Hello from Texas New rider with ducati monster

[joon82]

New rider here. Always wanted to own monster so got myself 2006 Monster S2R 1000. I know its bit much for first rider but I'm taking easy and learning as I ride.
Was active Army for 6 years and currently serving in reserve.
Working full time for Air Force and in reserve with Army

I paid 4k for rebuilt bike from actual Italian guy who owned 7 different ducati bikes and fix ducati for living.
He could be member here.
Learning to maintain my monster little by little.
Just installed end bar mirrors
took off front wind shield
did clutch/brake fluid flush
and adjusted throttle.

Has 10k miles on it right now
rebuilt at 8k miles
Plan to change oil and adjust chain tension this weekend.

Keep burning clutch at 1st gear. Hard to find right spot to grab and go. I guess I'll get better as i ride.

Question.
Is it really hard to adjust/check valve? Closest ducati shop is 2 hrs away.
Also is it ok to run 10-30w synthetic? My local autozone ran out of 10-40w so grabbed 10-30w(32.99 with my car filter) while on sale.

[Curmudgeon]

Welcome! Nice looking bike. Why was that rebuild necessary at 8K?!

Slipping clutch in 1st? You could always lose one tooth in front.

When were the belts last changed? 2 years / 12,000 mile intervals on that bike I believe.

Save that 10W30 for your car and buy some Mobil 1 4T Racing 10W40 which has what you bike needs. It's specifically bike synthetic with bike additives and few car additives. Advance Auto Parts and many other parts stores carry it, especially this time of year!

Thanks for the full intro but where are you? 

[joon82]

Wichita falls, TX
2 hrs from Dallas,Tx

I drive by orange/black stripe S4R everyday on post.
I wonder if that guy/gal is member here.

I dont have detail history of this bike other than rebuilt on 8k miles. Sent email to previous owner.