i have to blame the japanese gs battery

After the ride home from work, 45 mile journey. Park up and try to start the bike. It would not turn over. seems strange that after a such a long journey, where it would have time to charge that the battery is flat. voltage is low, less than 12v.
charged the battery overnight and the following day it starts no problem.
a couple of checks with a voltage meter and the volts vary when the alarm is triggered. need to investigate further. seems as though the battery is faulty or the datatool alarm is draining the battery..

back to basics / tyre pressures

There is the feeling that with any fix, always start with the basics.
I looked at my bike and the rear tyre looked low. Touching the side wall i could tell the pressure was low. Next i turned the wheel checking the grooves and found a rusty nail.
The cause of my handling although now i still need to set the shocks as i have started to change the settings.
So, start with the basics is my advice. I assumed it was the shock rushed in and forgot to check the pressures. I guess one of the first things. Also my front tyre pressure is low. The biposto should be 2.2 and rear 2.4. I found only 24lbs in the front and 22lbs in the rear.
Vinny

Its dancing and it is not supposed to ! Handling / Weaving

The bike has started to weave, dance like i am on ice in corners. I feel its my mistake as i played with the settings on the rear shock. This has caused the resistance to lessen to the point, it gives no resistance. Today after turning the resistance up. The shock now works.
I need to investigate how to set up the shock now. For my weight and riding style. Will post some pictures soon.
Vinny

if you want to buy a ducati. have a look at this guy. its not a 916 but a relation. the hypermotard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyV8JUj8m0
Vinny

How many times have you heard its supposed to do that

In one way it is good, in another I am not happy. The gales on Sunday must have picked up my bike cover like a parachute. Pulled the bike over and hit the patio table.....

Its good that the mirrors are held on by a screw that the head shears. Thanks to Rob at pro twins for the info.

So to get my bike back on the road I have fitted a new front brake lever and screw for the mirror.

Although I would have preferred if the bike had not fallen over.

Other damage includes the top fairing is cracked under the mirror, the lower fairing has a bit of plastic missing, the clutch cover was dented slightly. The seat has a tear.

I have decided to try and source the parts second hand.

pic shows the screw with sheared head. A part of my fairing and the broken lever.

Vinny

Its a pain in the wrist but its a Ducati with low bars

I found i had problems in my wrist, a twinge when turning my hand up. Only recently i have understood what caused it.

Sitting on the bike, I have been leaning forward. All my weight on the wrists, due to the low down stance of the bike bars.

Speaking to Pat a while ago and reading articles on the net. I found it is a good idea when out on the bike to grip the tank, pull your upper body up with your stomach muscles and lightly hold the steering.

This has helped as:

I travel over an hour to work and have found my wrist pain is slightly easing, my journeys on the bike pleasant with no issues after.

Next item is to reduce the pressure needed to pull the clutch in on the bike, I guess this is another issue adding to the arm. Also to try another riding style.

To use the clutch less, change up gears with out the clutch. Have discussed this with others on the net. The others agreeing that if the power is off the bike at the time of changing gears, it should be smooth and no damage long term......

Vinny

The Ducati keeps going

I have added a picture to show the present miles. 20574 miles and no problems. Its cold outside, talk of snow but with a press of the starter button. It turns over and fires.