Hiya. I feel like....

20-07-2015, 07:49 PM

QUEEN OF THE ROAD!!!!......

.......now that I have my luscious 2012 696!

So I've now jumped from the "Wanted 696" thread forum to here, to say hello. Here's me in the pic (feeling like biking royalty) on my first ever Ducati in 20 years of riding. I've just washed it by hand (yes....!... By hand, the old fashioned way, with a bucket and soft sponges! No nasty jet-washing for this machine!) after clocking up a couple of hundred miles since buying it last Monday. I hadn't ridden for a few months, as I'd developed a bit of anxiety since being smashed up on my commute for the 2nd time in 3 years, but I feel better now

I live in the Tamar Valley on the Devon Cornwall Border.

I'm going to stop all-year-round commuting now, no more freezing winter hands, being cut-up in the gloomy evenings by tired car drivers, no more riding in all weathers. I'm only riding on non-yukky days and the rest of the time I'll be taking the train and walking. This Ducati is the MOST FUN I've had in ages on a bike, it's like a dirtbike, a Ninja 636 and a Hornet all rolled into one, but with the personality of a V-twin, the need to use your brain in gear changing and drop-dead looks. I'm glad I went over-budget by £300, it was well worth it. This bike LOVES corners doesn't it?! I took it on the Okehampton to Great Torrington road (as I do with all my bikes) and nothing takes that road as well as the Monster, what a bike! I Love it! I'm only 5'2" and this is the first bike I've ever been able to get both feet down on. My husband took it out for a blast one day and he was converted too. He's thinking of getting one now! It's got Pirelli Angels on (which I'd never come across before) and I love them, really good grip. Awesome bike - I even don't mind that you can't get a Curly Wurly under the seat.

So, quick questions; what do you use to clean those brushed metal cans? What do you use on the black plastic stripe? (Back to Black left it blotchy, and that clear dashboard spray stuff didn't do much either). What do you use to keep the seat nice? That spanner symbol that is meant to light up at service time, can my excellent local mechanic switch that off when he services it, or is it a special Ducati software job by a dealer? Also, I want to soften the suspension a tad as it's a little on the hard side and I won't be taking it on any tracks, should I just adjust with a C-spanner a few clicks on the shock spring and leave the damper alone, or what? I'm not sure what's best here.

Anyway, nice to 'meet' you all.

20-07-2015, 08:30 PM

For the suspension - set it as per the manual front and back for all settings.
Try that if still too hard then soften all the settings by one increment, then try that.....

20-07-2015, 08:39 PM

lil wd fer the cans.

rollo22 · 20-07-2015, 08:50 PM

Do quick on line search on how to set up the sag.
I can't remember the numbers at the moment but it's the difference between the bike with no rider and with rider in full kit.
Best done with two people

pompone · 20-07-2015, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrD

For the suspension - set it as per the manual front and back for all settings.
Try that if still too hard then soften all the settings by one increment, then try that.....

Only adjustable at rear I'm afraid.

SunEye · 20-07-2015, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoonermum

So, quick questions; what do you use to clean those brushed metal cans? What do you use on the black plastic stripe? (Back to Black left it blotchy, and that clear dashboard spray stuff didn't do much either). What do you use to keep the seat nice? That spanner symbol that is meant to light up at service time, can my excellent local mechanic switch that off when he services it, or is it a special Ducati software job by a dealer? Also, I want to soften the suspension a tad as it's a little on the hard side and I won't be taking it on any tracks, should I just adjust with a C-spanner a few clicks on the shock spring and leave the damper alone, or what? I'm not sure what's best here.

Anyway, nice to 'meet' you all.

Instead of cleaning the cans just fit some carbon Termis or similar ;-)
Personally I just wash my bike with Muck Off. It seems to get it clean. The MOT tester even commented on how clean it was.
I suspect that the spanner symbol may be only removable by a Ducati dealer, if so, just ignore it. It doesn't cause a problem.

Flip · 20-07-2015, 09:36 PM

Welcome along officially now you've got a bike and great to hear you're pleased with it- they only get better!!

