Here's my situation:

I have a Ducati Multistrada, which I love, and it's great for long trips. It's fast and sporty, as well as comfortable and functional. It's perfect for an open road trip.

On July 6-8, my friends and I are planning to ride from Los Angeles to Holllister (about a 350 mile ride each way!!!) for The 60th Hollister Motorcycle Rally. It's going to be a huge event with more than 20,000 Harleys and the such riding to a small town between Gilroy and Salinas. I would love to join the festivities and hang out with the boys.

This is a pure hard-core Harley and Custom Chopper event. I don't want to look too out of place in my Duc.

The question:

Should I go take the Duc and stand out? Or should I rent a (stock) Harley and just blend in?

Renting a Harley Road King will be about $450 for the weekend. Although pricey, I don't eat up a lot of mileage and wear/tear on my own bike.

And I don't want to be hassled by crazy Harley riders...

So, which one:

Harley Road King


Ducati Multistrada

 

Ducati...Ride what you like, not what others like

 

Should be a 3rd option - Don't Go!

 

Take your Ducati, no question. I like the multi-strada, but I prefer the older 916/996 a lot more! The newer look with stacked headlights I don't care for as much.

Been riding for 10 years, mostly sportbikes but I've also had a goldwing, rebel, marauder and a couple standard bikes in there as well. For me, nothing beats a good sportbike for short blasts, and sport cruisers for longer rides. IMHO, the Honda VFR is the best all around bike. YMMV.

Have fun, Hollister is out of control! Bring your camera.

 

Take the Duc, i took my R6 to Harley gatherings... i wasn't welcomed as a part of the group, but i wasn't treated poorly either

 

buell

 

rent the Hardly. might be fun to act like a d-bag with all the other Harley d-bags for the weekend. besides, it will give you a greater perspective and greater appreciation for your Duc when you get home. just be sure to fill up those saddlebags with extra parts, safety flares, & oil

 

wear harley gear, and slap a harley emblem or sticker on the ducati, will be funny

 

I'd take a Confederate.

 

The riding position on the Ducatti is horrible imo. I would take the fairings, and slap it on a hog.. Cruisers including the Harley would be the way to go when you get up there in age

 

Although the riding position on most Ducati are horrible for long trips, I get to sit up straight on the Multistrada...

Here is someone sitting "regularly" on the 'Strada:

 

Now that is rare on a Ducati. The last Ducati I've been on was the 996 back in 2001. The gas tank literally presses against my chest compared to the Yamaha R6 which felt great. Damn its been years since..I miss my R6

 

How's the seat Philip? I've only had experience on the Sport bikes and Ducati seats are pretty hard compared to other Sport bikes (R1/R6/GSXR/F4i/etc).

 

The stock seat is pretty firm and narrow.

Mine has a Ducati Performance seat, which is a lot more cushy but also a lot wider (like riding a horse); definately much better for long road trips. The Corbin seat is also good but not as cushy as the DP.

 

I like the Duc