Italy touring

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amelia83

New member
Does anyone have any experience with motorcycle touring companies in Italy? We have been looking at Ducati Tours, CIMT (Central Italy Motorcycle Tours) and some other lesser known firms. I
 
that sounds really fun. except they drive like mainiacs there. i love italy so much and ive always wanted to ride there.
sorry i dont know anything about your questions though lol. could you share the basics of your legwork so far? im kind of interested myself.
 
I just started gathering info. Two Ducati dealers have recommended Ducati Tours to us and have recommended touring Northern Italy. Ducati Tours is expensive but they have a great selection of bikes. I have a 1098 and a S4RS and my wife rides a S2R so we can choose from 1098's, Monsters including the 1100S, Streetfighter and Sportclassic GT. It would be nice to rent a familiar bike.

I just hope to run across someone who has used them before.
 
If it's anything like Spain, expect the level of driving to be 5 times higher than in the US. Yes, they drive fast (very fast!), but way better than on this side of the pond. Every traffic light is a drag race, and every round-a-bout is a test of one's handling capabilities. It also takes lots of money and weeks of training to get a license in Italy/Spain.

Even better, there is a level of respect to motorcyclist that you won't find anywhere. We rode into Barcelona through a 5 lane tunnel at rush hour once. As we lane split our way through, the traffic parted for us like Moses and the Red Sea. Absolutely amazing.

I talked to a few people about it, and I've come to the conclusion that most people do, have, or know someone who rides a bike/scooter. As such, everyone can relate to those on two wheels. Expect to see cars pull over and wave you by, as well as motorcycle parking everywhere.

I've only been to Italy once, and I did notice that people on bikes tend to take more risks than in Spain. I think the level of machismo is bit higher in Italy. Germany was also very good, but more people have cars, and I noticed more 'American' style tourist driving in Bavaria.

If you're on any European highway, you'll learn fast to get in the right lane! God I wish they'd enforce that law over hear.
 
Oh, be sure to pick a bike that's suitable for the area you'll be riding in. If you're doing to typical Alps roads, stay away from Superbikes or big touring bikes. Those swtichbacks are unbelievably tight, best done on a Hypermotard or MultiStrata. Mountain towns also have limited parking, even for bikes. And stay away from Italy in August! Hot as Hell, crowded as Hell, and everything is closed.

Some of the wider stretches of Tuscany would be idea for a Superbike.

Believe it or not, Ducatis are pretty rare over there. Too expensive for most Italians/Spaniards (cost more than in the US)
 
Thanks antirich.......that is just the kind of advice I need......this is all new to us. I understand the "off season" is October to March, is that correct and do you know if that is a good time to go?
 
I did a tour with Dynamic Ducati Driving in Vicenza last year and it was epic. They are officially licensed by Ducati SpA and offer a range of bikes, all Ducati of course. Their model is all inclusive - bikes, accomodations, meals and even fuel and tolls. We rode to Cortina in the Dolomites (unbelievable roads), visited the Ducati factory, caught an SBK race at Misano, rode Tuscany, Asiago, etc., all amazing. They are locals with vast knowledge of the area, not expats who are learning their way around. They will arrange a MotoGP or SBK race while you're there or, if the timing fits, World Ducati Week. The web site is www.jpbari.com. PM me for details.
 
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