The weather was really nice during the week and I decided to go out mid-week since I still had a few days. The weather was really nice the day before so the next day I woke up around 7:30 am, showered, geared up and headed out. And during my stop at the gas station and people’s consensus it has been decided that he has been named Tango to fit the attitude. This also relates to one of the most entertaining movies from the late 80s, Tango and Cash!
Filled up at Miseela gas station, stopped at Starbucks Bida’a for a quick drink and then headed down the road. I decided to keep to the seaside since people will be driving to work on most of the other roads. This machine’s build quality can be felt when you are riding, you can really feel the road. I don’t think I have even tapped into it’s capabilities but it gives me this strange confidence to keep on pushing and I keep getting closer to the gravel as I am going through the corners. I went by the airport road and I love that curved piece of highway and try to push it as hard as I can, I don’t realize how fast I’m going, my eyes on the target and trying to keep to lines that I see in my head. I really do need to go to a race track soon. I just hope it gets a little cooler soon, riding season is back and I am really going to enjoy it.
Marisa Miller is one of the hottest Victoria Secret models around, and even at this age she is really hot. I think Harley made a smart decision to picture her with the V-Rod Muscle. I do appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty behind the Harley machines, but my favorite is the V-Rod line.
Link: Youtube
A new fast and agile toy from Brudelli, a three wheel motorcycle oddity with a nice 654cc 63 bhp KTM engine. It seems you ride this motorcycle just as you do a normal motorcycle, with the two front wheels leaning to max of 45 degrees based on your input. It is claimed that this machine can handle road surfaces ranging from normal tarmac, to gravel, to snowy surface, while giving even novice riders the ability and confidence to perform “controlled power slides” with apparent ease. The starting price for this machine is 21,000 Euros and starting production this October.
Link: gizmag
168 Km and counting.. only 831 Km left until the first service.Â
I wasn’t in my best health recently so I wasn’t able to ride the KTM as much as I wanted and being the last days of Ramadan I had other engagements which preoccupied me from riding. These days I think I will have a little bit more time to break the bike in and enjoy the machine. A lot of people keep asking me for a comparison between the RC8 and 1098s, and at this point it would be premature to say anything, I haven’t even scratched the surface of it. One thing I am very happy about is that you can clearly see the signals when you are behind or in front of me, they are bright LEDs. The stock mirrors are extremely good you can see people behind you and next to you, there is a blind spot of course but not unlike any other sports bike. This is a different machine for sure, it feels more civilized, you feel more confident when riding and stock seating position is very comfortable. I have nothing but good things to say about the KTM but there is a lot to discover and more to describe at a later point.Â
The one thing about purchasing a motorcycle from the first creation of it is that you have to wait for the aftermarket parts. I’m not looking for performance modifications as much as cosmetic in the beginning, luckily KTM has a huge selection for every motorcycle they release, but I’m also looking for a few other items. I look for performance upgrades which give me the ability to ride the RC8 better, not necessarily something that makes it stronger. And the current modifications I have made are mostly cosmetic.Â
Mods:Â
- Tinted Windshield
- Tank Protector
- Racing Fuel Cap
- Rim Sticker Set
- Aluminium Cap Clutch Reservior
- Aluminium Cap Brake Fluid Reservior
I just received the Tinted Windshield and Racing Fuel Cap so I decided to install it. As things were progressing I started off with the Windshield, started unbolting the screws, for some reason it wouldn’t budge, and this is when things always get interesting. I thought maybe I need to remove the top front fairings (body panels), so I started unscrewing those as well. And I noticed they are really held together perfectly, looking at it I knew I was doing something wrong, I shouldn’t be taking the front fairing off to install a wind shield, its usually a straight forward process. So I started look for something I missed, and turns out I missed a set of screws which were holding it in place and I took it off and easily slid out. Then installed the tinted windshield and it looked really different. Now it came time to install the Racing Fuel Cap instead of the standard fuel cap, the instructions were clear and said to make sure I don’t drop any screws into the tank and that is what I was most worried about. Took it step by step and followed the clear instructions, made sure the air pressure valve was placed correctly with the racing fuel cap and it fit perfectly.
All these subtle changes made this bike look a little nicer, it is a beautifully designed machine. I don’t even know what to modify, its just something that you have to personalize.
