Ducati Monster Forum

Hello lads,

let's start a discussion over the next ride for the Victorian chapter of the DMF.

dates?

Ideas?

here's one (but I lack experience - so it's just to get the ball rolling)

modified Great Ocean Road:

we could sprint out of town early and take the M1 to Geelong, then along the B100 to Lorne,  take the c151 up to Warncourt (going over the otway ranges - check a map!), 10km to Colac (1st fuel stop?) then down the C155 to Laver's Hill then along the G.O.R to Peterborough (lunch at pub)

return along the road back until the c119 after Apollo bay takes us inland and then into Geelong and home again?

I'll edit the title as people come to a decision on dates.

 [thumbsup]

Onya Spider, 

The GOR would be nice, I have no issues, it doesn't get as cold and icey along the coast which is a plus during a midwinter ride  ;)

I think your trip would be close to 600km, which along there would be at least an 8 hour day. Maybe if we shorten it an ride to Apollo Bay for lunch and then back along the Skenes Creek rd (C119) which will be about 360km for the day, so about 5 hours plus lunch.

Feel free to abuse me for being a woosy winter sookie la la....  ;D

Shifts permitting, I'll be in it  [thumbsup] [moto]!!!!

Hey Spider,

Thanks for being motivated enough to organise.  [clap]
I'll be in it depending on the date.  I've got a few things on over the next few weekends but will definitely come if I'm available.
I'm with Dos though regarding the shorter route.

Did 430km yesterday in a 'Round the Bay' ride.  Froze my butt off for the first half and got wet for the second.  With 25 other bikes and a ferry crossing to manage it took the best part of 12 hours.  Still, we had some fun and managed to raise a few hundred bucks for prostate cancer research.  it was a good day.

Cheers.

last weekend in July?

quick one?

straight down the M1 past Warragul into Moe then up into Walhalla then back into Traralgon then along the South Gippsland Highway vback onto the M1 and home! Lunch at Leongatha food store?

I was going to try it this weekend!

must be under 300km, tiny!

Mmm, no good.  How about the first weekend in August?

early August should be good for me.

Bugger the M1 Spider, try Warburton, Powelltown, Noojee (stop at the toolshed for lunch) then the road from the base of Mt Baw Baw past Blue Rock Dam, then up to Walhalla, back down to Warragul, then south to Korrumburra, then back along the South Gippy  [moto] More twisty bits anyway  [thumbsup]

you're a frickin genius!

Desmo may have the looks...but you my friend...have the brains!

boys....

Dos - I could do a recon of this this weekend  :)

I've invited Alf over the weekend of the 21st for BBQ, Beer, exhaust & suspension set-up - you're more than welcome!

Hey guys.....

Can I suggest something really simple???

I'm old and these early starts and riding into the cold cold hills gives me the willies!!!!

Here's my suggestion...    Just a get together face to face.....

Sunday June 22nd 9am coffee at Cafe Nova, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy!!!

Followed by a ride (weather permitting) to where ever (to be discussed over lashings of hot coffee and dead pig bits and really baby cooked chooks)

Yes??   Maybe???

Ita

Geez Ita, and I thought I was being woosey.

Good idea though  [coffee]

Spider, I'm penciling a day with you and Alf in on the 21st so yous can look at my saggy rear end.

OK, well...we could all met at Cafe Nova have coffee - bit of a spin?

Back to mine in Malvern for suspension and exhaust and route planning for August 5th?

Fellow Vics - start putting your hand up...Dragon, I know it's a long way for coffee / beer / BBQ but you'd get to see the faces - maybe you have an afternoon shift?

Is that the 21st of June? 
Sorry, can't make it.
21st of July is OK though.

frickin hell! how popular are you? Madonna is easier to get an audience with then the meister!

also - Ita did I stuff it up - should be the Sunday? 22nd?

everyone?

Bugger, I have a Winter Solstic celebratory BBQ Carvery at my place on the 22nd. I'll be too busy roasting meats +  [wine]

Madonna couldn't get in until September. ;D

Seriously though, I've buggered it up a bit.  June is OK but July is no good.  
I've got family coming from Perth for a couple of weeks in late July and I'll only get to see them on the weekends so I can't book myself up.
So, is it the Saturday or the Sunday?

