Hampton Roads Ducati thread

[FastAndLight]

It seems like Sunday's ride was quite the thing.  I hope Jeff is healing up well.

I figured I would drop you all a quick update on my bike.

I picked it up a couple weeks ago from the wheel repair.  All looked good, though it was a little louder than I had remembered.  Whatever, not a huge deal.  I rode a ton on the Monday of Memorial day.  That Tuesday I got out of work early and decided to take the bike in to Redline for the TPS reset and CO balancing to go with the new airbox.  When they got it up on the stand the valve noise was really apparent and Dave heard a couple of other suspect things.  Upon taking the belt covers off it was obvious that the belts had been overtightened as they were rubbing really hard against the case and had worn into the side of the belt pretty significantly. 

This is where I became disappointed yet again.  So, I left the bike with Dave to check out the valves, fix the timing belts, and just generally get the bike running properly again.  Dave was nice enough to give me a ride home.  On the way we discussed a bunch of stuff, but we talked about brakes, suspension, and getting the bike tuned properly. 

I ended up having my Zard exhaust shipped right to them and asked them to tune it and see what they could do. 

Today I got a call that the bike is running like butter, the Zards look awesome, and that the rear tire was losing air and the found a nail in it.   

I replaced the tires when I had the wheels done, so this rear has about 400 miles on it.  We are now trying to call around and get a replacement.  I'm not big on the pilot powers, but I know a lot of people swear by them, so that is what I might end up with on the rear.  They also suggested a power commander and tune to really get the exhaust and intake running well.  Oh, and that the chain and rear sprocket are worn and need replacing.  So, in short, even though the bike was done, it isn't anymore.

The best part of all of this is that I'm PCS'ing down to North Carolina on Friday. 

I'll let you all know if / when I finally have a bike that is running and in the area.  At this point I think I might not even see the bike before I head out to Iraq in August. 

[Bun-bun]

Damn Jeff, that sux!
What tire do you have on the rear now? Can you patch it, or is that not an option?
I'm recuperating. Might have a bit of an infection in the shoulder, so I put myself on Amoxicillin. If it doesn't clear up in a day or two,or if it gets worse, I'll seek professional help(People have been telling me for years that I should seek professional help! )

Folks on the forum here have really been helpful. Nakid is sending me a set of grips and a throttle , Kris is giving me the turn signals I need, another member gave me an intro to a girl in Cali who has a 620 Dark tank for sale, and another member is going to look thru his spare parts for a right rearset. I just ordered the handlebar from Redline, and it'll be in next week. Hell, I could be back on the road pretty quickly if this keeps up!

Kris, was today any better? I sent you an email.

Stay safe, guys.
Jeff
Will, I'm still planning to head your way Saturday. I'll call for directions tomorrow night.

[FastAndLight]

On the rear right now I have a Bridgestone BT-016.  For the few hundred miles I was on it I loved it.  It was so smooth and stuck so well compared to the old tire that never seemed to feel comfortable.  I talked to Redline again and we are going with Pilot Powers on front and rear.  They are giving me a nice credit for my all but unused front.  We talked about patching the rear, but I was told it could simply lead to more trouble than it would be worth.

The chain and sprocket are on their way overnight, so the whole bike should be done Friday.  I'm still trying to figure out a ride up there to get it, but hopefully I can get something lined up.  I'd like to keep the old exhaust just in case I need to put it back on down the line. 

Jeff,
Glad to hear that parts are coming in from all corners.  Hopefully you can be back up and running in no time.  Definitely get the shoulder checked out if it doesn't clear up soon.  The last thing you want is some sort of nagging injury. 

I'm off to pack more.  I need to be all set for Friday when I pickup the uhaul, because once I get the bike back I know I will waste a few hours riding instead of packing and loading the truck.

Be safe.

[Bun-bun]

Jeff,
Jeremy at Redline told me my handlebar would be in Friday or Monday. PM me your cell#, and if they call me Friday, I'll run you up there.
Jeff

[FastAndLight]

Rock on.  Nice people are awesome.

PM Sent.

[kriswhite_23505]

Jeff I have decided that I am being ungrateful and need to eat a slice of humble pie. I am not happy with it rioght now but need to be open. So I am going to quit my whining and just try real hard. Jeff I am sorry that your bike is in the shop again but at least you are having it all done right.

[CMDRDAVE]

wink wink, nod nod, you know you want to.   

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=24811.0

[CMDRDAVE]

There are a couple of pics of Jeff and Mike in here.  Also another yellow monster.

http://www.redlinemotors.com/streetfighter/knuckleheads/index.html

[wllgmr]

Cool. I saw my friends Bob and Laurah in there too.

[Bun-bun]

Picked up the new handlebar today, and got everything transferred over. Picked up some gold bar ends as well.
I'm tracking a couple of other items, and working on trying to get the dent out of my tank this weekend. If everything goes the way I want it to, I should be riding by fathers day.
Anybody going to Harborfest this weekend?

[CMDRDAVE]

Anybody going to Harborfest this weekend?

Nope, anyone going to Poe's?

[Bun-bun]

Nope, anyone going to Poe's?

Sure Dave, no problem. I'll ride pregnant dog on your monster with you. I'll wear my neon Dainese, you wear yours. When we pull up to Poes(With sparks flying from beneath the overloaded Duc, of course) we'll stop every conversation in the parking lot.

Not this month, bud.

Will, I bailed on that rearset/brake system, it got way too high. If you need, I can scope a rear brake system for you.
Jeff

[wllgmr]

Im going to Poe's! when and where are we meeting? Jeff did you have a chance to try that exhaust? From what I remember its quite a bit louder than stock. I think you'll like it.

[Bun-bun]

Jeff did you have a chance to try that exhaust? From what I remember its quite a bit louder than stock. I think you'll like it.

I don't have arearset to hang it off of yet, so nope. I'll get to it tho.
I just won an ebay auction for the right rearset so hopefully I'll be back on the road next weekend.

[Bun-bun]

When I was over at his garage last weekend, I told Will to post pics of his bikes. Since he doesn't have a pic hosting service, I'll do it.
'82 Suzuki GS 450


'85 Cagiva Elefant


'71 Triumph