Went to Ducati Aylesbury, just to kick some tyres. Reaffirmed the fact that I can’t learn to love the new Multistrada. It’s so big, the engine cases are inexplicably different colours on each side and the tubular rear frame looks badly made. Why didn’t they make an alloy casting for it like on the previous model? It’s a shame, I’m sure the engine is good. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX ticks a lot of boxes. Seems to be the only sport tourer on the market. Somehow that too is a bit ugly and it’s got a straight 4 aaaand it just doesn’t quite ‘have it’ for me. It doesn’t have that Italian flair. Also a shame. So I sat on a Tuono. Now that put a smile on my face. I couldn’t really take the Mrs on the back, so I’d have to keep the present Multi but it’s calling me. It’s calling me like a load of Greek sirens. Bro 6 has got one, sometimes we go to his shed and just look at it and grin. So I call him and we agree that last years model looks far nicer than the new model. It’s not the shock of the new, I like new designs but what’s going on? Hopefully next years model will look better and I’ll probably give in, happily. So I looked at the new Monster, which I liked in the pictures but it was plain to see that too had been badly hit with The Ugly stick, why? Then I lament that Ducati’s new models don’t look as beautiful as they used to look. The V2 does, the Supersport looks good but they’re too small for me and none of the new 1200’s interest me. So I left with short arms, deep pockets and a heavy heart. When the Panigale first came out it was sensational, I just had to have one. I don’t get that feeling now. They’re loosing that Italian flair. Quite honestly, I’m gutted.
Finished tuning up the 916 injection this morning. TPS reset, cylinders synchro with carbtune pipes and finally mixture, using my new AFR gauge set up. Aimed at 12.8 AFR (4.6 % CO) at idle on the horizontal cyl (playing with the ecu idle mixture trimmer) and set the vertical a hair richer with the bypass (air bleed screw). Went for a ride and it’s positive on all fronts: starting and idle (1100 rpm), both cold and hot is amazing (with better CCA lithium battery as well), throttle response is now a lot more accurate, almost instantaneous, which helps a lot in corners, and engine feels happy from 2000 to 9000 rpm without difference (base bip set-up with 45 Termis and adapted map). It’s quite impressive how efficient injection fine tuning turns out to be. After lots of reading and mental prep, it was finally very simple to do. I was a bit stressed, though, as this was my first experience. Phew!! I am a Happy Ducati camper today!!
That’ll be mine after I’ve cleaned, etched and sealed the inside with Por 15. Having all the carburettor o rings and rubber gaskets replaced should hopefully make it resistant to the ethanol additive being introduced.
Excellent a keeper until the end then, with that work carried out....peace of mind with riding out long distance.
To coin a Terryism google is your friend! But really it works well and should future proof the tank, hopefully!
Por 15 is great, I've used it myself and recommended it here many times. There are unsubstantiated rumours that its not so great when exposed to ethanol though. If you have a new tank, it won't fail anytime soon. Perhaps you could wait and see what the tinterweb says in a year or so to avoid endless cleaning out the carbs?
Totally bewildering subject Some guy in America says Por15 dissolves when exposed to ethanol whilst the manufacturers say Por15 it’s totally safe to use with ethanol. seemingly being alcohol based ethanol drys up rubber fuel lines and carburettor components making them become brittle and liable to crack/ dissolve. Also ethanol being hygroscopic it absorbs moisture from the air, which is not good for fuel in tanks sitting for any period of time. Back to the internet for more grim reading!
Yeah I doubt the truth will be known until thousands of people have exposed the POR 15 lined tanks to a years worth of ethanol. The idea of small bits of a preventative liner breaking off & rendering my bike unrideable is too awful.
Out through Shropshire to Rhayader and back, a little damp in places but nothing major except for maybe a little event at a farm entrance diesel or cattle poop maybe? 4.5 hours of riding along the best roads localish to me stand out today was the Vale of Kerry such a lovely road along there too.
Certain Esso stations stock ethanol free fuel with their SuperUnleaded brand it has been discussed/posted on here. Some folk from what I’ve read are removing the alcohol content from pumped fuel, there are a few tutorials on YouTube showing the hows.
Do you have any more details on the replacement o rings and gaskets, do you know who makes the gaskets. Presumably the o rings are Viton, but do you know the sizes?
Haven’t a clue, the carbs were removed and sent to Harper's Ultrasonic Carburettor Cleaning. Matt’s a friendly guy who knows his onions and I’m sure he could help you.
