Daytripper 5

Ride out in the autumn sun, home thru Alton- Lasham- Basingstoke and back again!
Great ride about 70 mile round trip great bends and great scenery! I've done this ride before but went onto Hartley Wintney.

No issues last time was on the solid wood seat!!!!! But this time comfort of the gel pads!
Thoughts:  I'm thinking of swapping back to the FT bars mainly because I prefer the look! If a swap them out sometime this week I'll get a few more rides before weather stops it. Just make sure I need the higher ones or not. Part of me wonders if it was just the nerves of new bike etc that made me tens up!

Day out two up

Went with my wife to Loomies for a late brunch then through countryside to Lower Upham to take a look at motorcaravans .

Upped rear suspension to 3 rd setting ( previously top setting 5th) wife said bumps weren't as harsh. I did not notice any issues either, yes front end dived a few times under heavy braking. Which would be lessened by improving front forks I suppose.
Talk about having an arguement with your self! To change front forks or not to change lol
An enjoyable day

Tour of some of Britain!

I've just completed a three leg tour of visiting family.
First Home to Melton Mowbray 185 mostly boring miles of Mway and Dual carriage ways. Mpg 58 new gel pad seats were great, the return to the OEM bars helped my neck issues, the Dart Screen great up to 70 then performance drops off but still good. No real issues.
Second leg Melton Mowbray to Kirkby 125 miles about fifty fifty roads no problems at all still high mpg.
Third leg a 250 Mway Chase boring but no real choice unless I was taking a few days to get home. As said screen helped up to about 80 after that didn't do much I'll admit when I get bored I hammer the bike, car whatever suffice to say even riding above the legal limit ( way above at times!) The bike was solid no surprises no wondering etc

So I am still playing with rear suspension settings . I'd lowered it to step 2 extra luggage didnt really weigh that much so left it. It's was fine. Bike behaved, bumps in road did not feel as harsh! Maybe there's a case for less preload not more with this setup. The front forks didn't seem any worse nor better.
I'll admit I'm a lazy rider I ride for the relaxation and it's about the only time I do not get stressed! It's a great healer for me. But it looks more and more like if there's a fault it's the front forks, get a damper/ cassette in the other fork it'll probably be sorted for me. Although having said that so far I'm wondering if even that is worth getting done!

MPG

Well I suppose I'm riding like an old man!

Despite " giving it some" over the last tank full and 20 odd of that with the new screen I've just returned 62 mpg!

30 mph is the only speed limit I really stick too, as I was taught from day one to drive/ride to the machines/ mine capabilities. Taught by an ex traffic/pursuit plod, then did my advanced etc . I am surprised to be getting best part of 60 mpg most of the time. Maybe the 16T front sprocket has helped. I'm not complaining mind! 

The bike was bought for us to enjoy a sunny ride in the country and maybe a few excursions abroad.

Biltwell Thruster grips

Finally turn up !

It's been a problem trying to get hold of these grips in the UK in 7/8 - 22mm.
But after 4 weeks waiting AR Harleys managed it.

They are a little lighter in colour to the seat but the pattern is the same and having had them before far more comfortable than the OEM ones! 

They also have a fairly large collar at the end which hopefully will stop me accidentally turning on the high beam . 

On that note why would you have a " flick lever" right where you reach for the clutch?

Dart Screen

Last of the easy customisations! 

Took 15 minutes to mount, the offside indicator nut was indeed fiddly, as per instructions, if you have large fingers near impossible I would suggest a little blue tack to hold the nut on the back of the indicator bracket would be the way to go.

Other than that easy , I also had to loosen the brake reservoir nut just enough to move the brake line up to avoid it hitting the screen on left-hand lock.

It'll get tested tomorrow once I've fitted my new grips!

Gel pads and Bars

Did a 70 mile round trip today. Gel pads are a hit, although I was a little uncomfortable the last 10-15 miles it was more about getting back in the saddle!
No pain in the proverbial!

The bars are great no neck pain so big decisions black or leave them silver?

