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DESMOPHILES
REGIONAL CONTACTS Auckland Wayne Lyons
027-4728-343
Waikato
The Newsletter of DOCNZ Ducati Owners Club of NEW ZEALAND January - June 2015 Issue 68 COMMITTEE
Trevor Smart
027 727 1883
Bay of Plenty Damian Fleming (Bayride) 027 4428471 Hawkes Bay Nigel Taylor & Claire Miller
021 273 9450
Wellington Todd (Motomart) Chris Marer
0800DUCATI 027 447 4299
Greg Monahan
021 851 916
Christchurch Craig (Casbolts M/C) 03-366-4401
021 851 916
Secretary Scott Palmer
Manawatu
Nelson
President
Greg Monahan
Heath (Hamilton M/C) 07-849-1919
the above members and also the Ducati Dealer Network are a very good way to find out more about the club.
021 467757
Treasurer Nigel Taylor
027 490 3408
Editor/Publisher Richard Sabiston
editor@docnz.co.nz All Magazine contributions and Membership Enquiries to:
Webmaster Nigel Haworth
webmaster@docnz.co.nz
Communications Coordinator Greg Monahan
docnz@docnz.co.nz
DOCNZ P.O.Box 6537 Marion Square Wellington 6141 NEW ZEALAND Email: secretary@docnz.co.nz
www.docnz.co.nz
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EDITOR’S SAY
Well it is 2015 and the year is flying by. All ready we have had the National Ducati Rally and the Turismo. This year is really going off with a bang. I am torn between the retro Scrambler (finally here) with all it’s accessories, and the Streetfighter 848 for my second bike. However the deciding factor was the 132 horsepower in a 199 kg frame (Streetfighter it is then). On the racing front, both Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone are doing really well and have fine-tuning the chassis and the electronics set-ups of their Desmosedici GP14.3. It is nice to see them push pass Honda and Yamaha. Pramac Racing with Yonny Hernandez and Danilo Petrucci are recording constant progress on their Desmosedici GP14.2. Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano, in the new livery of the factory Panigale R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team, the only official Ducati team in the 2015 eni FIM Superbike World Championship are doing well as scoring podium finishes. On the article front for the magazine. I will need club members to step up and provide me with articles for the magazine. We are also compiling the Regional Contact list. Can you please contact the committee if want to be a regional contact for organising local events. Well enough talking, have a read and go for a ride, stay safe and make the most of the summer weather. Cheers Richard
PRESIDENT’S PRATTLE Ciao a tutti Hello everyone, NDR is now a memory and a great one at that. Plans are underway to create an even more special Rally for next year, and hopefully we will have some really good news soon. In the mean time, those that went to NDR in Taupo at the beautiful Wairakei Resort, made the most of the break in the weather and had a great event. I would like to take
PRESIDENT’S PRATTLE
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this opportunity to thanks the team and the committee for all the hard work that goes into an event like this. With your help, this all seems too easy and flows so nicely. This year I did manage to get to go on the Saturday ride, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, although I can now see some room for improvements. So that's a good thing. On the Friday evening, meet and greet, we had a special opportunity with Robert Taylor of Kiwi Suspension Specialists coming along and giving us a technical talk and visual demonstration of how suspension works, and what happens when you make some adjustments. I'm pretty sure everyone there, like me, learned something new from Roberts "show and tell" Immediately following that, the lights were turned up in the other end of the conference room, and we were so privileged to have the New Zealand launch of Ducati's new Scrambler. We all then had a chance to feel it for size, it was really cool, especially as there were members in the crowd seeing one for the first time since placing an order for one and awaiting delivery. So that was a really special moment. ( eh Sue?) Saturday's NDR bike show drew in a lot of Ducati owners from around Taupo to come and have a look at the line up, and boy did we have some really cool bikes in the line up. Just check out the photos. The Saturday night gala dinner was once again the highlight of the weekend, with prize giving for all the category bike-show winners, and also a handful of spot prizes. The whole event seemed to down well again with those that were there and everyone seemed very happy. So that brings me on to the next topic... What do we want next? I have sent out a couple of surveys to everyone on our databases from all NDR's. We want to get an idea of what to do next? Where to hold it, and what sort of format? So far it looks like we've been on the right track. So if you haven't yet completed the survey, please do it only takes about 3 minutes. Arriverdverci Ciao ciao Greg
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SECRETARY REPORT “MOLLYS FINAL SAY�
By the time you read this we would have had another fantastic NDR, and be thinking of the next one. Any gatherings of like minded folk is going to create great friendships, and that seems even more true with DOCNZ, the people are the reason I have loved this role so much. It is however time to pass the mantel on after 3 years and I wish the new incumbent all the best My aim for this last year was to have the membership at it's highest ever, and I'm very pleased that as at 31st Jan we had a total membership of 215. At the same time last year it was 191, and the year before that 164. This is not all down to me of course, but I will take the credit for a good portion of it, as I am a very good nag (if you haven't paid your memberships by the time you read this....) On the bike front I have managed to find time to tinker. My 76 SS has found some NOS parts from around the globe (not going to fit them yet), and the wheels have been rebuilt by Craig at Hamco Industries. Craig does a fabulous job and I have also passed him my Fontana front drum and Menani rear to be laced up for my widecase single project. The front is back and is happy sitting in a shiny new pair of Ceriani GP forks. The bike is being 'dry built' and then will strip and rebuild properly once everything sorted as I want it. Optimistically I am hoping to have it at NDR next year but there's lots to do Gracie Mille for all your support, see you around Molly (Brent)
