First trip out with my 796

[32vsnake]

This bike represents a couple of firsts for me; first Ducati, first Italian bike and my first twin, so I was expecting some serious differences from my 08 GSXR.

First thing’s I noticed yesterday on the ride home from the dealership were the horrible clutch engagement and the rubbish fuelling below 3500 RPM.
Once up to speed things smooth out a bit, hit a 110km/hr and am introduced some long ago forgotten physics lesson about force, matter and resistance.

Hmm this could be a good upper body workout, sweet I bought a bike that comes with its own built in gym membership.

I’m 5km into my new ride and wishing that I was on my Suzuki with its sweet friction zone, perfect fuel mapping and full fairings.
Hopefully things will smooth out once the bike breaks in.

Fast forward to today and with some 20’C weather with not a cloud in the sky; I've decided the temperamental Italian and I need some alone time to become better acquainted.

Attached the cortech tail bag and threw a dart at the map…destination Jordan River. The trip puts me approximately 150km from my home in Victoria, which is probably plenty of time to get to know my newest mistress (or just far enough from home to push her off a cliff if she misbehaves)

Based on our tremulous beginning I figured I should take some pictures of the bike prior to leaving home, just in case we don’t arrive home sunny side up.





Well it didn’t get any uglier overnight; surely that’s a good sign. Turns out we’re already off to a better start. Drove through a speed trap and oddly enough wasn’t doing enough speed to draw the attention of Johnny law. Score one for the lack of wind protection, built in radar detector that stuff is.





Somehow this looks like it might be the bikes natural environment…O my what have I done


Welcome to our little paradise (just inside of Sooke BC) where even the gas stations have ocean views



View from the Jordan River view point

[32vsnake]

Silly Kayakers….guess they don’t know that you can get boats with engines. Beautiful day to be on the water and I must admit to being slightly jealous



So far the ride out has been Ok…not great but OK. The fuelling still sucks as does the clutch engagement but she’s warming up to me



Not much to be said here…could be the best food ever, let me know if you try it and live.



Road out of Jordan River

[32vsnake]

Entrance to French Beach Provincial Park. If you’re visiting the Island and camping is on your agenda this would be one place to consider spending some time. Reservations highly recommended

[32vsnake]

Oh look it thinks it’s a dual sport…gravel for the win!










And right about here is where the cameras batteries go on strike…







So did I come to terms with my new Italian steed...possibly? The ride home started to endure me to the bikes wicked charms.

Sweet booming V-twin music, slick shifting and the ability to hold damn near any line… I lusted after the bike in the showroom; now that the honey moon is over I’m starting to fall in love with it.

But every now and then it had its way with me and shuddered away from a stop. Subtle reminder of who’s in charge, makes me think I just got married for the second time.


Last weekend added a 300km trip to the bikes resume, no pictures since I forgot the camera's memory card

Planning on a 5 day trip in a couple of weeks and I'm still undecided whether to take the motard or the gsxr. Either way I'll be sure to have batteries and a memory card...watch me forget the camera this time

[firstarsbrnwhite]

Nice write up. Yes, these bikes take more energy and are harder to ride than their japanese counterparts, and you only have the gentle 796.

[el tardo]

first thing is the 796 has a stock slipper clutch so it will feel different then normal clutches
second after your first oil change the bike will loosen up and feel smoother.
not sure if your into exhaust systems but one of the members here has a de cat for sale in the classifieds section im sure you pick up for cheap.

the 796 is no wimp compared to the 1100 model,dont listen to the haters

[thepittman]

Yeah the bike is a wake-up call after driving Jap bikes. I've stalled this bike out a few times in low revs and have ride the clutch more than I would like to just come from a stop correctly.

I'm at 300 miles right now with mine and love the character of the v-twin, annoyed with a bit of it's low RPM roughness(I thought v-twins were know for their low RPM ridability), but overall I love the bike. The riding position is great, the bike is still good through twisties, and it makes me smile while I'm riding it.

[el tardo]

this is a mod you will want to do!!

FS: hyper 796 Leo Vince de-cat

[Fin_Duc]

...and a 14T front sprocket...

...and a PCV or Bazzaz... (will cure the fueling)

...and some carbon....

...and a slip-on....

[32vsnake]

Originally Posted by thepittman

Yeah the bike is a wake-up call after driving Jap bikes. I've stalled this bike out a few times in low revs and have ride the clutch more than I would like to just come from a stop correctly.

I'm at 300 miles right now with mine and love the character of the v-twin, annoyed with a bit of it's low RPM roughness(I thought v-twins were know for their low RPM ridability), but overall I love the bike. The riding position is great, the bike is still good through twisties, and it makes me smile while I'm riding it.

This X2 ^^

The slipper clutch and the engine in the 750 are deadly smooth, esp compared to the tard ....but I'm getting used to the clutch and could care less about the HP defecit

The bike is a tonne of fun and I can see it becoming the only bike that I spend much time riding.