JASON CHINNOCK
CEO, Ducati North America
“Brand snobbery” certainly has been permeating our human nature for as long as I can remember. If we are honest, we have all done it and we have all seen it done.
As humans, when we get our hands on something that beats all others in terms of engineering, design, performance and excellence, the temptation of pride is hard to resist. If that isn’t counteracted with a healthy dose of humility and wisdom, deceptive and pretentious “brand snobbery” is born within our mind. One only needs to go to any motorcycle brand dealership to witness that mentality.
When it comes to Ducati, you can witness the pride of their owners. You can also witness the admiration of many. Heck! Even other competing brands will compare themselves to Ducati as a reference point to benchmark themselves. When Ducati bikes show up and rev, heads turn. No question here. I have a good friend of a mature age who
at the mere sound of a Ducati or at the simple mention of the name Ducati, she goes back to a demeanor displaying the excitement of several 7-year-old children. She jumps up and down while all of us awkwardly look at each other unable to understand or relate to the depth of her excitement! One night, we saw her sitting and talking by herself to her boyfriend’s Ducati! Literally. She is a living breathing epitome of a pure “Ducatisti”. So much so her boyfriend is now wondering if she is with him for him or for the bike. As far as I remember, when I was a little boy, Ducati was an unattainable “holy grail” of sort which only a few fortunate could afford. Not any longer!
Jason Chinnock, CEO, Ducati North America is the anti-thesis of “brand snobbery”. I absolutely love this man’s story. His ascension to the top corner office of this mega brand from the trenches is inspiring to say the very least. Not only this but it goes to show if you put your mind to anything, you can get
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“Brand Snobbery, Visceral Power and, Finesse”
it. It goes to show that the old saying of following your dreams is not a foolish thing. That even global corporations such as Ducati are still capable to see, recognize and reward the potential and hard work of passionate individuals who bet on quality and merit more than entitlements.
Jason started as an apprentice in a small motorcycle repair shop in California. He then earned a degree in business administration and marketing and joined the sales team at Ducati North America. He became Vice President of Sales and Marketing followed by a promotion to CEO of Ducati North America in 2016. Jason was instrumental in launching the beloved Panigale V4 and the Ducati Diavel. Jason has been named an International Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Legend. A strong voice for the motorcycle industry and a passionate defender of Ducati’s values, he has also been a contributing founder of MotoGP and World Superbike racing. Philanthropic organizations such as the “Ride to Give” program have also benefitted from the fruits of Jason’s passionate pursuits. Jason has been recognized by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association, and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It has been said Ducati grew to become one of the most profitable and admired motorcycle manufacturers in the world because of Jason and his leadership.
Now hold on to your helmets! As if this was not enough, would you believe as a 13 year old, Jason went door to door in sales? Jason has held the position of Marketing General Manager for Lamborghini. This champion in a past life was a touring rock musician. He was a tank pilot during Desert Storm. Raised in Christian based home, motorcycles were a forbidden thing. Today Jason and his dad
“It’s really not about bike building. Its about connecting people” Jason said in our one on one. This eligible bachelor visited Ducati’s manufacturing plant in year 2000 and that’s when he told himself “This is where I belong!” With a top speed of 167mph under his belt, Jason proudly states how content he is today. His job constantly challenges him to be the best he can be. “Stay true to yourself. In your pursuit of dreams. Bring people in who desire to be part of it all. Apply yourself. Balance passion with skills and do not chose the pursuit of money.” Jason says.
Now what? Well… Ducati has presented to the public eight new models that complete an everwider range, able to offer all Ducatisti the most suitable bike to express their passion for two wheels. Among the most awaited models, there are certainly the Multistrada V4 Rally, the motorcycle for long adventures and the new Diavel V4, the model that won the “Most Beautiful Bike of the Show” award at EICMA. Also, the second generation of Scrambler Ducati, which Jason was deeply involved in its conception confirms the simplicity and authenticity that have always represented essential values for all Scrambler Ducati enthusiasts, becoming more contemporary, attainable, colorful and endowed with an even more lively personality.
I asked Jason what is the equivalent to my BMW S1000RR? “The Panigale V4” he responded with confidence. I reached out to my friends Robert Corrigan and Trever Varney in our Tampa Bay Ducati dealership (www.nextride.com). There is no question here the Ducati brand offers more than motorcycles and the stereotypical biker-party lifestyle. I sat on the 2023 Panigale V4 and now it’s parked next to my BMW S1000RR in my garage.
