Sophia

1998 Ducati 748

Yes, this is the purest play on the Italian lady with wheels ever.  And beyond that, it's just an utterly amazing bike.  Except for the fact that you can only ride it about 50 miles at a time.  But it's truly just a race bike with lights.  If you have the means, I highly recommend one.

Well, when I first got her (or she forced me to buy her, do not ever take a test ride with your checkbook in hand), she needed some goodies.

First up, some carbon fiber.  Carbon Fiber is to Ducati's as chrome is to Harley's.  Gotta do the front fender and I got one of the back fender ones to keep the crap off the shock and such.  It is utterly amazing how totally weightless C/F can be.  I think when I win the lotto, I'm going with full C/F bodywork and tank and such.  It's easier than going on a diet.

Then I got the Fast by Ferraci bar risers.  These are pretty slick, you can't even tell they are on, but they take out the downward slope of the bars.  They make a big difference in the comfort zone of the 748.  But, they are expensive.

Then, I got a Ducati Rider's Club Flying D clutch cover.  This is very cool, apparently they don't make these anymore, but I really like mine.  Go here to see a picture (it's big, sorry)

This year (12-2000), I've decided that to ride her more, I need to get her on the track.  So, new tires, new chain and sprockets, a new slave cylinder (weak point on 6 spd Ducks) from Pro Italia, SS lines, Galfer Brake pads (AWESOME), Pirelli DOT race tires (also AWESOME), safety wired, etc, and of course, more carbon fiber.  More as it comes.  I put some race plastic from Sharkskinz on it and had it painted by a neighbor.  It looks stock, you have to get up close to realize it's wrong.  I think I've dropped a good 30 to 40lbs off it.  It's scary as hell how fast that thing is.

More news as it arrives along with some pictures.