My understanding is:

Suspension setup day at Spiders on the 21st
Possible meet and greet at Cafe Nova on the 22nd

 [thumbsup]

Ita, can you coffee on Saturday?

Alf......madman....how are you placed?

Madonna, I mean Ducmeister, is in!

Did someone say suspension set up? This thread just blipped on my radar :D

Yo fellas,

Would be good to greet, and get to know faces to names, so for now I'm good for the Sunday.. Saturday's a possibility also.

I should have my new ride (HM woo) by then, so gives me an opportunity to build up some kays on it for run in.

Hi ya Spider,
Good for 21st, don't forget to pm me the addy...or should that be web address?????
Unclear on my where about on the 22nd, but would look forward to [drink] and meet other.
Cheers
Alf.

This sounds like a good plan to me.  [thumbsup]  My social secretary has pencilled it in for the 21st.

Ah, cafe nova.... not the very best coffee, but consitiency - how long has it been there?
And...Where do you guys park?

Maybe on Argyle Street - I know a dude who owns a Warehouse round the corner from Cafe Nova - park in front of it and tell Sven that Nick said it was OK...

Fellas,

I just remembered, I've pre-booked a test ride of the 696 in Richmond late morning on that Saturday... If anybody wants to make a detour to check it out after coffee@Nova, it's prolly a good opportunity.

Hey Spider and all

thanks for organising. Just spoke to Ita and he told me about the date......sorry cant make the 21st - off to Hong Kong to get drunk.

Look forward to the next one.

James

I'll be good for coffee (Breakfast) on the 21st (Saturday) but no ride after as I'll have to be at bowls by 12 (yes the lawn variety, I'm an old prick ya know) :-[ :-[

Lookin' forward to seeing a bunch of Ducs in Brunswick Street outside Nova!!!!

Ita

Ita, the whole gang could escort you to the bowls club - that would impress your fellow grassers?

So...everyone...

Saturday 21st 9 - Cafe Nova, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (near johnson st, left side leaving the city)

then...

back to Malvern for suspension playing?

I have printed up race-tech measurement guides for sag calculations (thanks CBA!) today.

 :o :o :o

Only if you have a fleet of MICA's on stand-by....

Camry's and Corolla's are a choice of transport at the Auburn Bowls Club.   Half a dozen rattling clutches and booming Termi's could cause a major disruption within the FORCE ;) ;)

Do they have french toast? I love french toast, with lashings of crispy bacon and maple syrup. Maybe that why I need to adjust my rear sag  ;)

I'll see you all there.  [thumbsup]

I'm not sure....   I'm a a Spanish Omlette sort of a guy!!! [coffee]

Ita

In that case Ita...we should make it the Gypsy bar across the street - Omlette with chirizo sausage, feta and olives. Brilliant.

Yum...

My 4 favorite cusines...

Omlette = French

Chirizo = Spanish

Feta = Greek

Olives = Italian (+ at least of the above alraedy mentioned [cheeky])

I'm happy to go anywhere!!

Ita

BUMP...........

We still on???

Ita

I'm in.  Cafe Nova at 9. [coffee]

sure are....also I rang up Gypsy bar...they can have a table saved for us Ita if you want to try that omelette!

roll call....

Ita - coffee then lawn bowls - will be riding in the white get-up  [thumbsup] (with big balls exposed?)
Ducmeister
Spider - coffee then to Malvern for suspension tuning
Ptooey
Dosverde - breakfast, stainless springs, then suspension at Malvern

Count me in, then I might toddle off to RoadRocket and get some SS clutch springs on the way to your place Spider.

Although I get alot of comments on my rusty things next to my right boot.

I'll be there.. look out for the red HM with DMON plates and an asian guy...  [thumbsup]

alright lads....

madalf will miss our sterling conversation over breakfast - but will be over at my place doing suspension afterwards.

Everyone...Gypsy bar at 9 - opposire cafe nova on Brunswick street, after Johnson St intersection, 100m on the right if leaving the city. Opens at 9 so don't be early - or if you are have a coffee at Marios or Nova or Atomica up the street (v good!)

it's opposite cafe nova - Ita, let's do that omelette!

I had lunch there last week and was very impressed - good coffee too!

Ptooey - fantastic mate! those HM just look fun.

