Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Yea that list sounds about right. Still the step up until I’ve got the hours in on the Bandit, size and weight increase is incomprehensible.

OG all the way, though. I love the naked bike thing, and failing that it has to be a streetfighter. I don’t plan on dropping a bike, but it’s gonna happen at some point and when it does I don’t want to pay millions for plastic.

I’m less concerned about moving, more about slow speed, parking, and getting it down the side of the parents’ house into the shed, that’s why smaller/lower and lighter.

There’s a Monster in Blade as well, I kept getting drawn to it. Pretty sure it was the bigger engine though.

Totally unnecessary power, but looks crazy fun

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@skinny I was utterly smitten by the 990 adeventure. It was like an even wilder Street Triple. Seat was just too damned high, and the GF didn't like that V-twin shunt.

Haha that's the best bit. I am still in trouble for an accidental wheelie off the lights with Mrs Skinny on the back!

Yeah for me at 185cm it's perfect height.

100bhp is good. I wouldn't want less now. I'd in fact say it's about perfect. My ktm was dyno'd at 115 and that was just about right. The blackbird, now that was unnecessary.

My tattooist guy (who I blame for getting me into moto) bought himself a blackbird after over a year of talk. He loves it but hasn’t put many miles in since purchase in the autumn. Sounds way too risky - instant speed of sound in first gear, and thirsty as hell. No good if there’s any road surface risk. He’s had a bunch and plans on no other bike ever again. Just looking at it scared me.

What’s the little 125? Like 10bhp? It felt like a pushbike after an hour sat on a Bandit. Bet it feels like a balance bike after life on a 100bhp.

I got 40mpg from mine. I though that was good.

We had a wee tour on a Multistrada which was surprisingly less refined fueling wise, but I just think she doesn't like Twins, whereas for me the overrun after bouncing of the limiter is just a joy.
I tried a GS last week. It's a wafting sofa and very tempting, but there's such little character its hard to get excited about hitting the starter.

So long as it isn’t dread, like my L-plate pos.

Trying to change my front brake pads while mini-Hugo7 is napping.

Accidently pushed one of the piston in, popping the other out.

Do I have to drain, bleed, rebuild?

Fluid came out.

Cheers

Yes you do. And check the piston isn't damaged.

Yeah twins just ooze character.

Aghhh...

Fuck it. Got to learn how to rebuild a caliper some time. May as well get new pistons as these have some corrosion.

Just a pita as I was just wrapping it up.

Should have just hung up the washing instead.

I have a wee crush on the 1st gen Multistrada. They're not as hideous as I remember them. Also good for smashing across Europe two up (Hopefully movement won't be made too difficult).

@hugo7 Well worth the rebuild with new seals and all. It's near identical to cycling calipers. I have a vacuum bleeder if you need it.

Cheers.

Tbh I'd been wanting to do a rebuild to upgrade the pistons. But I was thinking next winter, rather than just as we're coming into spring as the pitting wasn't that bad. TBH I actually wanted to see if I could get a 2nd hand 3 pot that would fit, and service that.

Hey, ho.

Just more things to stop me riding it. At least the rear is done and looking fwd to seeing if the softer organic pad will help balance out the braking.

Where are you now?

How much corrossion, more than a scotchpad to clean?

1000cc engine is a peach, keep an eye on the belts and tensioners, simple to replace. All will have had the clocks replaced a few times due to moisture. Make sure there is documentation to prove the mileage or haggle on price. Pop the heads off and lap the valve seats to check for any problems and the get the valve timing right as variable valve timing sometimes isn't set right.. Oh and get the center stand and comfy seat if you can they are top accessories.

Also lightweight wheels improve the handling immensely.

Great to hear! I’ve been doing a lot of digging into their foibles and potential issues. Surprisingly very little that requires overly complex work.

I’m looking at the 1100, which seems to have solved some of the prior issues with crank position sensor and starting issues. Also prefer a wet clutch.

Can’t seem to find info on how important that red key is in the grand scheme of things.

Curious question for you. How much ethanol do we have in UK petrol?
Tank expansion seems to be an issue on these.

Proper road time on the Bandit 600 today. Felt wobbly to start, good after a while. Need time with the bike to get to know it. 10 days til next lesson, so lots to forget in the mean time.

Back on the 125 to go home and it was night and day. After getting to grips with super smooth light touch on the controls, had to remember how to pin it on every junction. Horrid horrid step down. Zero power, urgh.

Ha yeah I remember that! It was always like riding a bmx home.

Nah, bmx has more power !

@hugo7 did the other piston come fully out? If not, an old trick is to extract the piston that was pushed in... use two sockets, with the larger one on the ratchet and as you turn they lock against eachother, then grip the inside of the piston. Means you can wiggle it out. Good luck!

All models of plastic tank may have issues, the fuel lines too.

Loud clutches save lives.

Red key was need to be able to program more keys to the imobiliser. Some bikes have two black keys and a code card while others had a red key and a black key. You want what the bike came with or a hefty discount say £500. Think the keys can be cloned now but without the code card or red key you can't remove lost keys.

EDIT Ducatiupnorth and Ducatims forums are the best for info and help. Very friendly and have meet ups too.

Where are you now?

Borehamwood.

How much corrossion, more than a scotchpad to clean?

I'll put up some pics. After seeing the price of SS kits +seals I might just try and polish harder.

did the other piston come fully out?

Pretty much although I pushed it back immediately and it seated.

I've removed the caliper from the bike, in part to make sure I do it properly.

It's a pain, but I'd rather do it indoors in the evening (or at least in the outhouse), knowing I can do it cleanly and calmly.

Also if anyone has a left 3 pot nissin from a early 00's CBR600 /similar let me know. It looks like they may fit and I'd sooner referb a better caliper.

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