and people traveled home from their day at work, Manhattan echoed with the magnetic roar of Italian L-twin power. Pedestrians stopped mid-step to check out the colorful string of Ducati motorcycles revving their way through the skyscrapers as they gathered on 34th Street and 11th Avenue for a one-of-a-kind ride through the Big Apple.

The group of Ducatisti lined up in front of the Javits Center, decked out in the finest Italian riding gear and leathers. The cavalcade included throngs of vintage bikes from Paul Smart's era to brand new superbikes like the 749 and 999R. Anxious to get the party started, the Ducatisti were joined by the New York City Police Department and given a special motorcycle escort down Washington Street to the grand opening festivities.

New Yorkers hurried out of their cabs and parked their cars along Avenue of the Americas to catch the arrival of this unparalleled parade of Italian superbike finery that could be heard nearly three blocks away. A massive crowd surrounded the Ducati New York dealer and you could hear the buzz radiating as each spectator inquired about the activities. Everyone from businessmen, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle II star Justin Theroux, and hard- core motorcycle enthusiasts joined the pack of new and vintage Ducati bikes as they rode in and welcomed Ducati back to the Big Apple.

Inside the pristine new showroom, you could feel the enthusiasm of guests, some still wearing their helmets from the ride, eager to catch a first glimpse of Ducati's three SportClassic prototypes - the highly anticipated newest Ducati vintage-inspired models.

AMA Championship riders Neil Hodgson and Eric Bostrom were swarmed by fans as they signed posters, took pictures and autographed local Ducati owners' bikes.

"Based on the amazing turnout, I'm convinced this was the perfect opportunity to introduce our SportClassics to the North American market," says Ducati North America CEO Michael Lock. "New York is an exciting place, fast-paced and rich with history. Our SportClassics have similar traits in that they combine a modern, cutting-edge, performance-driven motorcycle with the timeless style, beautiful lines and powerful emotion fundamental to the great Ducatis of the 1970s."