DIRT NEWS
the challenge – riding there and back and with only the fuel the bike can carry – certainly had us all curious to see if man and machine could literally go the distance . The extra challenge of riding the track just after hundreds of racers have torn it to shreds , ensured that Nick and the DesertX were not afforded the smoothest of rides ” Ms . Baratto explained . Impressively , the DersertX ridden by Selleck had no special modifications to take on the race aside from a selection of official Ducati accessories . Helping the DesertX make the trip without refuelling was the optional eightlitre auxiliary fuel tank which pushes out the DesertX ’ s range by 40 per cent . Aside from a small number of Selleck ’ s hand-picked genuine Ducati Accessories , which included the rear auxiliary fuel tank , the bike tackled the Finke course in standard specification , with its standard factory suspension set-up . After crossing the invisible Finke Desert Race finish line ( with all race signage having already been removed and awaiting next year ’ s race ) not long before dark , with fuel still left in the DesertX ’ s tank and having now ticked off a longstanding item on his bucket list , Selleck was able to reflect on his experience among the desert dunes . “ After a total of three days in the saddle , and a full day riding there and back with little stopping , one thing remains certain : the DesertX has been the perfect companion for this trip . Not only is the bike comfortable and balanced just right for this sort of terrain , but it is very light – something that I have no doubt helped with the fuel economy ,” Selleck explained . When asked what comes next after completing such an incredible journey , the racer in Nick was quick to respond , “ I ’ m very keen to give the Finke race a go next time !” he exclaimed . Ducati Australia will release the trailer to the Mission : Un-Finkeable documentary shortly , followed by the full documentary in August so keep an eye out for more on this story .
18 KIWI RIDER