Riding the DB1

[froryde]

I know it's taken a very long time, but I finally got around to taking the DB1 out for a long(-er) ride last Sunday.

First impressions: the bike handles!! The compact dimensions, low seat height, and the 16" wheels makes the bike sit very low to the ground and just hugs them corners!

Combination of being not familiar with the bike + old tires + lack of riding skill (the most limiting factor really!) prevented me from leaning her over too far, but she just loves flicking from side to side!

The front brakes are powerful even by today standards but grabbing a handful really does stand the bike up in the corners. Is this because of the profile of the tires or because of the fact its 16"s?

She doesn't like to idle (I have to keep her on boil around 2K+ [maybe because of the Santa Monica cams?] and she gets hot and bothered in traffic!) but she does like to pull!

The suspension is showing its age, so maybe I'll send it some place to have it rebuilt / revalved. Also going to switch to a Brembo radial master (not for power, more for modulation, adjustable reach, and - bling!) and maybe some Avon tires later, but otherwise, can't wait to take her out again!

Oh, the rear brake bites (or rather, doesn't). Is this common or is there anything I can do to improve it?

[ZAWA]

Nice to hear you got it out on the road. Standing up under braking is a characteristic of 16's. Also most Italian bike's do not have strong rear brakes. I'am sure that I read that Mike Hailwood said it made the Duck a lot easy to race, or he wanted the rear brake weaker when he did the T.T.. Think slipper clutch and you should see the answer.
P.S. Just the ramblings of the village idot.

[ian43]

I envy your ride. It is snowing lightly here at present!
Idle problems are probably caused by the cams and the larger (?) carbs. However, it would not hurt to give the carbies a good clean.
The enclosed body does cause some overheating concerns if the bike spends time in traffic, but my bike has never actually stopped because of fuel vaporisation.
Many years ago I returned from a ride on a 40 deg C day to hear the fuel in the petrol tank boiling away merrily. The poor battery takes a beating - and they hate heat. Similarly, so does the voltage regulator. I have a portable electric fan that a set up in front of the bike after returning from a ride.
I understand that service parts are hard to get for the Marzocchi M1R forks, but I think that monoshock parts from a Ducati 851 monoshock may be the same.
I'd check the brake master and wheel cylinder pistons and seals for any binding. My rear brake is fine, but I did install new seals a couple of years ago. Remember, never use silicone brake fluid (don't ask how I learnt).
Ian

[quadrasuarass]

Originally Posted by froryde

I know it's taken a very long time, but I finally got around to taking the DB1 out for a long(-er) ride last Sunday.

First impressions: the bike handles!! The compact dimensions, low seat height, and the 16" wheels makes the bike sit very low to the ground and just hugs them corners!

Combination of being not familiar with the bike + old tires + lack of riding skill (the most limiting factor really!) prevented me from leaning her over too far, but she just loves flicking from side to side!

The front brakes are powerful even by today standards but grabbing a handful really does stand the bike up in the corners. Is this because of the profile of the tires or because of the fact its 16"s?

She doesn't like to idle (I have to keep her on boil around 2K+ [maybe because of the Santa Monica cams?] and she gets hot and bothered in traffic!) but she does like to pull!

The suspension is showing its age, so maybe I'll send it some place to have it rebuilt / revalved. Also going to switch to a Brembo radial master (not for power, more for modulation, adjustable reach, and - bling!) and maybe some Avon tires later, but otherwise, can't wait to take her out again!

Oh, the rear brake bites (or rather, doesn't). Is this common or is there anything I can do to improve it?

Standing up when hard on the brakes is common with the 16” tyres.

As for modifications, assuming you don’t already have a DB1 SR you can look to that for inspiration. 4 spot Brembos with 40mm mounting centres (Phil at Road and Race in Aus has the adapters that will bolt straight on) , a 2:1 exhaust. Rework/re-valve the front forks and maybe even put a new shock on the back. White Power offer a bit of aftermarket support for the DB1, they do a nice set of progressive fork springs and will also look at doing a rear shock if you speak to you local rep nicely. Hey maybe even score some Akront 16” rims with the magnesium centres. Sounds like you have hot cams and 40mm carbs already. Then maybe one of those red chains, Wavey discs etc. etc. I could go on a for ever but I shouldn’t be spending your money… Will load up some pics soon of what I’m doing to mine.

[froryde]

No, I don't have an SR (oh I wish!), but thanks for the suggestions. It has a 2:2 aftermarket racing exhuast on (not sure what brand, but it sounds nice! ) and I have a set of white 16" 5 spoke Tecnomagnesio rims that I will spoon on later when I change tires.

Not looking to do too much to it, but would def. look into upgrading the suspension! I know Wilbers makes some progressive springs as well - not sure who else has anything to offer?