CAPTAIN NIGEL’S TREASURE REPORT I am happy to report Santa arrived early for the Xmas just past, the jolly fat fellow in the Ducati Red suit found my request and was able to decipher the whereabouts of the collection point and duly dropped off a parcel of goodies early December. About September last year I decided the Marzocchi suspension on the DB1 was no longer up to the job, there was about 15mm of free play between the compression and rebound stroke on the back shock and the front end had virtually no rebound dampening in it site no matter what adjustment made. A few years ago I looked at Ohlins and WP options for the bike but there was nothing that was purpose built, they both offered quality kit that was an adaptation of existing product lines for the rear end and progressive springs with KTek Gold Valve kits for the front. At this point I will digress to point out my favourite Motorcycle magazines are Fast Bikes and Performance Bikes from the UK. Many of the bikes featured use Maxton Suspension, and it is highly recommended for anyone considering road work. So back to the main theme, I looked up Maxton on the Interweb thingy and dropped them a line explaining what I was after; basically a new rear shock and a fork kit that would retain the exterior look of the original forks, complete with brake and clutch reservoirs retained as fork caps. Oh and could I have compression and rebound adjustment at the same time. A very helpful chap by the name of Richard Adams responded, immediately apologising for a slightly slow reply as he had been working away allot recently – translated at the road circuits and race tracks of the UK and Europe. Six weeks of detailed correspondence later we came to an agreement on what the final specification would be and my old kit was duly despatched to the UK for some serious internal surgery for the front forks and the rear shock to be used to confirm dimensions
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before finding its way into the bin. When the new kit turned up it looked stunning, the workmanship is exquisite, as you would expect from artisan craftsmen. I am a very happy chappy. Just for the record I now have M1R forks with a Maxton progressive springs and cartridge dampers with rebound and compression dampening, the only visual tell take being the stickers at the bottom of the forks. The rear shock has the same compression and rebound dampening with high and low speed adjustment along with a remote reservoir required to fit it all into a relatively tight space. Other works this episode; the battery box has been modified to accept a 3 module Ultrabatt unit that currently looks like a block of wood. The modifications mean much needed cooling air can now find its way to the rear cylinder head without having a battery in the way. I also picked up the refurbished callipers from the powder coaters on Xmas Eve so I must have been especially good last year for Santa to allow me to have these goodies as well. Additionally I now have the same rear brake master cylinder as Marc Marquez courtesy of HRC and eBay. Does anyone out there have contacts in the carbon fibre moulding business; the next move is to make up a rear hugger using an old 851 Tri Colour hugger (16” wheels) as a staring point. The summer sojourn went well with a trouble free (for some) trip to Wanganui for the Boxing Day races followed by a return trip taking in Vinegar Hill and the Gentle Annie before a BBQ at Maison Taylor/Miller. The following day was a reverse trip up the Gentle Annie then round the back of the mountain and on to Raglan for new Years, The trip home down the road between Te Awamutu and Mangakino, the one with Bryces Rock Climbing Café on it, followed by TaupoNapier. All in all a very holiday on the bike with little traffic on the roads less travelled. The first lap of the Gentle Annie was a bit too much for one 900SS that is now sitting with Ken Eyles having clutch surgery and a top end rebuild. On to business. I am happy to stand again as Treasurer at the up and coming AGM. However if you lot don’t start submitting articles for the mag we will be forced to put up the subs to pay for professional copy writers. See you at NDR and possibly the MotoTT Taupo track day the week end after. Current account: $$19,907.51 Deposit Account $5,975.38 Buy for now Nigel
SECRETARY REPORT “SCOTTS FLIGHT PATH�
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Hi all. I have found myself embarking on a mission to fill the hefty secretary boots recently vacated by Molly. I didn't make it to NDR this year as I was otherwise occupied but I still managed to land this exciting role. While I was busy chasing a giant peg legged pirate parrot called Pete around the Wairarapa I trust you all had a great time. My current ride is a 2013 Hypermotard, having owned a 2011 Hypermotard 796 previously which replaced my original Ducati, a Monster 696+. I love seeing and reading about the great bikes we have in our club so please keep your submissions coming. I live in Wellington and work shifts so sing out if you are keen for a mid-week ride. As is the norm at this time of the year, club subscriptions are due so please get yours in. The form can be found further into this magazine or get in touch and I can email you one. Cheers. Scott
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PARKINSONS JOHN STOCKWELL
We were lucky enough to have John Stockwell join us for NDR. John has Parkinson's' disease and is riding NZ (and on a Ducati of course) to raise awareness, spirits and money for Parkinson's Disease. He has already ridden Australia for the same cause and is hoping next to do America! NFI were gracious enough to lend John a Hyperstrada, as they has done previously in Australia, when John's own ST2 developed an electrical issue at 220,000km DOCNZ gave $500 to John's cause and the bucket was sent around at NDR also for a grand total of $1061.80. You can read about John's trip, catch up on Facebook and donate at: http://www.parkinsons.org.nz/news/5-february-2015/john-stockwell-ride-parkinsons-nz
John wished that we publish a 'thanks very much' from him for our hospitality and generous donation, however John is an inspiration to us all, so thank you John!
KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE
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At the beginning of the year I started a new job working for an American company who were going to build a new Biotech facility in New Zealand. As part of the induction process all staff have to visit the parent company in Boone, Iowa in the States. The town of Boone being named after Daniel Boone, coon skin cap and all. While I was in the states I thought it would be good to tag on a visit to some of the people I met while attending the Ducati World Presidents Meeting in Austria and Italy. After looking at the map I found out that one of the Ducati club presidents I met lived in Kansas City and that was only 3 hours from Boone.
I made contact with them and told them I would be in the states shortly and would like to meet up. They said sure and told me that they would arrange some activities with the MADOG club while I was there. MADOG meaning Mid-American Ducati Owners Club. They arranged a trip to a well know motorcycle collector who has a fantastic collection of Vincent’s and many other brands of bikes, plus breakfast with the HOME motorcycle group (Heart of America Motorcycle Enthusiasts) and a viewing of another two motorcycle collections in the area. On the last day of my trip to the parent company I made my way down from Boone to Des Moines airport to pick up a rental car to drive down to Kansas City. I picked up a little Toyota Corolla and made my way out of the airport to the interstate. The trip was pretty uneventful but I did notice the large amount of road kill, everything from possums, raccoons and some very large deer. They would sure make a mess of car if you hit one.
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KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE
I arrived at Kansas City airport around 3:30pm to drop off the rental car. Doug, whose wife is the president of the MADOG club, picked me up in his blue Corvette. After jamming my suitcase into the small boot space we had a very lively trip down to Overland Park where Doug and Tina live. On the way there Doug was telling me that the state line runs right through the center of Kansas City. This means that you can buy alcohol in one state, but it is against the law to take it back to the other state. We arrived at the house and entered. The first thing I saw in the living room was a beautiful red Ducati MH900e along with a large collection of Ducati memorabilia, posters, and models covering a complete wall, this was just a taste of things to come. After something to drink and eat we made our way to the garage, as you do, to have a look at the rest of their bike collection. On entering the garage there were rows of motorcycles. Their collection consisted of: MV Augusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Norton, Harley Davidson, Buell, Vespa and of course Ducati. I was blown away so many bikes and so much to look at. I took some photos. Then it was time for dinner. We talked about the bikes they had. When we were over in Italy I noticed that Doug was wearing a Norton Tee shirt. As I had just bought a 1969 Norton Commando, I asked him about his shirt. He had said has a few Norton
BY NEIL FREMAUX
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Commandos. He restores them and has been doing between 6 and 7 Norton’s’ per year. He can now restore them with his eyes closed. Really interesting for me as I didn’t know a lot about them. In his parts Doug found a workshop manual for my bike and some other literature and which he gave to me, very generous on his part. We talked about some of his other bikes and most of them had really good stories about how he got them. There was the XLCR 1000 Harley café racer that was bought as parts and restored while at University, put together only to be told by a local biker that Harley wouldn’t make one of those! This was one of the first bikes that was designed by Wille G Davidson, the grandson of the founder. Then there was the Norton Commando John Player special that Doug heard about that had been in a fire. Doug didn’t follow it up at the time but some years later he went back to the shop and asked about the bike to find out it was still there. When he asked to have a look at it the shop manager said yes, it was right down the back of the shop and was quite hard to see. So he went down and found it. It wasn’t as damaged as he first heard about it. The bike was owned by a local guy who didn’t want sell it but Doug persisted and finally he was able to buy it. This has now been restored and it is one of his favourite bikes. He takes it to the National Norton Rally each year. Then there was the Mike Hailwood Replica that was bought complete but in pieces from the local motorcycle gang.
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They had bought it and stripped it down. Not sure why though but it is now stored in Doug’s cupboard, engine rebuilt and ready to be reassembled. He also has a Ducati Squalo bought as a kit from Vee two in Australia. This was nearly finished and will be an awesome looking bike when finished, powered by a modified 900ss motor. The list goes on and on…. Moto Guzzis, more Nortons, highly modified racing Vespa, etc. After dinner we went down to Doug’s workplace. He has a business that repairs and builds neon signs. When we got there he said that he had some bikes stored here as well. The first bike I saw was a yellow Ducati ST4s, very tidy. The next was hidden behind some boxes, a Ducati 74 750 GT. This will be built up as a café racer with alloy tank, seat and guards. Doug is one of the only people doing repairs on Neon so he gets signs from all over the states to repair. A lot are from the older takeaway/ fast food outlets that are still looking at nostalgic venues. He does all sorts of signs, making them from scratch so he can do anything. He showed me a Ducati Flying D he had done. He has done Moto Guzzi signs, Xr1000 signs. Anyone of these would look good in the man cave. They aren’t cheap though he sells them for $500 us each. He offered to make one for me! The next day we got up and got ready to meet up with the members of the MADOG club, tp travel to see a motorcycle collection that is one of the best in the state. We were going to ride but the weather was not the best.
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It was just starting to get cold in the states. There was a lot of fog, so it was decided to take the cars. Everyone turned up on time. We boarded our cars for the short trip to the collection. Short in American standards, we drove for nearly four hours with speeds up to 100mph. Doug does drive fast, using his radar detector all of the time. We did see a number of patrol cars but always managed to slow down at the right times. No speeding tickets yet. We arrived at the collection and met the owner Dale, who is a hog farmer, pig farmer in NZ. He led us into his home, as he kept a number of his special bikes in the rumpus room down stairs. The first bike we saw was a Ducati single in immaculate condition. We then entered the next room, where there was a brace of Vincents, standard models, Norvins, export Chinese red model. I have never seen so many Vincents in one place and every bike was immaculate. Two of these bikes had just been on display in the Guggenheim museum. After spending a good amount of time looking at these beautiful bikes we left the house and walked up a long driveway to a large barn like building. Dale, the owner, waited until we were all there then opened the door and we went in. He then turned the lights on, WOW!
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I couldn’t believe how long the building was and it was filled with the most amazing bikes. I didn’t know where to look, there was everything in there. At least 100 bikes when I had a quick count. MV Augusta, Benellis, Munch, BMW, Ducatis and more Vincent’s,
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Egli Vincent’s, Prince Vincent special. All of them were immaculate. The walls were covered with the most amazing art and posters. The Ducatis consisted of 750 GT, 750 sport, 900ss, Mike Hailwood Rep, MH900e, 851,888SPS, Matrix 998, Desmocedeci, all pristine. After spending a couple of hours admiring the bikes we decided we had better start for home. We thanked Dale for letting us view his amazing collection and left for home.
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On the way home, one of the guys suggested that we stop off at Topeka where there was a Harley Dealer that had a museum under their workshop. Their collection consisted of old race bikes, bikes that were in original condition etc. The shop closed at 5:00pm. It was rapidly approaching to that time, as we were getting close to Topeka. As we drove into the shop they were closing the front door. But we went to be the back entrance on the lower floor and into the museum. There were knuckleheads, pan heads, old side valves. A really good collection of Harleys. Everyone that was in our vehicle owned at least one Harley,
so it was interesting to see. Doug had the XLCR1000, Don has a XR1000 race bike, John has a modified race bike and I have (well my wife has) a 42 Harley bobber. As we walked around the staff were closing up, so I ran upstairs and bought my wife a tee shirt, bright pink but she isn’t that happy about that. Awe well she can wear it on the farm. We were then ushered out of the store and started back towards Kansas City.
