Having real trouble uploading photos. I keep getting error messages about extensions that I do not understand. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks Chris, I also made a mistake trying to write a new post and inadvertently sent it as a conversation to Ducbird. I'll get there in the end; hopefully!! Best regards Graham
Who can help with adding pictures to the forum via desktop please. Can you make it easy for @Nifty70 to follow
Welcome Nifty. I too had a break from riding whilst my children grew up, but that was only 23 years. You are right, biking gets into your blood and I've been happily riding Ducatis, the best road bikes in the world, ever since I got started again 20 years ago. That ST2 looks rather nice. A good way back in. I'm not far away in Loxwood West Sussex and was intrigued with you mentioning a local Ducati expert. I don't know any round here and usually go to Snells in Alton. They are very good but of course charge main dealer prices. Does your man do servicing or just his own bikes?
Hello Coman and thanks for the warm welcome, this really is a very nice forum. I know Loxwood very well as I lived just outside of Wisborough Green on the Petworth side for 13 years and was in fact there when I came off my Honda 750 on the A3 near Milford. Absolutely wonderful memories of living in the area and seeing Phil Collins in the Cricketers; those were the days hey! My bike was originally sold by Ducati Aylesbury. It was sold by the same dealer to a very nice gentleman in Lincolnshire in 2004 whom I am in touch with. He then moved it on and it was bought by a chap in West Chiltington who had a fairly large collection of bikes. Sadly he is unwell and his son auctioned most of the collection through car and classic in September this year. Alf at Alfs Motorcycles in Worthing is a Ducati expert; no question. Alfs Motorcycles are a Kawasaki Dealership but everyone there is enthusiastic and you just know that you will be treated well. Alf himself has a very respectable racing history but Ducati's are his thing. Whilst he is the owner of the business you will only ever find him in the workshop doing meticulous work on the bikes, dare I say a little bit like Sammy miller! It is well worth a visit because he has a small museum there and his Yorkshire tea is excellent. Very, very friendly place. Whilst Alton would be a nice ride I think maybe Worthing is nearer for you but like Snells, I don't think Alf is the cheapest around. It's always one of those dilemmas between cost and knowledge. Nearer to you at Pulborough is Bol Dor motorcycles where David is also incredibly knowledgeable and meticulous. He and Alf were originally partners going back a long way but for a Ducati, it has to be Alf. I am hoping to get my bike (and Bill!) this week and I will happily publish the details because I feel it helps us all.There is no doubt that we will meet soon enough because the magnetism of the bike world is incredible. Take care and safe riding. Graham
Disappointing update. Having done what I thought was the sensible thing by having the bike go straight to the expert from having sat for years, I finally got the call yesterday that it was all done and just needed a road test. A few hours later I was told that on the road test the rear brake seized and it now needs a new rear master cylinder. Obviously I'm a bit disappointed but very glad it was discovered before I took my maiden ride! Hopefully it will be back next week when the parts arrive and I can enjoy and tell you all how it is. With the purchase price and the workshop bill I am already way over the bike's worth but being a regular and ordinary chap I have never ever bought a vehicle whether car or bike that I thought was an investment!! I did read a great post on here called "ST2 Ugly Duc-ling" which actually made me feel a little warmth so thanks to the originator of that post. Safe riding everyone. Cheers Graham
