Two new vids have just been added to our online shop. First, we have this years edition of the MotoGP Review (for 2008) where every nail-biting episode of the season is covered with an account of each Grand Prix, including news from the build-up to the race and qualifying practice as well as comprehensive highlights of the race itself.

Secondly we have MotoGP Secrets, a documentary wherein the best motorcycle riders in the world answer questions like “What is the essence of riding?”, “How does it feel onboard a MotoGP bike, pitting your skills against the best riders and tracks in the world, at an average speed of 120mph?”, “How do you do it? How do you go from vertical to 65 degrees of lean angle in half a second at 100mph when it shouldn’t be possible?”

Just arrived at our Los Angeles showroom are these (below), a set of Ohlins FGR 900 front forks – a sick piece of kit if there ever was one. The FGR 900 Front fork is the very essence of front fork technology and is based on last year’s successful predecessors the FGR 700 and the FGR 800. This pressurized front fork, equipped with TTX20 cartridge design, is the very latest in front fork technology. The new improved FGR 900 comes fully packed with technical solutions and experiences gained from MotoGP, WSBK and AMA racing and features lighter outer tubes with improved rigidity, new fender bracket with restriction of rotation, a redesigned top-cap assembly to prevent change of preload due to vibrations and new spring support for easier maintenance. This pair of items will radically change the front end of your sportbike because radical changes will be needed to fit them to your bike – new triple clamps, calipers and more – these forks don’t fit around the bike, the bike fits around the forks. Yes, there are also a few Ohlins stickers included.
Not available via our online shop. Call or stop by our Parts Department to inquire.

We’ve just added the beautiful NCR rear sprocket flange to our online shop. This little jewel fits on your Ducati 1098 Superbike and can be found here.

We’ve got a 2002 BMW K1200RS (ABS. Heated grips. Cruise control. Back rest. Pyramid carbon fiber rear fender. BMW luggage. German Made Wilbers suspension front and rear. 32,000 miles) as well as a 2006 KTM 950SM (Full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with carbon fiber mufflers. 7800 miles) for sale at our showroom. These two can be found on our Pre-Owned page.

Join Pro Italia on Saturday February 7th and lay your eyes on the brand new Ducati 1198S Superbike while entering our own Superbike Coucourse for a chance to win Ducati gear and acclaim during our Ducati Superbike Open House weekend.

Saturday the 7th will be your first chance to see the newest member of the Superbike family – the 1198S. We’ll have some vendors in the store showing off their new gear and we’ll also have some in store specials on Ohlins as well as 1098 and 1198 parts. Additionally, we’re calling on all Superbike owners to make the scene between 12 and 2 PM for a lunchtime Superbike Concours. If Ducati raced it, bring it – 851, 999, 749R, 1098; heavily modded, tastefully altered – it makes no difference, we want to see Ducati Superbikes and we want you to vote on your favorite. Show up after 12, voting begins around 1 with prizes handed out by 2 – don’t be late! Check out the winners of our Monster Challenge that took place during the launch of the new Monster 1100S.

Sunday the 8th, we will be hosting a lecture / Q and A session with motorcycle riding guru Keith Code. This lecture will cover riding techniques at speed as well as information on his well known riding schools. The lecture will be held in our service bay (no service on Sundays) and is open to all for free, but we do ask that you RSVP to Rick in Sales (818) 249-5707 or rick@proitalia.com) as remaining space is VERY LIMITED.

This Sunday the 25th, around 11 AM, Pro Italia will host an hourish long Tech Talk where one of our Factory Trained Technicians will talk about basic care and attention for your motorcycle. The Tech Talk is free. There will also be roasted hot dogs after the talk.

Additionally: Pro Italia will be offering free 10-point safety inspections by our factory trained technicians. Any brand motorcycle will be examined by our service department on a first come, first served basis. The technicians will be available 10am to 4pm.
The Deal: This is a chance to have a knowledgeable technician perform a 10-point safety inspection of your motorcycle at no cost. Normally this is a $53 service. Our technicians will inspect and evaluate: brake/clutch controls, rims, tire pressure/condition, steering head bearing play, drivechain tension/condition, engine oil/level and condition, battery, electrics and will also check idle speed and give your bike a test ride. At the end of this inspection you will receive written report from our service team.

For those of you old enough to remember full-service gas stations (at least when they were ubiquitous) this free safety inspection is the look over that your friendly neighborhood service station attendant once performed on every car that stopped in, and then some. It is NOT like that fondly remembered service in that from PI you will receive a written report and our inspections are only available this Sunday – first come first served.

Here our technician Oscar gives a check to this MV’s controls.

Tire pressure and tread condition is scoped ‘natch – you do check your tires before beginning a ride don’t you? Good.

Of course the life-blood of any motor is examined for amount. We KNOW you do this before every ride.

Last weekend, as part of our roll-out of the brand new Ducati Monster 1100, Pro Italia hosted our own Monster challenge. Many thanks to all the PI Riders who came out and help make it an excellent way to spend the day. Below, behold the winners!

First Place went to Howard Guttman and his 2007 Ducati Monster S2R 1000 which features Ohlins suspension front and rear.

Second Place went to David Hipkins and his 2002 Ducati Monster 900ie and it’s nice custom colors.

Third Place went to Rober Ovila and his 2005 Monster 1000 with the hi-pipes and tasteful details.

As part of the national premiere of the new 1100 Monster dealers across America were given a few days to modify a Monster and submit it to Ducati North America to be voted on by you – the Ducati enthusiast. Pro Italia’s Monster (seen below) features pearl white paint with tasteful titanium paint accents/clear coat. It has black wheels off a Hypermotard S, a Ducati Performance exhaust, DP comfort seat, Rizoma grips, CRG shorty levers and a Speedymoto clutch cover.

Soup’s Dan Coe reviews the Ducati 1198 – read it!