First motorbike, and what a bike!

[Pegasus]

So, long story short, my dad got a ST4s when i was around 15. That noise......i had to have one. I wasn't going to be able to get one and still live with the parents. 28 years young now and I have a house with a garage. You know where this is leading.
My GF wasn't welcoming of the idea of me on a bike, so i had to think tactically and get my license in secret. Failed miserably. Not the test! Failed at keeping it secret as the Mrs somehow found out.
A month later and a quality 3 Day DAS course completed by Lambda Motor Cycles, I had my target set. Just got to make it financially viable. Personal loan at 3% APR seems the best option. Insurance, Christ. That's a sting, but what should i expect! A fresh rider on Multi. A year on (with no hiccups) should see that drop comfortably. And a Gap insurance for the added piece of mind if something really does go pear shaped, I'm not going to financially screw myself over.
I thought I'd try and be sensible and test rode a Benelli TRK 502 in the morning. Meh, it was heavy, well equipped but just not punchy at all. I popped to Blade Ducati Abingdon to check out one of their Multi's later that morning. The one i was meant to be test riding was out at the time so they said I can taken the Panagale V4s out for a spin.........(pick my chin up) and with a £2K excess in my head because I am 28 and only passed my test a month ago, i took that 213BHP beast out. I could write a whole new article for that experience, so I'll move on.
I found my bike to be in North Wales at Woods Ducati. Many questions later, a new fork seal and a 3hr drive later, i was riding back through Wales and back to the Cotswold via Shrewsbury (pop in to see the grandparents). Then on to my parents. Well, I'm not disowned which is good! And now i have finally got that thrill and desire that beckoned me for years. My GF is jealous of the smile i get when i see my own Multi 950.
Now i just need to love, cherish and maintain it properly.
Would greatly appreciate tips on Chain tensioning, best chain wax to use (based on dry weather riding) and where any local meets are.

Cheers!

[neilb]

Somebody looks to be a happy boy  Welcome to the forum, Pegasus and enjoy the new ride.

There is a current thread somewhere on chain tensioning. As for chain lube, my preferred is Wurth Dry Lube.....doesn’t make a mess of your back wheel and lasts well.

[thenozzle]

Hi Pegasus
  to the forum  nice colour bike

[Beitsta]

What a lovely and heartfelt story Pegasus - welcome to the forum!

Have fun and be safe!

[buzzardbilly]

Welcome Pegasus - lovely bike . +1 on neilb's chain lube recommendation - keeps things nice and clean . Regarding chain tensioning, hopefully you wont need to  too much - I have 9k on the clock and never had to do it - always within limit (bike gets a Dealer service annually)

If you live on that Cirencester - Burford road you are a very lucky man  - It is one of my favourites 

This site might be useful for you for a Wed night trip out http://www.bikersnite.com/pub-list.php

[mcinlb]

Hi and welcome to the forum, new to Ducati myself, loving my 950 as well, ride safe....

[Conman]

 
As buzzardbilly says, you shouldn't have to worry too much about chain tension but advice is on the forum somewhere.
Consider getting an automatic chain oiler. Plenty of info on the forum again.
"Based on dry weather riding"... don't be a wimp  Anyway in the UK you'll only get a few days a year if you stick to that   

[briantheb]

Hello and welcome
I recognise that smile - I have the same one every time I open the garage door 😉

[Pegasus]

Originally Posted by buzzardbilly

Welcome Pegasus - lovely bike . +1 on neilb's chain lube recommendation - keeps things nice and clean . Regarding chain tensioning, hopefully you wont need to  too much - I have 9k on the clock and never had to do it - always within limit (bike gets a Dealer service annually)

If you live on that Cirencester - Burford road you are a very lucky man  - It is one of my favourites 

This site might be useful for you for a Wed night trip out http://www.bikersnite.com/pub-list.php

Cheers buzzardbilly. Appreciate the info. I keep checking the chain tension and all looks fine to me so far. Comfortably cracked 600 miles on it now. Only gripe i'm having is the neutral between 5 & 6. I'm also getting an odd "back fire like" noise when i rev the after start up (once it has already warmed up). Also an odd "spanner in the works" noise when coasting in gear on lower gears. Only happens in the first 3 mins or so after start up and when it's already warm. May throw that one at a forum as i've not found it on any other threads. And with the Warranty up next month, may get it look at.

[buzzardbilly]

False neutral up the box into 6th or down from 6th ? - my problem was always going down the box 6th to 5th. Went away over time with more miles as the gearbox bedded in and with occasional adjustment of the  clutch cable (at the handlebar adjuster) every couple of thou miles or so

Bear in mind the bike does not like being in low revs (below 3k)  but if there is no load on the engine there should be no funny noises - best get it checked out - if it is a noise that is easily repeated the dealer should be able to define it

I use Riders of Bristol - the nearest Dealer to me - I have found them to be pretty good (and they also offer a pick up and drop off service for £40 which I found really useful )