Hello DMF! My name is Pete. I had previously registered on another forum, but find this one to be much more helpful and more friendly.
On March 26th I purchased the bike of my dreams. Bone stock 2007 S2r 800, except for speedymoto open belt. Exact bike I wanted just happened to pop up on CL the day I started looking. Serendipity. Just burned through my first back tire, and the love affair has started. I think I am still in the infatuation stage.
She just hit 11,500 on the clock. All I have done is take the headlight fairing off, and remove the stock exhaust. I am running from just the udder, but plan on crafting some turn down pipes in the near future. Seems to run great this way. Running lean isn't so much of a problem because I live at 8000 ft :)
I grew up riding dirt and ALWAYS wanted a monster. Got a screaming deal.
She does need a little work. I am about to order some Pilot Power 2cts. Any experiences with these on the monster? Also going to order a red EK chain and new sprockets. Should I go to 14t front?
I am mechanically savvy, but don't currently have tools. What tools should I buy first? rearstand, torque wrench, and chain tool? I am hoping that eventually I can do most of the work on her myself.
As far as gear, all I have now is what came with the bike. An Alpinestars Stunt Jacket in XXL and some Track pants in 38. Both waaaaay too big for me, but better than nothing right? Seems like this board might be a good place to look for a trade on them.
Kinda rambling. My lame attempts at expressing my absolute joy for having the bike I've always wanted. I love that it commands respect just like the airplanes that I fly do. Ducati...the cure for ADD.
I do want to take her to a certified Duck shop, but the closest is Denver, and I am already cringing at the thought of a dealer invoice.
Anything I should be especially wary of at that mileage? Previous owner seemed to take excellent care of the bike.
Would love to meet some other Colorado riders. Feel that I have a lot to learn about riding street. Use to take my old BMW to the track. Can't wait to try it on a bike.
anyway...guess that's it!
Hello! (and thanks for all the help I've already found on here!)
(http://files.me.com/orboarder/7puzln)
(http://files.me.com/orboarder/n129ls)
(http://files.me.com/orboarder/nxnh3r)
(http://files.me.com/orboarder/uwg25m)
(http://files.me.com/orboarder/72l2ta)
Lucky SOB... I used to live out there as a kid and there must be some great riding roads... Woody Creek? Up to the pass - though watch out for water on the road... um yeah lots.
So for you questions.
Allen keys -bent Ls for the cheap supplemented by t-handles
Metric socket set
Torque wrench
Rear stand
- With those you can do A LOT of you own work.
As you get more into things, allen attachments for the ratchets, Font stand/fork lift, feelers for valve checks, wrenches and other misc farkle tools.
If it's not been done - you need new cam belts. They are a 2 year or 12k mile replacement item. So if they are original you're way past 2 years.
If you're going for a new chain and sprocket set, it's better to get a larger rear. +2-3 teeth in back and keep the 15 in front.
If you haven't get someone to help or do a suspension set up on the bike.
Common upgrades:
- Suspension. These have the basic available. Forks from a lot of monsters are bolt in. S2R1000, 1000 etc will slip right in and have adjustments for compression rebound and preload. If you got some, you'd need to set them up of course.. but they have more potential than what you've got. For the shock, if I recall correctly, the shock from the 748/996/998 is the same fit and also a drop in. Do your research though as I might be wrong/ And if it is, you'd probably need a different spring on the shock as the SBKs are a good bit heavier.
- Brakes. You've got the 300mm rotors and 2 piston calipers. A common upgrade is to swap to the 320mm rotors with 4 piston calipers. AAAALLL monsters until 2005 came with that set up, and then some after so it's easy to find the bits. YOu should get new brake lines when doing this as the inlet is different - though folks have used the original line when changing calipers and reported only minor hassles.
Plenty of other stuff too - but suspension and brakes are a good bang for the buck. I went from a 620 (similar suspension to yours) to a 900 with Racetech'd forks and Ohlins shock - and right away I could feel the difference.
As far as gear - yup there's a sale section on the board that's pretty active.
Annnnd there's a a Colorado local area section here:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=59.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=59.0)
Annnnnnd look up DitR - Ducati in the Rockies on here. It's a annual thing that's been going for several years now.
Thanks for all the great information!
Welcome! Great bike. Lots of cool stuff you can do to them, or you can just leave it as is and ride the snot out of it. [Dolph] (But really, what fun is that?)
And as Panda said, start planning on making it to DiTR.
Also, depending on what colors they are and how much you want for them, I may be interested in taking some of that gear off your hands.
How much should I be looking to spend on s2r1k forks? Should I start by just changing my springs and oil and see where that gets me?
Will def mark DitR on my calendar. Seems too cool to miss
Buckethead both the jacket and pants are black. Pants have white alpinestar on each leg. Jacket xxl and pants are 38. Both are like new condition, although I have noticed the zipper on the jacket takes some focus to engage, but once you get it, it stays zipped. Would take 300 for both of them, or make an offer. I'm flexible because anything I can get for them helps towards my new gear that fits. pm me for pics or more info
Thanks for the kind welcomes!
P.S. Rode Woody Creek yesterday. Stopped into the tavern for some huevos rancheros. That place is cool. Great riding road. Also rode up to the Maroon Bells that day. Really looking forward to riding over Independence pass, but like you say, Im sure there will be some wet spots. Will have to go that way to make it to DitR I think.
Just watch out for Kamikaze bicyclists on the down hill from the bells. A road bike can pick up a lot of speed in there.
If you go over the pass be sure to bring a warm layer. You know how it is out there. Couple years back we were coming from Denver in the 80s to Aspen. Top of the pass was windy and low 40s
Speaking of denver- there's a denver group on the board I noticed today.
IT's a bit of slab to get there, but you could go west on 82, hang a left at 133 go through carbondale and on up pas Redstone to Marble. Not super tight or technical on 133 - just a nice bit of scenery. Just check the radar. There's a section of the Crystal river valley between Carbondale and Redstone - the narrows - that can bottle up storms. Been in bright sun, perfect day gone around a bend into the narrows into a heavy snow storm.
Quote from: Slide Panda on May 08, 2012, 12:44:05 PM
Just watch out for Kamikaze bicyclists on the down hill from the bells. A road bike can pick up a lot of speed in there.
Occasionally I'll pull in the clutch and coast down the passes, enjoying the quiet.
I have also been known to come abreast of a bicyclist doing the same, look over at him, and start flogging my steed like I'm on the home stretch of Churchill Downs.
Hi Pete, newbie Duc rider from Fort Collins here! That's a pretty bike you have, is that second shot taken with HDR?
Hey tux. Yep HDR. Shot is 3 exposures, one with on camera flash. My uncle lives in ft Collins. Make it out there from time to time. Cool city. Good beer!
since no one else spoke up....the 2ct is a great tire, and you will not regret them.