The World Ducati Week is a pilgrimage of sorts for any biker no matter the type of brand or bike they ride. It’s a congregation that happens every other year since 1998 at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ in Misano, Italy.
The 2022 edition attracted over 84,000 people. This included world champions from different race series including MotoGP and SBK. In fact, there were 30 championship titles shared among all the world champions that were present during the 2022 edition.
But it’s not just a meeting of Ducatisti and passionists. It’s also a huge display of appreciation by Ducati for its fans. As a treat, Ducati organises the Race of Champions. This is where every big name racer who has ever competed on a Ducati in a major series is invited for an exhibition race where all of them race on standard bikes.
The bikes are Ducati Panigale V4S in their respective race liveries. Among the big names was Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Michele Pirro, Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin and Danilo Petrucci. Each a race winner, and all have done it on board a Ducati. The Race of Champions is a must watch!
But besides that, the World Ducati Week is also a chance to get close to the management of Ducati, ride the latest Ducati bikes and buy the latest Ducati merchandise. Just check out the video below to see how awesome the 2022 edition of WDW was.
If you are looking for a reason to go, here’s 10 reasons why you should attend the World Ducati Week!
1. It’s a party
With beer, coffee and lots of food to go around everywhere, the World Ducati Week is indeed one mega party that goes on for days! Then there is the Scrambler Beach Party too that happens at the coastal town of Riccione that is not too far from the Misano World Circuit. Legendary Italian DJ Benny Benassi headlined the beach party this year while there was another party during the closing at the circuit. This makes the trip a fun and memorable one beyond motorcycles.
2. Check out some amazing bikes, past and present
With thousands of people present, imagine the motorcycles present at the World Ducati Week. This is a great opportunity to check out some cool custom bikes, some rarely seen Ducatis and other models as well. This writer even saw a Honda Cub that was ridden over to Misano from the Czech Republic. It even had an arrows exhaust fitted on. The classic bikes are amazing too. If you are a gear head, the World Ducati Week is not to be missed!
3. Buy some cool merchandise
The great thing about the World Ducati Week is the sales of Ducati merchandise. You can literally get anything you want that has a Ducati logo on it. From the latest riding gear to the latest lifestyle merchandise. There’s even parts for your Ducati too. And guess what, there are some booths there that will even check out the condition of your Ducati to tell you whether or not anything needs to be replaced.
4. Experience the Italian culture
The Italian culture spans hundreds if not thousands of years. From the food to the coffee, everything is just amazing and it is something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Have wine for breakfast, drink a beer by the side of the street, experience gelato from every shop. No one is going to judge you. Just don’t be a nuisance.
5. Enjoy the beach life
World Ducati Week happens during the summer, and it can be extremely hot. This makes it perfect to hit the beach. Italians love summer, they love the beach life, they just love to hang out. Swim in the Adriatic Sea and just chill out. Don’t forget to turn off your phone!
6. Watch the Race of Champions
The Race of Champions is unlike any other race in the world. This race is only for those who have won races onboard a Ducati in major race series. And the best thing is they all do it on standard and the same bikes, particularly the Panigale V4S and the Panigale V2. You get MotoGP riders there, SBK riders and even riders from the Americas. The best thing is, you even get close to them unlike the elitist MotoGP or SBK where you see them from afar. There’s no other race like the Race of Champions.
7. Experience the latest Ducatis
Ducati won’t exactly let you ride the Panigale V4R or even a Superleggera, but you can experience bikes like the Desert X, Multistrada and the Scrambler. If you have always wondered some Ducatis feel like but your local dealer won’t let you ride one, the World Ducati Week has you covered.
8. Visit Borgo Panigale
This is holy ground for Ducati, the Vatican of Ducati even. Borgo Panigale is where the Ducati factory is situated and also the iconic Museo Ducati which houses some of the most iconic Ducatis ever to grace the planet. And the best thing is, the hills nearby is where Ducati test riders put prototype Ducatis to the test. So visit the factory and museum, then rent a bike and ride the hills. This is where Ducatis are born and given their character.
9. Learn from like-minded people
Young and old. Classics and modern. There are literally so many people to talk and learn from that it is impossible to get lonely at the World Ducati Week. Everyone is keen to show off their latest custom machine and share what they have done to their bikes. If you have a problem with your bike or are pursuing a custom job that you need some help with, World Ducati Week will be able to help you. The only barrier? Language. So brush up on your Italian or download a translation app to help you.
10. Ride Italy!
This is quite literally the best part and the main reason why you should attend the World Ducati Week. To ride Italy. Just remember to rent your bike much earlier because there are thousands of people who will be wanting to do the same. Ride the dolomites, experience the mountains, check out Cinque Terre, soak in Lake Como, ride south to Rome then to the Amalfi coast. Italy is the best place to experience motorcycling at its best, and the World Ducati Week offers the perfect chance!
