1st Ducati . . .
greetings RustBoxBrad,
Start at the front of the bike and check each and every fastener for tightness, corrosion, missing or mismatched, or damaged. Look at the hydraulic lines, fuel lines, drain hoses, checking their condition. Replace the turn signal bulbs, brake light bulb, and headlight bulb. Or carry spares all the time. Change the fuses and carry extras with you every time you ride. Change the air filter, fuel filter, and clean the mesh screen when you change the oil. Look for leaks, making notes on all of this for future reference. Check your chain alignment and condition of sprockets. Change both sprockets and chain at the same time, if needed. Spark plugs get changed. Check the air in your tires every time you ride, flats are not fun and will hurt you.
You are starting a maintenance record to keep your motorcycle safe. Parts falling off are bad, if not deadly. This machine will provide many years of safe, pleasure-filled riding, if properly maintained. If not, well, then you are asking to get yourself and/or others hurt or worse. I think you would agree that your life is worth keeping your motorcycle safe to ride.
chow,
Fred
