Sunday 23 January 2011

Ducati 916 bp side stand leaning over

The Ducati 916 bp when parked up, seemed to look as though it was going to fall over. On inspection the side stand has worn as it is made of aluminium and where the stand touches the ground has a sharp point that can dig into tarmac. I tried to tighten the stand and this helps but still it leaned over far too much. I went to see Alex at Alpha Welding, Croydon, London CR0 2RQ where Stan helped to measure the lean angle and work our the amount needed.He then cut out a piece of ally around the stand and Alex welded the part on. It is more on the basis of a trial stand where the part that touches the ground is larger and is less liable to dig in to soft ground.
Below are the pictures of before and after. Alex can be contacted on 0208 684 3811 and quote "Vince"



snow and under the motorbike cover

The snow has passed and this brings back memories to the problems with the weather of snow and ice on the roads. The bike was parked up and under cover, once lifted off to check the bike I have found condensation. This could start rusting or corrosion on the bike. It is always a good idea to clean the bike of any dirt and to use some corrosion resistant sprays.
The other day I started the bike to let it warm up and when up to normal temperature switched it off, I think that motorbikes, cars, mechanical parts do not like sitting still. So many times I hear that bikes with low mileages have so many problems (caused by standing). Parts that seize or rubbers that harden and leak, Cam belts that can break or jump a cog. This leads to so much discussion on the time to replace? time or miles, with the 916 bp there are very small gears on the Ducati s and as the angle is so tight, this seems to be one of the reasons why the belts are changed every two years. Whereas I have experience of servicing cars and a Honda car and a Toyota van, the owners have not changed their cam belts and both are over ten years old. Peace of mind would have me change the belts straight away but good examples of how belts can last longer. As with any service item, it is always best to make up your own mind.
Another issue is the bike battery which is connected permanently to a trickle charger. The alarm is constantly discharging so its good to have the battery in a optimum state so when you press the button.
what tips do you have when you park up your car or bike for a while?

Vinny