Both machines are beasts with distinct qualities. After riding my new Panigale now for almost a month, three words come to mind; “visceral power” and “finesse”. The BMW S1000RR and the Ducati Panigale V4 are two of the most renowned motorcycles in the super sports bike category. Both bikes offer exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating riding experiences. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
Photos and source: Ducati North America
When it comes to power and performance, both the BMW S1000RR and the Ducati Panigale V4 excel. The S1000RR is equipped with a 999 cc inline-four engine, delivering blistering acceleration and a top speed of around 186 mph (299 km/h). The Panigale V4, on the other hand, features a 1,103 cc V4 engine, producing impressive power and a top speed of approximately 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s worth noting that the Panigale V4’s engine has a characteristic V4 sound, which adds to the overall riding experience.
In terms of design, the BMW S1000RR has an aggressive and angular appearance, while the Ducati Panigale V4 exudes an exotic sleek and aerodynamic profile. Both bikes showcase premium build quality, with attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship.
When it comes to handling and agility, the Ducati Panigale V4 absolutely shines. It features Ducati’s advanced chassis technology, including a lightweight frame, superior suspension, and advanced electronics such as Ducati’s electronic suspension system. The Panigale V4 provides exceptional stability, precise cornering, and you will feel an overall confidence-inspiring handling.
The BMW S1000RR offers a balance between sporty handling and everyday usability. It features BMW’s Dynamic Damping Control, which adjusts the suspension according to the riding conditions. Both bikes also incorporates advanced electronics, including multiple riding modes, traction control, and quick-shifter, enhancing both performance and safety.
The Ducati Panigale V4 also incorporates a comprehensive electronics package, including as mentioned multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and slide control. The high-resolution TFT display provides crucial information to the rider and yes it does have a gas gauge.
The BMW S1000RR boasts a similar array of electronic features, including multiple riding modes, dynamic traction control, wheelie control, and launch control. It offers a user-friendly interface with an intuitive instrument cluster.
When considering comfort and ergonomics, the BMW S1000RR provides a more relaxed riding position, making it more suitable for longer rides. The Ducati Panigale V4, with its aggressive riding posture, is more focused
on track and performance. However, it’s important to note that both bikes prioritize performance over comfort, as is expected in the super sports bike segment. In terms of price, the BMW S1000RR tends to be more affordable than the Ducati Panigale V4. While the prices can vary based on the specific model and optional features, the S1000RR generally offers a more accessible entry point into the super sports bike category.
In conclusion, both the BMW S1000RR and the Ducati Panigale V4 are exceptional motorcycles that offer exhilarating performance, advanced technology, and stunning aesthetics. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, riding style, and intended use. Whether you prioritize track performance, everyday usability, or a combination of both, these bikes provide an unmatched riding experience that will leave any motorcycle enthusiast satisfied.
In all honesty my BMW S1000RR has been sitting in the garage. It’s been very difficult to get off my Panigale and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. My children named her “Athena”.
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The Usual Suspects Riders is a Motorcycle Riding Club that was founded in 2021 by a group of riders. We are not an MC. We’re a group of motorcycle riders whose goal is to promote enjoyable rides and events while supporting Veteran’s Organizations, Children’s Organizations and the homeless. To this objective, the Usual Suspects Riders is a Not For Profit Florida Corporation and has been granted 501c3 Tax Exempt status with the IRS.
A few of the charities we support are Point Man Ministries, Hope for the Children Ministries and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Some of our events include destination rides, lunch rides, poker runs and monthly social dinners and gatherings. And all our events welcome members, family and friends. Our membership is open to everyone. If you ride a motorcycle, participate as a passenger or don’t ride a motorcycle at all, we’ve got a membership category to meet your needs.
Monthly membership meetings are held at the American Legion Post 335 facility in New Port Richey, the first Tuesday of the month, at 7:00pm. The facility is located at 11421 Osceola, New Port Richey. Feel free to stop by any of our meetings and see what we’re all about. We have a website as well as a Facebook page. The website can be found at usualsuspectsriders.org, our Facebook under Usual Suspects Riders RC. On both you’ll find information regarding rides, events, meetings, as well as photos of our endeavors. We encourage you to check us out. We’d love to tell you more about the Usual Suspects Riders.
You can contact any of these people for more information.
Ray -President at usrprez@gmail.com
Bob -Vice President at robertorton63@yahoo.com
Carolann - Treasurer at perkinscarolann@yahoo.com
Ernie - Chaplin at ewbull47@yahoo.com
Anna-Secretary at anna.068@outlook.com
Ant-Sargent at Arms
Ride Safe.
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I am 28 years old and I was born and raised in Bayamon Puerto Rico, now currently living in St Cloud, FL. Motorcycles have always been in my life; I remember in Puerto Rico when I was 7 my neighbor gave me a ride on his Raptor and I was instantly in love. By the time I turned 13 my dad let me ride his Hyabusa and that was the bike that started my motorcycle journey.
