This small damper transforms your Ducati! Clearer engine pulse and more flexible chassis! (Part 2)

AELLA (along with ACTIVE) are working to develop Performance Dampers for Ducati models. When I heard about this, I decided that as a Ducati enthusiast I had to try them out, so I headed to Kyoto, where AELLA is headquartered. This time, we tested the Monster, Multistrada V4S, Diavel V4, and Scrambler Full Throttle. The beauty of each engine, whether air-cooled twin, water-cooled twin, or V4, has been brought out even more and the ride quality has improved. These are a must-try for the Ducatista who loves touring!

Great for touring and sport! More quality and comfort for your Ducati!

The unpleasant "noise" of the engine clears up making the pulse clearer, so pushing the throttle is a very pleasant experience. The Ducati L-twin (or V-twin, depending on the mounting angle) and V4 engines, in particular, feel much better with this unpleasantness gone. Furthermore, because the chassis is also free of this unpleasantness, it is easier to approach corners, and the feeling of stability while turning is also improved. This leads to an overall sense of stability, and there is a sensation that the rider's actions are transmitted more linearly to the bike. Turning is also smooth, with no time lag, and the bike does not feel as if it is being jerked back. This direct feeling is also good.

When opening or releasing the throttle, when applying the brakes, when leaning, all of these actions made me stop and think, "There's something different here." I repeated the test rides, asking Mr. Wada and Mr. Ametani to put on and take off the Performance Dampers again and again. Of course, after riding for a while, one becomes accustomed to both settings, so I rode with and without the Performance Damper to fully appreciate the effects.

Although each model tends to have its own unique characteristics, in the end I preferred them all with the Performance Damper installed. However, the riding style, sensors, racks, and other factors will probably affect how the rider feels. On the racetrack, the strong stability of the damper may divide people's preferences, but for the street, I didn't feel like there were any negative aspects of having the damper installed.

The amount of damper actuation of the Performance Damper when riding is less than 1mm. Of course, if you try to move it by hand, it will not move at all. However, it is that minute damping of frame deformation and vibrations that is the benefit of having one installed. Although I did not do a long distance test ride this time, I am sure that it would directly contribute to reducing fatigue on a long touring trip.

DUCATI DIAVEL V4 (2022-) Performance Damper test ride!

DUCATI MONSTER+ (2021-) Performance Damper test ride!

Let's take a look at some other Ducati parts available from AELLA!