WE WANTED TO KNOW A BIT MORE, SO WE ASKED DARREN…

Why did you go for this bike?

“Because I didn’t want to fall off my beloved road bike (another Ducati), and these track bikes are a lot cheaper to repair.”

(I mean, he’s got a very valid point, but it’s still not going to be cheap to repair – in my tight-arse book, anyway.)

What changes have you made to this bike?

“The first thing I did was change all of the fluids. I’ve used Brembo racing brake fluid – I thought I’d best run that because it’s what the MotoGP boys use, so it’s got to be worth a second a lap (he laughs), and I replaced the engine oil with Motul 300V. I’ve fitted a blip-box on it, so now I have the quickshifter and blipper for up and down gear changes, and I’ve removed the ABS pump using an ABS delete module. I’ve also fitted a lithium battery to help keep the weight down.”

What’s the maintenance like with this bike?

“I only bought this one at Christmas so I don’t know yet, but my last two bikes have been 1299 Panigales so I’ve got a good idea what I’m doing with them. I change oil every two or three track days, or as soon as the green colouring of the Motul oil disappears. Changing the oil and filter on the bike is no big job. It’s not true what they say about Dukes dropping to pieces... as long as you use a drop of thread lock and keep an eye on everything.”

(Hmmm, sounds reassuring.)

Is there anything else you want to do to it?

“The ECU has been locked so I can’t get into it. I’m going to get some Woolich software so I can tune it myself at the track. I think this bike is used to running around in warm weather... (Darren chuckles) I don’t think she likes 6°C, so I just want a little tinkle with it to see if we can clean it up a bit.”

Is there anything you don’t like about this bike?

“Not at the minute, but it still feels like somebody else’s bike. I did have the suspension set up by Colin at 100% Suspension which has helped, but I just need some more time on it.”

I think after 25 track days this year, it’s safe to say it’ll soon feel like Darren’s bike.