In 2021 after visiting my best friend Panchi at a stunt lot, I seen all the people just going up and down on one wheel and that made me just want to feel what it was like. shortly after visiting Panchi I got my first dirt bike to start learning on my own how to wheelie which was an 05 YZ450 and quickly upgraded to a 17 KX 450 Super Moto.
One of my biggest achievements due to the bike life was being able to get off drugs.
I ride to stay clean; I ride because when everything else in my life was going south, jumping on a bike would just tune out all my problems. Bike life literally
saved my life, when I started riding to wheelie, I was deep inside a 10-year heroin/ fentanyl addiction. I thought would never get out of alive, in the middle of all that while on probation and shooting up $200 worth of dope a day, I jumped on a bike and started getting into it and seeing my progress and without even realizing I went down to spending $40 a day.
In 2022 while riding in FT. Lauderdale I was caught lacking by some undercovers and was arrested, given a year in jail due to violating my probation. When I was released, I knew I never wanted to ever go back to that lifestyle and that riding would keep me clean and I haven’t looked back since.
I don’t ride for clout or to be cool I ride as a sort of mental meditation to myself, it’s an actual break that I can take from my life where nothing else matters.
Ironically, the thing that can take my life, put me in jail, or put me back on drugs, (if I have a nasty fall), is also
the very thing that gives me peace of mind and keeps me sober. I am now almost 2 years clean and am grateful for the new life I am living and all the connections I have made in the bike life. I encourage everyone going through an addiction to not give up there is a way out, if I can do it anyone can.
My future is bright I have big goals I want to give back to the kids. I would like to have some place to teach kids how to ride, I remember being a kid and seeing someone wheelie and it was like a superhero was coming through I would love to have the chance to just work with them and let them learn and ride big boy bikes because I remember as kid wishing the guy, I looked up to would give me a ride.
Remember one thing whether you are riding, stunting or doing wheelies it is something you don’t learn overnight it takes practice and dedication, hours of seat time, and that itself becomes a humbling journey that shows you that whatever you put your mind to is possible and is a great lesson to use in life.
IG/TikTok: sig_pandi
FB: Brian Ferrao
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Hello, they call me Piikete 125 Queen and I’m 28 years old. I’m originally from Cayey, Puerto Rico, but I currently live in Pennsylvania. I have several bikes including a Yz85, Ktm sxf350, and two Yz125. The one I mostly ride is YZ125 2021
Both of my yz125’s are completely original. The only thing that one of them has are reflective graphics with the original design.
I have been riding dirt bikes since I was approximately 12 years old, I have always felt at home on dirt bikes, it is something that I feel is in my blood. My first bike was a 2020 yz85 that I still have with me and it still has all the original cylinder pistons, it has everything
from the factory and I currently don’t use it much. The motorcycle of my dreams? I currently have two of them Yz125’s.
“Have I ever fallen? I would have to say I’ve fallen about 4 times, twice on my 85 and twice on the 125. Both times were light falls and thankfully, I was able to get right back up and keep practicing”
My top 3 riders in the game are, bikelifeOllie, Noelys ms2moto and Unk Rod. You can follow me on Insta at piikete_yz125x.
Shout out to my sponsors
JomanatsCreations & Gardy 100 & Eliheat
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Hello !
My name is Brandon. I’m 22 years old and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I ride/stunt a dirt bike and as of now it is a 2021 YZ450f.
Nothing major done to the bike, just black plastics and wonky graphics to match my style! I’ve rode motorcycles on and off since I was 13 and I’ve been street riding for 3 years and stunt riding for 2 and a half.
Watching motocross at a young age always had me interested in dirt bikes and motorcycles in general. I always wanted one since I was a young kid and the first bike I ever owned was a 1999 Honda Nighthawk CB250. Not too long after that bike, I bought a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 650.
After riding around town with different groups of riders on the Ninja, I came across some stunt riders practicing in a lot,
this immediately sparked my interest and my journey of learning to stunt ride began. My “Dream Bike” is close to what I have now but to be specific my ultimate “Dream Bike” now is a 2023 Yz450f.
I’ve fallen plenty of times and it is a part of the game, what matters is what you do after you take the spill, and what you do to make things safer! As far as riding goes, I’ve achieved a lot of small goals I’ve set for myself on the bike (tricks). I ride to escape like most people, but even more so I now ride with the intention to prove to myself that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to do. That transfers over to other parts of my life as well.
My advice for other riders is to stay safe, if learning to stunt/wheelies wear proper safety gear … even if you’re an
excellent rider. When it comes to learning this kind of riding, you got to understand it takes time and dedication on the bike, everything else will follow don’t give up if you really want it. Some people aren’t for this, you will know quickly if you are.