As for the black plastic or any vinyl really I'm a bit old skool and favour STP's 'Son of Gun' which unlike a lot of similar products doesn't leave streaks or crusty white residue when it dries.

I used to use it on the vinyl roof of an old classic car I had years ago and it worked wonders and I still use it for parts on the bike now. For £6.00 delivered it's worth a try and I think you'll be pleased with the results.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STP-SON-OF...item3a60fd59b5

You've got some nice roads down that way as I remember- been a while since I was down there (certainly on a bike at least) but I used to stay in Wotter a lot and go all over that part of Dartmoor.

BigOz · 20-07-2015, 10:02 PM

Motorex Protect & Shine 645 works quite well at keeping the black plastic looking new.

utopia · 20-07-2015, 10:15 PM

Ok, here's my attempt at a "plain English", "smiley-faced" description of basic suspension adjustment.

The first thing to say is that, whatever adjustments you make to the rear spring preload, it won't make the suspension any softer.
This is because its a "linear rate" spring (that's normal) which means that each extra kg of load will produce the same deflection of the spring, right from "unloaded" to "coil bound".
Adjusting the rear spring preload will only affect the height to which the rear of the bike squats under a given load ...this is called "sag" and can be either unloaded, ie just the weight of the bike, or loaded with the rider aboard.
Having said that, you will be a bit lighter than the average Italian male that the bike was designed for, so you will probably need less rear preload to get the rear of the bike to sit at the correct height with you aboard, and to get the rear shock operating over its full range of movement (this usually means it squats to about 30% of its travel with you aboard), neither bottoming out under heavy bumps or topping out too easily when it goes light over a crest etc.

The same reasoning applies to the front springing.
The two together determine whether or not the steering rake angle is correct with a rider of your weight aboard.
...which in turn affects how fast or slow (stable or twitchy..heavy or light at speed) the steering is.
Many bikes don't have front preload adjustment, but the front ride height can still be adjusted to achieve the correct steering angle, by raising or lowering the fork legs in the yokes.

So the method is to adjust the rear preload to get the sag correct for your weight, then raise or lower the fork legs in the yokes to restore the perfect steering geometry.
In your case I would think you would need to reduce rear preload by a couple of turns of the adjuster nut, and lower the front slightly, maybe up to 5mm ...but these are just ballpark figures.

The only real way to make the rear suspension softer is to have a lower rate (ie softer) spring fitted, which is chosen to match your weight.
Most people would change the entire shock for a better item at this stage, but I guess you might be able to get a lighter spring fitted ...maybe ask at your local dealer.

However if your shock has compression (as well as rebound) damping adjustment, you may find it feels a little softer if you reduce that by a few clicks.
I suspect that you will actually have combined compression and rebound damping adjustment, but that's ok because both would need to be reduced to accommodate your lighter weight. I can't say by how much but I'd try 2 or 3 clicks.

DrD's simple sounding instructions would have been based on something like the above.

And hello, and welcome.

Dirty · 21-07-2015, 10:45 AM

You need an ecu reader to reset the spanner, expensive! (rexxer??). A friendly dealer or independent specialist should do it foc though, takes about 2 minutes.

What's this 'cleaning' people speak of??

Darren69 · 21-07-2015, 11:01 AM

Its like washing Dirty, if you're familiar with that?

Dirty · 21-07-2015, 03:34 PM

Oh ok, so after I've used it for a week I put it in a bag and take it up my mums?

14-08-2015, 09:05 PM

Great thanks all. WD40 worked a treat on the cans. And that Son of a Gun stuff is brilliant! I'm addicted to it! I might have to keep some in my handbag at all times. I've printed off the suspension instructions and am building myself up to have a go.
Cheers!

MR21 · 15-08-2015, 12:09 PM

On the suspension front, despite the spot on advice offered so far, and just to play devil's advocate and consider the dark side, I'd consider taking it to your preferred mechanic or a suspension specialist, who will be able to set it up for your type of riding and weight. I did this with my 1200 and it was transformed. Cost £30 but for me, who knows less than nothing about suspension set up, it was a bargain.

