WHAT THE PAPERS SAY
The Paso sets new detailing standards for DucatiDucati.ti The Cagiva buyoutbuyou has brought updated quality standards. This motorcycle was almost titled the ‘Cagiva Paso’ until Cagiva’s president decided to use the Ducati name. The company is serious about making motorcycles that compete head-on with Japanese bikes. The Paso is one more big step in that direction
The well-thought-out suspension units are top-rate and highly adjustable; each end has approximately 5.5 inches of wheel travel. From the company that brought us the buckboard ride of the F1 comes one of the smoothest-riding sport bikes we’ve tried
The Paso isn’t a snap-steerer like the FZ600. The longish wheelbase that comes with Ducati’s engine layout keeps the steering in the human realm. It responds sharply and crisply to steering inputs but not with the alacrity of a Bimota DB1
The wide, squat 16-inch Pirelli radial tyres have a big effect on the Paso’s steering. Initial turning takes a relatively light push or pull but more counter-steering force must be applied to lean the Paso the few extra degrees onto the cornering patches of the Pirellis
The wide front radial wants to stand the bike up if the front brake is applied while leaned over; the monstrous 160/60 rear adds to this tendency. The wide tyres also force the rider to increase pressure on the handlebars to initiate a turn with the brakes on
The flip side to the wide Pirelli’s handling traits is their impressive traction under braking and cornering. These suckers st tick. Corner entrances and exits were full-brakes to full-throttle be ecause the radials refused to slide or misbehave in any way
The fully-faired air-cooled twin never hinted at overheating even in stop-and-go traffic on hot days