Thanks - yep it matches the headlight housing perfectly colour-wise, which was a relief as there seems to be many views on the colour code used by Ducati back then, not to mention my frame is now 31 years old and no doubt faded. I’m going for a sympathetic period restoration back to original - many non-standard parts added by previous owners over the years have been replaced - fortunately all the original 1994 (some dated 1993) parts were included in a box of spares when I bought it. I think I’ll paint a test piece with the Bronzo Opaco + matt lacquer before committing to the frame - I’ll then compare the finish to the wheels (which appear to still be in original factory paint) to gauge whether to switch to a satin lacquer.
Have seen some frames and wheels that look like they have been polished over the years, which has made them look shiny in places.
Well, I’m home, 12 days and 1900 miles, no mishaps and no breakdowns. Newbury to Buxton in temperatures reaching 35° on day 1 , Buxton to Moffat in 12° and the pi**ing rain on day 2 , Moffat to Ballachulish in 12° and the continuing rain on day 3 , Ballachulish to Sligachan on the Isle of Skye in 14° and rain on day 4 , Sligachan to Dunfermline in 12° and gale force winds on day 5 . Hoorah, 2 days off at Knock Hill, in the pi**ing rain . Dunfermline to Applecross via Inverness on day 8 and the weather is starting to improve, not much warmer but relatively rain free. Applecross to Blairegowerie and the weather continues to improve on day 9, Blairgowerie to Hawick on day 10 and the weather is getting very pleasant, Hawick to Buxton and the weather is getting hot again on day 11 and finally Buxton to home in temperatures similar to day 1, hot, hot, hot, 34° . Highlights ? The glorious countryside through the Lakes, Peaks, Boarders and Scotland. The most challenging ? Probably hacking through Glen Coe in gale force winds and getting close to running out of fuel. The most scary ? The Applecross Pass without a shadow of doubt, so scary, we did it both ways Both Scramblers delivered without fault although 220 miles in a day is most definitely my (bum’s) limit on the standard seat. We travelled with 3 other riders who had set the itinerary and wanted to ‘do’ the Western Isles for a weekend, hence the dash to Skye for them to get the ferry. Would I go again ? Absolutely yes, the hospitality, the food and the locations were just awesome. Next time, I’d probably look to have a base for a few days and do shorter day trips, the one downside felt by everyone was the creeping tiredness caused by 10 hours in the saddle day on day. If I have one moan, don’t let someone that has no experience of using a sat nav and Google, let their wife plan any routes just a small frustration Andy
Fettled Sons old Aprilia 50 ready for it’s MOT, had manufactur part of the brake light switch assembly from an old piece of plastic as the genuine part is out of production. Bled the newly fitted rear calliper, all that’s left is to bolt the rectifier and horns into place then it’s off to the MOT station. Next today is looking at my Transalp with a view to getting it ready to sell on, only 18k on the clock. I may keep it as I’ve a longish contract with a 200 mile round trip for 6 months and would rather not put that mileage on my van.
So charged the battery splashed a little fuel in the tank and after 4 years of being unused it fired up, ticked over and reved up cleanly so carbs are hopefully ok. Next is a general checking over before it’s MOT. Ordered some tuning parts for my supermoto now it is out of warranty all the euro 5 is being removed ready for a ecu remap. K&N cone filter stainless front pipe and i'll try to come to a decision on the exhaust to fit.
Short answer is no…been out of work for 6 months, just started my own business at 62 and waiting to find myself a salary. I had a twinspark MTS for 9 years. Loved it to bits, especially the engine, but it became to big and top heavy for me. I test ride the MTS 950 when launched and did not like it, felt very underwhelming! The new one is a dramatic improvement, excellent new engine. Test ride was rather slow as on a Ducati experience day. Will ride it on better roads next weekend , put it through its paces and report back. One of my main criteria in liking a bike is does it make me smile…. This did, to a point. Hit me thinking as I love Ducati forever. But when I hopped back on my newish Tracer 9GT I said there is nothing wrong with this bike and it is every bit as capable as the Duke, more fun but not as classy in build or branding.
Short answer is no…been out of work for 6 months, just started my own business at 62 and waiting to find myself a salary. I had a twinspark MTS for 9 years. Loved it to bits, especially the engine, but it became to big and top heavy for me. I test ride the MTS 950 when launched and did not like it, felt very underwhelming! The new one is a dramatic improvement, excellent new engine. Test ride was rather slow as on a Ducati experience day. Will ride it on better roads next weekend , put it through its paces and report back. One of my main criteria in liking a bike is does it make me smile…. This did, to a point. Hit me thinking as I love Ducati forever. But when I hopped back on my newish Tracer 9GT I said there is nothing wrong with this bike and it is every bit as capable as the Duke, more fun but not as classy in build or branding
Yesterday. Went to the new Ducati Hailsham store with a mate. Very fancy place, nice Aircon on a red hot day , spoke to a couple of great members of staff . Had a free coffee, mate bought two t shirts. Tried a multi V2 for size , it was tippy toes and the front seemed huge after getting off a street triple. I might go back for a test ride at some point. Nice 120 mile round trip.
Few hours out on the bike yesterday, the range on the fuel tank went to zero for about 8 miles. Despite that, I could only squeeze 20.5 litres into a 22 litre tank!
I read somewhere that you should maintain an air gap between the fuel and fuel cap because of the risk of flooding the carbon vapour canister thingy, which could pressurise the fuel tank. Not entirely sure if the latest generation fuel sensors have a hard, full level stop set at the appropriate air gap which would mean that extra fuel you squeeze in to brim it, doesn’t give you a true measure. IMO, you are braver than me, Carole has come to the conclusion I have ‘fuel anxiety’ as I like to fill up at every opportunity Andy
A visit to Moto Rapido at lunchtime, one Scrambler booked in for a service and having covered 14,350 miles, it’s a shim check service, thankfully, belts aren’t due until next year. Got agreement that MR will order a KTECH Tracker front suspension cartridge kit and an Öhlins DU 505 rear shock for my Icon and hopefully both will be delivered in 2 or 3 weeks Less movement on my taller seat which is on back order, Ducati’s estimated delivery to Italy has gone back another week When I got home, one Scrambler got a deep clean, chain adjustment and the switch gear got hit with a water dispersant followed by a contact cleaner. Indicators didn’t seem to want cancel on the button on the odd occasion but they work now My Scrambler gets its turn tomorrow. Andy
