Ride back was about 30 miles of A roads and I was taking it easy as it's overdue a belt change. However the handling is amazing, like it's on rails. Very neutral and confidence inspiring. The Termis are loud...I mean obnoxiously so. Luckily I got the baffles with them. The mirrors are useless unless you like looking at your elbows. Minimal adjustment. Riding position will take some getting used to, I'm 51 and not ridden a sportsbike in a while. It wasn't completely uncomfortable, just a bit alien and I wouldn't want to do more than an hour before stopping for a rest.
Got it home and let all the kids have a sit on it etc. before giving it a going over. It cleaned up nice, nothing to complain about on a 17 year old bike, small bit of pitting on the very bottom of the stanchions that I'll keep an eye on. The chain was over oiled/waxed and a good amount had flung off all over the swing arm by the time I got home. Cleaned it up and re-oiled it. Exhaust spring is not missing, just an additional mount that isn't used. Gave the panels and wheels a clean up and polish and started making a list after fitting the exhaust baffles. It still sounds sexy, but the dogs didn't start barking and the neighbours car alarm didn't get set off.
Book in for a belt change.
Research how to improve the mirrors.
Check tyre pressures.
Buy another Optimate.
Order a new numberplate.
Proper chuffed all in all to be back owning a Ducati!
