novice ducati rider needs help & advice cornering!

**Ghost** · 21 Jul 08, 02:15 PM

Well done for putting your hand up and asking for help, also for realising that you may need it. I'm sure there will be some sensible riders in your area willing to impart some of their knowledge.

But its a little and often not an overnight thing. So take on board what they say and practice it, then go to the next stage.

Hope all goes well for you with it.

**nel5on** · 21 Jul 08, 02:51 PM

Hi John,

I found it hard to get on with my ST2 as well when I first got her, my mate on a 125 cruiser was passing me often, I came from a BMW k1000 and a FZR1000exup before that, but after a few careful rides, found the lack of revs ok, and used the torque and just found another way to ride, now most ppl would say I ride (mostly) safe and some would even say fast and thats thanks to the dukes handling, now i've worked out the riding style. Just go and put some mile on it and build your confidence safely.

P.s Enjoy the engine braking of a big twin, let the engine do the stopping, even gearing down carefully , and enjoy the wonderful sound of the engine braking( over running) I mostly only use my brakes to stop now, almost never to slow down.

Regards
Nelson

**Lin** · 21 Jul 08, 03:55 PM

I would suggest you remove your phone number.

**CK & AK** · 21 Jul 08, 04:27 PM

Hi John,
If you'd be happy to go for the odd ride with a bird, I'd be more than happy to meet up as am not too busy on weekdays for the next couple of weeks.
I do have a bit of knowledge about Ducati's (not as much as some) and do tend to ride safely and swiftly when required.
Drop me a PM if you like

CK

**crystaljohn** · 21 Jul 08, 08:19 PM

Many thanks for all the advice, I do realise that I need to adjust to the style of riding, and that i have to do this slowly but surely, probably be a good idear if i stopped watching the bike racing on the t.v and trying to emulate what they are doing!
C.K , I would be very happy to receive some advice and help from you, can make it for a ride in the daytime; as long as its good weather, where do you suggest we meet up. Rykers @ Box hill is good for me, if its convenient for you.
Kind regards, John

**CK & AK** · 21 Jul 08, 08:53 PM

You have PM reply John.
If you are free there is usually a good crowd of Ducati people at Box Hill on most Weds eves - we'll be there this week as weather looking lovely!

C

**Herb** · 21 Jul 08, 09:48 PM

I have the same bike as you, mine is a 95 750 SS. It is normal for the fork tubes to be raised above the top yoke. 10mm seems low, mine is at 20mm (5 rings showing above the yoke) and I think its close to standard. Raising the forks through the yokes will alter the geometry and make your bike slightly easier / quicker to turn in. I am not saying this will cure the problem, but getting your bike back to standard settings and making sure everything is in good order is obviously a sensible place to start.

These bike are pretty old now and I found that things like forks, bearings etc were well overdue a looking at.

To echo Lin, I would remove you phone number and postcode from what is a public forum. If people want to contact you they can use the PM system and exchange details there.

**ducbird** · 21 Jul 08, 10:15 PM

i like you didnt find cornering very easy to start with on Dizzy..
After learning on an ER500...kept feeling as if i was going to go
straight on...
But i have ridden out with a few guys off here and asked loads of
questions and listened and put into practice what i have been told.
Also being pillion again and taking in the corners recently helped..

Get out there with CK take in all you can process it and the next time
you go out it will start making sense....

Good luck
by the way i have a 600ss

**crystaljohn** · 22 Jul 08, 07:49 AM

Hi All
Thanks for all your advice, I have now removed my phone number! and learnt how to private message!
Looking forward to meeting some of you soon.
Regards, John

**Brian** · 23 Jul 08, 08:08 PM

Good luck with the private tuition i would also recoment the ride safe course from the Ace Cafe

**CK & AK** · 23 Jul 08, 08:28 PM

Good to meet up with you tonight John

I hope the lads gave you some useful info & tips about your SS - we'll catch up one day next week for that bimble mate

C

**Paivi** · 23 Jul 08, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Good luck with the private tuition i would also recoment the ride safe course from the Ace Cafe

I'd recommend it from the Warren near Bromley, as you get to ride the lovely Surrey/Kent/Sussex roads.

BikeSafe London

**MattBurf** · 23 Jul 08, 11:12 PM

This site is also worth a visit on a wet day...

Enjoy yourself on the dry ones!

**Chicken** · 24 Jul 08, 02:51 PM

echoing the previous comments, it's worth getting onto a training course.

Beyond that though, the SS's do have a very distinct ride - very stable but also very slow steering. This means that it does need to be "man-handled" which is not very intuitive if you've come from a japanese roadbike. Once you get the hang of it though, you'll find it very very rewarding - so don't give up!