The Ducati and the West Virginian Ride

homme de fer

homme de fer

Well-known member
This trip blog is my ride taken this year from Friday August 5 to Sunday August 14. IMO, it's sort of a "part 2" to my BRP trip. The only way I'll go back to the Gap is if I can drag other people down there with me. Why? Because last year's trip was so perfect that it's important my next trip to the area is in a completely different context.

I'm loading my maps into the daily write up should anyone be curious about the roads in the area. I scientifically chose my roads thusly: Gee, that looks like a really squiggly line, I think I'll take that road. One road in particular was WAAAAYYYY to much for me because of elevation changes, hairpins, and questionable asphault. I'll be writing about that tomorrow.
 
Day 4 done. Got some good road shots in there.
 
I'm looking at a trip like this as well. Some random questions:

1. How's the bike performing?
2. Do you have ducati dealer contact info just in case? (this came in handy for my recent ride)
 
Chaos said:
I'm looking at a trip like this as well. Some random questions:
Do you have ducati dealer contact info just in case? (this came in handy for my recent ride)
Click to expand...
What for?Those things are as reliable as a rock.
 
Wingboy said:
What for?Those things are as reliable as a rock.
Click to expand...

If you're talking about his particular bike, I can't comment. But if you're talking about Ducati in general, well...

When my front right bearing exploded on me in Moose Jaw, I wasn't thinking about how reliable my bike was. I was trying to get the Ducati dealer info in Regina.
 
Day 5 is done. The bike has been reliable such that I don't carry tools nor do I carry Ducati dealer info. I'm not sure if bearings are really the fault of Ducati though. My opinion.
 
homme de fer said:
Day 5 is done. The bike has been reliable such that I don't carry tools nor do I carry Ducati dealer info. I'm not sure if bearings are really the fault of Ducati though. My opinion.
Click to expand...

Subtle implication. Dealer took responsibility. I'm not a hard rider, and I take care of my bike.

Have a good ride.
 
Last edited:
Chaos said:
Subtle implication. Dealer took responsibility. I'm not a hard rider, and I take care of my bike.Have a good ride.
Click to expand...
Now I understand. I wasn't sure of the long term viability of owning a Ducati, especially when I ride as many miles as I do. So far, mine has been more reliable than my Kawasaki. I can't speak to the other models though.
 
homme de fer said:
Now I understand. I wasn't sure of the long term viability of owning a Ducati, especially when I ride as many miles as I do. So far, mine has been more reliable than my Kawasaki. I can't speak to the other models though.
Click to expand...

I can't complain at all about the reliability. I've had 36K flawless kms on an 09 696. The bearing was a one-off. I did 12,000 kms in a month, and the bike was great, bearing not withstanding. I would have no qualms taking the bike out again on a long journey (In fact, that's the plan at some point).

My original point was that in case you need to get to a dealership, it's good to have a list just in case (since their support network is small), that's all. Just trying to help a fellow Ducatista!

Ride safe.
 
Marc, I insist you copy and paste all of your posts here and recreate your thread. Only because I'm a PITA. :D

Ok, but seriously now. Last year were those ridiculously worn sprockets and this year the bald tire. You live dangerously, my friend.
 
Chaos said:
I can't complain at all about the reliability. I've had 36K flawless kms on an 09 696. The bearing was a one-off. I did 12,000 kms in a month, and the bike was great, bearing not withstanding. I would have no qualms taking the bike out again on a long journey (In fact, that's the plan at some point).

My original point was that in case you need to get to a dealership, it's good to have a list just in case (since their support network is small), that's all. Just trying to help a fellow Ducatista!

Ride safe.
Click to expand...

In all honesty, I had a list of Ducati dealerships when I did the BRP trip last year. This year, I was just plain lazy. Plus I really had no plan this year other than to let the trip unfold.

As far as rewritting the blog, I have to paste in about 60 - 70 pictures and that makes for a lot of work when I'd rather be riding. I'll probably do it when I'm done writting it up on adv.
I wasn't worried about the balding tire because I planned to buy tires while I was away anyhow. The belts didn't start to show till my first full day in Morgantown so I went straight to the dealership to have that taken cared of.

Day 6 is written.
 
I totally understand why you had such a good time. I rode to West Virginia twice this summer because of was drawn by the warmth and southern hospitality of the people. Other areas may have more rugged beauty but only the southern states have a charm that keeps you coming back again and again.
 
In the pics outside the Walden Galleria you looked trashed (even though I know you weren't). And I could totally imagine Femme_de_fer's comments about the scruff. I LOLed!

Awesome pics as usual, btw.
 
stormcat said:
In the pics outside the Walden Galleria you looked trashed (even though I know you weren't). And I could totally imagine Femme_de_fer's comments about the scruff. I LOLed!

Awesome pics as usual, btw.
Click to expand...

I had only eaten a little bit then had 5 or 6 pints in the sun. Femme was asking about when and where we were going to eat and as I got up, I realized I was quite drunk. That was a great night.

Carmen, I agree totally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom