revtothelimit - motorbike forum

So me my mate drove over to collect it this morning. First thing is that it's the tallest bike I've owned, both feet can't get flat on the floor but not awful, just something to get used to.

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!

Tis a beauty.

I was 65 before I sold my last sportsbike and only because I couldn't behave,not for comfort reasons,so you've plenty of years yet for being a tool.

That's proper!

Very NICE! My knees started complaining looking at those rear sets!

Congratulations!

Looks very clean.

weeksy wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 4:42 pmThat's proper!

Thanks mate, was pleased to get it for £5K including paddock stand and cover. 6000 miles and all the bits I would have bolted on anyway.

Bloody awesome

derek badger wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 5:10 pm

weeksy wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 4:42 pmThat's proper!

Thanks mate, was pleased to get it for £5K including paddock stand and cover. 6000 miles and all the bits I would have bolted on anyway.

Bargain! But get them belts changed the absolute very first thing you do...

mangocrazy wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 9:52 pm

derek badger wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 5:10 pm

weeksy wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 4:42 pmThat's proper!

Thanks mate, was pleased to get it for £5K including paddock stand and cover. 6000 miles and all the bits I would have bolted on anyway.

Bargain! But get them belts changed the absolute very first thing you do...

100% next ride will be to ProTwins or MD Racing...whoever can fit me in first.

Don't worry about all that is there an exhaust spring missing or not bollocks, just gan it up on t'back wheel.

MyLittleStudPony wrote: Sat May 31, 2025 10:48 pm Don't worry about all that is there an exhaust spring missing or not bollocks, just gan it up on t'back wheel.

You never disappoint. Have them on the brakes...

Nice.

Remember the first rule of Italian driving: "What's behind us, is not important."

Hard to believe that's a 17 year old bike, both in terms of condition and style.

Lucky you.

That looks to be in fabulous condition. Enjoy.

Couldn't get through to Mike Dawson, not sure if he's still trading as the garage that answered said they are no longer doing bikes (?!). Booked in with Pro Twins at Godstone end of the month. All I can do now is go down the workshop and stare at it and buy/fit parts.

Battery has been changed as the terminals were corroded. Connected to new Optimate 3.

Replaced four of the wrong sizes chewed up ally fairing bolts.

Number plate bracket is being fabricated to accommodate an 8x6" plate.

RAM mount fitted for phone holder and USB socket ordered.

Grips are hard as shite (probably the OEM ones) so a set of grey medium Renthals have been ordered.

Looking at mirror extenders and/or aftermarket replacements.

Love it, ( although I know my old man joints wouldn't these days...)

Looks like a good (lightly used and not fucked about with ) one, nice

Lovely, mirror extenders and slightly higher bars make a huge difference

The massive plate hanger on the 848 is too big for an 8x6" plate, it hangs out the sides. Upon removing the plate, I noticed it's a two-piece set up so I'll take off the 'x-piece'...only one of the screws in seized into the threaded brass push-in. Drilling the bolt heats it up enough that it pulls clean out of the plastic bracket, but two remain which will be enough for what I want.

Italian build quality

Superglue it.. Docca would

I've got some 4mm allen bolts with really short heads. So I've cut a strip of steel and bent it enough so that the bolts will not foul the plate. I'll then drill two more holes further out for the number plate fixing bolts.