[levigarrett]

Today I passed the 500 mile mark. I expect to get the first service done Tuesday or Wednesday. I love the bike, I've seen the entire rev range (I don't do soft break-in's but I don't abuse either) and I've ridden on varied roads from super tight twisty's to highway droning.

So far, the only issues I have are largely trivial.

1. The throttle has a little too much play for my taste. Can someone link the spacer kit.
2. The exhaust is already discoloring and spotting a bit. Since I don't have a garage at the moment, I'm not sure I can do anything about that.
3. The paint seems to be quite delicate. There are swirls on the tank already and I have only wiped the bike down (2x) with microfiber cloths (Griot's cloth and Speed shine) and I'm very careful. I may need to apply a proper protectant of some kind going forward.

I'm not really upset with the swirling, I ride my bikes and drive my cars. None of them are show pieces but I am particular.

Thoughts?

 

[360turbo]

Best thing to do is cquartz, optic coat or 3m paint protection from day 1, I've ordered a new bottle of cquartz for my bike and once it comes home it's getting protected.

This will save you lots of time and agrevation concerning the beauty of you paint, won't prevent chips however will prevent most chips.

I've done this on my cars and man does it ever help, last about 2 years and it sees winter climates as well, will most likely last 4-5 years with proper maintenance on your bike.

 

[360turbo]

Get the throttle kit I think he's on 899 or 1299 forum, I'll be ordering the throttle spacer also.

 

[avigil]

Best thing to do is cquartz, optic coat or 3m paint protection from day 1, I've ordered a new bottle of cquartz for my bike and once it comes home it's getting protected.

This will save you lots of time and agrevation concerning the beauty of you paint, won't prevent chips however will prevent most chips.

I've done this on my cars and man does it ever help, last about 2 years and it sees winter climates as well, will most likely last 4-5 years with proper maintenance on your bike.

I've been researching the opti-coat. I know with the 899 there were some criticisms regarding the paint. I'm assuming the 959 has the same paint. There seems to be some really good info on it here:
White paint robustness compared to red - Ducati 899 Panigale Forum

Specifically, message #12 goes into detail for liquid glass. However, if I'm reading it correctly, that would be a lot of waiting around (4 hours between each coat and a recommendation of 10 to 20 coats).

If someone local would apply it for a total cost of $300 I'd definitely opt for that.

I'm sure you're aware that if you already have any scratches or anything on the paint you'd need to correct them before applying something like this.

 

[avigil]

2. The exhaust is already discoloring and spotting a bit. Since I don't have a garage at the moment, I'm not sure I can do anything about that.

Thoughts?

For the exhaust discoloring and spotting, do you think that's because it's sitting out in the rain? I do have a garage so I'm assuming/hoping that wouldn't be the issue for me? Also, do you have pictures?

 

[Helios]

You can consider a paint protector to ehlp with the one issue. Throttle also can be fixed and is a matter of taste. I think you are doing pretty well all in all.

 

[levigarrett]

For the exhaust discoloring and spotting, do you think that's because it's sitting out in the rain? I do have a garage so I'm assuming/hoping that wouldn't be the issue for me? Also, do you have pictures?

It's not actually sitting in the rain although I did get caught riding through some flooding recently. Wasn't so much fun. No choice though. It doesn't sit in a garage but its under cover and has a cover on it. It's not a big deal for me. Like I said, it's not going to be a show piece. My Monster had 24000 miles on it when I got rid of it. I like to ride. I may replace the exhaust at some point anyway. I'll get a pic tomorrow and post it.