Ducati Official Club Rider Spotlight

From Test Ride to Lifelong Love

For Queensland-based rider Philip Hefner, the Ducati journey didn’t start with a lifelong dream, but with a test ride that changed everything.

“After test riding several recommended brands and models all of which did not suit my riding style, I walked into the Ducati showroom, test rode the ST2… and that was it. Fun, great sound, fit me perfectly, and looked amazing. One ride, and I was hooked.”

Philip’s first Ducati was a 1999 ST2 in red, a bike he still owns to this day. It wasn’t just a purchase; it was a lifestyle choice.

“When I asked my girlfriend if she'd ride with me, she said yes, so I went with the ST2 for its two-valve comfort and pillion setup over the 996. The ST2 still oozed Italian appeal but was made for weekenders.”

Later, after an accident, Philip bought a 1997 ST2 as a donor bike. But the parts project took on a life of its own. 

“Lady Fortuna” was rebuilt using parts from the ’97, while the remaining ’97 was transformed into a semi-naked custom build, now known as ‘The Beast’, crafted with the help of Philip’s daughters, Amelia and Grace.

“Lady Fortuna is for long weekenders. The Beast is for coffee runs, day trips into the twisties and the occasional track day.”

Adventures Down Under

Philip’s bikes have collected serious kilometres, especially Lady Fortuna, who’s clocked over 143,000 km across Australia’s east coast.

From Brisbane to Tasmania, Sydney to Coffs Harbour and Ducati rallies in NSW and QLD, the journey includes legendary routes and places like Dorrigo, Walcha, Hunter Valley, Longreach and more.

Track days are another highlight, with Oran Park, Eastern Creek and Lakeside already in the books. On the wish list? Phillip Island, Queensland Raceway and Morgan Park. 

What keeps Philip loyal to the red machines after all these years?

“They’re like functional art, built to stir something in the soul. Just admiring them or riding, is an experience.”

Then there’s the community, “The people who ride, maintain and modify Ducati’s always have a story to tell, each one an adventure in the making.”

Finally, there’s the brand itself. “Ducati doesn’t just sell motorcycles. They host events, evolve technology, support clubs and ask you to come along for the ride.”

Ducati Dreams

In 2019, Philip ticked off a dream: visiting the Ducati factory in Bologna.

“I spent hours in the museum, I only left because my family was falling asleep in the auditorium! After riding Ducati for 20 years, seeing its birthplace was incredible.”

Attending World Ducati Week is next on his bucket list.

And yes, there’s another Ducati on the horizon. The 2025 Multistrada V2S in storm green, fully spec’d with the touring package and saved on his desktop.

Club Life & Community

Philip is part of the Queensland Ducati Motorcycle Club (QDMCInc.) “Being part of a Ducati Official Club means being part of a special community, full of knowledge, support and likeminded riders.”

Recent highlights include the global We Ride As One event and an unforgettable track day with The Beast. Flat out into a slight left, then braking hard into an uphill right.

Advice for New Riders

“Do it. Turn up and ride. Don’t hide, or hide your bike!”

Looking back, Philip says joining a DOC early in his journey helped him become a better rider, learn more and have more fun.

Legacy of a Ducatista

Being part of the Ducati world has shaped Philip’s motorcycling identity.

“It’s defined my journey. I started riding solo but found far more joy riding with fellow Ducatisti. I’ve been with Ducati for 26 years and I’ll stay connected, even when I can’t ride anymore.

So what makes the Ducati community truly special?

“It’s our respect for history, our drive to push boundaries, technologically and competitively and, our tradition of looking damn good doing it.”