[Doc59]

Finally stopped raining today so took my Icon for the first real ride since I picked it up. Really starting to enjoy this bike. First off I lowered the tyre pressure to my usual 32F/36R psi from the dealer/factory setting of approx 38/38. Compared to my ride back from the dealers this made a huge difference to the bike. Yes the suspension is still firm but not uncomfortably so, I've been banged around worse on other bikes. I'm actually pretty satisfied with the suspension now, rear preload is still on the 3rd setting too. Put a ziptie on the front forks yesterday to check the suspension movement, initial sag with me on the bike was around 20mm, fork travel after todays ride was 7cm. Considering I wasn't pushing the bike hard, that seems alright to me.

Did a 212km round trip on mainly wet roads so didn't push it into corners and stuck to the running in 6000 revs, bike performed nicely. For the locals I went Jindalee, Fernvale, Somerset Dam, across to Esk and back through Fernvale. The Fernvale Rd is turning into a goat track so got to ride over a few bumps. Fuel consumption is looking good, 212km and fuel light not on yet. Either that or its not looking good and my Italian electics have crapped out and the lights not working

Reminds me, don't know if it was just my dealer but they gave me a trickle charger with the bike with a connection plug already wired in place. Naturally I had to ask if that was an advertisement for Ducati electrics.

Supposed to be fine again tomorrow so might go for a ride around Mt Glorious and see how it really handles.

Total kilometres so far - 342

 

[greer]

Thank you for the report! Sounds like folks might need to check tire pressures first thing and go from there. You were on some sloppy roads, how would you rate the effectiveness of the rear mudguard? I don't like mess slung up on my back so I'm trying to think ahead. Thanks again.


Sarah

 

[Doc59]

Did roughly another 140 km today mainly on a twisty mountain road with lots of nice corners (Mt Glorious). The bike is feeling better all the time as the suspension etc beds in and I get more used to it. No complaints at all about the handling and, once I'm confident about its grip level etc, I'm sure it will be at least as quick as any of my other bikes round there. I'll be happier when I pass the 1000 km mark and can go over 6000 rpm, the bike has good pull coming out of corners and will be great just surfing the torque curve from around 4 to 7000 revs with less gear changing. Fuel light came on just as I left home this morning so 212km and took 9.9 litres, I'm happy with that.

Sarah, you might not be too happy with that then, checked my jacket and there are a few black spots on the back. Noticed yesterday when we stopped that the back of the seat and top of the rear guard were getting wet, top of the guard ended up being covered in dirty spots.

 

[greer]

Thanks for the follow-up, Doc. Good to hear the bike is lining out just as you'd hoped. I'm not too worked up about the rear fender, I'll be on the look out for fixes to come along. Look forward to hearing more about your bike, thanks again.


Sarah

 

[Feli]

Sounds like you live in Jindalee or near there Doc? I'm in Graceville, should get my Urban Enduro sometime this month according to Brisbane Motorcycles; might see you around!

Enjoy the bike and keep sharing! Any mods yet? planned?

 

[DenverDuc]

FWIW the factory pressures recommended on my Monster 796 are 32 front and 36 rear like what you switched yours to. I personally like that setup and will try it on my Scrambler as well.

 

[Doc59]

Sarah, I'm thinking of having an R&G tail tidy with the number plate under the rear guard and still keeping the lower bumper bar in place. That'll basically give me a longer rear guard so probably make a difference. Not in a hurry though so don't wait for my reports to decide.

Feli, yeah mate, I'm in Jindalee so just up the road, let us know when you get the bike, I'll give you a wave or we could go for a ride sometime. I usually do a run round Mt Glorious with a few mates every Sunday morning, bunch of old farts on varying bikes so we stuff around with breakfast in Fernvale and a couple of stops on the way.

DenverDuc, I know tyre pressures are pretty much a personal preference thing but I have 8 registered bikes that I alternate between and that pressure combination just works for me on everything ranging from my DL650 to my Guzzi Lemans and including the Scrambler. Only time I really vary is on my Kawasaki super sherpa with knobbies or if I'm doing a track day, think I dropped the SV650 to around 32/32 for that.

 

[greer]

I'm with you, keep the possum scraper (I owned an F650, too) and add a tail tidy for additional protection against crap slinging. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and observations, looking forward to more.


Sarah

 

[FatRob]

This is turning into a forum for former owner of F650s!

I had a 2000 F650ST for a couple of years. Great bike.

 

[Doc59]

Rob, should have kept it, bought mine new back in 1998 and wouldn't part with it now for sentimental reasons. Been in half a dozen countries and never let me down. If the Scrambler is half as reliable I'll be happy

 

[Umvubuafrica]

Just saw this video on Facebook Get Dirty - Ducati Scrambler - MotoGeo Adventures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj1740qx87M