Well, I busted my hump and managed to get the Ducati on the road this weekend. I took a test ride up to Skyline today and WOW am I rusty. It's been 7 years since the tags expired and I find that unbelievable. I can barely fit into to my leather suite (welcome to my 40's). The bike so far works surprisingly well other than the old leaking left fork seal. In the few miles I rode it made quite a mess. I forgot what acceleration feels like after driving Diesel vehicles for so long. Holy crap this thing makes a lot of power above 6,000 or so. My right wrist needs work to handle any distance, since it has become pretty weak. The fork seal, some basic maintenance and some paint and body work are next on the agenda.
Recently in Tire Smoke Category
I am fighting the urge to buy a Super Motard (KTM or Husquavarna). And my good friends Faun and Andrew are opening a small wine and cheese shop in Los Gatos (Los Gatos Gourmet). So I have decided to get the old Ducati running. I found some parts on ebay and I'm getting the cheesy fiberglass tail section I bought fabricated and mounted. Simply draining the fuel and putting in fresh was all it took to get her to fire (after buying a new battery). The left fork leaks like a sieve after a complete rebuild and that was the primary reason I parked it 5 years ago along with the seat fab being such a chore. For now I just want to get it serviceable for as little money as possible. It would barely be worth $3k if it wasn't salvage title. I rode it down the street today and it will be re-registered by Monday. I should at least be able to ride it to Faun's grand opening and I will probably have the body work repainted soon.
I have been meaning to take this shot of the spot where I park at work most days. It reminds me of the TV ads VW once used. Those are vacuum spheres for a large high temperature wind tunnel. They spent a million tax dollars renovating it and then ruined the whole thing the first time it was used.
My 2004 VW Beetle TDI has turned out to be the best car I have ever owned.
The rims, RE950 Bridgestones, Koni coil over kit and front spoiler transformed what was already a great car. Hard to believe anyone would do all that to a diesel right? The suspension is a bit harsh but for twisty roads on the way to go mountain biking it "just works".
Hi Folks, This is an absolutely awesome video of Hans Stuck driving a
"vintage" (2004) BMW M3 GT3 car at Nurburgring. It is worth sticking
around until almost the end of the lap to experience the breathtaking
endless straight. It keeps going and going and going. As they say at
the start of the Grand prix on Speedtv - Turn up the sound and enjoy.
