Hi Everyone, I've been reading this forum for the past couple of days as yesterday (5th Feb) I put down a deposit on an '05 999. I wanted the '05 model onwards due to the improvements over the '02-'04 models. And it was the top end of my budget. I am sure I will need some advice and support for the next few years of ownership, and quite possibly a shoulder to cry on at some point! It is black, 8300miles, just had belts done at 8250, full MOT (from dealer so probably got through with a couple of things overlooked). Just changing my private plate on my current FZ6N (which is a brilliant bike to get back on 2 wheels on after 10 years of non bike ownership, ending in a GSX-R750 WR) hence the delay in picking it up. Hopefully it will coincide with some better weather... Had to go Biposto (I have an 18yr old daughter and girlfriend who, for some reason, both think I actually like it when they want to come out with me for a ride...) so will probably need the Venture Bike grab rail thingy. At the ripe old age of 44 I wanted something fast and red (one out of two aint bad) for a few years until my knees/hips/brain gave up what versatility and alacrity they have remaining and I have to go the cruiser route to get my kicks. In the last couple of years I've toured to Ireland (rained - a lot) and been to the Classic TT twice, so I'm really looking forward to a ride over the mountain course on something better than my Fazer. So, hello everyone and I look forward to Ducati ownership. Sorry for the long first post. Excitement, ya see! Lee/Flea
Welcome in, I'm from Newbury way so nice to have some 'yocals' around! Good choice on bike, I like the facelift ones
Reading residents would be very happy to see their property prices jump. Henley-on-Thames residents would definitely be up in arms! A local welcome to you Lee. The big twin will be a massive change on the Fazer, am sure you'll enjoy it.
Your not ageing well for 44 must be the lack of a Ducati in your life Hello and welcome into the mad house Oh black black!!!! I just noticed that :Jawdrop:
Welcome, I'm just down the road in Wallingford, when the weather picks up we should have a local ride out and then head to the H Cafe.
Thanks all for the welcomes, and I see how it's going to be around here! Funny though! Avatar is my recently departed Grandad - he hated bikes! Every race on TV it was "How can they ride them leant over like that? It must be dangerous." Every time, almost as regularly as I reprogrammed his VCR... Update... V5c back from DVLA for the FZ6N so swapped from my private plate to the original. Delivery of 999 arranged for the 29th Feb, so will tax on the 1st March. Coincidentally that's the same day I've ordered the 20 degree cloudless day. Well, we can hope. Sorry Ducbird, I did really want a red one but I got what I could afford. but also that I can even think about a bike like this. Didn't manage to grab the pics from the dealer's website before they removed it, so will take some when delivered. It's a little scruffier than I'd like but these things can be fixed. £4.5k for an updated '05, compared to the (optimistic maybe) other models with higher miles at £6k. Already named her... BB2. Black B*tch, and 2 because my Fazer is already BB for Bumblebee (yellow and black). Wallingford - absolutely! But, with a name like ditchvisitor do you mind if I don't follow you into the actual ditch?? @Kirky: the last twin I had was a ZZR250! Jap 4s all the way, til now Another, excitable, long post. Flea
hello and welcome dude. i have a black (and white) 749 and am in greenford which aint far from you... would be cool to have a ride out come the better weather
Hi all, Hope you don't mind me asking this in this section... My 999 was delivered today, but I rejected it based on the fact that...it...didn't...start. Much miffness. The delivery guy said it had started when he loaded the van on Saturday, then just about started when he brought it out of the van at my house, but then it wouldn't start again. He tried a jump start off his battery pack but it would only turn once then stop. Obviously I was not prepared to accept the bike and it's gone back for a new battery. If this fixes it I will accept the bike. I believe that the battery is tired due to only being started for short periods of time and not having a run. But I am worried it might be reg/rec or alternator related. I would feel happier that I have a new battery rather than a tired, probably original from new, battery so I wasn't going to take the chance that I could simply charge it and all would be well for ever after. It would be great to get others' opinions on whether I was correct in rejecting it and if there's anything symptomatic I should be concerned about. Thanks in advance. Lee/Flea
I love my 999. Mine too had starting issues when I first got it but a new Yuasa and a starting cable kit completely transformed it from turning over slowly and reluctantly and eventually catching to immediately bursting into life. Get a cable kit from @Exige, it'll be the best money you spend on the bike I have taken the pillion pegs off mine. Even my skinny, flexible daughter couldn't get on with the pillion position. I'll be well impressed if your daughter, let alone your girlfriend find it comfy. Also, the throttle response of my tweaked bike is so fierce that I was worried about losing her off the back all the time
Cheers Old rider, the cable kit is on my list of 'things to do' over the next couple of months. The dealer has replaced the battery so I'm half way there Delivery arranged this morning so if I accept it this time I will insure, tax and... Take pics to post here; I understand it's somewhat of a requirement. So I you're not all offended by it being black I shall post some. Oh, and maybe if the weather stays dry take it for a slow and measured acclimatisation run out. Not even going to charge my Interphone. No music to interfere with that glorious sound... If it starts this time. Insurance a not an entirely unreasonable £227 a year fully comp. Flea/Lee
I strongly recommend you do it sooner rather than later. The difference is enormous, even with a new battery. From new, the cables are at best marginal and as the bike gets older, the resistance in the joints and in the cables themselves builds up more and more and this means the power from the battery simply can't reach the starter motor. Also, the starter motor is then trying to draw so much current that there is not enough left over for the ignition circuit to work properly. It's all a vicious circle. I also suspect that placing such demands on the battery doesn't do it any good and shortens it's life. Add to this the fact that weak cranking inevitably damages the sprag clutch and you really don't want to be having to replace that... All in all, it's a no brainer. Fitting a cable kit will save you grief and money as well. My kit came from America before @Exige was producing his. It was more difficult to fit than his and a good 50% more expensive and it was still by far the best money I've spent on my bike. My only regret is that they weren't available when I had my previous Ducati.
