You: Calling about the Evolution gloves we had (apparently minutes earlier) just put in our online store.

The Gloves: Sadly, were away at our internet lab, being put online this Memorial Day weekend.

We: At the shop, didn’t see the gloves in our computer stock list (not connected to internet which is still rolled by hand) or in the shop, until our internet staff delivered them after a morning of data entry. This was not long after you called.

Now: The gloves are back at the shop, will you see this message?

It’s Sunday, we’re open as per the usual, so stop on by.
Even if you don’t, here’s hoping you have some time to be like Dylan over at Twisting Asphalt, and ride this holiday weekend. Stay safe!

Tim Huntington over at Superbike Planet put the new Ducati S2R through its paces and had this, among two pages worth, to say:

A quick glance at the S2R’s spec sheet makes this Monster look prehistoric (well, at least pre-1990′s) an air-cooled motor with two-valve heads and twin-piston calipers on the front brakes being the obvious retro standouts. Can those sort of specs still work in today’s world of water-cooled, four-valve engines and four- or six-piston caliper brakes that are radially mounted?

Well, to start with, that air-cooled two-valve engine has state of the art fuel injection and an equally state of the art slipper clutch connecting it to the six-speed transmission. Those “old fashioned” brakes are attached to light alloy wheels that are connected to the chassis via upside down forks at the front and a single-sided swingarm at the rear. The brakes also have steel braided lines between the calipers and the master cylinders.

So how does this Frankenstein-esque concoction of old and new technology actually work?

In a simple answer, very well.

Read the whole article here.
Go here to see and ride the bike!

The last one worked out so well, we’re having a second Ducati dealer track day at Fontana – running the AMA race course. As with the first, this one is brought to you by your SoCal dealers and Fasttrack Riders.

The details:

$195 for Ducatis, $220 for non-Ducatis

$100 novice rider school. (Recommended for newbies – Class number limited – jump on it.)

California Speedway

Monday, June 13th

Call (818) 249-5707 or email jake@proitalia.com for more info and to sign up!

Pro Italia is currently seeking experienced full and/or part-time staff; Parts Sales, Service Technician and Motorcycle Sales.

Opportunities are available in our Glendale showroom as well as our soon-to-be announced Santa Barbara shop.
Compensation based on experience. Benefits include health insurance and 401K. Some Sunday work.

To apply download and complete our application. Fax application to 818 249-3402, or drop it off at Pro Italia.
No calls please.

In case you’re here before seeing the homepage: BIG NEWS! Pro Italia Santa Barbara is open for biz!

Our grand opening event will be later this summer. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

320 West Carrillo St.
805 884-8443
santabarbarasales@proitalia.com

Tuesday-Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5:30pm

Wanna ride up to check it out? Here is a map.

Sometimes we think, “Perhaps all the gear and apparel has been put online.” Then we stop and realize “No, not yet.” Products now available:

VERY LARGE Ducati Corse sticker
World Superbike Review 2004 – DVD
Braketech full-floating 210mm rear assembly – MV Agusta
Billet Ducati oil filter cap – silver back in stock
NCR / Poggipolini titanium clutch cover – back in stock
Alpinestars GPU perforated leather suit – black/grey only
Alpinestars Alloy jacket
Ducati Old Style ladies leather jacket – creme, size 42 Euro only
Icon Tuscadero ladies leather jacket
Ducati Corse ladies gym pants – small, medium and large in stock
Ducati Desmoquattro Performance Handbook by Ian Falloon
Ducati singles restoration by Mick Walker