Dos - good to hear! I've got the y-handle hex wrench ready for you.  [thumbsup]

hey spider (and the rest),
sorry i can't make it ( I'm on night shift  >:() hopefully there will be another gathering soon! (unlike in highlander the sooner the better i dont think any one will be losing their heads over late' or omelette)
have a good time guys!

we're all going to discuss a ride route - and that won't be far away!

We'll see you then!

Spider

Hmmmmm........

Are you a Gypsy???   When I was in Rome the make the beast with two backsers kept trying to nick my cash!!!!    I'll have my eye on you Spider [leo]

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Cyas there..... [coffee]

Ita

F#cking F#ck!

I've always had a huge amount of respect for the boys in blue because I reckon by the time they've done 5 years of hard service they can look anyone in the eyes and know if / what they have done wrong!

Ita's so frickin good he didn't even need to meet me!

Couldn't make Sat morn so didn't follow this post, NOW discover that there's something happening at Malvern in the arvo, right near where I live ! ! !

Can someone PM me, or email me with time/ addy or mob ph number, weather sounds like it's gonna be grim all w/e, booger.

My suspension is stock, old and saggy, so if you need an example of worn out lemme know.

Ah well here I sits having my coffee before heading off to work (5.10am :() Enjoy the get together, even though at the moment here in Frankston its pissing down, I hope it clears for you lot by then.
Hopefully shift will allow me to join up next time. [moto]

Hi fellas,

Nice catching up with you this morning.

Sorry I didn't show up at Spiders as planned, would've been good to get a run down on fiddling with suspension settings.
HM started making strange clacking noises on the way to Richmond.

It's now back in the workshop in Ringwood; been told maybe some timing issues with the front cylinder.  :'(

Oh and re: 696, nice ride. Worth giving it a spin if you get a chance.

Sorry to have missed the morning gathering but did get to the Malvern Suspension Research Centre this arvo.

Was great to see all the latest precision high tech suspension tweaking equipment in action, thanks Spider for letting us use your tape measure, the wooden garden stake and the hammer.

I went over two or three bumps on the way home and didn't fall off, seems my suspension is still working.

(http://www.machinerycleanery.com/MonstaTweakA.jpg) 
The Shockers - would you let these guys work on your 'bike ?


(http://www.machinerycleanery.com/MonstaTweakB.jpg) 
Interesting beer tray mod.


(http://www.machinerycleanery.com/MonstaTweakD.jpg)

Great to meet you JC....

Sorry to hear the HM is making odd noises....

A great brunch....  Let's do it again soon... and maybe even a ride!!!! ;D

Ita

hah hah hah....

What a motley lot....

Spider...  What's going on......   How come you look a foot shorter than you looked this morning!!!   Were you kneeing down or was DV standing on a phone book???

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

Ita

Hey JC - sorry to hear about the motard - fantastic bike and it looks fun just standing still. Malvern suspension center has a special wooden garden stake especially for motards! You're in great hands!


Ita, an absolute pleasure - I'll grab you some 'gray wash' for that hair so you will fit in at lawn bowls.

and I did lose about a foot in that picture - Alf and I have a new agreement - no photos next to one another! best for both.


Ducmeister: Rob, thanks for making the trip, they were some damn good stories....and you called the RR fiasco perfectly!

Dos: mate, the bum just came up and complained about the jumper - said it smelt of "Brendan", I shut the door in his face.

Geoff (aka Plumb Bob): thanks for all your help, played with the fast idle control and have that right! geez it's satisfying getting the thing right! the neighbours are rapt as well.

enjoy the batcave!

Whacky bunch of guys  ;) here's another pic from beautiful Melbourne

(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/dosverde/gypsy1.jpg)

Look forward to the next meeting  [thumbsup]  BTW, I hope to have used the edges of that new rear tyre by then.  [moto]

Hey you lot....

5 bikes was good....  More would be better!!!

Ita

Agreed. Looking forward to the next (bigger) turnout.

Howdy all.

Yes was a bummer to miss morning banter and french toast. [coffee]

However a productive afternoon of fiddling. Love the Batcave Spider, think when I want to work on my bike next, I'll just load up the tools, put bike on trailer and come over.

