« Marketplace: April 2009 | Main
May 23, 2009
Routine Maintenance
I just placed my order for some serious specialty equipment: doo-dads to check and adjust the shims on the 851 and ST4S, micrometer, belts, etc. Although such tools come at a rather substantial cost, they will save me money in the long run. Perhaps sooner. Each 4-valve Ducati tune-up runs about $700. By the time I do each bike once, the materiel will have paid for itself.
Moreover, as much as I like the fellows at PJ's and appreciate all they do for the Ducati community in Albuquerque, I think that I can afford to take the time to do the work more diligently, if more slowly.
First up, the ST4S, who will need a 12k service by the time Roomie and I have done our next ride on it.
Posted by Underblog at 5:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 12, 2009
Garanimals
With the higher seating position on the ST4S, Roomie decided that she needed a full-face helmet to replace the ¾ helmet we purchased last year. Choosing a brand and a model was fairly straightforward—I was ready for an upgrade from the HJC I bought back in Maryland when we were strapped for cash. I had had Shoei's for years before that. Both of them were in advanced disintegration before I managed to get rid of them. More difficult than choosing the model was choosing the color: I first had a black Shoei, then a red one. Most recently the HJC was in Safety Yellow.
To commemorate the new bike and keep in line with my pattern of not repeating colors, I opted for a light silver RF-1000. Jill had chosen the TZ-R because it came in orange, but at the very last moment pulled the trigger on a Monza Red model instead. As it turns out, our helmets are a Garanimals-type match to the ST4S. See for yourself.
My helmet: | Roomie's helmet: |
 |  |
 | |
Posted by Underblog at 8:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 9, 2009
Matching Luggage
Roomie got all misty-eyed when she saw the embroidering on our TLC bag liners. But the ST4s is special, because I purchased it with her in mind. Roomie even gets a little jealous when I take it out without her. In any case, I am looking forward to taking some day trips (and perhaps beyond, once our housesitter arrives) later this summer. For the time being, an occasional toot up to Madrid or Leona's will have to do. 
Posted by Underblog at 1:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 2, 2009
It's Never Just the Motorcycle
With the new (to me) motorcycle, comes new purchases. The stock headlights on the ST's are pretty poor, and aftermarket replacements are available from Ducati Designs for the tidy sum of $500. When I feel a little more flush, I will pursue one. As it stands, I do not ride much during night hours, and even less when riding two-up. Another useful accessory for the ST are saddlebag liners. These are custom-made for the ST bags, and everyone at the ST forum swear by them. Nice thing about these is that they will allow Roomie and I to quickly and easily pack for overnight trips, each with our own bag making full use of the ST's carrying capacity.
And I have not been alone in keeping the economy stimulated. Roomie has ordered a replacement for the inexpensive helmet I bought for her last year, and she purchased for herself a new fabric jacket. Here's what she has to say about it.
Posted by Underblog at 9:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack