Baines Ducati

Almost despite myself, I can’t help loving Ducati V-twins. The modern Monster 1200S is probably my favourite new motorcycle, while I spent far too much time, energy and money making my 1992 750SS arguably the best in the country. It had less than 2000 miles on the clock when I sold it, and had subtle modifications including a twin disc conversion and custom exhaust system, but still looked ‘stock.’

In 2012, Ducati brought out the Panigale and I was fortunate to ride what was possibly the first one in the UK (my then lodger being a journo on the modern magazines) and while its performance was awesome, as had been the 916, 998 and 1098 et al, what struck me most, was just how usable it was.

Finally, after years, it seemed Ducati had managed to do what the Japanese had done for decades, vis make a superbike that you could ride through town or round a garage forecourt, without dread of stalling, falling or just, basically, getting stuck. Though the Panigale was awesome, personally I preferred the baby Panigale, which started out as 899, then grew to 959. Hardly a baby, but I digress…

The Baines arcing machine – called Project Imola – was interesting, in that it actually managed to feel like an ‘old’ machine, despite having modern components. In our January and February 2005 issues, we covered the build process, as well as road test and opinions. It was a great bike; about the same time, I also rode an example of the limited edition year 2000 MH900e and remember thinking that of the two, I’d take the Baines bike every time. Though the pair were united by both having next-to-no steering lock!