[stavros]

Went on a factory tour this morning in Bologna. We were supposed to have a tour last Friday at the start of the Dream Tour but the factory was still closed for the summer holidays. Fortunately I am in Bologna for a week so did the tour today. I highly recommend it to anyone who comes to Italy. No photos allowed unfortunately. Takes 2 hours to hand assemble each SS engine.
I received an email today from Ducati announcing the release of the new Stradale 4 cylinder engine. The factory tour guide however had no knowledge of it. Saw a beautiful limited edition Panigale just assembled with high pipes like the SS Akra pipes but somehow moulded onto the bike.

 

[steeve]

Yes, factory tour is a great experience. I went at the end of last year.
Food, wine and people all outstanding.

 

[se7en]

Oh, man, I SO want to do this someday!! Lucky guys!!

 

[DucMan]

It would be cool for some motorcycle vlogger to vlog their experience at the factory if filming is allowed since sometimes I heard with bike makers/car makers its not allowed.

 

[Dany65]

No photo... no video... and at the entrance you must show all phones, camera, etc. to the guide that apply on every lens an adhesive.

A few years ago National Geographic was in Ducati Factory e they show the Multistrada production.
You can see here the video on youtube:

 

[Frud]

There are some really good shots of the factory in a Michael Moore documentary, starting at 10:50. Ignore the politics if you want but he talks to the CEO about working conditions etc.

 

[Chuck-Duc]

I had a 4 night short holiday in Bologna during October last year. Absolutely loved that city, its food and drink along with amazing architecture.
Alas I didn't get to the Ducati factory and kick myself for not going now that I own a Duc S/S.

Maybe I'll return just for the tour and an overnight soon.

 

[Ducatty]

Always wanted to go to Italy, but more for Venice than anything else. Perhaps a stop at Bologna on the way is in order.

 

[stavros]

I meant to add that the fairings for all the bikes are installed at a different facility prior to shipping.
Aloo, each bike, once assembled, is tested in a booth for 5 minutes on some sort of dyno with a rider sitting on the bike testing the engine, gears, brakes etc. I watched him doing this and reckon he must need a couple of aspirin and a soothing bath at the end of his work day.
BTW the bike I didn't recognize which had just come off the assembly line was a 1299 Panigale R Final Edition. Looks quite different without its fairing.
I have been in Bologna for a week, an amazing city that you will not want to leave.