Re-photos, top shots Geoff, think you must have a few more of me pulling some weird faces while adjusting Spiders rear....shock. And thanks for the blocko wood, sticky preload collars.
Happy to swap a couple of inches of leg travel with ya Spider!

FYI peoples we did get some things done, measured all  bikes ride heights, and sag, to get some starting figures for mods/improvements.
Spiders rear firmer, front firmer, and thanks to Geoff for fixing his sticky throttle.
Dos did some window cleaning...clutch cover, and think we've talked him into getting the bladder coated.
Madalf suspension measured, front requires a more preload, deciding on new springs or spacers. +10w fork oil
Sorry Geoff, we didn't get a chance to do much on your trust steed, so next time your first.

Thanks to Spider once again for a nice venue, hospitality, and valet parking!!!

Cheerio.

Mmmmmm Nirvarna!!! [thumbsup] A Monster and a Porsche in the garage.  ;D YES PLEASE!!!!

I'm pissed that I missed the good time, bloody work. Next time I'll take a sicky :o

Glad to see you guys getting out and about together.

But let me get this right ... Spider-man lives in the Bat-cave ... hmmm very suspicious (not that there is anyhting wrong with that)

and he's a Gypsy!!!!

Dragon, that's the neighbour's Nissan 300zx...despite it's looks (and a remus exhaust) it has a naggy high pitched squeal as opposed to our guttural growls.

The bat cave is the underground parking for the apartments - I have 2 car spots and 2 visitor spots so heaps of room for all the toys.

Geoff - we definitely owe your bike some attention next meeting! also I meant to offer you a Ducati oil filter that I got sent with the bike - I just know you do your own oil changes - pick it up when you are in the area!

Twas fun, and nice to meet yas.

>>Geoff - we definitely owe your bike some attention next meeting! also I meant to offer you a Ducati oil filter that I got sent with the bike - I just know you do your own oil changes - pick it up when you are in the area!

My suspension is well and truly forked, it's gone way past the stage where some minor adjustments would make a difference, new parts are needed. When the sump starts scraping on the bitumen I'll have to ( gasp ) pull out the wallet.

Your underground carpark set up is abs tops Spider ( envy )

May I suggest another session soon, mebbe a clutch and brakes tweak, both real easy things to do, and neither require any serious tools yet can make a BIG improvement.





 

Wups, from just the metal available to see in the picture it certainly has more than a passing resemblance to the cars of my dreams. ;D

I gotta see this Bat cave!! Do you have a Boy Blunder sidekick and a Butler?? [laugh]

no mate - just some strange young woman who walks around nearly naked offering to get beer!


now, seriously, boys - let's talk about about the next social meeting so we can organise an actual ride!

Bakery in Brighton - could be good for Dragon one morning, owner is a 916 owner (toured around Australia)
Northcote? - anyone know a good cafe - better for Rob & Duceister - and Alf too!
Richmond - Pearl Cafe - very close to Zagames +

in the summer....

Olinda (up the 1 in 20 from the Basin)

hey, what did everyone think of gypsy bar? did I steer us straight?

Hey all,

Great company, great food, whatmore can I say?  Great to get together. [thumbsup]
I'm spewing that I missed the suspension session.  Some setup finesssing would be good.
When are we going to do it all again?

Cheers.

Sorry I missed the day  :'(

Working and arguing with my girlfriend. Great freaking weekend.  [drink]

Glad to see you guys had a good time!

Roy [thumbsup]

Haaahhaahaa!  [laugh]

You know, you should really go to see Sex and the City with her. It won't hurt you.  [roll]

Speaking from personal experience, I had to go yesterday.  >:(. I would have rathered get bamboo sticks shoved up my fingernails than watch that trash again!  >:(

Anyway, glad you all had a great day. [thumbsup]

Spider...

Gypsy bar was great...   Fine coffee and good food...

Another good spot is Mosskito in Queens Road, Clifton Hill....

Ita

Have yous guys been to the Toolshed in Noojee, thats a nice target for a social ride, and we get to go for a ride  :P

I'm not sure about Moskito. I'm still boycotting them after a particlarly bad Saturday night there.

If it's the place I'm thinking of, the Toolshed in Noojee is a great destination for a ride.   [moto]  From memory though the food wasn't all that flash? [popcorn]