I picked up the Ducati from a much-needed service this afternoon. It’s running better than it has in many years — credit to Stefan at Moto Club for getting it back in shape.

The messed up handling was a combination of a steering head bearing (replaced about a year ago) and a bad front tire (replaced today) — so much for the great Avon Azaro experiment. Never again. I have a Bridgestone BT016 there now, which makes the bike feel 75 pounds lighter. There’s a bit more vibration and road noise than with the Avons, but overall the bike is way better. Though, I think next time around I’ll probably head back to Michelin land — those original Pilot Sports (now Pilot Powers) were still the best tire that thing has ever had.

Stefan also fixed a number of things I didn’t even realize were wrong — coolant mix was too rich (not enough water), clutch cable needed tensioning, clutch and brake fluids needed changing, etc. Bike is running like a dream. Honestly, I was beginning to sour on the gal, but now things are good as new. Good thing, too, as the truck is still broken..

Posted in: SoCal