Ducati will makes its first-ever appearance at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota later this month. The legendary Italian manufacturer, which introduced its first “true cruiser”—the feet-forward, belt-driven XDiavel—earlier this year, will host various events throughout the rally between August 5 and August 13, with demo rides, the unveiling of an XDiavel customized by Roland Sands Design (RSD) and more.
“Sturgis is always a great place to get together with motorcyclists to celebrate our shared passion for two wheels,” said Jason Chinnock, chief executive officer of Ducati North America. “And 2016 marks both Ducati’s 90th anniversary and the launch of Ducati’s entry into the cruiser [segment] with the new XDiavel. This year is the perfect time to share the Ducati brand at the largest gathering of motorcyclists in the USA. To commemorate this event we have integrated into a number of activities and partnered with Roland Sands Design to build a custom version of the XDiavel. This build opens the door to a new world for customization of the XDiavel. Roland Sands Design is an important partner for us, and they bring their innovative design style to everything they do and we’re honored to unveil it at Sturgis.”
The action starts on Friday, August 5, when the Ducati XDiavel Xperience Tour rolls into town, with daily “spirited” demo rides, daily, held 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express Sturgis, located at 2721 Lazelle Street. In addition to the demo rides that will run through August 13, Ducati will be presenting its entire XDiavel product line, along with an XDiavel Lounge and XDiavel Café built on-site for guests to enjoy while experiencing the festivities.
The XDiavel is Ducati’s new entry into cruiser motorcycles, with a relaxed riding position, belt final drive, low seat and forward controls. Those interested in test rides can participate with a valid motorcycle license and proof of insurance. All riders must provide their own riding gear, including DOT-approved helmet, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, long pants and over-the-ankle boots. Bell Helmets has kindly agreed to provide a selection of their helmets for demo riders to borrow should they need.
On Monday, August 8th at 8 a.m. a group of XDiavels will join the Sturgis annual Mayor’s Ride with Sturgis’ Mayor Mark Carstensen as they ride through several of the Black Hill’s most spectacular two-lane roads and byways, to support the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service & Police Reserves.
The activities will continue on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., August 9, when Ducati and Roland Sands unveils the XDiavel designed by RSD during a pool party at the Pappy Hoel Campground. Blue skies, cool water, live music, raffles and a bikini contest will highlight the event, which is co-sponsored by Ducati partners Bell helmets and Roland Sands Design.
Wednesday morning August 10th the XDiavel crew will join AMA National Champions and former World Superbike competitors Ben and Eric Bostrom for their 3rd Annual Boz Bros Ride. Ben & Eric will treat the group to refreshments before the ride begins at “Sturgis Guns” located at 2324 Junction Avenue, Sturgis, SD 57785. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and departs on a 60-mile ride through the Black Hills. Lunch, beverages and swag will be provided after the ride with all the “free will” proceeds going to the Sturgis Police Department.
After the Scrambler Ducati’s first win at the Super Hooligan flat track race in Austin with Jamie Robinson behind the bars, the Scrambler will return to the dirt track with the Super Hooligan race presented by RSD the evening of Wednesday, August 10. Ducati’s exclusive dealer in Nebraska, Ducati Omaha, will campaign the flat track-inspired Scrambler Flat Track Pro in stock trim, with the exception of the removal of the front brake and headlight and the addition of a Termignoni slip-on exhaust. Come out to cheer on the Scrambler Ducati and Ducati Omaha team from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the infamous Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the Moto Stampede.
