Monster job!! : Forum build, repair, FUNDING REQUEST

[Noggin]

I have posted elsewhere about riding a bit and some pics. But wanted to come back here, mainly to say thank you

I did have a few weeks where I avoided riding with the excuse of weather but mostly because it was causing an issue for my elbow on the dodgy arm

The last two weeks I've had to get to the valley for class and had no other transport, sooo, had to MTFU and just ride and oh man it's been fab (when I'm not freezing!) Damn it's good!


So, Monster

IT's SO LITTLE!!!!!! I mean, REALLY little!! I've never had a bike that I could get both feet flat on, this one, not only can i get both feet flat, but my knees are bent!!!! And, this afternoon I parked with it pointing down a slight slope and was able to sit on it and walk it back!!! That's never been possible with previous bikes

I don't seem to need to use more than the first 3 gears. Is this weird?? I mean, the speed limits are really low here but even when I maybe go a bit above, I've only hit 4th gear very briefly before the road starts sloping up and the engine seems to ask for a lower gear!! I'm a bit weirded out cos there is no rev counter, but I can feel/hear that it needs to change down!! LOL (To clarify, I think I've maybe got to 75mph a couple of times on one of the roads but I'm mainly around 50-60mph in the valley)

It feels quite slow and, for its size, heavy - but I suspect that's perception based on not having the same skills as I did before!! And the fact that cos it feels so little, I think it should be really lightweight

I'm always worried about the way it sounds But I went to a friend's when I got home this afternoon to show it off and he used to have the 748 (?? think it was that one - bigger engine, same frame) and he said it sounds exactly like his used to, so that's good


I did buy this in its 'non runner' state with the plan to race it in the DesmoDue series, and that still will happen, hopefully. But I'm seriously looking forward to the spring and getting the chance to go play with slightly less chill-to-the-bones afterwards!!!


The hugest of thank yous comes to all you guys cos without you I wouldn't have had it to ride and also because it reminds me just how happy it makes me to ride a bike.

THANK YOU ALL - YOU ROCK!!!

[Noggin]

More thank yous to you absolute legends

I've posted this pic elsewhere. Sadly it was way too busy to try and get a photo of the Monster in front of the sign at the Col de l'Iseran So, here she is with her somewhat bigger and newer friend!!




I'm still weirded out that I'm basically only using three gears. Probably ought to check what sprockets are on there and what should be! And that she is soooooo small!! LOL I suspect the seat might be cut down for a short arse, but hey, I can ride

I do lack a bit of confidence in the bike herself, but that is more to do with me never having ridden one of these before so not knowing how it 'should' sound or behave. And knowing the tyres are ancient!!! Oh, and having bought her as a complete wreck and never planning that she'd be my only road bike!

Need to do a lot of work on my skills and confidence but I now have another friend to go play with - who rides a bit like I used to, so that's handy as someone to follow. He also is quite happy if I don't instantly follow (lack of courage, lack of power and spidey senses!), he carries on being a hooligan until there is a less interesting stretch and then chills and waits for me. No pressure to keep up (not that I'd try!!!)


I wouldn't be able to ride this summer without you guys. Hopefully you all know just how much it means to me that I can and that you all made it possible

Love you all loads and THANK YOU