Great question from forum - advice always welcome!

Originally Posted by xxxxxxx

I do have a question. You put a ton of money into making the bike look good. Have you put anything into making it handle good?

Great question and one I'm certain that I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of. Here's what I've done so far and I'm uncertain exactly what the results will be until I actually get a chance to ride her again. For some, I may have approached things incorrectly.

I changed the rear set and went with fixed position foot pegs. I got Woodcrafts, I love the knurl and the grip on my boots. I've spent some time with the bike on the stands playing with the positions and practicing shifting my body from side to side with minimal pressure on the bars. I've moved them back and up just a tad which seems to help me stay closer to the rear of the seat.

In and along these lines I removed the stock Ducati power shifter switch and went with a solid shift linkage for now. I did this because I'm not really experienced enough yet to be full-on throttle up shifting and also the stock shift linkage feels a little sloppy under my toe. I also made the switch to GP style shift, I've always thought that it made more sense than standard. The stock power shift linkage offered less positive travel and although I could have gotten used to that, I felt it better to simplify and get more confident in developing smooth shift / clutch practices. Time will tell but just finding neutral is much more predicable without that little bit of slop.

I changed the brake pads to Galfers HH ceramics, I've no idea how this will work out yet but I read a couple of articles from riders (some I'm sure have Galfer contingencies) about these pads having very progressive grabbing action and being more resistant to transferring heat to the calipers because of the coatings on the metal plates. I'm not a super fast rider yet but I'm making good strides towards braking later and harder as I'm learning my lines and marks (Loudon) My guess is I'll be pretty slow out there and I'll focus on working towards getting smoother.

I added an adjustable height linkage on the rear and I've lowered the bike slightly (12 mm) although this was more of getting the height better for me than for suspension travel considerations. Before I take the bike out for practice I want to getting fully suited up and get the SAG adjusted. I'd love to know who you folks think the best place to take her is.

I have not played with anything in the front yet. I feel like I've made so many variable changes in other areas of the bike at this point that I'll need to start keeping a practice notebook. Because I don't really have a strong vocabulary yet for describing the deltas after changes I'll probably settle for noting the change and recording the old optometrist notions of 'Better or Worse' That definately has its limitations but hopfully both will improve.

I also plan to keep going to Penguin and asking stupid questions and watching you guys. I really could use a mentor too!

-dana