[Ducati] New member: 2004 MTS1000DS

[Wendy Lovell]

Hi all,
 
I just joined this group and hope to learn much.  I have had dozens of motorcycles in my younger days from my first, a Kawasaki Mach III (three cyl. 2-stroke) to my last three; Kawasaki ZX11, Yamaha TDM 850, and a Suzuki GXS-R 750 (with over $10,000 in racing parts... don't ask).  I have always done my own maintence (I trust myself more than someone else working on my baby) so will probably need a factory shop manual first.
 
Now I have my first Duc and it's a RED 2004 DUCATI MTS1000DS (would have MUCH rathered the 2005 S edition but out of my price range )  It has only 9200 miles and was fully serviced (at Ducati shop) at 7500.  It also has a Sargent seat upgrade which I have been told is very needed for real sport touring.
 
I am never satisfied with leaving a bike stock so will be looking for performance parts (I can't get by on the Ducati specified 84 HP!!).  Also wouldn't mind loosing about 20 lbs or so (I am already about as skinny as I can get so no smart remarks).  Any info (and I will search this site) on what mods are the best for the money would be appreciated.  To me a better sounding (full) exhaust is necessary but the cost is to high for me right now.

Dream improvements:
   full (racing exhaust)
   full flowing air filter
   upgrade suspension (the Öhlins as on the 2005 S would be first choise $$$$$)
   cams and head work
   upgraded, programmed black box
   forged Mg (or Al) wheels
   maybe front break upgrade??
   various carbon parts (starting with front fender assembly)
 
Thanks for listening,
Red Sonja (motorcycle mama, again)

ps.  Before I get into searching the forums, any consensious on the best oil (price not a concern) to use??


       
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