Since this will be slow process I'll just outline some of the things I intend to change on the bike. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, even if I could someone will have done it better. In fact Ducati already did with the Superleggera. And because I can't afford the only SL for sale in Australia currently I'm simply using it as inspiration.
About a month ago a unicorn part appeared on Facebook marketplace. I hesitated a little bit too long and just missed out on an incredible deal as I was deciding on purchasing a second bike as well (I bought it a week later as I was still upset I missed out on the Akra). The item is pictured below, it had some very minor cosmetic damage to the muffler which could have been fixed but undoubtedly suited anyones budget nicely as it was a bit less than half retail cost. ($8500 AUD currently)
*Insert sympathy like...*
The next most obvious update is the BST Rapid Tek carbon wheels - these differ slightly to the SL as there is a slight kink in the spokes yet it is not a large enough difference to be
too noticeable. This will probably be one of the last things I purchase as I am undecided on how to justify the cost at this stage, and I am quite attached to the forged Marchesini wheels the S model already comes with. One thought that I have to consider in my mind when the time comes, although faults are minimal with carbon wheels especially as tech improves I have heard/read about some catastrophic failures that might make me question the reliability when I am finally ready to purchase - this is not to ignore or deny the many success stories of people who have been extremely satisfied using them for +50,000km. Just something I will have to convince myself one way or another. Feedback is always appreciated too.
Carbon fairings, I think i'll just get all the expensive parts out of the way and rate these towards the lower end of my priorities as they will likely be the icing on the cake and one of the last things to add along with a custom paint job (perhaps something complimenting the 1299 SL and Corse liveries from the GP17 Desmo - I do like the blue highlights) more on that when the time comes. This relates only to the main body panels and tail section.
I do not plan to change the tank as there is a separate carbon cover that caught my eye I would rather use instead. I believe it would also be easier/cheaper than getting the whole tank repainted as well. And with the OEM fairings as spares I can always go back to red if I choose.
Blacked out rearsets, because I'm a poser. So many options here with Bonamici, CNC, Woodcraft, Ducati Performance etc.
Clear clutch cover - Ducabike or CNC offer the best quality aftermarket options - likely stick with all black and maybe red spring retainer...
Chain and sprockets - Black is always classy, undecided on 520 v 525. Durability is more important to me. Options might change if the new BMW M1000rr maintenance free chain is as efficient as it's being marketed? Time will tell.
Now the cheaper stuff that will likely find its way on the bike before the rest of the things I've listed. All the other cockpit bling inc triple clamp, steering head nut, clip ons, Rizomas wave reservoirs, levers etc.
I've intentionally left out break/suspension at this stage - I can't outride the hardware the 1299 comes with and as I mentioned before I'm just a poser. Racers prioritise power and performance, as a battler cruising country roads and eventually some track sessions I am motivated by the form and presence of these bikes.
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