Thanks all for your feedback - ok it sounds like I just need to grab a couple of these relays and then I am all good to go??
Where the hell can I get these relays from? I have been searching the internet but can't seem to find any of the correct ones - Also, could the starter relay cause any issues?
As your doing a great ride for a great cause, I will offer the loan of my Ventura rack and bag for your journey, will fit your 749. You will not need to carry a back pack. You will need to collect and return it please. PM me if interested. Oh and good luck with the ride, as mentioned before check all your fluids, chain, tyre pressures, oil levels, depending on weight your carrying (Luggage that is) suspension possible etc and away you go, and don't forget to keep yourself hydrated and fueled also, small snacks often.
Wherabouts are you based? That would be good - How does it effect the bike weight wise? and how big is the bag? Thank you again for the offer!
I am in North London, work in central London. Its fine not the too big and the times i used it was to go to trackdays with tools and spares and never affected the ride, obviously not on the track. Just seen your location might be a bit too far.
Convince your mate to swap bikes for the first leg and never give it back, I'd sooner be riding a characterless but ultimately reliable sports tourer.
No way, own bike every time. You can do distance on a 749, particularly if speeds are decent. A few minor precautions shouldn't put you off!
Take lots of 20A fuses with you. A couple dozen. If the front brake lever microswitch fails, you'll be glad you have the spare fuses. I keep promising myself a European tour on my 999 - really need to remove my digit on that. Have fun!
MY 749 went from Switzerland, all around the UK including Scotland and back to Switzerland. If I hadn't got a puncture in France (rare) it would all have been fine. The 999 has been from Switzerland up to the Western Isles and the very north of Scotland. Only mishap - another puncture in the Scottish borders. Those are the only two punctures I have had touring, and my bikes have definitely done more kms abroad than in Switzerland. I don't take any tools or anything when I tour. There isn't the room. I have breakdown cover instead. It weighs less. I think Ducatis are pretty reliable and there is no reason for the thing to misbehave. At least 19 times out of 20, you will have no hassles.
I have just heard there will be a support vehicle that we can throw all of our stuff in so I should be ok - thnak you again for the offer though!
