recommendations on tyres, oil & plugs for 2003 DS - Ducati.ms

DucatiNoob · Jan 4th, 2012, 11:20 pm

What kind of consumables are recommended for a 2003 1000DS

I'd like to know what are your optimal:
Tyres, spark plugs & oil. Was speaking to my old man who used to own a bevel drive 900ss back in the 80s, he said he tried lots of tyres & it seemed to come alive with Metzlers on.

I'm from New Zealand, i've been told by a guy from the store with a 748 that he uses Motul 15/50 or something.

I know from the last time I owned a car & modded it a bit that expensive (iridium for instance) plugs & leads can make a huge difference.

After your recommendations based on your experience

bruce19 · Jan 5th, 2012, 12:41 am

I have used Michelin Pilot Powers on several bikes over the past few years and like them a lot. Can't attest to their use on track since I'm a street only rider. But, my street riding includes local and long distance riding.

anonymous.shyster · Jan 5th, 2012, 1:49 am

+1 on the Michelin Pilot Powers. I picked up my last set on Ebay and saved a lot of money.

As for oil, you aren't limited to using motorcycle specific oils due to the dry clutch. The friction modifiers present in car oils will be fine in the Duke. Plenty of brands and choice, just don't go too far from the recommended viscosity. I don't really have a preferred brand here.

Plugs, I like to use Denso plugs. Plugs are easy access to change on the SS/DS so no point spending big money on Iridiums. Just go a fine wire or platinum tipped plug. See here for some charts that I put up so you can identify which plugs to use.

Chain oil you didn't mention, but the best stuff I've ever used is Lanotec Heavy Duty. It comes in a spray pack, just make sure you clean the chain well and lube it at least a day before you go to ride it. The oil won't fly off if you give it time to harden. It's good for o-ring chains too.

Ohlins shock. If you haven't got one and you've got the money, they're great. Best upgrade ever.

bruce19 · Jan 5th, 2012, 2:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by anonymous.shyster

Ohlins shock. If you haven't got one and you've got the money, they're great. Best upgrade ever.

"03 didn't come with one? I didn't know that. Must be just the "05 & '06?

DucatiNoob · Jan 5th, 2012, 3:00 am

Heya thanks heaps for the responses, hope they keep coming

yeah my 2003 DS does have a rear ohlins shock. I need to get it adjusted for my weight though, that's next order of business for me actually.

Joe-B · Jan 5th, 2012, 7:24 am

1. Tires. Personal preference. I use Pirelli on my track SS and Michelin (Power Pure) on my street SS. They're all good.
2. Spark plugs. Check owner's manual, or do a search here. Plenty has been posted on the topic. Different plugs won't make a "huge difference."
3. Oil. Doesn't really matter. Check owner's manual. I like 15W50 synthetic, some use 10W40. Motul is popular but the 300V synthetic is REALLY expensive. I don't think I've ever heard of engine damage from using the wrong oil.
4. RIDE IT

!

GregP · Jan 6th, 2012, 7:35 am

+1 on Pilot Powers. Great in the canyons, on the track and they wear pretty well (3k before they really start to fall off). I used tire warmers at the track and the tires were still very stick on the streets following track days.

No real preference on oil or plugs.

catilover · Jan 6th, 2012, 7:43 pm

hey DucatiNoob, fellow nzer here

on my 95 framed 2002 injected motor i run pirelli rosso corsa's and man have they done me magnificent for our roads!!! im in wellington and i dont know if you know the wairarapa much and the rimutaka hill but they have not done me wrong yet and to be honest i dont think i could out ride the tire and im sliding my knee on the street!!!! bang for buck i got the set for $600 which was a dam good deal too!! i have to recommend them to anyone that rides hard and i dont ride hard all the time, have done 7000km to date and reckon i might just pull 8000km yet

and they have not rounded off yet and i have no chicken strip either, thats how confidant they have made my riding.

i had 2CT's on prior to that and found they were not as trusting and squared of a bit towards there end of life.

as for the oil im running castrol power1 GPS 10w-40 from repco, have had no issues with the oil at all either does what it needs to do

plugs i run are NGK DPR8EIX-9's, again from repco and normally have all that in stock.

Duc800 · Jan 6th, 2012, 11:32 pm

I like the Michelins too. Especially the PP 2CT version. And the prices are great - at least the last time I bought them. They seem to have sort of a triangular shape that helps with turn in.

cb4265 · Jan 7th, 2012, 12:44 am

Me & a buddy share the freight/postage & buy our tyres from here ATV Parts, ATV Tires, Dirt Bike Parts, Motocross Gear, Motorcycle parts and Motorcycle Tires | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

It saves both of us at least $180 each, rather than buy locally.

I use Michelin PR3, he uses Pirelli Angels

I buy Fuchs Silkolene full synthetic 10w-40 Comp 4, & change it every 5000kms or when it's hard to find neutral.

NGK Irridium or regular depending on your usage and wallet