(Continued on page 40)
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MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 Race Calendar 29 Mar - Qatar* - Doha/Losail 12 April - Americas - Austin 19 April - Argentina - Termas del Rio Hondo 03 May - Spain - Jerez de la Frontera 17 May - France - Le Mans 31 May - Italy - Mugello 14 June - Catalunya Catalunya-Barcelona 27 June - Netherlands** Assen 12 July - Germany Sachsenring 09 August - Indianapolis Indianapolis 16 August - Czech Republic Brno 30 August - Great Britain Silverstone 13 September - San Marino & Riviera di Rimini - Marco Simoncelli Misano 27 September - Aragon Motorland 11 October - Japan - Motegi 18 October - Australia - Philip Island 25 October - Malaysia Sepang 08 November - Valencia Ricardo Tormo-Valencia * Evening Race ** Saturday Race
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SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2015
Race Calendar 22 Feb Australia, Phillip Island GP Circuit 22 Mar Thailand, Chang International Circuit 12 Apr Spain, MotorLand Aragon 19 Apr The Netherlands, TT Assen 10 May Italy, Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola 24 May England, Donington Park 7 Jun Portugal, Aut贸dromo Internacional do Algave 21 Jun Italy, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli 20 Jul USA, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 2 Aug Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit 20 Sep Spain, Circuito de Jerez 4 Oct France, Circuit de Magny-Cours 18 Oct Qatar, Losail International Circuit
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KANSAS CITY MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE - CONT
(Continued from page 19)
After saying goodbye to the members of the MADOG club it was time for dinner. We decided to go out to a famous BBQ venue in the city. This place must be good as the queue of people stretched out the door and down the road. The queue moved very quickly though. Soon we were inside and making our choices. You had to order before you sat down and then your meal was bought to your table. The food in the States is so cheap, you can get a full meal for around $8. The portions are really large. I had trouble getting through all the food. The food was so good, we need to get a chain of the restaurants in NZ. They would be full all of the time. The next day we were going to get up early to watch the MOTO GP as Doug was supposed to have recorded it. We sat down in anticipation but the recording ended only a couple of minutes into the race. Opps! Doug had not set up the recorder correctly. Never mind , we were going to get some bikes out and ride to have breakfast with the local motorcycle club, the HOME club. Doug went down to the garage and started to sort out which bikes we would take. He was taking his Aprilla RSV, Tina was riding her Ducati Monster and they sorted out a MV Agusta F4 for me. After sorting out some riding gear, we all needed petrol so headed off to the petrol station to fill up. On our way again we arrived at the breakfast venue. There were a number of bikes there, Moto Guzzi, Harley, Honda, BMW etc. We arrived a little late, as most of the people had finished eating and were about to head off. It was Sunday and they had things to do. After talking to some really interesting people we went in and had some breakfast. Another huge meal and we were on our way to the next collection. After a short ride we arrived at the Circle C ranch. The house had a collection of sculptures on the property, including a large (about 6 feet tall) motorcycle sculpture made out of old machinery. They build motorcycles and have a large collection of British and American bikes. I checked out one of the motorcycles they were building. It was a board track Indian. I was very interested as I have a few Indians and this was the first one I had seen while in the States. The collection of bikes were housed in the
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front of the workshop and were displayed in specially build racks that placed one bike on top of the other. You pushed the first one in and then winched it up into position, putting the next bike below it. Definitely a good use of space. My favorite bike was a Norton Commando that Jim built up as a cafÊ racer for his wife Joan. Their collection was really nice. Joan also had a Harley that was signed by Wille G Davidson on the petrol tank. Joan is a really keen fisherwoman who goes around the world fishing for different species. She had just returned from New Zealand where she had been up at Monganui fishing for Marlin. They were a very interesting couple who collected all sorts of art and motorcycles. We then jumped on the bikes and were off to Dons collection. Don was with us yesterday for the trip to see Dales collection. We arrived and entered his house. In the living room there was a Moto Guzzi. There seems to be a theme here with all these bikes in people’s houses, I like it! And there was a collection of different exotic motors like Parilla, Aermacchi etc. which was also very interesting. Doug was telling me that Don really likes engines. When he first met him he had a
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Ferrari that he had the engine out of. He had completely rebuilt it but had not fitted it back in the car because he really liked the look of it. Don was an ex airline pilot and had a lot of aviation memorabilia. He is also an accomplished machinist. He had built a
coffee table out of a turbine out of jet engine and had things like landing lights and an antique lathe set up in the sitting room. He also built his own free standing fireplace. We then entered the garage area. This was really crowded, the first thing I noticed that there was a bike lift that had been built into the floor. Ride your bike in, get off your bike, press the button and your bike is lifted
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up and is ready to clean, work on etc. So cool. When Don built this house it was something that he wanted. He had a good machine shop lathe, Bridgeport mill and a car lift. There were 2 x Ducatis being worked on and xr1000 at the back of the lathe. Another bike on the built in bike stand, but I can’t remember what that was; I had seen so many bikes in the 2 days I was here. We then had to leave as I had to get to the airport to fly back to New Zealand. I had been here only 2 days but met so many people and seen some amazing bike collections. I know I have to come back, next time with my wife. I have made arrangements to come back to see the Barber museum, go to the Davenport swap meet, go to Bonneville salt flats, go to Jay Lenos garage and and!! Thanks to Doug and Tina, the members of the MADOG club, Dale, Don and Jim and Joan at the Circle C Ranch. I had a great time. See you all again soon.
