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Docc, you're just riding on the wrong tires! Aside from traction, the big plus is that the suction cups popping drown out the tappets!

It has a piece of string tied to it and looped over the l/h bar grip. Get on the bike, retract the sidestand and pull up the string wrap it around the stand plate and put it in your jacket. That's what I'd do. Just off to patent that now. Ciao

My side stands is often on the ground in hairpins and a bit longer curves. Are you not afraid of hitting the ground with this big square? By the way, we used to cut a square piece out of a worn tyre and screwed this underneath the side stand to get more surface. (for enduro motorcycles)

Stock Nuovo 8V motor, any of the 1200's, makes 96RWHP in stock trim. The torque figure but was also optimistic. A well tuned and mapped one makes 'About 100' at the rear wheel and the torque is improved out of sight. Those figures were from a variety of bikes. All Dynoed on the same tool in similar conditions at 800 metres altitude. The old maxim that 'The Dyno doesn't lie' is patently false. There are many ways to get a dyno to tell you exactly what you want it to and since most people want "Moar Power!" That's what many dyno operators will tell people they've got. It's most vexing.

Even with an electric jacket (delicious!), I draw the line at 40ºF/~5ºC. Below that I just don't thrust the tires in the shady corners. I seem to recall our T5 Volvo lit the ice light at 38ºF. I figure the Swedes know a helluvalot more about ice than I do . . .

My meagre attempt at stopping my side stand from being buried in soft soil or melted bitumen. Chris.

I must admit, Ducati hit the mark on this one, and made in Italy too! Kill the sound and watch the Emirates ride listening to I on U by Neil Schon!

I like the brand well enough, but love is a convergence of chemistry and timing. I was thrilled when the sport classic concept was being researched, but they took so long to come to market I got over it, and glad I did as the V11 fills that spot nicely (actually better). The only thing new to catch my eye was the Desert Sled Scrambler, the original X, but the 'trendiness' put me off at the last minute. Other than that I had, and still have a place in my heart for a '96 900SS. I guess I'm just not the droid they're looking for. They have wisely developed a target audience and I'm not in it. Regards any motorbike, I'm no longer interested in the latest greatest tech, hundreds of pounds of unnecessary weight, 150+ hp, 15 to $20k+ price tags, or (and especially) boutique showrooms. There will be plenty folks to buy their stuff and good on them all. The new X is very nice but misses the weight mark (for it's purpose) once again. If they can't see that I can only presume they don't care or know that their buyers won't care because they won't be off road anyway... which leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Recall when the Africa Twin (2015-) came out and the lead-up to it's release? It was going to be the GOAT. It wasn't,... and around here at least they stayed in showrooms past the next model year. Just another heavyweight dressed as nimble and light, and oh so rugged. Just like the next great hope, the KTM 790 Adv R-come- 890 R which started off impressive and subsequently added 50lb while riders would rather have it lose 30. Which brings me to the notion, and I could be wrong, that these giant "adventure touring" machines are built for a majority who have no intention of taking them off road, but they certainly want to appear as though they do. Credit given to those (and I know you exist) who do use as designed, cause you're in much better shape than I. But, I seriously digress... Ducati, .... give me a hypermotard (or whatever the lightest frame is), with a 700 to 800cc air cooled L twin with wire spoke wheels and almost NO silly, gimmicky gadgetry, only what it needs to stop and go and see, a 4gl tank, and Well under 400lb curb and $12,000. and I will bite. (I'm going by available info showing the new X at 490lb curb and a price of $16,795, least we not forget the Duc dealer will charge you shipping as well which 2 yrs ago was $500.)

Hola, compadres and witttom (Tom, I emailed you from central PA a day or two ago). I am the owner of Tenni #112. I love #112. She's the one bike I own that I will never sell. Only problem is, in my view, she's priceless; so I'm reluctant to cane her too hard, or to turn her over too far in a turn, or to leave her in the parking lot at work. She's not perfect (not a low miles example and not devoid of imperfections, nor do I need her to be). But, I've always thought it would be nice to have a second Lemans; one that could do those things I won't do with #112. Also thought it would be nice to have a parts bike in reserve. As to the latter, a couple questions: 1) I believe the "champagne" Lemans shares the same tank color as the Tenni. Is this true? 2) I can't tell whether the "pork chops" on the '02 champagne Lemans are painted red or the anodized red like on the Tenni. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge! Cheers, Frey

Well another glorious day of riding the Scura today…just picture perfect. Blue skies, high 50’s, Scura purring like a big cat, hard to beat! Days like this one can ride forever…

More qualified testimony that the V11 has ripened . . .

Why not? I mean, everybody dreamed about a Ducati at some point in time... I did, but that was then. As ever, I seem to prefer the ripe stuff rather than the new.

I carry a spreader plate with me. Just like the crane people do with their outriggers.

The guy who posted the video seemed to have been the one who shot it. I checked his other videos and he does not appear to be trying to market anything. The lady wearing Barry Sheene's appointments must have had them already. I don't think she could get to a prop store to get a riding suit and an helmet her sizes. I asked her about it, let's see if she replies. I modified my post after I found out the Superveloce belongs to her, and one of the only 75 made. Therefore, there is no doubt the outfit is hers too.

Ice is treacherous, I have ridden on snow before in the 70's. Not by choice. I was at work and it snowed. I had to go back home. It is not that complicated or difficult. At the same time, riding a 350 two stroke is a lot easier than a heavy V11.

I have been once to Wisconsin, to visit the HD plant in Milwaukee, long time ago. I usually test my summer riding gear during winter. This is the only way to truly find out about how the ventilation works. I have worked in countries where winter is extremely cold. Nothing beats multiple layers. I try to apply this to everything, such as underpants and under gloves. Making sure nothing that I wear impairs riding. I think the governor of Texas said their would not be any more power shortages due to the weather this year. I don't have a problem not having power; I have lived in countries where you actually don't have power every day. No water is the cumbersome issue to tackle. I did fill in the bath tubs last year, before black out.

Yep, last service said my side stand was about to fall off due to vibration unscrewing the bolts. Luckily the mechanic knew this was a known issue . Chris.

No, her name is Claire.

Not quite, she's a bit older these days:) I met Barry about 30 years ago. We were racing at PI and he was staying at the same Motel. Ciao

Barry Sheene helmet and leathers and boots. Ciao

Ahem…today in fact right here in Houston…nice and cool ride on the Scura, after all it’s only in the 50’s! After a week in Wisconsin where it dipped well below zero, this feels positively balmy. We ride all the way down to just above freezing, and the hot coffee tastes even better when stopped for a break. Good riding gear makes it quite comfortable. A balaclava helps too…and the right pair of gloves. I wouldn’t ride if it’s icy, but just cold is still very enjoyable. Maybe time to consider a backup generator…Generac or Kohler…life saver during a hurricane or a winter power outage. I put one in after Hurricane Harvey, it’s kicked on several times, including those occasions when transformers have blown in the neighborhood…

Hi Chris, I did something like that to my Wing & LMIV. After installing new fork springs on the Goldwing, I felt the lean angle on the side stand (especially when the rear shock was aired up} was not only too severe but required more grunt to get it upright. So, I added a small shim to the bottom of the stand that also increased the footprint for more load bearing. On my Lemans, I added about 1/2" thick shim and doubled the size of the footprint. The side stand down lean angle was so great that it would be able to fall over if anything was in the the side bag. I'd post pics but haven't figured out how to make my photos under 200kb....something else I have add to my "things to learn" list! Art

Electrical engineers can afford amp probes.