20-07-2015, 07:49 PM	#1
hoonermum Guest Posts: n/a	Hiya. I feel like.... QUEEN OF THE ROAD!!!!...... .......now that I have my luscious 2012 696! So I've now jumped from the "Wanted 696" thread forum to here, to say hello. Here's me in the pic (feeling like biking royalty) on my first ever Ducati in 20 years of riding. I've just washed it by hand (yes....!... By hand, the old fashioned way, with a bucket and soft sponges! No nasty jet-washing for this machine!) after clocking up a couple of hundred miles since buying it last Monday. I hadn't ridden for a few months, as I'd developed a bit of anxiety since being smashed up on my commute for the 2nd time in 3 years, but I feel better now I live in the Tamar Valley on the Devon Cornwall Border. I'm going to stop all-year-round commuting now, no more freezing winter hands, being cut-up in the gloomy evenings by tired car drivers, no more riding in all weathers. I'm only riding on non-yukky days and the rest of the time I'll be taking the train and walking. This Ducati is the MOST FUN I've had in ages on a bike, it's like a dirtbike, a Ninja 636 and a Hornet all rolled into one, but with the personality of a V-twin, the need to use your brain in gear changing and drop-dead looks. I'm glad I went over-budget by £300, it was well worth it. This bike LOVES corners doesn't it?! I took it on the Okehampton to Great Torrington road (as I do with all my bikes) and nothing takes that road as well as the Monster, what a bike! I Love it! I'm only 5'2" and this is the first bike I've ever been able to get both feet down on. My husband took it out for a blast one day and he was converted too. He's thinking of getting one now! It's got Pirelli Angels on (which I'd never come across before) and I love them, really good grip. Awesome bike - I even don't mind that you can't get a Curly Wurly under the seat. So, quick questions; what do you use to clean those brushed metal cans? What do you use on the black plastic stripe? (Back to Black left it blotchy, and that clear dashboard spray stuff didn't do much either). What do you use to keep the seat nice? That spanner symbol that is meant to light up at service time, can my excellent local mechanic switch that off when he services it, or is it a special Ducati software job by a dealer? Also, I want to soften the suspension a tad as it's a little on the hard side and I won't be taking it on any tracks, should I just adjust with a C-spanner a few clicks on the shock spring and leave the damper alone, or what? I'm not sure what's best here. Anyway, nice to 'meet' you all. Last edited by hoonermum; 20-07-2015 at 07:58 PM..

20-07-2015, 08:50 PM	#4
rollo22 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moreton-in-Marsh Bike: M1100evo Posts: 1,082	Do quick on line search on how to set up the sag. I can't remember the numbers at the moment but it's the difference between the bike with no rider and with rider in full kit. Best done with two people __________________ IF ALL ELSE FAILS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

20-07-2015, 09:36 PM	#7
Flip Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Beachtown Bike: M900 Posts: 2,188	Welcome along officially now you've got a bike and great to hear you're pleased with it- they only get better!! As for the black plastic or any vinyl really I'm a bit old skool and favour STP's 'Son of Gun' which unlike a lot of similar products doesn't leave streaks or crusty white residue when it dries. I used to use it on the vinyl roof of an old classic car I had years ago and it worked wonders and I still use it for parts on the bike now. For £6.00 delivered it's worth a try and I think you'll be pleased with the results. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STP-SON-OF...item3a60fd59b5 You've got some nice roads down that way as I remember- been a while since I was down there (certainly on a bike at least) but I used to stay in Wotter a lot and go all over that part of Dartmoor. __________________ You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you!

20-07-2015, 10:02 PM	#8
BigOz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chatham Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 714	Motorex Protect & Shine 645 works quite well at keeping the black plastic looking new. __________________ Sideways is the new forward!

