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!