Hey Tony, glad to have to along! You’re right I don’t do much “off-road” riding, but when I do the bike is awesome, switch it over to “Enduro” mode and away you go. I recently rode the Kielder Forest trail in Northumberland which was awesome..along with my brother on his BMW XR…both bike coped with that sort of trail without any issues at all…

..yeah that about the same for me…nothing to worry about..👌

Hi Kris.. Yeah, I’ve fitted the spacer…! It was my very first mod and featured in the very first video of this series..🤣

​@@MouldyPIX- super thanks for the response , I have ordered it from Ducati spacers .

Can I ask if this is your first v-twin? Yes, there are vibrations if you open up and go full-throttle from say 2,500 rpm, but I wouldn’t say it’s excessive or any different from say a KTM SAS or similar.. How is it if you roll on smoothly?

Hi Luke, I’m loving the Power 6’s, done 1,500 miles on them and down to 4mm..😳. Not unexpected but I’d say only 50%-60% of the life/wear of the Road 6GT…

Hi Zak, that’s an unusual one! I’ve not experienced it though…👌

What did you replace them with..?

Agreed on the puncture magnet!

Can I ask what tyres you do use on track now?

@@MouldyPIX i only took the super duke on track once had I power 5 which I used on a tour I got almost 4k m out of them . They needed a bit of warming up on track not the grippiest felling tyre simulator consistent as s22. But S22 feel like can be pushed more to my track ability limit and rossos 2 and 4 . If only riding on the road then road 5 or 6 never used 6 is ideal Don’t need warming up . I’ve only toasted them on track when it was 36c day started to get gooey at the end of season. You never get that. Sort of heat in Them on the road .

Sounds like you ride a lot more off road than me! 🤣 I managed the Kielder Forest way a few months back..but that’ll do me for another year..black to the tarmac for me! 😆😆👌

@@MouldyPIX Well....☺ the tyre is advertised to be a 90/10 tyre. I use the 10 part occasionally for gravel roads but nothing more serious. When I watch the TET and ACT folks struggling to keep alive, that can't possibly be fun.

That’s very interesting Kelvin because yes I have exactly the same problem. And to be honest it’s driving me crazy! Both me and my mechanic friend - Andy at L2 - have been trying to resolve it for months now. I’m just awaiting for a “Ducati” branded front 15t sprocket and a new chain to be fitted. I usually use 3rd party sprockets (15/42) and a DID chain (Z-VMX 530 116-link), but this time I’ll fit a new chain (another DID Z-VMX) with the Ducati OEM sprocket to see if that sorts the issue. Up til now I’ve changed the rear sprocket carrier cush rubber bolts as a couple of those had cracks in them, but that didn’t wholly sort the issue. Once I’ve sorted it I’ll upload another video, but do let me know how you get on!

@@MouldyPIXahh… I don’t feel that lonely anymore! Let me know how you get on! But to be fair, I’ve only had one set of chains and sprocket change thus far but I’d be keen to hear if it works for you mate!

Hi, the HT (high tension) leads are the cables from the coil-pack to the spark plug. The front cylinder lead is exposed to the weather much more so than the vertical cylinder and is prone to corrosion and cracking. I’ve had to replace the front HT lead twice now.

@@MouldyPIX thanks for your information. I got a bad misfire at very high revs +8k. Now i ordered all 4 HT leads. In your case it was always the main cable on the front cylinder? Could you visually see any problems on this cable? Thank you and regards

Many thanks Chaitanya, much appreciated. Look forward to your feedback with the ROAD 5’s..👌

Many thanks, very humbling… ❤

Hey Paul, sounds like a great trip! Both the Vosges and Black Forest are two of my favourite regions. I was in the Vosges a few years back with a few mates, we based ourselves at a super Moto Hotel in Bussang (Moto-hotel Col de Bussang) run by Dimi and his wife - highly recommended. They’re a Dutch couple who opened a few years ago and some of their friends designed some tour routes which are on their website all with .GPX files etc. make sure you take in the Grand Ballon! I also did the Deutsch Alpine Strasse route last year through the Black Forest through to Austria, again awesome! For both these trips I packed pretty much the same, both were 7-8 day tours. In the past I’ve experimented with the Kriega system, using both the 30ltr and 20ltr bags stacked on the pillion. But to be honest I’ve pretty much binned them, too much hassle getting them on/off. So my setup now is to use both the standard top box and side panniers. I also have a couple of SW-MOTECH tank bags. For day-to-day use I use the PRO DAYPACK (5l-8l), but for touring I put on the PRO CITY DAYPACK (11l-14l). But more recently I’ve also been taking my Kriega 25l backpack to keep my Scott Waterproofs in (as I much prefer touring in jeans and my Klim Marrakesh jacket) and some waterproof gloves etc. In the top box I keep all my clothes/shoes and overnight gear plus iPad chargers etc, so when I arrive at the hotel it’s a simple case of opening up the top box and pulling out one bag! In the right (smaller pannier) I tend to keep all my tools, battery tyre pump, chain lube, oil (usually 2ltr), coolant (yes I take 1lt of coolant 🤦🏻‍♂️) and wheel nuts socket (v heavy!). The other pannier I use for my camera gear, drone etc, it also has spare space for the odd “purchase” I might make whilst away!! 🤣 Anyway that’s pretty much how I load up for most tours now, you’ll find a big difference in the handling of the bike once it’s full loaded, but you can still push the bike in the corners it’s amazing how the Skyhook copes with extra weight. However when I was last in the Vosges for a few days we took our luggage off and went for a proper blast..so good without the extra weight! Have a great trip, I’m sure you will…and let me know how you get on! 👌👌👌