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MAGNESIUM WHEEL REFURBISHMENT
I recently purchased a set of second hand very light weight cast magnesium wheels for my Ducati 1998 F.E. SuperSport project. The wheels came from Japan and were branded Duomo but are actually rebadged Marvic Penta 2 wheels designed to fit the later model fuel injected SuperSports. Motorcycle wheels are made from either Aluminium or Magnesium. Aluminium and magnesium wheels can either be forged or cast. Forging results in stronger and more uniform material grain so forging allows manufacturers to make lighter wheels. The good news with Magnesium is that you can make wheels that are both lighter and stronger than aluminium wheels. For example my cast magnesium front wheel weighs 3kgs (with bearings fitted), which is a massive 2kgs lighter than the original OEM wheels. Magnesium because of its terrific strength/weight ratio is extensively used in the aerospace industry and is now making a small comeback for components on top of the range sports bikes. Magnesium wheels are a different care and maintenance proposition from alloy wheels. Because magnesium is so reactive. Magnesium sits at the very top of the galvanic table, just above zinc. When it reacts (corrodes) with another metal it is unfortunately always the donor material! Cast magnesium wheels are sometimes X-rayed by the manufacturer before shipping to check for any voids or anomalies in the castings. And some people would suggest that they should also be crack tested periodically during their life as well. Corrosion can track and worm-hole through magnesium and can go unnoticed under paint (particularly powder coat). Corrosion around dissimilar metals could in extreme cases cause things like brake discs and sprockets to part company with your wheels under the worst possible circumstances. In marketing terms this would be defined as sub optimal. When I got my second hand cast magnesium wheels they had a few paint nicks in them from careless tyre fitting and also there were two isolated small spots where the paint was lifting. No problem.... visit some wheel painters and get them touched up...um only problem was that the ones I visited didn't have a clue on painting magnesium...umm we'll just sand them down, etch prime them and give them a lick of top coat....actually no you won't! Plan B, jump on the Internet forums and get the answers on the best way to touch up magnesium.......only problem is that all the advice was contradictory, and most of the advice I subsequently discovered was well meaning...but very poorly informed...and many people reported unsatisfactory results. Eventually I got some maintenance documents from Elektron in the UK who
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manufacture magnesium for use in the aerospace industry. I then found a company in N.Z. who were willing to mix up the pre-paint treatment recommended in the maintenance documents....two weeks later the secret potion arrived and I swabbed it on...and waited for the magnesium to acquire the predicted nice brown or gold coloured chromate finish,...and waited ...and waited ....and nothing happened! So back on the phone to the guys who mixed up the chemicals for me. In the ensuing very helpful conversation they mentioned the name of the only other company in New Zealand that they had ever made the treatment for. What the hell I thought I will be cheeky and give them a call. So I call up this company who services magnesium helicopter parts and I get put through to a South African guy who suggests I bring my wheels around for him to look at and some beer to drink. To cut a long story short this extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman (South African air force trained engineer) gives me a practical demonstration of the entire pre-clean and re chromate treatment programme. Like all things it's simple when you can find someone with the
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MAGNESIUM WHEEL REFURBISHMENT - CONT
expertise to tell you how. I also emailed Marvic who manufactured my wheels and got some very useful refurbishment information and advice from them and confirmation that my wheels were originally chromated with the Dow 1 treatment. Marvic were MOST insistent that I also crack test the wheels as they were several years old. Here's what I think I have learned from these people and my experience. Note, Dow 1 and Dow 19 referenced below are nasty chemicals, use in well vented areas and wear disposable gloves at all times. 1.
Remove old paint. Do not attempt to remove paint from magnesium with any metallic implement, scourers or chemical type paint strippers. You can use plastic media blasting but this must be done gently at a low pressure as the surface of magnesium is relatively soft. The plastic blasting media used must be brand new as magnesium is very reactive with many other materials and contaminates that are likely to cause corrosion in the future can easily be embedded in the surface. You can also use Soda blasting but as I found out due to it's extremely gentle action it can take some time to remove baked on paint. All soda must be thoroughly removed after process. A key advantage of using soda blasting is that it does not peen the service so that you can crack test the wheels using a dye penetrant.
2.
If you are repainting Magnesium wheels it is probably timely to crack test them using a dye penetrant A fluroscent dye penetrent is superior to the non fluroscent dyes. You can purchase the dye from engineering supply shops. You will need a ultraviolet light to inspect the wheels after applying the penetrent. Luckily you can purchase LED ultraviolet torches that are suitable for doing this cheaply now.
3.
Clean bare magnesium with Dow 19 and a Faber Castell fibre glass tipped pen (available from arts supply shops). It's incredible how well these pens work compared to my previous attempt with a green scotchbright cleaning pad. Definitely one of the best bit of advice I got. The Dow 19 will also lightly chromate the surface as it cleans. You may see the surface turn slightly brown or gold. It is essential that you remove EVERY TRACE of corrosion before moving on to the next step.
4.
Contrary to popular belief a chromate conversion coating is not an anti corrosion protection in it's self. What it does is provide a finish that a primer or powder coat can adhere to. If you don't chromate the magnesium before painting you can guarantee that your beautiful paint finish will lift off some time in the future. From what I have learned, If you find someone who says that they can paint un-chromated magnesium with an etch
BY LIAM VENTER
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primer then you have just found someone it would be best not to trust your wheels to. There are several alternative processes to create a chromate conversion layer on magnesium but the best for touch ups is Dow 1. You just wipe the Dow 1 on and leave it on for 3 minutes. The Magnesium should at this point change to a rich brown or gold colour.
5.
Wash off the Dow 1 with clean tap water.
6.
