BHPian SnS_12 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:New battery, fuel top up and expensive part shopping @ DucatiAs I had mentioned, the now two-year-old SF Sonic battery was now showing signs of being on its way out, and I wanted to have it replaced. Got an Exide battery with model no (XLTZ9) and it cost 2,300, which was not bad at all. With the battery issue sorted, it was time to enjoy Bianca in the currently amazing Mumbai weather in the morning, especially near the National Park and Aarey colony in Goregaon. The temperature drop compared to the rest of the city in these areas is phenomenal, and Bianca is an absolute scary pleasure to ride in this weather. I am just falling in love with the mid-range torque rush from this V-twin. Those 140 bhp get unleashed and how with all the pops and bangs from the under tail exhaust makes you feel like a superstar on two wheels. However, as I have been filling up only regular fuel, I wanted to shift to Power 95. But, as luck would have it, as I reached the fuel pump, they had no stock and had to fill up with regular fuel again. Also, while the battery was being swapped, the age of the bike and its storage conditions in Delhi customs started showing up again, with the threaded rubber inserts in the fairing falling apart when the bolts were put back on. Somehow, all except one bolt were fitted back on, and I knew these would need to be replaced asap. So, called up Ducati and told them my requirement. The part shop guy wasn’t able to understand which rubber inserts I required and in what quantity, as I requested a full set for the complete fairing, and they don’t have it catalogued in that format. So a technician got on the call with me and understood the requirements. In total, I would require 50 rubber inserts with each costing approximately 200 each taking the grand total to 10k. I also enquired about the fuel pipe to be changed as precautionary maintenance, and the technician said it is not required unless the part is cracked or damaged. I just enquired about the price of it, and just the complete fuel pipe would set me back by 48k. I told him I would come there personally, as my office was close by and would discuss and place an order for the parts required. At the shop, we checked the parts again and decided we could leave the fuel pipe for now and change only the O-ring and an order was placed for it along with the 50 rubber inserts. Due to Christmas, the parts would either arrive mid-January or the end of January, and that works for me as I would perform the annual service around the end of February. Having an Italian in all Japanese collections definitely has its own charm and financial drama. No wonder many owners struggle with the upkeep of these fantastic machines, as they are definitely not for the faint-hearted, both for riding and from the perspective of maintenance.Some picture:New Exide battery Old SF Sonic battery on the bike New one goes in Battery charging on the bike as required The old damaged rubber inserts. Need 50 of them to replace all the fairing inserts on the bike All set for the morning ride Cold mornings a rarity in Mumbai 1700 km up Regular fuel top up One at the pump Km reading at the end of the day Some clicks while the bike cools down Images shared by Ducati for all the rubber inserts that I have ordered The 48k fuel line. Also, I enquired on the new tank, which at Ducati India with all the monograms will cost 1.73 lacs all inclusive. And internationally, when I checked,d it was around 3 lacs. That was a pleasant surprise indeed. If I had the place to store would have bought a fuel tank and a complete fairing set as a backup Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
