Well it turns out the tempting fate actually works. I was utterly amazed when fate stepped in and ruined yet another day. Instead of a letter from the insurance company, the fickle finger of fate pointed it's bony finger straight at the electrical system and halted my bike in its tracks. The ride home from work was fine and the bike was running just as expected. I needed to fill up, so I used the pay at pump station just around the corner from home. I paid my money, filled the tank, hit the starter and then nothing but the horrible noise of the starter motor trying to push the pistons up and down filled the air.
I tried to call the dealership, but there was no answer so my only recourse was to call the AA out...again. The chappy turned up within 20mins and as it was easier, I whipped the left fairing panel off in a few mins for him using his rusty tools. Turns out the battery wasn't receiving enough juice to get recharged. The battery was hooked up to a booster and the bike fired up straight away. My plan was still to ride to the dealership and the AA man said he'd follow. We left the fairing panel in the van and I rode on ahead....for half a mile. That's when the bike spluttered and ground to a halt. Turns out the battery had now completely discharged itself so now a top up was needed. After about 5mins we were back up and running and when we encountered traffic, Mr AA told me to head off and told me he'd catch up. I got to Metropolis 10mins before him and I found out why they didn't answer the phone. They were flippin closed. Mike was in Italy looking at the new Ducati models (exciting stuff) and Leyton couldn't cover. In a brief moment of good luck, Artur was there doing some freelance stuff so I was able to leave the bike with him. The theory being it was one of two things: the alternator or the regulator/rectifier.
On the three mile walk home, in full leathers, I started thinking about the bike, my bikes, the theft of the Ninja and pretty much all that is associated with my bikes. I love the Ducati and I loved my ZX7R, but I can't be dealing with all the hassle of them breaking down. Maybe a PCP deal would be a good idea. Jack my Ducati in and put the value towards a brand new bike and subsequently get a new one every three years. Its a very temping prospect. No breakdowns, everything under warranty. In three years, all I would have to get would be new tyres, break pads and a few fluid changes. It's very temping, but a hard decision.
To finish I found out how much the repair may cost. If its the Reg/Rec its £80 give or take. If its the alternator it £400. Which my run of luck, how much do you think I'll be shedding out in the next day or two? Yeah, me too
I tried to call the dealership, but there was no answer so my only recourse was to call the AA out...again. The chappy turned up within 20mins and as it was easier, I whipped the left fairing panel off in a few mins for him using his rusty tools. Turns out the battery wasn't receiving enough juice to get recharged. The battery was hooked up to a booster and the bike fired up straight away. My plan was still to ride to the dealership and the AA man said he'd follow. We left the fairing panel in the van and I rode on ahead....for half a mile. That's when the bike spluttered and ground to a halt. Turns out the battery had now completely discharged itself so now a top up was needed. After about 5mins we were back up and running and when we encountered traffic, Mr AA told me to head off and told me he'd catch up. I got to Metropolis 10mins before him and I found out why they didn't answer the phone. They were flippin closed. Mike was in Italy looking at the new Ducati models (exciting stuff) and Leyton couldn't cover. In a brief moment of good luck, Artur was there doing some freelance stuff so I was able to leave the bike with him. The theory being it was one of two things: the alternator or the regulator/rectifier.
On the three mile walk home, in full leathers, I started thinking about the bike, my bikes, the theft of the Ninja and pretty much all that is associated with my bikes. I love the Ducati and I loved my ZX7R, but I can't be dealing with all the hassle of them breaking down. Maybe a PCP deal would be a good idea. Jack my Ducati in and put the value towards a brand new bike and subsequently get a new one every three years. Its a very temping prospect. No breakdowns, everything under warranty. In three years, all I would have to get would be new tyres, break pads and a few fluid changes. It's very temping, but a hard decision.
To finish I found out how much the repair may cost. If its the Reg/Rec its £80 give or take. If its the alternator it £400. Which my run of luck, how much do you think I'll be shedding out in the next day or two? Yeah, me too
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