I rode from Swansea up to Hirwaun and then past Penderyn to Brecon Reservoir.
My last bike was HD Sportster 883.
I wanted to say something clever about how they compare, but they really don't.
Is it just me (and it may well be) or do other people find the foot brake pedal a bit short?
I feel like I'm turning my foot in to get a good purchase on it.
I've only had it 2 weeks and only ridden it a couple of time so far.
Anyone else find this?
I realise this is an AI image (because I made it), but this does look fun!
I'm in the market for some summer gloves.
I have some old Hein Gericke summer gloves, but they have this inner lining that I'm struggling with.
This weather is amazing, but my hands are sweating a bit in the heat.
Its causing the inner lining to pull inside out and getting it back in is a nightmare.
Especially if I only took them off to fill up and my hands are still sticky.
I've just bought these (waiting for them to arrive).
Just wondered what everyone else (who is bothering to wear gloves) is doing/using?
I have never been very good at looking after bikes in the past.
I have a propensity to be a bit neglectful, but...
I have Just bought a 2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 (It's coming next week!).
I want to know if it's overkill?
I asked Claude (AI) how I should look after it properly and it gave me this...
Maintenance Schedule
2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 — No chain: toothed belt drive
Every Ride / Weekly (if not riding)
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressures | Use a reliable gauge — not forecourt pumps |
| Tyre condition | Check for cuts, embedded debris, unusual wear |
| Brake fluid levels | Front and rear reservoirs visible without tools |
| Lights & instruments | Quick function check before setting off |
| Drive belts (quick visual) | Look for obvious cracking or fraying whilst cold |
| Weekly: 10–15 min run | Must reach full operating temp — cold short starts cause more harm than not starting |
Monthly / Every 500 Miles
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressures (gauge) | Correct pressures critical for handling on the 950 |
| Brake pads | Inspect visually through caliper — replace before minimum thickness |
| Drive belt inspection | Run finger along inside face — check for cracks, glazing, fraying |
| Coolant level | Check expansion tank, not main radiator |
| Clutch freeplay | Adjust at lever; refer to owner's manual for spec |
| Brake lever freeplay | Front and rear |
| Chain lube | N/A — belt drive. No lubrication required |
Annual Service / Every 7,500 Miles
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Fully synthetic 15W-50. Do not use cheaper alternatives |
| Valve clearance check | Desmodromic system — mechanical closers, must be checked manually |
| Drive belts — inspect | Check condition; replace if at 2-year or 15,000-mile limit |
| Spark plugs | Replace per schedule |
| Air filter | Inspect; replace if dirty or at service interval |
| Brake fluid (both circuits) | Hygroscopic — replace regardless of appearance or mileage |
| Coolant condition | Check concentration and colour; replace if degraded |
| Throttle body sync | Check at service — idle quality indicator |
| Fork seals | Check for weeping; replace if oil present on stanchions |
Major Service — Desmodromic Valve & Belt Replacement
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every 15,000 miles or 2 years | Desmo valve clearance service | Fairings off, belts off, full inspection. Budget for significant labour cost. |
| Every 15,000 miles or 2 years | Drive belt replacement | TIME-limited, not mileage-only. A 2-year belt on 5,000 miles must still be replaced. |
| Every 2 years | Brake fluid replacement | If not done at annual service |
| Every 2 years | Coolant replacement | If not done earlier |
⚠ The desmo service is the most expensive routine job on any Ducati. Never defer it — belt failure = engine destruction.
Garage / Storage (Meaco DD8L Junior running)
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Not riding for 3–4 weeks | Run to full operating temperature before storage period begins |
| Storing over winter | Add fuel stabiliser; run briefly to circulate through injectors |
| Long-term static storage | Paddock stands front and rear — removes tyre flat-spot risk |
| Tyre storage surface | Keep off bare concrete; use rubber mats or stands |
| Cover | Breathable indoor cover even with dehumidifier running |
| Side/centre stand long-term | Avoid leaving on stand for months — tyre contact patch takes a set |
| Battery | Use an Optimate or CTEK trickle charger for any period > 2–3 weeks |
First-Year Checks (2017 Bike — Verify Regardless of History)
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Service history | Confirm desmo service was done on schedule (every 2yr / 15k) |
| Drive belts | Check condition AND date — time-expired belts must be replaced |
| Brake fluid | Bleed and replace both circuits regardless of stated history |
| Fork seals | Inspect for oil weeping on stanchions |
| Coolant | Check concentration, colour, and pH if possible |
| Fastener condition | Check for surface rust on exposed bolts; treat with ACF-50 |
| Tyre age | Check DOT date code (4 digits, week/year) — replace if > 5 years |
Service history records should show dealer stamps or independent specialist receipts with dates and mileages.
Quick Reference Summary
| Frequency | Key Jobs |
|---|---|
| Every ride | Tyres, lights, brake fluid level, belt visual (weekly: run to temp) |
| Monthly / 500 mi | Tyre pressures, brake pads, belt feel, coolant, lever freeplay |
| Annually / 7,500 mi | Oil & filter, valve check, belts inspect, spark plugs, brake fluid |
| Every 2 yrs / 15k mi | Desmo valve service, belt replacement (do NOT skip or defer) |
| Storage | Full temp run, fuel stabiliser, paddock stands, trickle charger |
