Back in the biking game

[agnes]

Well, next weekend (16th Nov) I hope to pick up my new toy... Well, I hope, might be the weekend after. A lot going on family wise but I was meant to travel the world at the end of December for a couple of years, but family problems have stepped in and I want to be around family for the moment.

So, enough of the sob story, I stashed a load of cash away until later but got my self a little gift in the mean time...

A Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring! This one to be exact:

http://www.bransonsmotorcycles.co.u...&MODEL=MULTISTRADA 1200S TO&ENGINECC=1198#eq1

The reason I went for this one is not actually clear because they kind of messed up the add a little... Here are the main reasons why the price is appealing to me:

• The bike is just over 2 years old (end of October), this means they will carry out a full 15,000 mile/2 year service, incluing belts, valves etc etc under the price
• Comfortable gel seats
• Original seats still included
• After market screen
• Original screen still included
• Ducati top box
• Low mileage (5,900)

All of the above is very good, the bike is in absolute mint condition. And to be honest, with the mileage it has, and one owner, I would have thought he only brought it out when the weather was perfect... Other models for this year and mileage are the same price, but minus all the extras. Overall, not a bad deal for £10,995!

Insurance isn't too bad considering I'm only 25 either and my 3 years NCB ran out in July

So, when is the next meet, distance isn't a bother as I won't be on the very demanding Ducati 1098S this time lol.

 

[agnes]

Very nice I know you like your Ducati's
I test rode one early in the year, pretty damn fast actually.

I've test ridden the 11, 12 and 13 models. The 11 and 12 have no difference in them at all. The 13 obviously does, smoother throttle all round due to the dual ignition system and the improved air injection.

But, a fuel mapping to the 11 or 12 year version gives the same results.

The skyhook is nice, but again, nothing a bit of tinkering can't replicate if you ask me.

I loved the sport mode, great fun, like **** of a shovel.

 

[agnes]

Wrong Ducati

Nice to see you back on a bike though, next meet sometime next year now!

Haha, you arse

I am bored of superbikes for the moment, I want something that can take me to the lovely mountain passes in Europe with ultimate comfort, yet give me a huge smile when I wind it's neck for the twisties.

The 1098S and 748S were tough to ride after a couple of hours... Nevermind over night!

EDIT: If anyone wants to meet at the London Excel NEC bike show, I'm heading on the Saturday (15th February) to get all my sexy gor-tex gear sorted. Only own 2 1 piece leathers...

 

[agnes]

Given that you're also in Reading, along with several other bikers from here - Why not pick somewhere local?
H's Cafe (formerly Fox's Diner) is a popular one, just up the road.

H Cafe is ok, but a bit boring. It used to be my solo trip on most Sundays if I had nothing better to do. Not a bad little blast up there.

 

[agnes]

I want your bike!!!! I will trade you for one weekend, my Multi for your Bonnie, think it was you at the big meet we did and it was only a few of us heading back past Oxford and we saw a guy with a old Jag(?) in white at a petrol station. He loved your bike haha.

I will probably do it at the start or middle of Spring.

I just pulled all my gear out from the loft, cleaned it all up. The lining in my helmet smells like flowers now after a good wash haha. Problem is, I only have 1 piece leathers. BKS ones which are rather snug if anything. Not very comfy for long periods of riding.

I still have my waterproof overalls. But sadly, only have very expensive summer gloves that are no more than a month old. And Sidi boots which have scuffs, scratches, holes and all sorts. They have been thoroughly worn out after many seasons of riding and several high speed offs haha.

So, I will hit up the NEC show at London Excel 15th February next year with a couple of grand in my back pocket. I want the Rukka Arma S 2 piece gor tex suit! New gor tex boots and some comfy gloves. If I have enough spare, a Shoei RX1100 lid would be the cherry on top!

 

[agnes]

Oh wow! That would certainly do for a few months that's for sure! Cheers mate, will have a perve on the site.

And yea mate, I think we should get another thread going for Spring time

 

[agnes]

Whilst in a 'queue' on the mountain at Isle of Man (well, 'queue' meaning waiting for a couple of guys to move over at 120mph and not wanting to go up inside) one of these weaved in and out of the half dozen or so bikes clogging the road and and just buggered off, so they can definitely shift.

Whether someone should be undertaking at 120+ mph is another thing, but it opened my eyes to these things.

I was having a bit of a blast with a chap on a gixxer thousand and I had it in urban mode, he tore past me just as we hit the A4074, I was not having that, stuck it in sports mode and caught up with him. We had a great little ride and silly speeds and hit the H cafe. I got off and he came over and said "**** me that sofa is quick!".

So yea, it can shift. I am in love with it, it's so fun! Most of the time it's in urban mode for my commute to and from work through town, which is perfect. 100hp, sluggish throttle and high traction control, soft and low suspension. Touring for the motorway runs I do a couple of times a week, 150hp, sluggish throttle. But when the weekend comes, or I fancy a crazy stint, Sports mode

Suspension lowers and stiffens up, throttle response is fully aggressive, just sheer fun! I would have this over the 1098S any day of the week.