Instagram: bh_soundz
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Hi my name is Lauren Hernandez aka LaLa. I live in Jacksonville Florida where I was born and raised. I currently ride a Can Am Outlander 850 ATV. Her name is Lexi. I have a graphics kit done by Motogifted, Empire exhaust, upgraded clutch and a few other upgrades to make her go faster.
I started riding in 2017 when my then 3-year-old daughter picked up an interest in riding. She was a natural and soon the whole family was hooked. We started to ride with a local group called Team Jacksonville. We spent almost every weekend in the woods.
Sometimes riding all day and night. The comradery amongst friends made was and is still my favorite part. You become family. Then I started riding all over Florida and even TEXAS, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, GA, Alabama, one once in Mexico and the Bahamas.
I definitely will continue to ride. I love the escape, keeps my mind clear and I literally enjoy every moment. My next purchase is going to be a street legal Can Am Maverick.
I have fallen once riding with someone and once by myself. It was scary but a learning
moment. That’s why you should always wear a helmet and pay attention to your surroundings.
Bikelife has introduced me to some amazing badass talented friends. And for that I am grateful. Including giving me the opportunity to be apart of Florida Ride or Die Magazine. I look forward to the many more good memories yet to come. Thank you to everyone that always shows me love.
Insta: Lalahdez721
FB: Lauren Hernandez (LaLa)
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My name is Jose Santiago Arroyo (aka Chago) I’m 30 years old and I was born and raised in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. I ride a 2020 YZ450F and my bike’s name is “La Clear”.
It all started when I was 13 years old when I moved to a neighborhood called Las Vegas in Cataño Puerto Rico … that is where everything started and my passion for motorcycles grew. I was always so happy to see motorcycle riders go by and do the tricks until little by little I learned how to do them myself. I started doing tricks with my first motorcycle that my mom bought me, it was a 150cc Venton. But it was stolen from me in front of my house. My dad showed me how to ride a Hayabusa and at 15 years old my friend taught me my first wheelie. Time went on and I was able to buy another bike. The first bike I ever bought myself was a XR650. When I was 21, I moved to Jacksonville a met a
guy named Wilfred. We started a group called Los Apuraitos and I’ve been riding in Jacksonville ever since. Ultimately my dream bike has always been the motorcycle that I own now my YZ450F. In the future I would love to have the Monster Edition.
My goal is to join the movement with others who have accomplished a lot in “Bike Life”. I also want to continue to achieve running in other countries. I’m planning on doing a run December 2023 in Colombia.
My advice to people is if you are passionate about bike life and you don’t know how to start, you can start with a bicycle and keep practicing. Little by little, you’ll get experience and start learning the things you want to do … remember, don’t be scared get off the brakes!
instagram @indicando_chago
Facebook Jose Arroyo
39 SCANTOFIND ALOCATION Side-by-Side (SxS) models are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. 2 RIDENOW ® LOCATIONS IN JACKSONVILLE FIND ONE NEAR YOU
I’m Shannon Guffey and I’m a different kind of motorcycle enthusiast. I’m 30 years old, born and raised in Bradenton, Florida and I like riding on the back of a bike!
I was seven years old the first time being on the back of a bike and fell in love with the adrenaline rush! My greatest memory happened early on a Sunday morning … we decided to ride to Anna Maria Island. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I remember looking down when we were crossing the bridge for the first time and seeing the water through the holes, the wind was blowing through my hair and I felt completely exhilarated and free!
We hit the island and watched some live music, made friends with a few other bikers who weren’t from Florida, they were all from different states. We hit it off instantly, we rode back into town together and decided to ride out to the “Bearded Clam” and have some food and watch the sunset. We told stories from different experiences in our time and that night I dreamed of riding over the bridge again … it was truly the perfect day!
My hobbies include: riding, dancing, gardening, DIY crafts, spending time cuddling with my two pups, working out, journaling, experiencing new things, eating delicious food, traveling, shopping, getting dressed up and going out, going to the beach!
My advice and words of encouragement for other riders is to remember that life is precious so be safe. Live your life to the fullest and do what makes you happy no matter what anyone else says. You have one life and this is it … we are in this together!
Photography by: Mike Page
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Jason Ryan Ivery, my nickname is Monster which everyone calls me since I was a freshman in high school up until this very day. I got the nickname from playing football, while still a freshman in 9th grade one day my coach asked me to go practice with the varsity team, when I got to their side of the field practice was almost over so the varsity coach told me to just go to the gym and wait. While waiting I decided to lift weights, soon practice was over and all the varsity guys started coming inside, out of nowhere I hear their coach yell out hey, hey, hey, yall look at this guy, he’s a monster, later to find out that I was lifting more weights then they could, and of course none of the varsity players liked that, but that’s another story.
I’m 45 years old, my birthday is June 27th, 1977. I am a cancer I was born and raised in a small country town named Reddick, Florida with a population of 517