| Hi Col
What you're describing is almost certainly set-up problems, however, I would want to speak with the previous owner to be sure it hadn't been dropped. Assuming you get the right answers there then a few general things to be aware of:
Ducatis come from the factory with two main handling problems i) they steer too slow and ii) they stand up on the brakes going into a bend. The first can be tuned out depending on your riding style by raising the rear ride height or changing the steering angle, however, be careful that you don't overdo it or you will lose that wonderful 'planted and secure' feeling when you're really cranked over in a long fast bend.
The standing up effect isn't so easy and most sportsbikes do it as its a factor of weight distribution, rake and tyre profile, you just have to muscle it back down again.
Other things to consider: is the front tyre original? At 2500 miles it'll look OK but is it at the right pressure and has it been flat spotted? - that bike has been sat in P&H for a while. Hopefully the rear has been replaced by now but check and remember that the flat spotting might apply there too.
Ohlins suspension - wonderful stuff but was the bike on standard settings when you tested it? A tiny tweak on these units really shows a huge difference so ensure that it's all reset to factory settings before riding the bike again.
Another factor is you height. Ducatis 9** are designed to be raced and most racers are no larger than 5'9" - Xaus being the rule breaker of course - so some folk of your height find them uncomfortable although Red-leader will disagree with me. Discomfort makes riding input more problematical and leads to the general feeling of frustration - you mention that you got back to the shop feeling uncomfortable.
None of the above would take much to sort out and there are lots of good suspension set up people around, the key thing I suggest you do if you're serious is ask P&H to set the bike to standard settings and check the tyres and pressures, talk to the previous owner and if it all checks out and you still don't like it, I'll try and organise a ride on a bike which has been set up for someone of you height and weight.
Hope that helps. Henners  |