Prior to painting, wipe off finger print oil, etc with a professional auto painters grade wax and grease remover (available from all auto painting supply shops) .
7.
Prime and seal with 2 part epoxy primer. An engineer mate of mine once looked at my race cars powder coated frame and said "powder coat is an excellent finish ‌..for indoor furniture but has no place on any motor vehicle!" There is some debate over whether it is better to use an etching or non etching primer. If you can find one with chromate in it so much the better. For health reasons most modern primers are chromate free. I used Altex AltraBond 3094 - which is a etch primer used and certified by the aerospace industry for priming magnesium parts and readily available in New Zealand. This paint used to contain chromates but is now only available now as a Chromate Free (CF) blend. If you are getting someone else to paint the wheels make sure you instruct them NOT TO SAND the chromate surface prior to painting.
8.
Paint with your favourite 2K top coat.
9.
Use only Zinc plated fittings. Do not use any stainless fittings near magnesium! It is imperative that any dissimilar metal that comes into contact with magnesium is coated with a suitable anti-seize jointing compound. Mastinox 6856K jointing compound is recommended. It is expensive but it is certified for use in the aerospace industry with magnesium. Do not use chromium or copper based anti-seize or jointing compound as it will react with the magnesium...um quite quickly as it turns out...don't ask!
10.
Regularly wash and inspect your wheels for cracks and damage.
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DOCNZ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14 MAR 2015
Present: Guy Brickman, Chris Marer, Tim Campbell, John Clayton, Don Thomson, Peter Davidge, Nick Gregory, Wayne Lyons, Nicola Russell, Neil James, Nick Looijen, Ross Bulling, Lewis ward, Craig Ayers, Nick Marer, Glenn Corson, Neil Fremaux, Carol Nicoll, Chris Nicoll, David Lonsdale, Mark Sampson, Steve Schulz, Stafford Rose, Perry Dunfoy, Nigel Taylor, Richard Sabiston, Greg Monahan, Brent Meldrum
Apologies: None Greg Monahan opened the meeting 5:15pm. The 2014 minutes were reviewed: Turimso & NDR. NDR still be to be yearly alternating between North and South Islands. Turismo to be every two years 2014 minutes were agreed. Nominated acceptance Nigel Taylor, seconded Chris Marer.
Presidents report (Greg) We have over 500 members on Facebook page, mostly Ducatisti! Roll of president this year has mainly been organising NDR with Brent. Raised the numbers at NDR and how they gave declined despite best efforts. Greg loves the role and is happy to stay on as President.
Secretary report: Molly (Brent Meldrum) Aim for this year was to top 200 members and had 217 as at 31st March. This was very pleasing considering we had 191 members at the same time last year and 164 the year before. Again however it’s renewal time and hard work getting renewals in, current financial members number 105. A busy time of the year with NDR, Turismo and also renewals of subscriptions. Molly mentioned he stepping down as Secretary due to other commitments.
DOCNZ AGM
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Treasurer (Nigel Taylor) Nigel went through the 2014 financials, and copy is enclosed with these minutes/ magazine. Points to note: Club is in a healthy financial state. Recommended that subs remain at same levels. Nominated acceptance Chris Marer Accepted, seconded by Don Thomson. Nigel stated he is more than happy to remain as Treasurer.
Editor (Richard Sabiston) All good with the magazine and loving the role. Struggling to get members stories, and general news and articles for each issue. A plea to members to please spend the time and send in a story – same plea as last year! Richard is happy to stay on as Editor.
Webmaster (Nigel Haworth) – not present No report presented. No updates have been made to website in last year other than housekeeping by Matt Thompson. Matt Thompson is still the go to guy regards to updates and sending out magazine links (Greg Monahan).
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DOCNZ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14 MAR 2015
Elections President Chris Marer nominated Greg Monahan, seconded Nigel Taylor. No other nominations and all accepted
Secretary Brent Meldrum nominated Scott Palmer, seconded Perry Dunfoy. No other nominations and all accepted
Treasurer Greg Monahan nominated Nigel Taylor, seconded Tim Campbell. No other nominations and all accepted
Editor Greg Monahan nominated Richard Sabiston, seconded Don Thomson. No other nominations and all accepted
Webmaster Discussion were held and recommendation that role is disestablished Recommended Nigel Taylor, seconded Neil Fremaux
General Business Greg raised NDR and Turismo. Discussion was around where, how and what other events to run it in conjunction with. Suggestions such as: 1. Two NDRs a year, one in each Island running alongside Sound of Thunder in conjunction with track days. 2.
Having a more organised ride out on the Saturday of NDR.
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DOCNZ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14 MAR 2015
Nick Marer also raised that concerns previously raised with the potential for organised rides to go wrong with an incident with liability on organised or club. Nick stated that he has had advice from his lawyer and provided the organiser is not getting paid, then liability rests with the rider. It was decided that a questionnaire would be forwarded to all members and recent and past NDR participants to gain the opinion on what would get peoples interest going. Discussion on lack of regional events and the lack of dealer support, and how dealers could get behind the regional rides and events such as NDR. Hamish Lamont volunteered to be National Dealer Representative. Warren Lee again re-iterated that we all have the same challenge attracting young people to clubs, and social media is the world we all need to be in to attract the younger people. The website was raised the lack of changes the last 2 years, and how unfriendly it is. As per above the webmaster role has been dis-established and the Club will investigate ‘outsourcing’ the hosting and maintenance of the site. The meeting was closed at 6:30
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2015 Membership First Name(s): ___________________________ Surname: _____________________________ Postal Address: ________________________________________________ Postcode: ________ Date of Birth:
____ / ____ / _______
Shirt Size:
S M L XL XXL XXXL
Email address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone (Home): _______________________
(Mobile): ___________________________
Additional Family Member: First Name(s):____________________________ Surname: _____________________________ Date of Birth: ____ / ____ / _______ Shirt Size:
S M L XL XXL XXXL
□ I/we would love to be registered with the Desmo Owners Club and receive emails & benefits from DUCATI Membership fees (please tick as appropriate)
□ Single / Associate □ Family □ Single / Associate □ Family
$70.00 (DESMOPHILES Club magazine - hard copy) $85.00 (DESMOPHILES Club magazine - hard copy) $40.00 (DESMOPHILES Club magazine - electronic copy) $55.00 (DESMOPHILES Club magazine - electronic copy)
You may include a cheque with the membership form, or you may pay by bank transfer: If you wish to pay this way, the details are: DOCNZ ANZ Bank - Palmerston North 06-0746-0276337-000 (NB: Membership form still required please). Please note that memberships expire on the 31st of January. Applications and renewals received between November and January are registered as a membership for the following year Particulars of motorcycle/s: Make & Model ____________________________________________
Registration ___________
Year ____________
____________________________________________
___________
____________
____________________________________________
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____________
I hereby apply to the Ducati Owners Club New Zealand for membership. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of DOCNZ. Signature: ................................................................ Date: ............................................. Either post to: Ducati Owners Club New Zealand, PO Box 6537, Marion Street, Wellington 6141, New Zealand Or scan and email to: secretary@docnz.co.nz
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DOCNZ CLUB NIGHTS
Auckland Birdcage Bar & Grill , 133 Franklin Road , Victoria Park , Freemans Bay 1st Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm Hamilton Hamilton Motorcycle Centre, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm Wellington The Featherston Bar and Grill, Corner Featherston & Johnston Street 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6.00pm (although Lynda is usually there from about 5.15pm) Nelson Speight's Ale House , 99 Quarantine Road, Stoke, Nelson 1st Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm (In conjunction with DOC Nelson) Christchurch Smash Palace Bar on High Street. 1st Thursday of each month from 7.30pm (In conjunction with DONZ)
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CLUB REGALIA CLUB REGALIA PRICE LIST Shirts $25 Caps $15 Beanies $15
Anyone interested please contact secretary@docnz.co.nz
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DUCATI GOLD INSURANCE A specialised tailor-made insurance package for Ducati Owners featuring:
Highly competitive rates Sensible excess Flexible payment options Bonus – interest free monthly payment scheme Reduced premiums 0800 helpline service for policy holders Accessories and riding gear cover included in each policy
Phone, fax or e-mail for a no obligation quote
CASBOLTS MOTORCYCLES 39 MANCHESTER ST CHRISTCHURCH Ph 03-366-4401, Ph & fax 03-366-4402 E-mail sales@casbolts.co.nz
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DESMOPHILES ADVERTISING RATES
IF YOU'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF DUCATI MOTORCYCLES YOU MAY WISH TO REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE THROUGH THIS SPECIAL INTEREST CLUB MAGAZINE Payment is due at the time of placement of advert.
SIZE
1 ISSUE
3 ISSUES
6 ISSUES
1/8 page
$15.00
$30.00
50.00
1/4 page
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Free classified advertising for club members is available on the DOCNZ website. Registered users can surf to www.docnz.co.nz, click the Forums link, and use the Buy/Sell/Swap forum.
1/2 page
$35.00
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If you have any queries or need help please email webmaster@docnz.co.nz.
Full page
$65.00
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Club Classifieds
MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTIONS Magazine Contributions should be sent to: The Editor P.O.Box 6537 Marion Square Wellington 6141 NEW ZEALAND Email: editor@docnz.co.nz Deadlines are the 1st February, April, June, August, October and December for issues due out towards the end of the month. Display advertising is available for business – please contact the secretary. Rates above.
PICTURE CREDITS Cover photo: Richard Sabiston (Has to be some perks to being Editor) Kansas City Motorcycle Adventure: Neil Fremaux National Ducati Rally: Greg Monahan, Wayne Cockburn and Simon Jennings. Magnesium Wheel Refurbishment: Liam Venter.
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