The little Ducati Featherweight
- Thread starter jag767
- Start date
CarbsAndCylinders
Careful With That Axe Eugene
http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/homemade-brake-shoe-arching.7300/
jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
With a proper chain, and everything given a once over I went for a real ride. First off, the exhaust note inside the helmet is pleasant. Not too loud, and extremely enjoyable, that is untill you start to rip it and redine each gear. That, by the way, was the least enjoyable way to ride it. The bike is not tuned just yet, definitely running rich and robbing me of some power, but the first step to enjoying the little guy is riding it for what it is and not trying to make it something it's not. The riding characteristics are not like what I am used to at all. Where the Hondas i've had are a breeze to ride, this bike felt like much more work at the moment. Much more use of the brakes is needed, downshifting required more creative use of the clutch, and it really felt like having to be more aware of the working the controls. With the 160mm hub now properly adjusted, I had no issues with stopping.
I found it challenging getting used to listening when to shift, since it has a very different sound and I always feel like the rpms are much much lower than they are. After the first 10 mins, the shifting became a non issue, even using my right foot became automatic. Handling wise, I feel like the tires aren't right for the bike. Im no expert, but this bike originally had a 2.75 up front, and 3.00 out back, compared to the 90 90 and 100 90 currentry on it. I noticed avon has a new line coming out, with narrower options I will try out.
Unless going 60 in the right lane is enjoyable to you, I don't recommend the highway. All in all, it's not what I expected it to be at all. Other than being easy to handle, it doesn't do anything particularly well. Acceleration is what would be expected. On my butt dyno, it's a little less hp on the top end than the honda 175 I had, but noticeably more torque down low. The front end dives into corners more than I like, will have to work on that.
Despite all of that, it was a blast to ride, and I am eager to put a ton of miles on it.
I found it challenging getting used to listening when to shift, since it has a very different sound and I always feel like the rpms are much much lower than they are. After the first 10 mins, the shifting became a non issue, even using my right foot became automatic. Handling wise, I feel like the tires aren't right for the bike. Im no expert, but this bike originally had a 2.75 up front, and 3.00 out back, compared to the 90 90 and 100 90 currentry on it. I noticed avon has a new line coming out, with narrower options I will try out.
Unless going 60 in the right lane is enjoyable to you, I don't recommend the highway. All in all, it's not what I expected it to be at all. Other than being easy to handle, it doesn't do anything particularly well. Acceleration is what would be expected. On my butt dyno, it's a little less hp on the top end than the honda 175 I had, but noticeably more torque down low. The front end dives into corners more than I like, will have to work on that.
Despite all of that, it was a blast to ride, and I am eager to put a ton of miles on it.
CarbsAndCylinders
Careful With That Axe Eugene
I guess it is the type of bike that you have to enjoy for what it is and not for excessive mods that you could make and end up loosing that charactor. I have a few bikes like that and I enjoy some to their short comings, make me smile and I know they will never be like a modern bike but still fun. Just don't forget what you are riding when you are coming up to that tight corner ahead, ha ha.
jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
CrabsAndCylinders said:
Haha. I can make a fair amount of changes to get everything to par, but hey, it's a 160, great for a commute, bar hopping, and a little stroll. Ihave to ride a little differently to enjoy it, but I think once I get a few hundred miles on it that will happen. I really just like that the bike feels very analog. It's not just get on and go, it feel like a little bit of work to ride, which for one reason or another I find enjoyable.
CarbsAndCylinders
Careful With That Axe Eugene
Beautiful!
jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
Thanks gents. As i ride it it's just getting better. The motor feels like its working better, maybe those rings needed some shakedown time after sitting 50 years... i can see where a bigger carb on the top end would be useful, but from a shltanding start its already hard to get moving....
jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
So I didn't forget about that big and beautiful t500 hub, just got a little delayed after a trip to the Emergency Room on Thursday. Of all the ways to hurt myself it's not even working on something, just cleaning the shop! Nothing that won't heal just fine. Anyhow, rim and spokes for the hub showed up, I have to drill it out a little, then lace time. Tires will be here mid week, plenty of time to refinish the panel and lace up the wheel. It's going to look badass!
badgerkz440
New Member
cool build this, looking good!!
CarbsAndCylinders
Careful With That Axe Eugene
You just gave me an idea, I wonder if a guitar tuner could be used to "tune" spokes?
jag767
Over 1,000 Posts
CrabsAndCylinders said:
Haha I was thinking that the whole time but wasn't gonna say it. FYI tuning them by ear laterally I am at .005 with a small hop of .02 I can easily get out. I think that's in the rim, not the truing, be cause it's right where it's welded. I bet I can get it both ways within .002