Fitting Gel Pads to OEM Seats

Today I decided to take the plunge and fit the gel pads that I had ordered.

2 x Gel Pads £55.00
1 x Sheet of 3mm foam £5
1 x can of Upholstery spray £5

£65 all in

First was to remove the main cover used a small screw driver to remove the staples I found that angling the screwdriver as picture made it easy to remove the staples

Then I find that Ducati has covered the foam with cling film! there is only one type of foam density which would account for its lack of comfort. No expense spared ........not!

So to lay out the pads and mark the foam the easy part! Having got it all central and marked out then it was time to cut away the foam so the gel pads would fit snugly into the seat. Watched a few YouTube videos and choose from them on how I would proceed.

I drew lines along the length and then across on the small pad as per what I had seen on YouTube.

Your then left with cutting away the squares I do not have an electric knife so used Stanley knife set to just under the thickness of the gel pad which made it easier for my first attempt. Then it was just a case of carefully cutting away the foam, trail fitting each pad until I had got it right.

Getting ready to cut the rear passenger pad, you'll see I will be mounting it back to front, which gives a better coverage of the whole of the rear part of the seat. Both pads just curve over the sides, the videos that I watched set them in the middle but the guy I got the pads from does it for a living and says he never cuts the pads (many people say do it) and just curves them over the side. Having now done this I can see the sense, just a little more comfort !!!

The finished article! I'm happy with the look doesn't show the anywhere. The only problem I came up against was my staple gun was barely up to the job. But got there in the end not over pretty but its the underside of seat and as long as it all holds I'm happy!

Swapping out the handlebars

Decided to swap the handlebars back to the original higher bars.

Although I like the look of the lower "Full Throttle" Scrambler bars they seem to be playing havoc with my neck .

I need to sit upright more as I have issues with my neck , after a few hours riding it aches to the point of annoyance!

Not a problem to do, it took longer to figure out how to remove the plug on the back of the Speedo !
However, I now see why the factory standard bars are positioned so far back towards the rider, that the bars look "odd" I prefer bars to be just forward or in line with the forks. 

Because of the holes used to line up the switch gear the levers end up nearly at 45 deg. So if you want the levers to appear level the bars need to be towards you.Looks like a lawn mower imo!

So they are fitted with a little thought as to keep them in the position I want.

Probably about an hours work in reality but took a couple of hours faffing about and realigning and tinkering !

You can see the position of the orginal handlebars prior to the FT bars being fitted before I collected the bike

I have put them back in-line with the forks

A short ride of about 20 miles felt OK and the more upright position felt more comfortable, I wonder if it was the years of riding a Harley with 18" ape hangers or at the very least bars that set my hands at shoulder height is why this feels more natural to me and I felt more confident throwing the bike into corners!

Adjustments

Had the bike in for its first service having completed the 626 miles . All ok
So went the long way home doing around 60 miles. The bike is a different beast! Happened along a clear piece of dual carriageway clocked 110 with ease!
I have also fitted the 16T front sprocket.
That was a fiddle! Took about an hour but I was supervised by my two yr old grandson, that wonderful age when just picking up a spanner is full of wonderment and excitement!
If anyone reading this decides to do the same.
Remove the footpeg hanger and gear lever by first releasing the gear lever but leave the spline attached to the gear spindle. I removed the lot but now have to reset it as I have put it back to high!
Fully wind in the rear wheel
Then and only then can you remove that Damn sprocket!

I did a round trip of about 25 miles this evening. There is a difference, subtle, less gear changing better and less frantic filtering in heavy traffic. But more manageable somehow. I am slowly getting the bike how I want it.

Tomorrow I will check the bolts and clearances around the sprocket. It didn't appear to need any filing but will see tomorrow.

Daytripper 5

Spent a day out with a fellow scrambler rider and respective partners!

My wife has not ridden pillion for over 10yrs and never was the best at the job! along with she has always had a backrest on the customs I have built!
I bought her one of those Oxford pillion belts where I wear it she has a couple of hand grips to use. she didn't take it lightly ha ha but having used the "love handles" for the day she now appreciates them!
Did about 70 miles in all via Bishops Waltham - Loomies Cafe -Alton - a pub near Borden for lunch then back to Southampton for a Sprinkles ice cream and waffles!

