Inspired by The Chicken House Ducati Project...

So not to be outdone by The Chicken House Ducati Project, created by my good chum Cutter I have decided to leap into the fray and inflict a pale imitation on the world. A tribute site if you like...

My own Ducati Monster project bike is a year 2000 M900ie Dark, a basic air-cooled model designed for aftermarket customisation (handy).

This is the second Monster in the Roly stable, the first being a 2001 Monster S4 which is a water-cooled beastie, ministered to by the excellent Snells rather than myself.

I picked up the Dark for a relative snip although it looked like it needed some TLC. My plan of action so far has been to get it up to a level where it is mechanically sound enough to put through the MOT test before embarking on any serious customisation, but I've fallen at the first post by administering bling already (see below). "Mechanically sound" has meant a full service: all filters (air, oil and fuel), plugs, belt changes, new chain and sprockets, various works to the swingarm, front and rear brake overhaul and replacement clutch slave cylinder + operating rod. Oh, and I've used about a gallon of hydraulic fluid in the process - excellent for removing paint from my Bike lift. Also had to remove the alarm/immobiliser and fit a new battery. And whilst I was at it, I just had to fit a billet clutch pressure plate and ventilated cover. And now I've just bought Baglux tank cover off ebay. I'm out of control really...

Latest news is that I've been for a blast down the road and back and all seems tolerably good so I'm off to Beakey's for the MOT if it ever stops raining...