Ducati and eBay Auction Hero Motorcycle from the New CHIPS
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Fictional California Highway Patrol officers, Jon Baker and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello, will hit the streets in a big-screen version of CHIPS, opening nationwide on March 24. In the new film, written, and directed by Dax Shepard and starring Shepard and Michael Peña, the duo upgrades from standard-issue police patrol motorcycles to the super fast and agile Ducati Hypermotard to catch the bad guys behind a multi-million-dollar heist. The chase scene will have you on the edge of your seat.
A lucky motorcycle enthusiast will have the chance to own one of the Hypermotards used in the movie’s production. The bike will be auctioned—starting March 16 at 12 pm PDT—to support PATH, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness for individuals, families, and communities.
Those familiar with Ducati’s iconic Hypermotard know it is a far cry from the Kawasaki KZPs used in the television series that ran from 1977-1983: modified versions of KZ900s or KZ1000s like those used at the time by CHP officers.
(L-R) DAX SHEPARD as Jon and MICHAEL PEÑA as Ponch in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action comedy “CHIPS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Photo by Peter Iovino.
The concept behind the Hypermotard motorcycle is similar to that of Supermotard bikes in the motorcycle world: take the dynamics of a dirt bike—high ground clearance, a high tapered tail, and narrow sides—and combine those elements with a road bike’s drivetrain, frame, tires, and suspension. The result is a highly maneuverable machine that can adeptly handle any environment put in its path.
Ducati donated one of the Hypermotards to eBay for Charity to raise money for PATH: a not-for-profit organization. “PATH is so appreciative of Ducati, Warner Bros., and eBay for Charity for this opportunity,” said Joel John Roberts, PATH’s chief executive. “With more than 118,000 people homeless in California, we depend on the support of dedicated community members to help us achieve our mission.”
About the Ducati Hypermotard 821
First debuted in 2005, the Ducati Hypermotard quickly became a favorite among motorcyclists worldwide, winning “Best of Show” at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan. Production began in 2007 with the 1100 and 1100 S models. A whole family was then born, later powered by 796cc and then 821cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine, followed by the current 937cc model.
CHIPs Ducati Hypermotard
The Hypermotard 821 featured in CHIPS boasts an 110 horsepower Ducati Testastretta 11° engine in the iconic Trellis frame, equipped with top-of-the range chassis components. The Hypermotard has sharp and sleek styling to maintain that essential “Supermotard” look as well as 3-level ABS, 8-level Ducati Traction Control and integrated Riding Modes.
High ground clearance, combined with a thin waistline and commanding riding positions, gives the rider an instant Supermotard feeling, with the added luxury of the latest in street bike comfort and component quality. It’s ideal for dominating everyday urban or long-distance rides.
The CHIPS Hypomotard is also equipped with Ducati’s high-performance Termignoni exhaust and fitted with carbon fiber cam-belt covers and a front mudguard. The movie bike is emblazoned with graphics used in the film, as well as police lights and siren.
“The spirit of CHIPs mirrors what we all know and love about motorcycling, but there’s also an important mission behind this campaign,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. “We hope that by working with the seasoned team at eBay for Charity that we’ll be able to harness the energy of the film and the exhilaration of the Hypermotard to raise funds for this much-needed cause.”
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