During a high-speed run at Circuit de Barcelona, I found myself gripping tightly while the Ducati MotoE motorcycle accelerated in a wheelie, topping 100 mph. This intense experience, part of the MotoEX2 program, gave me the chance to ride as a passenger on an electric Ducati MotoE bike with Franco Battaini, a former MotoGP racer and current Ducati test rider. This privileged MotoGP Ducati MotoE Ride provided an adrenaline surge like no other.
A Unique Opportunity Supporting Charity Through Two-Wheeled Thrills
The MotoEX2 experience is a limited VIP passenger ride offering designed to support the charity Two Wheels for Life, which aims to provide motorcycle transport in rural Africa. These rides take place at selected MotoGP events and are presented in partnership with the MotoE electric racing series overseen by FIM. Our motorcycle was based on Ducati’s 150-horsepower V21L MotoE race bike, but what truly made this special was Battaini’s expert handling behind the controls.
Preparing for the Ride: Safety Checks and Rider Briefing
Prior to boarding, I underwent a thorough health check where a Spanish doctor verified my blood pressure and ensured I had no heart problems—a sobering moment that increased my nervousness. Afterward, I attended a detailed rider briefing with Battaini and Superbike World Championship competitor Fonsi Nieto. Suited in full Alpinestars racing gear, including gloves, boots, and an approved helmet, I was reminded to stay relaxed and not resist the movements of the bike throughout the ride. Battaini’s experience from both MotoGP and his role as Ducati’s MotoE test rider reinforced my confidence as I prepared to trust the machine and the rider.
Immersed in Racing Intensity: The Ride from Start to Finish
Once strapped in, a powerful wheelie jolted me, signaling the strength needed to hold on. We quickly rocketed down the front straight as the speedometer swept past triple digits. Being reclined on the rear wheel helped shield me from most of the wind, but intense G-forces hit hard as Battaini applied the front brakes, pressing me firmly against the seat. Entering turn one, the lean angle of roughly 40 degrees turned the circuit almost sideways. Despite the dizzying speed, traction remained firm as we navigated the corners with remarkable balance.
Lift became a challenge as I struggled to stay tucked close, pushed up by the air pocket between Battaini’s back and my chest. At turn seven, the footpegs scraped the inner line, a subtle signal Battaini responded to with controlled counter-steering and an aggressive throttle. The Ducati’s front wheel briefly left the pavement during the swift left-to-right transition between turns 11 and 12, while our feet dug into the pegs to maintain control. The eerie silence of the electric motor amplified the intensity as the rubber gripped the notoriously slick track.
A Thrilling Conclusion Highlighted by a One-Wheel Stop
The ride’s climax arrived as we exited turn 14 and Battaini gave me a reassuring tap on the leg, fulfilling his earlier promise of a wheelie finish to reward a committed passenger. The front brake was pressed firmly and the rear wheel lifted smoothly off the ground, bringing us to an exhilarating stop balanced solely on the front tire. Disembarking left me shaken and still seeing corners of the track rather than the paddock ahead. Many fellow passengers displayed the same quivering reaction, but Battaini’s concluding words helped ease my racing-induced unease.
“Most people who actually ride motorcycles are not so good at this.”
—Franco Battaini, Ducati MotoE Test Rider and Former MotoGP Racer
Why the MotoGP Ducati MotoE Ride Stands Out for Enthusiasts and Charity Supporters Alike
The MotoEX2 ride offers an unmatched combination of high-adrenaline motorcycling and charitable outreach, giving fans a rare chance to experience the pulse-pounding speed of MotoGP alongside a top-tier professional rider. With Ducati’s cutting-edge electric racing technology and Franco Battaini’s seasoned skill, this two-up experience demonstrates both the future of motorcycle racing and the human endurance it demands. For anyone passionate about motorcycles, or those eager to support meaningful causes through thrilling participation, the MotoGP Ducati MotoE Ride is an unforgettable moment on and off the track.