21-07-2015, 10:45 AM	#10
Dirty Bockloks Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London Bike: No Bike Yet! Posts: 4,601	You need an ecu reader to reset the spanner, expensive! (rexxer??). A friendly dealer or independent specialist should do it foc though, takes about 2 minutes. What's this 'cleaning' people speak of?? __________________ Wounds heal, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever Beware of eBay

20-07-2015, 08:30 PM	#2
DrD Guest Posts: n/a	For the suspension - set it as per the manual front and back for all settings. Try that if still too hard then soften all the settings by one increment, then try that.....

20-07-2015, 08:39 PM	#3
garry Guest Posts: n/a	lil wd fer the cans.

20-07-2015, 10:15 PM	#9
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,546	Ok, here's my attempt at a "plain English", "smiley-faced" description of basic suspension adjustment. The first thing to say is that, whatever adjustments you make to the rear spring preload, it won't make the suspension any softer. This is because its a "linear rate" spring (that's normal) which means that each extra kg of load will produce the same deflection of the spring, right from "unloaded" to "coil bound". Adjusting the rear spring preload will only affect the height to which the rear of the bike squats under a given load ...this is called "sag" and can be either unloaded, ie just the weight of the bike, or loaded with the rider aboard. Having said that, you will be a bit lighter than the average Italian male that the bike was designed for, so you will probably need less rear preload to get the rear of the bike to sit at the correct height with you aboard, and to get the rear shock operating over its full range of movement (this usually means it squats to about 30% of its travel with you aboard), neither bottoming out under heavy bumps or topping out too easily when it goes light over a crest etc. The same reasoning applies to the front springing. The two together determine whether or not the steering rake angle is correct with a rider of your weight aboard. ...which in turn affects how fast or slow (stable or twitchy..heavy or light at speed) the steering is. Many bikes don't have front preload adjustment, but the front ride height can still be adjusted to achieve the correct steering angle, by raising or lowering the fork legs in the yokes. So the method is to adjust the rear preload to get the sag correct for your weight, then raise or lower the fork legs in the yokes to restore the perfect steering geometry. In your case I would think you would need to reduce rear preload by a couple of turns of the adjuster nut, and lower the front slightly, maybe up to 5mm ...but these are just ballpark figures. The only real way to make the rear suspension softer is to have a lower rate (ie softer) spring fitted, which is chosen to match your weight. Most people would change the entire shock for a better item at this stage, but I guess you might be able to get a lighter spring fitted ...maybe ask at your local dealer. However if your shock has compression (as well as rebound) damping adjustment, you may find it feels a little softer if you reduce that by a few clicks. I suspect that you will actually have combined compression and rebound damping adjustment, but that's ok because both would need to be reduced to accommodate your lighter weight. I can't say by how much but I'd try 2 or 3 clicks. DrD's simple sounding instructions would have been based on something like the above. And hello, and welcome.

21-07-2015, 11:01 AM	#11
Darren69 Transmaniacon MOC Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sutton In Ashfield Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 6,029	Its like washing Dirty, if you're familiar with that? __________________ Roast Beef Monster! Termignoni and Bucci - Italian for pipe and slippers! S4 Fogarty, S4R 07T, 748, Series 1 Mirage

21-07-2015, 03:34 PM	#12
Dirty Bockloks Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: London Bike: No Bike Yet! Posts: 4,601	Oh ok, so after I've used it for a week I put it in a bag and take it up my mums? __________________ Wounds heal, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever Beware of eBay

14-08-2015, 09:05 PM	#13
hoonermum Guest Posts: n/a	Great thanks all. WD40 worked a treat on the cans. And that Son of a Gun stuff is brilliant! I'm addicted to it! I might have to keep some in my handbag at all times. I've printed off the suspension instructions and am building myself up to have a go. Cheers!

15-08-2015, 12:09 PM	#14
MR21 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Bath Bike: M1200 Posts: 32	On the suspension front, despite the spot on advice offered so far, and just to play devil's advocate and consider the dark side, I'd consider taking it to your preferred mechanic or a suspension specialist, who will be able to set it up for your type of riding and weight. I did this with my 1200 and it was transformed. Cost £30 but for me, who knows less than nothing about suspension set up, it was a bargain.