SO the Bike!

It is a different beast with a pillion and me being a little rusty not having had a pillion for years was a little disconcerting!

Gear changes were different
Braking was interesting!
The seat is still rubbish

The gears needed to be changed more frequently and the upchange was at least lumpy and jerky. I have spent the last 20 yrs riding a Harley where solo, with pillion, or both with luggage did not make any difference what so ever to the bike! So I needed to adjust by riding style.

Brakes are OK but I am now convinced its the forks that should prioritised when it comes to upgrading. The dive is worse much worse!

I will be changing the front sprocket to a 16T infact ordered it this morning. this should sort the excessive gear changing needed two up and be less buzzy around 70-80 mph.
Seat will be next I'v just received the gel inserts so a winter project there
The front suspension will probably next.

But then I need a Dart screen oh well plenty to get on with this winter!

Daytripper 4

Another 50 odd mile's leaves me 60 till first service.

Went the scenic route to Waterlooville ending up in Petersfield slightly passed W'ville as there was a diversion, so quick blast up the dual carriage way was all that was needed!
Met my wife as she was at work swift pint then scenic route home again!
Definitely better to not blip the throttle on the down changes, I just wish I could remember I've 6 gears lol ! Pulling away in second is possible but not desirable!

More people are changing the front sprocket to a 16T one saying life is easier at 70 plus riding. And once I've taken my wife out pillion I'll be able to make my mind up. She is putting it off. How do I know? I say we could go for a ride...............silence ha ha.

Daytripper 3

Saturday
Loomies cafe
Ducati Dealers Snells Alton
Ducati Dealers Motorapido Winchester
Home
Total so far 492 miles bikes a month old 24/08/2015 

No problems that couldn't be sorted finally got around to checking the tyre pressures ( should've done it earlier) Book says 2.5 bar they had 3.5 bar! Helped fellow scrambler owner re tension his final drive chain easy job for once.

Still can't make my mind up about higher original bars, getting neck ache next day lower bars are better riding position but not helping physical health! 

If I swapped them back I'll get the bars powder coated black first ! 

Mpg 54

Daytripper 2

09/08/2015

On a whim went for a ride along an old road I know between Alton and Basingstoke via Lasham. I was a little surprised as I rode further down the roads more and more "Biker Think" posters were on a lot of lamp posts and telegraph poles. Along with surreptitiously placed police speed trap vans! Obviously the road has become more popular since my last visit a few years ago. Along with most of the way daubed with double white lines (no overtaking if your reading this somewhere other than England!)
Still it was a sunny day and no real hurry to get to my destination and the roads are still fun at legal speeds!
On arrival in Basingstoke I decided to go to Hartley Wintney the birth place of my father and my childhood haunt as a lad until I was around 9 yrs old when my fathers mother died. Its surprising that when your that young a village cricket green and surrounding houses seemed enormous, but know it was small and quaint!
Still I parked up took a few photos for the family archive and watch a cricket match whilst eating my way through a double 99 cone!

The Scrambler:
Coped well with the twisty roads as expected.
No problem with tightening bends.
A few false neutrals 6 to 5th gear and one or two 3-2nd I still am inclined to believe it was rider error not really paying proper attention and the newness of the bike.

Not so well coped!
The seat is horrible, uncomfortable to extreme (I've ridden hard tailed chops with solid seats that were more comfortable)
I would go to the point of saying it was the only thing that ruined the day and I was grateful to get home.
Ok I did best part of a 100 miles on the day before and 96 today but 200 miles over two days is not good enough! I am convinced I will be adding gel pads to mine and the pillion seat this winter!
The suspension not that much of a problem and as yet have not tried two up riding. I know its built to a price, but adding the new fangled (to me) cassette dampers (?) to only one fork is just pure penny pinching! An after market company can sort that by adding a matching cassette to the other fork for a couple of hundred pounds fitted seems like a good idea to me. The back, its got suspension my last bike didn't so win win lol. although maybe that will get upgraded as well later on.

plus point
Having to stick to speed to limits gave me 56 mpg!

