Hello (again)!

Good morning folks,

After a few years away from bikes (I tried filling the void with cars, but to no avail), I’m back on a Ducati!

Technically I’m not a newbie, I think my profile is a few years old, but don’t recall ever introducing myself way back when, so here’s my long-overdue greeting.

I’ve always had a thing for Ducati (no, not into mechanophilia!) and even had a very brief attempt at working at Ducati London South before they went bust all those years ago.

I’ve decided to treat myself to a 1098R for my 40th and have been obsessively monitoring the weather forecast hoping for some dry spells. I took delivery in December but haven’t yet been able to ride it, so the impatience is really setting in now!

Anyway, I look forward to the possibility of meeting some of you. I’ll be trying Ryka’s for the first time once the weather improves (I’m based in Surrey).

All the best,

Tom

 

Thanks all for the welcome.

And hello fellow 1098R owners, @Chris and @RickyX !

Oooooh, Newlands Corner isn’t too far from me and pothole dependent, could be a decent ride.
I need to get the bike serviced (MOT booked for this Saturday), just a question now of whether I get it done before or after the meet.

I’ll mull it over and potentially see a few of you there (and I’ll join DOC regardless )

Thanks again everyone, and hope you have a lovely rest of your day.

 

You absolute legend! Thank you very much mate. I’ll read through this evening (or at least make a start!).

I managed to get the bike MOT’d on Saturday, and took a fairly average pic after it had passed - apologies for the quality.

I don’t need much to refresh the bike, although I think a new tank will be necessary as I can see the dreaded ballooning occurring (some swelling around the damper mount, not enough to foul, thankfully). So I guess I’ll be saving up for an aluminium tank!

The service is booked for this coming Saturday so I won’t be able to attend the DOC meet at Newlands Corner sadly, but there’s always next time.

 

First ride was…interesting. I filled the tank up with ethanol-free storage fuel for the winter and not sure if this is to blame but the throttle only appreciates a very gentle roll-on. Blipping or anything less than a delicate input of the throttle would result in the engine cutting out.

I chucked the Termis on but refrained from installing the ECU until the bike’s in for the service so the TPS can be reset.

I’ve read the 1098R thread kindly shared by @Chris and read a few posts about seat change.

What’s the consensus when it comes to the standard seat’s texture? I found myself sliding on the seat when accelerating - Is the standard seat considered fine, and perhaps I should consider gripping more with the knees?

 

Thanks again, Chris!