What Have YOU Learned? - Ducati.ms

Riderjeff · Dec 30th, 2011, 11:30 pm

As we slide forward into 2012 and I'm ruminating on the future of my fuel tank, I find myself wondering about ALL the things I've learned since buying my SC GT 1000 new in 7/06. Here's a few things that come to mind:

1) Damn, this bike is narrow for it's displacement. I had a 1982 GS1100 before this and there's no comparison.

2) The Power (if not majesty) of a Desmodromic 2-valve V-Twin is SWEET! Just like I'd hoped it would be.

3) Surprise, a 1982 Suzuki with $300 Works Performance shocks has better suspension than my stock $10,000 Ducati. (But I really don't care...it's only money!)

4) If you really love the bike, you can justify almost any $$$ on a mod.

5) Plastic fuel tanks vs. Ethanol... What the Hell?!?

6) Yes, you can Tour on a GT.

7) For once in my life, I'm not looking forward to what is my next bike. Just what do I want to make this "Keeper" more enjoyable.

Interested to hear what you've learned, Have a Happy New Year and stay on the throttle!

Riderjeff

PS- I've also learned not to post while I'm drinking Rye Whiskey...

!

greggers · Dec 30th, 2011, 11:41 pm

I've learned two things since getting my Sport. 1) I have a LONG way to go in my riding and 2) every time I look in the garage I realize that, sometimes, dreams do come true

Tom S. · Dec 31st, 2011, 8:48 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riderjeff

As we slide forward into 2012 and I'm ruminating on the future of my fuel tank, I find myself wondering about ALL the things I've learned since buying my SC GT 1000 new in 7/06. Here's a few things that come to mind...

I'm with you 100% on all those points. I bought my GT1000 at about the same time as you. It replaced an '85 Honda Nighthawk that I had for a long time and just loved. The Ducati is better in almost every respect, except for the stupid WTF gas tank deal...

LondonDutch · Dec 31st, 2011, 9:53 am

Hmmm, what have I learned...

1. Modding bikes is fun, but when you cross the line into aftermarket bodywork, batteries and bespoke chassis parts, it all gets very serious and suddenly there are very few people that can help you out when things go wring.

2. Bikers are probably the very best kind of people. They will send you parts before you've paid for them, offer free advice and look things up for you, they'll show a genuine interest in what you're doing, and when things go wrong they'll even come around your house with tools and lend you a hand... If more people had our community spirit and sense of decency, the world would be a better place.

3. My Ducati Sport Classic Cafe Racer is probably the best and prettiest motorcycle in the entire universe.

4. It is also a money-pit.

**YellowDuck** · Dec 31st, 2011, 9:54 am

In 2011 I learned that I was an idiot for not going to the track before the age of 42. And also that what all the other track-heads say is true...once you do it, street riding starts to seem kind of pointless.

Love the bike, and keep spending $$ on it. This year's additions are a steering damper (not really needed), a track fairing (not needed for sure, but looks better than a taped up headlight), and a lap timer (sure to get me into trouble).

Also learned that if you are not trying to beat anyone else's times, there is a lot to be said for riding something unique and interesting at the track - everyone stops to have a look and chat for a while. Yes, I will surely smash it to bits at some point, but what the heck - you have to live life, yes?

Buon anno a tutti!

DucBeak · Dec 31st, 2011, 10:42 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

Hmmm, what have I learned...

2. Bikers are probably the very best kind of people. They will send you parts before you've paid for them, offer free advice and look things up for you, they'll show a genuine interest in what you're doing, and when things go wrong they'll even come around your house with tools and lend you a hand... If more people had our community spirit and sense of decency, the world would be a better place.

3. My Ducati Sport Classic Cafe Racer is probably the best and prettiest motorcycle in the entire universe.

I really like the preceding statements, particularly the one about bikers. Truer words were never spoken.

Svenski · Dec 31st, 2011, 11:37 am

Things I have learned...

How far you can go with modding a bike(you guys are awesome!).

As a mild mannered BMW guy, my GT1000 is my race-bike. I have done very little to the bike because it is pretty much as I need as it sits.

I have not cared about the gas tank bulging issue while my Ducati has been in the garage. Now I have a bigger place, I store it in the basement during the winter time, I HATE that ugly warped thing. Till there is a final solution to this issue, I will try to look the other way.

poolagent · Dec 31st, 2011, 12:22 pm

I'll never say again "this bike is so cool… i 'll not start modding it"

1duckyboy · Dec 31st, 2011, 1:32 pm

I've learned you don't get what you pay for regarding Ducati motorcycle quality and customer support.

I've learned I'll suck it up and get an aluminum tank. :^)

magus · Dec 31st, 2011, 4:20 pm

What I have learned:

- I love the DS1000 engine on my SC as much as I did on my ' 06 Multistrada; it does not disappoint
- I thought I liked the look of the Sport Classic before I bought one. I now know that I love the look and it is the best looking bike on the road.
- You can have a lot of fun at the track even with heavy, tubed wheels.
- LiFePO batteries really can work!
- After many 3rd party exhausts, Termis really do sound best on Ducs

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