Ducati Official Club Rider Spotlight: Mark Byrnes

One such story comes from Mark, a long-time member of the Perth DOC.

That was the end of my first Ducati…”

Mark's first brush with Ducati wasn't quite what you'd expect. “I remember this guy trying to sell me a Ducati 350R/T. He said it was in good nick and could hit 100 miles an hour. But before I could even think about it, my mum was running out of the yard, dragging 15year old mark with her. Safe to say, I didn't end up getting that one!”

Years later, Mark's Ducati story truly began with a 1984 S900 S2, a sleek, black machine he affectionately nicknamed Black Betty. Not long after, he moved onto the now iconic Monster, just as it started gaining traction as a revolutionary naked bike.

"It was the first real naked look in ages. The Monster was fun, raw, and different, no one else had done anything quite like it at the time."

Fast forward to 2004, Mark treated himself to his first brand-new Ducati: the Monster S4R. A bike that cemented his love for the brand.

It was the sound that started it all! Ask any Ducati rider what first pulled them in, and you’ll probably hear the word sound.

“There was this guy with a '78 900SS who used to fire it up near me growing up. The sound of that V-twin stain tube pipes, rumbling. It was unforgettable! Even now, I catch people winding down their windows just to hear it go by. It's more than a sound. It's a feeling.”

Mark currently rides a Multistrada V4S. A powerful, versatile machine perfect for WA’s long rides and track days alike. He’s also got his eye on the DesertX Rally, after a thrilling test ride.

From WA to World Ducati Week. Mark hasn’t just kept his riding local; he’s taken his Ducati passion global.

“I've done four trips to World Ducati Week in Italy, the first one back in 2007. I’d tie it in with family visits, hire a Ducati over there and just ride. It was the perfect combo of heritage, riding and Italian culture.”

While COVID put a pause on one planned trip in 2020, the wanderlust remains. Next year, Mark is gearing up for an adventure through Corsica and Sardinia, keeping his global Ducati dreams alive.

So, what does Ducati mean to Mark?
“It’s about having bikes that lead the way. Ducati has changed the game across the board. From the Monster, to the Multistrada, to the DesertX. You're not just buying a bike, you're buying into innovation, performance and a lifestyle that sets the standard.” For Mark, Ducati has never just been about the bikes. It’s about the people.

“With the DOC, you’re surrounded by people who get it. You share riding tips, help each other find parts and just talk bikes. It’s a brotherhood in a way, built around a shared love of the brand.”

He joined the DOC from the start, proudly sporting his 5-year membership. Since then, he’s watched the club grow in size, heart and community spirit.

“Whether it's a Sunday ride, a track day, or just grabbing coffee, there’s always someone to talk Ducati with.”

When asked about his favourite DOC events, Mark lit up: “The We Ride As One events are fantastic. This year, we had over 100 Ducati ride through the tunnel in Perth, everyone revving, engines echoing. The sound? goosebumps.”

He’s also a fan of the all-Ducati track days, where the focus is on having fun safely and respecting the incredible machines we ride. “There’s a lot of mutual respect out there. No one’s out to prove anything, we’re all there to enjoy the ride.”

To anyone thinking about joining the Ducati Official Club for the first time, Mark keeps it simple: “Just show up. Come to an event, say hi, go for a ride. The bikes bring us together, but it’s the people who keep us coming back.”

That Ducati legacy continues into the next generation for Mark. His daughter now owns a 2021 Monster 659, a rebuilt beauty Mark helped bring back to life after a repairable write off. While she’s still waiting on her license (and for the WA rain to stop) she has the ever-present Ducati passion already instilled in her.

Mark's story is one of many that show how Ducati is more than a motorcycle, it’s a lifelong journey. Here’s to 25 years of official clubs and to the countless stories still being written every time we fire up our engines.