Hi All, I'm brand new to the forum and a bit nervous about a first post, but I keep getting a pesky little message telling me to introduced myself, so get that monkey off my back, here goes... First, a confession: I guess like many, I've been a parasite on the forum for a long, long time. Such a wealth of information and experience way beyond mine that I'm sure I can't add much, if any. But guilt got to me, so I decided to join the forum to support it if nothing else. Been on bikes for years. Started with the Jap Crap but they never inspired me, except my Yamaha 350 YPVS. That was a fun bike but built for hooligans (and bike thieves...nicked twice) so I grew out of it. When I heard a Moto Guzzi Le Mans pass by I saw my future...Italian V Twins. Got myself a Le Mans 1000 and loved it, except the Arnold Schwarzenegger forearms required for the throttle. Then along came the Ducati 916. Such a thing of great beauty I just had to have one. So I'm now the proud owner of a 1995 Ducati 916 Biposto. Reads like a fairy tale ending but alas, not so. After a few fun years with my 916 life and commitments interfered. The poor girl languish under covers in the garage for the last 10 years, neglected but not unloved. Now I'm on a mission to restore her. Currently in phase 1: Stripdown. To come: Phase 2: Restore, Phase 3: Rebuild. Im on board now, but on behalf of all the "parasites", I really appreciate all the knowledge you have shared. It's not that we don't want to contribute. It's just that we don't know as much as most forum members.
Don't worry about not knowing like other members Everyone has something to contribute even me You will be surprised what you really do know so .... Welcome into the mad house I bring with me the knowledge that I like red :Smuggrin::Muted:
Hi Iain Glad you found the Forum. parasite isn't the right word imo, don't think anyone on here minds or cares if people just come on here and read but it makes it more entertaining if you 'come out' unpredictable responses welcome : -)
Welcome, If you are contemplating a full strip down and rebuild then I think you are being a little modest about your knowledge, we all learn from each other and as you say there are a few really knowledgeable members on here, good luck with the rebuild and don't be afraid to ask. Steve
Absolutely. There are times when advice from a non-expert can be more valuable then advice from a pro. Beginners can find a task that a pro would consider super-simple really quite daunting and getting advice from someone relatively un-knowledgeable but who has recently carried out the same task and can recognise potential pitfalls that a pro would never even consider, can be really valuable. When I acquired an SS, I found this: Ducati Suite- For the Do-It-Yourself Ducati Mechanic to be invaluable, mainly because it was written by someone who is not a super-knowledgeable expert but is clever and resourceful. His guides tend not to miss out any of the steps that a pro might, such as 'remove the seat', he will tell you how to remove the seat and with pictures as well. The point is, don't underestimate how valuable what knowledge and experience you do have can be to others. Writing a blog on here of your restoration with full descriptions and lots of pics could be really helpful.
Guys, thanks for all your messages. Very welcoming. 916 rebuild on pause at the moment. No power in my garage so I'm relying on daylight which is in short supply in Scotland at this time of year. When I resume I promise to post plenty of pics Ducbird: Your warning about Exige came too late. He already has some of my hard-earned cash
