You stinking motorcycle guys....

[HardDrive]

For years I read posts on PPOT about your motocycles and resist temptation. But then I can't hold out any longer.

Now, I want this to be a low cost venture, so while, yes, I'm buying a Ducati, I will pick one up that is really built out. Everythings done. No need to upgrade ANYTHING.....well......except maybe that clutch basket. I mean, hey, its only $150. Not exactly going to break the bank.....

....but wait a minute....if I go with an open clutch basket, I can't have that nasty stock pressure plate hanging in there...and those stock grommet doowackys holding the plate, why Speedy Moto has anodized ones the same color as Jessica Albas nipples for only $50! And what about that rear cowl piece? Well, hell, a carbon fiber one is only $150, SURELY the wife won't notice that? RIGHT?!?!?! AND LOOK, THEY HAVE ANODIZE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIRS!

I wonder if I can get one made out of platinum?

[Noah930]

Just buy it and go ride. If I read one more poseur thread on "Who's got the best-looking clutch cover" I'll puke.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Just buy it and go ride. If I read one more poseur thread on "Who's got the best-looking clutch cover" I'll puke.

you forgot to ad, "with holes drilled in it so that it sounds like some hippies tambourine"

[slodave]

I'd upgrade the kickstand myself...I don't know much about Ducati's or motorcycles, but didn't I read that they are flimsy?

[nostatic]

Could be worse. You could have a GS and be in farkle land...

Though CF and billet Al for Ducs might be even more $$$

[Rick Lee]

I almost turned my GS into a real expensive project today. I was adjusting the valves and buttoned it all up, having left a feeler gauge in the left bank intake valves. The only reason I noticed it was because I was missing one of the feeler gauges I had cut down when I was cleaning up. Sure, enough. I pulled the cover off and there it was. Whew!

I got some HB crash bars a year ago ($100 very used) and just painted them again today, since I've dropped the bike so many times that my last paint job on them was gone. Yes, these biks can be cash alligators, but you can be smart shopper about it.

[serge944]

Guys!! I have one thousand dollars to spend on my bike! Tell me what I should buy!

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by serge944

Guys!! I have one thousand dollars to spend on my bike! Tell me what I should buy!

Reminds me of a Dr. Evil scene from Austin Powers. . .

[greglepore]

Just paint the stock pressure plate and retainers, for crying out loud...

[LakeCleElum]

Open clutch cover + Seattle rain = Rust

[cstreit]

Lets see: My Duc accessories (and therefore the must haves):

FULL LEATHERS! (there's your $1000) but then add
Carbon fiber rear tire mud-guard
Bronze Anodized pipe covers near your leg.
Bronze open clutch basket (for that oh-so-sweet rattle)
Corbin seat with italian flag logo on side
Carbon Fiber key guard on tank
Tank zipper protector

[jhynesrockmtn]

Put a few thousand miles on it before you open your wallet. You might find something you actually have to spend money on.................

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Perhaps this will make you feel better. Discovered today that my input shaft carrier bearings are bad.

So not only do I have to split the case, but I also have to (obviously) put in a 44 kit, and (obviously) I will therefore need new carbs, can't forget to port the heads, and so on.

not a happy camper, but on the bright side, the new radiator, thermostat and belts on the rusted out piece of junk 4Runner went well today, so I've got that goin' for me.

[Noah930]

Shaun, you're making lemonade out of lemons (to steal the title of another, unreleated thread). You'd be doing these upgrades sooner or later. You just have more time to enjoy their benefits. Call up to BCM to see if they've got the parts on hand. Leslie's the owner (and has a couple Porsches, to boot) and Kyle is their head wrench. Both have been decent to me.


-Alarick

[Shaun @ Tru6]

thanks Alarick, yes, Miles (parts manager) and I are fast friends these days. Have talked with Kyle also when the first clutch rod broke, great guys to be sure. Just got the bike all back together today, I would have snapped another rod if my friend Tim hadn't looked at the clutch pack spinning dead on, then compared it to his Monster. Mine spins with a 1mm+ elliptical orbit.

Problem is budget right now, so the bike will get moved upstairs at work and sleep for the winter. I'm well into my E restoration now, working on two hoods this weekend and hopefully cutting up the steel to weld up a rotisserie next weekend.

I have been having fun upgrading the bike and you are right, the 44 kit and carbs will be worth the time, $ and effort. Just wish I could be riding it, it's the last weekend of 70s here.

[nostatic]

I don't know how viable it is on your bikes, but an HID upgrade on the GS is about the best thing ever. I can actually see at night. Just did the high beam with 4300K to go along with the low that is 5000K. Plus if there is a problem it is reversible - just pop the original bulb back in (at least with mine).

Cheap kits here:

http://www.vvme.com/

[Jeff Higgins]

Josh, I missed it - when did you get the Monster? Details? Pics?