We got in the first article of the MH tank and sorted out cable routing. This tank makes working with or on the battery a much more direct process compared to stock. Many will appreciate how this tank brings the appearance of the MH900e closer to the original prototype. Much more important is that this tank makes use of the current battery used in all other recent Ducatis: the Yuasa YT12B-BS. This battery is very robust and should make owning a MH900e an easier experience. There are no permanent modifications to the bike required, either! We do eliminate 2 large cables and the re-route most wires up there under and behind the steering stem.

Current status of the tank project: the first article is in and approved. We are working with the manufacturer to improve the area where the large fuel pump flange mounts.

Your “Dark” Ducati isn’t dark without one of these! We’re excited to announce stocking of the EK BLACK motorcycle drive chains! Not grey-black like other brands, BLACK. We have a picture of one on our silver and black 2003 Ducati Monster 620 and think it would be amazing on a Monster Dark or 749 Dark! This would probably be a great addition to any of the black painted models like the black S2R1000, black and tang S2R800, and black Multistrada MTS1000.

Our catalog page with the chains and sprockets. Also note how the 520 pitch JT sprocket is black and looks sharp with the black EK chain. The EK MVXZ X-Ring chains in black, red, yellow, and other colors are available in 520 or 525 pitch and feature lightening holes in the inner side plates.

When Fred modeled for some aftermarket replacement parts we sell, we also did some glamour shots. This sweet little 620 was originally bought by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit from Beverly Hills Ducati. In this link are the gallery pics.

or click here for preview…

This Saturday at 3pm is our track day prep pizza tech event. Participants will learn some of what we do to minimize distractions or setbacks at track days and maximize the fun! Also, participants are welcome to a Repsol oil special: buy a gallon (or 4 liters) of Repsol oil and get a K&N oil filter AND Repsol Nicky Hayden tee shirt! Also, 15% off for ohlins shocks!

Friday news: We're headed to LA to pick up the first of our MH900e fuel cells! A few more arrive Tuesday for prototyping and once we've installed them on a few bikes, we'll fire up the first big batch.

Ca Cycleworks technical partner Guy Martin and his company MBPDucati.ca had a great race meeting at the Parts Canada Road Race Nationals first round. With a talented rider piloting the way, Martin's well prepped Paul Smart 1000DS broke the lap record by over 4 seconds and won by 7 seconds.

See the bike on Ducati North America's website.

This weekend’s trade show went well and will help Cycleworks bring some new parts to the market soon! Sorry for those with “stale” e-mails: I’ll try to get on those today. We’re winding up for the Monster Challenge at this weekend’s Cycle World show. We were asked to bring the Project S2R up. It isn’t “bling’d out”, but they wanted something other than the typical carbon bikes…

The Cycleworks' project S2R so excited me about riding and Ducatis that I couldn't wait to get it on the track. I looked on the Net and found Dustin Coyner's Track Daz track day fit my schedule. I was a little unsure of which group to go in and Dustin said “RACE dude”. OK. I was a little nervous taking the relatively anemic S2R out in the race session. After all, I'd be riding with WSMC regulars on their GSXRs with 2 to 3 times my little 800's horsepower!

Sunday was a mad scramble to get ready. I didn't end up adjusting the valves on the S2R, but I did at least change the oil. Note the pimp-style chrome oil filter. Ducatis and Harleys use the same cartridge! For track prep, I removed the “beer tray” and fender and used a spare headlight bucket. The lens was broken out, so I removed the reflector and the wiring and am using the bucket backwards as a place holder. I got the Michelin Pilot Power (street) tires fitted up ok to the Marvic Penta wheels. The rear wheel is VERY close to the swingarm on the S2R. It's a good thing that this rear wheel is a 5.75″ and not 6.0″ wide! I searched the net for tire pressure to run and settled on 34f / 35r. I ended up running 34/34 as the rear felt a little slippery a few times.

Yesterday (Monday) was a fun and intense track day. Today was all about getting caught up with the business: returning phone calls; answering e-mails; and selling parts. Write up about track day coming!