Without doubt, servicing the suspension is usually the last thing people consider. Fork oil is no different, the more you work it, the more it degrades, the less damping performance. The Ohlins on my 2001 748R had never been serviced before I bought it 4 years ago. The "fork oil" was doing a very passable imitation of treacle. My 1098R had a fork seal weep so both legs got stripped down and rebuilt last year. The choice of tyre also has a major affect on how the bike feels. I've never tried the Rosso Corse but I'll put money on that it won't perform the same on the 1098 as it does on your Suzuki. If you like Pirelli, I'd have gone for the Supercorsa. If you are looking at a main dealer service you have the choice of 3, Blade in Reading, Snells in Alton and Moto Rapido in Winchester. IMO, Blade as a relatively new dealership do not have the experience which leaves Snells and MR both of which are well thought of independant dealerships who both have more advocates than detractors. Budget £600 ish for a belt service. Andy
I agree with @Android853sp , the first thing I did on my R was get the forsks and shock resprung to my weight and put some decent Supercorsas on it. I then set the geometry and sag etc. Was shit when I first got it (even with those lovely forks) but now it is sublime.
Thanks Andy, that helps a ton! As silly as it sounds, I think the supercorsa is OTT for the road (plus is no good for anything other than 25c summers) and I don't want to risk crashing the R on track (can't afford to and that's what the GSXR is for!) but the Rosso Corsa is a fantastic tyre in the dry and copes okay in the damp. I've had other bikes suspension refreshed but just wondering how the Duke fairs with other bikes and if it has an italian quality to it. That said, I doubt the fork oil has ever been done so I'm looking at 9 year old oil. Guess I need to factor in another bill for getting it refreshed, least it will be sorted. My experience is pretty much Jap bikes till I bought my R and I haven't rode it anywhere near enough yet. At the price I got it for, I would have been stupid not to buy it and I've always wanted a 1098 so it came up at the right time. Snells usually for me (bike has been there once), MotoRapido is a touch further. Won't touch Blade with a bargepole even though they are nearest given the experience with their salesmen over the years. That and all the reasons you mention, the former are highly regarded dealerships.
This has appeared on eBay. Be interesting what it sells for. Ducati 1098R TROY BAYLISS NO 341 OF 500 BUILD | eBay Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I guess it depend on your reason for wanting it. If it's only a track bike then who cares it's on the hit list. You get it for a cheaper price to use it as God intended .
Before I pass my baby over to be serviced (and get quotes first), how easy is it to fit A) Clutch hose (I have an HEL Braided line), Anyone done it? I'm sure it's pretty easy and 2) Been looking at the Exact start kits as the R seems to take a while to wake up unlike other bikes. I'm fairly handy with a spanner, just wondering if anyone has done so I know what I am in for. Will save me an hour/two hours labour.
If you are handy with spanners and have a basic understanding of hydraulics and electrics then I would say that the above two tasks are easy....in my opinion.
I've changed out rear shocks/front forks on other bikes and done general servicing/tinkering. I just feel I need to be very precious with the R and didn't know how much is required in terms to whipping bits off. I've seen a video on the clutch hose but not sure how the hose is routed behind the fairings. As far as the exact start, I'm guessing it's simply swapping it over but other than change the battery last year I've not had a proper look. I need to find a workshop manual!
This is what I got: DUCATI 1098R 1098 R WORKSHOP SERVICE MANUAL | eBay Regarding being prescious...it's just a bike like any other. Nothing mystical!
I can send you the instructions for the Exact Start Kit so you can see for yourself Don't forget the 15% Discount if you Subscribe to the Forum - info here: http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/exact-start-hi-cap-cables-range-and-forum-discounts.36761/
Both are a doddle to be honest. My R wouldn't start shortly after I got it. It turned into a real headache and a lot of time in the dealer changing everything from the plugs, coil packs, clocks, ecu, but a set of @Exige 's leads and an 18A LiPo battery sorted it and it's never failed since. The R runs a 14A battery as standard rather than the usual 12A.
Ricky: I have one kicking about but annoyingly it's on an old computer. Had a look on the net but can't find one for free. I'm amazed how people can get away selling them on ebay without getting done for copywrite. Exige: Incoming PM Robarano: Good to know, I bought a JMT lithium battery off ebay last year as mine had died from repeated attempts to start the beast. What brand is the battery? I'm not too clued up on electronics but how does having an 18A work? I'd have thought it'd fry everything.
So being 53 has it's advantages - still 10 years behind El Toro and becoming as grumpy as he is and cheap insurance for a 1098R too £143.33 fully comp, protected no claims, parked in a shed (very secure solid log cabin double garage with lots of defences - but they didn't have that option so shed it is - I feel like my wooden garage is being treated like Creams Shed :Wideyed
MCE with mods noted: full ti akro, upgrade slipper clutch and beater Ali tank. I put 5 years ncb in but have 6 in May. Ringing them tomorrow to see how much extra to add to my current policy for 6 weeks :Nailbiting:
That would mean you could join El T coming to Lincolnshire for a ride out next Saturday if you temporarily add it to your current policy