Daytripper

100 odd mile round trip to Verwood today.
Still getting a few false neutrals, but not convinced it's the bike more me not taking notice!
Throttle Tamer is a resounding yes!
Seat a mild ouch
Boring sticking to max 80 mph!

Throttle Tamer

This refers to Ducati Scrambler dunno why it's posted here! Can't change it

"Tamer" arrived today took only 20 minutes to fit most of that was taking off the grip from old throttle and putting on the new one!
Fired up to check movement and adjust noticed the difference even then. Will be using the bike tomorrow for work, heavy rush hour traffic should tell me and show the difference easily.

Didn't have a part number but just

Ducati G2 Ergonomic Throttle Tamer

Fitting:

To remove

Two crosshead screws
Two 8mm bolts
Barend plug Allen bolt

Seperate the casing carefully release the cable from old throttle slide old one off.
Replace with the new noting how it fits into the casing.
Refit the casing loosely with the 8mm bolts first .
Taking care to correctly align the cable in the cover before screwing it back on.
Then have fun putting the grip on!
If you need pictures get someone else to do it!
Seriously it's not rocket science it's about making sure it rolls on and off smoothly no snagging or roughness in movement. YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
If you are in anyway worried get a professional to fit it.
You Tube has several videos on it as well.

Town Work. (ish)

Ride around local area along the sea front, some C roads and the like. So had holiday traffic. Tractors, cyclists and the like.
I'd adjusted the gear lever and brake lever up a little, less missed gears ( not false neutrals) my wrong doing!
It has lifted them slightly but gear change is more positive , now need to try with boots on.
Also topped up with fuel and at a guess about 50 mpg. Not Being skinflint but better mpg means I'm riding the bike better as far as I'm concerned!
Suspension adjusted up to forth setting front end diving less didn't notice any difference elsewise.

A few more miles

So today I rode into work in rush hour, if anything helps get used to a bike the stop start of rush hour and idiot driving of some is a good test of man and beast!
I will admit I was a little nervous , it's me a confidence thing well lack of it.
Yesterday I dropped the rear suspension a click down to second stop to see what it was like. Interestingly, the front end nosed dived a little more, at first I thought it was me still getting used to a proper front brake! But after playing around with it I found that a little back brake at the same time evened things. Before I use the bike again I'll hitch the rear up to fourth stop and see what happens.

I'm not an expert, never professed I was but learning the bike is a more interesting way to get used to things others throw more money at it to make it like the rest of  your bikes, seems daft and lazy.

I received the rear rack and throttle brake clamp today.
Croc clamp by Datatool  seems a better idea than a disc lock as it is highly visible so can't be forgotten ( I've trashed two disc locks by riding off having forgotten it! It also fit under the seat or in a pocket whilst travelling. For short trips out etc I hope along with the steering lock and immobiliser should make the opportunist walk past! 

The rear rack would have fit within half an hour, however one small soft metal screw head Allen bolt was already damaged in production, way to tight and a complete arse to undo and only managed to loosen it. And a crossed threaded Allen bolt holding the mudguard sub frame in place turned it into a two hour job.

Rear Rack
So I will swap out these stupid little bolts for some stainless ( a small winter project methinks)
But the end result is pleasing gives my wife a far better handhold than the half hearted ones under the seat.

25th July 2015

Picked up my new Ducati Scrambler Classic from Motorapido Winchester Saturday morning at 09:30
First new bike for decades infact 3!

A lot has been said over the past months about this bike and its derivatives and Ducati's marketing tactics The Land of Joy  and its handling, throttle kick back, brakes, exhaust etc!
I sometimes wonder why people buy a new bike but then spend hours complaining about this or that and/or spending shed loads of money changing stuff!
I've built what I wanted out of a bike mostly custom I admit, but to spend on average £8k on a bike then spend another £2k or so replacing parts before "living with it" for a few months seems daft!