Monthly Ducati Ride

[eltristo]

I wasn't sure this one was actually going down, not that it mattered to the bikeless wonder here.  I told the new owner (Shawn) about the site and Desmotropic.  He's younger, but has a background in motocross.  If he shows up to a ride, I'm sure he'll add to the group.

[sta]

That Kary guy can ride a bit, huh? The old guys are ruling. 

Yup, he can.  It was a fun run today, end with a big lunch.ZZZZzzzzzz...

[MadDuck]

Yup, he can.  It was a fun run today, end with a big lunch.ZZZZzzzzzz...

We can do without the Kapolei Parkway route next time though. 

[freeflydive]

We can do without the Kapolei Parkway route next time though. 

Would have been more fun w/out the traffic lights....traffic and...while I'm in wishfull thinking...higher speed limits.  :-)  Eitherway, it was good to see if there was something out there. 

[sta]

It's official, tomorrow 1030 @ southsea ducati

[freeflydive]

It's official, tomorrow 1030 @ southsea ducati

WOOT WOOT

[Speed 3 Pilot]

WOOT WOOT

So was today's ride worth two WOOTs?...

[freeflydive]

So was today's ride worth two WOOTs?...

ehm....sorry, had something stuck in my throat   

[Speed 3 Pilot]

ehm....sorry, had something stuck in my throat   

so I didn't miss anything special...

[freeflydive]

so I didn't miss anything special...

It was good to see Rick and Jinx and get back on my bike after a long break ... but the ride was otherwise .  How was your autocross playtime?  

[hadesducati848]

how many showed up?

[MadDuck]

There were 5 of us.  Watching Majdi reminds me of the 999. I was riding with Ranilo and Teddy one time and as we got on the right hand cloverleaf onramp townbound from Mililani Mauka those two just rode away from me. I could not make that damn 999 turn nor get a good feel from it once in the turn. I don't remember if that was before or after all the suspension adjustments. Going to the Gixxer from that bike was like night & day as far as handling was concerned. Those big twins are just not easy to ride compared to lots of other bikes.    Unreal that you spend that much money on a Duc and that you still have to work on it. Of course, if you spend another $4,000 to $5,000 (or more) suggested retail on parts, not counting labor, you can make them work better.  

[freeflydive]

Those big twins are just not easy to ride compared to lots of other bikes.    Unreal that you spend that much money on a Duc and that you still have to work on it. Of course, if you spend another $4,000 to $5,000 (or more) suggested retail on parts, not counting labor, you can make them work better.  

Funny, I've been reading Dan Kyle's forum posts all day and trying to figure out what's best for me (w/out getting carried away since an AMA pro card is not in my future).  I'd like to tweek my rear suspension to get closer to 30mm.  Its still too firm and gives me an occasional ass slap to remind me. 

On a totally different note, Teresa rocks...she paid for the EVR slipper...interested in coaching me on how to install the slipper?  

[MadDuck]

Funny, I've been reading Dan Kyle's forum posts all day and trying to figure out what's best for me (w/out getting carried away since an AMA pro card is not in my future).  I'd like to tweek my rear suspension to get closer to 30mm.  Its still too firm and gives me an occasional ass slap to remind me.  

On a totally different note, Teresa rocks...she paid for the EVR slipper...interested in coaching me on how to install the slipper?  

If the rear spring rate is too stiff, too high, for you then all of the static sag settings in the world will not help. It will continue to be a problem over bumps and when accelerating because you will always be fighting the spring. It always cracks me up to read about the 848 riders taking out the spring pre-load thinking that will help. The first time they start getting some dynamic spring action during a ride they will be right back at square one. The 1198 spring rate is lower but still better. Riding style and speed also have a huge effect here. More is going on in the suspension than I care to elaborate on here and now.........

I would have gone for a TTX long before a slipper but we are all different. Unless you are charging hard into a corner and are using up road so fast you don't have time to blip properly the slipper will be of very limited use. Not that it wouldn't be a good thing to have when you need it, it's just that I doubt any of us ride hard enough to make much use of one. I'll mull over the installation part.

[freeflydive]

I agree on the slipper, the only reason I got it (used) was because of the price compared to getting a pressure plate and open cover.  No worries about the install, I can drop it off to Will...just like to learn how the bike works.  I would like to pick your brain some more about suspension setups based on what you did with the 848...save it for another cup of joe.