My first Ducati?

**madandy** · 7th April 2008, 11:43

Originally Posted by Winston001

No idea - but if it is anything like my ST4, make a mental list of gas stations before setting off....

Mind you, that might be because I'm still in the first stages of lust and wonder at owning a Ducati and having trouble keeping the throttle closed......

Beautiful bike, it will handle like a dream and there is an indefinable quality to riding a Ducati. It is quite simply a pleasure which becomes a passion.

I dare say I'll be the same: opening her up every chance to hear the music.

Originally Posted by jim.cox

Good choice - I'm sure you will love it.

Don't be too lazy with the gear changing - while the motor will work from under 2k rpm you are not doing the engine any favours - best to try to keep it spinning above 3.5k - the desmo engines were deisgned to rev

Best cornering technique is slow-in and fast-out. Uses the powerband to best advantage. They stand-up a bit on braking so grabbing a handfull mid-curve is not the best idea.

just my $0.02

I wont load her up too much, 3500rpm ain't too much to ask after riding multis for years and the late apex, slow in fast out technique suits me just fine

**MyGSXF:Me** · 7th April 2008, 12:01

Originally Posted by madandy

all advise about the roads gladly read

Yep.. Went down the Kaikoura coastline on Fri, there is quite a lot of roadworks on the Hundalee's..

(the hills ChCh side of Kaikoura) Also the stretch of road up the coast from there to Kaikoura is now an 80k zone.. cops like to frequent it..

Enjoy ya new ride..

Jen

**madandy** · 7th April 2008, 13:33

Thanks Jen. I'll be upon the Hundaless quite early in the morning too so will take it easy

Been a while since I last saw the coast line there so a nice wee pootle along the scenic route is finw so long as the roads inland, nearer Blenhiem are still in good condition

**MyGSXF:Me** · 7th April 2008, 14:04

Originally Posted by madandy

as the roads inland, nearer Blenhiem are still in good condition

Yep.. the hill just outta Blenheim was all good!!

for some reason my boots seem to like connecting with the road on that one..

**madandy** · 10th April 2008, 11:38

Well I got my new baby home last night!

Left Christchurch, well Kiapoi area at 5:45am and rode through the darkness towards the Hundalee's. The old girl tackled them with aplomb and shimmied her way through gravel patches & patchy road works as the light began to increase. The easy going nature of the engine made gear choice a breeze and a good handfull of throttle always put a big grin on my face as we bolted from bend to bend.
I saw the sun rising over the Pacific as I cruised the Kaikora coastline, stopping a couple of times to snap some photos and change to my tinted visor.
I refueled at Ward because I forgot to do so at Kaikora and with the low fuel light on I doubted I could nurse her through to Blenheim. I think I paid $2.04L for 95RON! LOL.
The wonderful Malborough roads were too short lived and I soon was parked in the ferry que by 8:50am. A dude on a Hyosung Aquilla was my only two wheeled company.
Wellington welcomed us with a cool breeze and free flowing motorway North.
Said Aquilla rider paced me through towards Levin, as did a bloke on a yellow CBRxxx before I'd had enough of the game and let my Ducati breathe some

Hunterville provided more fuel for both myself and the bike before roaring up through the cold central plateau, no tickets thanks

and into Taupo for another tank, this time Mobil 98Ron.
I should have switched back to my clear visor at this stop but forged ahead into sunset and the hoards of flying roadkill that just love a bright light and big helping of motorcylist impacting at high velocity.
These roads were most familiar to me and at Rotorua I halted briefly to fit that clear visor before heading into the gloom of Pyes Pa road and it's treacherous gorge.
Out the otherside, muscling past slower vehicles and safely home, I'm sure I passed DMNTD on his Brutale by the Tauranga Hospital!!! I'm sure he was admiring my new steed!!! I was drawn by the MV's beautiful headlight.
Home to my family in a roar of twin cylinder thunder! A great journey

Thanks to all who offered advise through their posts, PM's and phone calls.
I LOVE my new Ducati!

Andy

**Cajun** · 10th April 2008, 11:40

nice one Andy hope ya enjoy the new steed

post pics of bike when ya get a chance mate

**vifferman** · 10th April 2008, 11:43

Originally Posted by Cajun

post pics of bike when ya get a chance mate

Yeah, and update your profile.
Have you got some boots yet, or are you still riding barefoot? :spudwhat:

**madandy** · 10th April 2008, 11:49

Originally Posted by Cajun

nice one Andy hope ya enjoy the new steed

post pics of bike when ya get a chance mate

Thanks dude!
Will do.
Will be at the office and drivers tonight

Originally Posted by vifferman

Yeah, and update your profile.
Have you got some boots yet, or are you still riding barefoot? :spudwhat:

Yes sir!
I got me some Oxtar evo rx boots that I bring out for the special occasions and for when it's cold

**Cajun** · 10th April 2008, 11:50

Originally Posted by madandy

Thanks dude!
Will do.
Will be at the office and drivers tonight

me bike still in pieces being cleaned and fixed up, and got an it geek quiz thingy tonight

**desmo dave** · 10th April 2008, 15:22

Good to see you happy with your new ride.They all come factory fitted with the grin factor built in

**2wheeldrifter** · 10th April 2008, 21:05

Glad you had a safe trip and sounds like a very enjoyable ride back, well it would of been on a Duke!
I am taking it, it's all stock? If it hasn't got aftermarket pipes or your stock ones haven't been re-cored, "DO IT" let the true sound out and you will NEVER wipe that grin off your face!!!

Oh what colour is it............