Hi Trevor, Thank you very much indeed for the detailed reply. Your luggage set up is pretty much what I’ve settled on as well, I’ve agonised over other options and have also tried the Kriega pack on the pillion seat. I like the security that the hard panniers offer in that you can lock them up when stopping for coffee etc safe in the knowledge that they’re more secure than soft luggage strapped down. They do add a fair bit of weight, but I guess that’s the trade off. Also like you I’m a massive fan of my Klim Marrakesh, along with a pair of Rokker jeans, they’re just so much more comfortable and nicer when you stop for a break. I bought a pair of the Knox gloves with the Boa system you recommended a while ago, also really pleased with those. Thanks for the tip on the hotel to stay at, I’ll take at it look with interest. On this trip I’ve bought the route from Simon Weir so I travel from place to place-place, covering around 200 miles per day. I’ve amended and fine tuned in My Route App, so it’s good to go. Really looking forward to it, head off at the end of July - probably scorching hot! I’ve been ruminating over a Kriega Hydro Pack Trevor, do you use anything like that on your tours, or do you just rehydrate once stopped? Once again I’d like to thank you for taking the time in putting your videos together, having the same bike I’ve found them the most useful resource online. Keep up the good work mate, All the best, Paul

I’ve run Michelin Road 5 & 6’s on the bike ever since I bought it. The Pirelli Scorpions were awful (IMO!), so I would have no hesitation recommending the Road 6’s or Road 6 GT’s. However I’m just about to post up a short video on the Michelin Power 6’s which I fitted recently - now done 500 miles of dry running and I absolutely love them. Very different to the Road 6’s which is a bit of a surprise. Keep watching, I’ll try to post up in the next few days to explain why! 👌👌

I’m loving my new Michelin Power 6’s - 500 miles on them…little video coming v soon! 👌

Thanks 👍

2 great bikes, so you’ve got a hard choice my friend! My brother has an XR, so check out the “head-to-head” video I did last year if you haven’t already! You’re correct, the 1260s service interval is 9,000 for an interim “oil/filter service”, usually fairly inexpensive. Then the 18,000 (or 5 years) for the full on Desmo service where the belts are changed and the valve clearances are checked - circa £1,000+ Good luck…and let me know which bike you go for! 🔴⚪️🟢 (obvs..🤣)

@@MouldyPIX Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely keep in touch. If the 1260s reviews are anything to go by, that'll be the choice. I think coming from a GS, torque is important.. saying that, who doesn't love a screaming I4. I have 2 test rides booked next week. Have a great weekend.

So no shims needed 4 times in a row what a waste of money having them checked ,a dealers con saying they need doing at all

Fab bike, can’t see me riding anything else for quite some time! Th screen is a PUIG Sport - light smoke version.

Yeah stayed with the 15/42 sprocket setup, it’s perfect for this bike IMO. I had a mate who tried a 14/42 setup it was wild! ..but he’s since changed back to a 15 front set up! 😎 Glad the recommendation worked for you ! 👌

Cheers Red, yeah I don’t have any expectations that the Power 6’s will last more than 3,000 miles should be fun though!…they get fitted tomorrow 👌👌

In the US..? Was it crash damaged..?

@@MouldyPIX Scotland... whole n hearty

…just trust the locals! In all the tours, miles and travels I’ve done I’ve never once had a problem. Just my experiences, but obviously take the security you deem necessary…

The belts on mine are changed pretty much annually as part of the Desmo service as I do approx 18,000 miles per annum. If your bike is 6 years old and hasn’t yet had a belt change then I would change them asap as your dealer has suggested. Also get your rear centric hub serviced too!

@@MouldyPIX On the matter of belts. What are the prices that you pay at the dealer for belts?

@@MouldyPIXwhy is it Ducati belts have to be changed much more frequently than other bikes? I have owned Yamahas with 60000kms on the original belt.

@@TierOperator approximately £110 per belt - 2 needed.

Have you checked out my 1260s v BMW XR comparison video? My brother just happens to have a 2016 XR!

Power eats tires. I get 3000 miles on street tires on my S1KRR. When you buy a bike with that much power, tires and maintenance are just part of the experience. Definitely something to consider.

I’ve just ordered a set of Michelin Power 6’s for the summer! 3,000 miles max?! 🤣

Thanks for your delude comment…appreciated. 🤦🏻‍♂️

@MouldyPIX well Jesus man, you guys have big brother watching everything you do. If you say the wrong thing online they arrest you, they have cameras up everywhere to keep you in line.

All part of the joy of Ducati ownership! 😉

@@MouldyPIX 😂😂😂😂

…well at least it wasn’t a GS…🤣

Very intuitive…thanks. 👌

Hi David…just renewed my insurance. Premium has more than double from £300 pa to £750!

I’ve switched to a 15/42 sprocket set up. It makes 3rd gear usable at 30mph, gives more punch low down in the rev range and 6th is more usable at motorway speeds. Only downside is a slight loss of top-end speed, but I rarely get anywhere need these limits!

Glad it was helpful!