So, barely broken in at only 270 miles or so...I've noticed a few things. Need some Ducati advice...


1st thing I've noticed is that due to the small tank, it's hard(er) to 'hold the bike' with my core. So any small variance in road surface, or if I readjust on the bike, I instantly put a lot of pressure on the clip ons. I'm just much more positioned 'forward'... so, I don't know what I can do to adjust it, but I need to feel more level- if that makes sense.

2- it goes EAR to EAR extremely quickly. TOO quick for my taste, especially getting used to the bike. Again, because it's a narrower bike then my former '51- it's a little startling. I suspect not only due to the bikes dynamics, the bike has a 185 rear. My RC had a 195 rear.

Thinking maybe I'll put a 195 on the rear and larger on the front??!

Also, in terms of heat...... the exhaust heat....is brutal. Any ideas?

I need to situate myself up-off the tank so the bike is more flat and thus I don't have all this pressure thru my wrists to the clip ons.

Feed back? Thanks guise..

 

Haven't ridden the Duc, but my ZX6R had a 185 rear. You will get used to it and it does help turn in tremendously as you noted. On the positioning, you switched from a big ass Honda to a little racey Ducati... Keep riding - you will be fine.

 

I wouldn't go changing things just yet. Keep the (I think you mean 180?) rear, especially if you are on a 5.5" wheel. Nothing wrong with fast turn in, most guys try to get their bikes to turn faster. If you find yourself sliding in the seat, look into tech spec or stomp grip, it helps you grab the tank with your thighs so you don't move on the seat and you can use your core to stay upright instead of putting pressure on the bars. Especially under braking. As for the heat, getting an exhaust may reduce some heat since you will probably get rid of the cat(s). Other than that, not much you can do.

 

Abs and thighs. Tighten both and you'll be good. Until you get used to it, it's pretty normal to put weight on your wrists until your body adjusts. They feel MUCH narrower than most all sport bikes. Chances are you'll get used to it and all other bikes will feel fat afterwards.

Ducs like to "fall" into corners. It's just what they do. Do NOT put a 195 on it, you'll ruin the handling and start washing out the front.

Suck it up, clean the sand out of your mangina, and open the loud grip some more.

The riding position definitely takes some getting used to, as does the heat and the pressure points you're going to become aware of (knees, thighs, wrists), and it will probably do a number on your lower back at first. The solution is to ride it a lot and get used to how the bike works, and how you work with it. Don't fight it or try to change the nature of the bike, just try things its way. You'll be amazed how much easier it is to ride if you don't try to force it to be a different bike.

 

This doesn't sound like fun.

 

It's better than stripper sex.

 

^lol

 

Maybe have wife/gf sex instead?

 

I'll check those out, thanks Ara.


My plan is to ride it a lot. Def will take some getting used to. Honda's by definition are much more neutural to ride- right off the bat. I just have to set up the suspension to my liking. Dives too much under braking. No biggie.


But a ton of fun and a lot of grin factor, thats fo'show!

 

LOL ^^

It's a ton of fun. Stripper sex is just 'easy'. LOL