Newbie in San Francisco

[3colore]

So I bought a S4RS Tricolore this summer in NC as my first bike. Then I moved to San Francisco a couple weeks ago. i had no idea Ducatis were so popular here. I commute regularly from Pac Heights to East Bay and am just LOVING this bike.

Anyhow, I am decent at all things that go (I am a pilot as well), but I am not very handy. I'd like to do a tail chop, and cut off that stock exhaust so the traffic can hear me when I lane....share. Looking for the next bike night to make some contacts. Anybody know whats going on? Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the streets!

[somegirl]

Welcome to SF and the MOB.

I believe our next gathering is Zeitgeist, last Thursday of the month (the 28th).  I'll be out of town, but I'm sure others will be around.

From time to time, we have "wrenching clinics" where members can get help from others.

[ghostrider]

welcome to the board. i'm a pilot too (XJT).
there are get together every monday around the bay. we just had the east-bay night last night.
like ms I said zeitgeist. it a bar in sf, valencia and duboce i think.
hopefully we'll see you on the road.

[slower than...]

Welcome to the City.  As a fourth generation San Franciscan, I can't imagine living anywhere else.  That said, make sure that beautiful bike is locked up safely at night.  Hopefully you have a secure garage for it.  Would hate for your orientation to urban life to include someone stealing your bike.

[3colore]

My bike is stored in a garage, so I am not too worried about that but thanks for the heads up. See you guys on the 28th at zeitgiest.

[remy]

Welcome to the City.  As a fourth generation San Franciscan, I can't imagine living anywhere else.  That said, make sure that beautiful bike is locked up safely at night.  Hopefully you have a secure garage for it.  Would hate for your orientation to urban life to include someone stealing your bike.

Yes. Lock it to something ASAP.

And welcome! It's too bad you just missed a really good wrench day. Someone was chopping their tail and it seemed like a pretty straight-forward process. I've kept my tail, but I'm sure others here can help ya out.

[mostrobelle]

Welcome... I can show you where your bike will start leaking in about 14 years.  That's about the extent of my technical knowledge.  And I can screw around with your valves n shims n stuff.  But chopping the tail is really easy.  Tape, hack saw and a stiff shot of liquor are really all it takes.  You might take a peek and see how your lights are mounted now and grab a few bits to make the relocation easier later on.  You'll also want to get some bar ends or bicycle bits to plug up the frame when you're done whackin' away at it.  A little clear paint on the end of the exposed metal keeps it from rusting before you plug the frame up.  And it might be a good idea to use a little silicone sealant on 'em when you pop them in there.  You might also need to do something about rerouting/shortening the seat release.  My bike is ancient and every few years they rig up something different under there, so get familiar with it before you start hacking.  Most of us just find a new and fun way to restring it so there's no cutting involved.  There are less and more fancy schmancy ways to chop a frame and you'd do yourself a favor to do a quick, little search on here.     Are you sure you want to go cutting at a tricolore?  Aren't they really limited and semi-collector items or something? 

[desmoquattro]

Welcome!

First things first: I believe there's a Zeitgeist gathering tomorrow night (21 Aug) since BigIan is in town. At least, that's what BigIan was saying yesterday  Come on out and have a drink if you can. Just PM for details.

Also, the tail chop is pretty easy. I heartily recommend the ClearAlternatives LED integrator kit, along with the Cookie1 tail chop kit. You can get a good look at all the tail chop varieties at one of our meets or at one of our rides.

[Jaman]

Welcome!

I live in your hood & have a "decent" set of tools (my dad's a TV repairman) and front & rear stands, if you're ever in need, send me a pm.

Can't make Zeitgeist tomorrow, but got the 28th on the calendar...

J