[mlukason]

Welcome Rob!

I acquired my ST3 with about the same milage as yours. During that first season I changed out all the fluids, installed new tires, adjusted the valves and replaced the belts. I liked the peace of mind that I was starting "fresh." One thing I didn't do (but should have) was replace the fuel filter (I saved that for too long). If you're in the tank, you might as well replace the fuel line too. I got the high pressure submersible line at NAPA. My old line looked fine, no sign of deterioration. Just make sure to get NAPA's hose clamps for fuel injection lines...they are superior to the normal band clamp.

I haven't done the upgrade to the wires, but my bike fires up fast.

I get belts, shims and tools from LT. He's a fantastic dealer...relevant parts, super fast service, willing to help. If you need OEM parts and are too far from a dealer, try Ducati of Omaha. They have a huge inventory of parts and they ship fast too! Also check the sticky in this forum...alternative parts. Lot's of great info there.

One thing to watch for is premature wear on the exhaust valve guides. The metallurgy was suspect so a number of replacements had to be made on many of the dual spark engines. That's my project for this winter...I'm going to pull the heads off and send them out to get some new guides.

Good luck!

 

[mlukason]

Talk about information overload! See, this forum is a GREAT resource!

Re. the fuel line: I only replaced the line in the tank (1 foot of line will do it for you...about $26 per foot from NAPA...so don't be shocked!). While the external lines are in the way, they don't really interfere with getting the covers off. Just slide them out of the way.

Get the case saver from LT when he gets back from his deployment. This is a easy thing to add...no stripping of body panels.

Order yourself some Au-ve-co well nuts (see the sticky above) and/or do a search on this site. They tend to compress with time and have to be replaced. When you buy a box, they come out to something like $0.30 apiece. Remember to snug them so they expend a bit...you don't have to gorilla them down!

When you adjust the valves look for play when the rocker arm is moved off of the valve. I can grab onto my valve and rock it back and forth (about 1 mm).

I have the Pilot 2 tires. I didn't go with the 3's (mostly due to the fact I don't like the way the sipes look) so I can't compare. The 2's have been great in the wet (and I'm talking some torrential, biblical wet riding this year) and I would buy them again.

I use a steel straight edge for chain alignment. While the laser would be cool...I can use the money for some other bike stuff!