The RC8 is a unique machine so naming it something with attitude a little different is what I was thinking. After some deliberation these are the candidates of names that I’m thinking of, sounds more like those running for the presidency but still. Some are pretty funny and some have little meaning to it, not really sure with this one, I starred the ones that I’m thinking of.
- Sunspot*
- Tango*
- Dusty*
- Tempo
- Mouko
- Ciro
The new Monster 1100 has now been released, now what a machine they will be releasing. This version will have the 1100S and 1100. Suspension adjustments made with the new look, its going to sell like crazy. They put the Multistrada engine in it, but I’m hoping for a later engine with a little bit more bite to it. Check out the press release from Ducati below.
The new Monster 1100 design perfectly balances sports performance, riding pleasure and stunning looks. With its single-sided aluminum swingarm, high-spec componentry, race-oriented chassis and 15 years of evolution, the Monster 1100 now takes its place at the head of the Monster family.
The Monster 1100 S is a pure concentrate of light weight, power, design and exclusivity. The ‘S’ features fully adjustable 43mm titanium nitride coated Ohlins forks and progressive Ohlins rear shock absorber with adjustable pre-load and return damping. Carbon fiber cam belt covers, silencer guards and front fender reduce weight by a further 2.2 lbs. The distinctive gold five spoke wheels of the Monster 1100 S give it the elegant style and same sporting look as historical Ducati race bikes.
Both versions of the new Monster 1100 come with removable single seat covers and neat micro-bikini fairings; and are powered by the charismatic two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine that boasts 95hp at 7500rpm and an impressive 79.5 lb/ft of torque at 6000rpm.
Color schemes available are:
Monster 1100:
Red tank, Red frame, Silver wheels
Silver tank, Red frame, Silver wheels
Gloss black tank, Matte black frame, Silver wheels
Monster 1100 S:
Red tank, Red frame, Gold wheels
Pearl White tank, Matte black frame, Gold wheels
These are different areas where I am looking forward to riding. Over the years I have been plotting different areas around the world where I would like to do some riding and take a tour on my bike. These are places that I am genuinely interested in and I know that they have a biking culture to them. The thing is I wouldn’t want to do this on a sport tourer or adventure bike, I would want to do this on my Ducati 1098 but somehow without having to carry to much clothes just the essentials.
- Miyakejima Island
- Isle of Man (No Speed Limits)
- French Riviera
- Italy (Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome)
I remember placing an order for this machine around the beginning of June, I have been looking at it from every angle and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was told it would take about two months, even though it took a little longer I didn’t mind and it was out of their hands. A new piece of German engineering with a MotoGP style to it.
Since I’m still a little bit under the weather I asked Tristar to keep it with them for a few more days. I don’t need something tempting me to ride or go out in the state I’m in. One thing came to mind when I first saw the machine, pictures do not do it justice. The color combination and the angles are just beautiful, the motor started with a beautiful beat to it. I coudln’t help myself and took it for a quick spin, just down the street and back, and it is one light machine. Now I want to get better, and the weather has to get better to go riding.
The rumors having been going about the forums and at long last it has been confirmed. Since Ducati had such a great year most people thought they would make a few minor changes and keep them going, but it is something a lot of people will be surprised to hear.
All the new machines will have the 1198 motor which is currently in the 1098R, the current 1098 pumps out about 160 bhp and the 1098R about 180 bhp, for the standard 2009 1098 it will be around 170bhp with the new engine. An all around price increase of $500 for all the machines including 848, but except for the 1098S and 1098R which will remain the same. There might be a slight facelift and some weight loss in the plan for the supersports as well.
There will be the introduction of the Monster 1100 in the standard version and the S (Ohlins Suspension) Version. Also a new machine which is a blend between the Hypermotard and the Monster will be unveiled with the 2007 1098 engine implanted but designed for a more torque oriented adventure. Ducati is keeping it going strong into 2009 with their new machines, I don’t know what to expect from them next.
Link: HFLMag
Now this is a painful scene for any Ducatista, a very large meet at the Indy GP the weather was raining and windy. Turns out that had a disastorous effect and knocked a lot of bikes over, it looks like a horrible scene from a movie, some of these bikes were very damaged. I feel sorry for the owner of 1098s Tricolore, that bike took a hell of a lot of damage. What a site to return to for people who had to ride back home. I know its mostly body damage and can be fixed, but still a painful site.
Link: Ducati MS Forum
