Zelda meet everyone, everyone meet Zelda
Zelda?
Wtaf is Zelda I hear you ask?
Cast your mind back to the eighties and a show called the Terrahawks, the dark, evil nastie pastie was called Zelda. To be fair my Zelda is not nasty but she is dark (just look at the front end).
As eluded to in the story of purchasing her, I had bought her for a reason. Touring... but touring with a slight twist as I wanted to start visiting some of our listed property owners. Due to covid this had proved impossible but having done some due diligence and research whilst in Sri Lanka I knew this time it would be possible! I was farting and giggling like a little school girl with the prospect, more to come in future stories about the people I met and places dropped in on and stayed with. This little ditty is all about my experience with Zelda over the last month and although not a review per-se it is a write up of the good, the bad and fugly!
Engine
Yep she has one! And bejesus its a cracker! The book says 150bhp, Zelda has a straight through exhaust and has been chipped so I think perhaps a little more, it is more than adequate for my use as both a toy and a work horse. Loads of low down torque and power, mid range is very good and high end is ermmm, braaap! In sport mode with the engine response switched to max, she is an absolute beast! wanting to pop her front end up and show the world her gusset! In Touring mode I have kept the engine power at max but toggled the response down a bit, wife isn't too confident as a pillion now so a good compromise. Plenty of power, great progressive delivery and just creates confidence. I'm not a mechanic, nor a hard core racer but the engine for me is spot on, others would have a more detailed opinion no doubt.
Gearbox
As above, fantastic! this isn't my first Ducati UK and have to state here and now that their gearboxes when meshed with the power outlet proper do it for me. Easy shifting up and down, positive and great feedback in each gear. Couple this with the wet clutch and the slipper and you have what I would consider a perfect package. If there is one little fault I would say that the 6th cog is a bit too high now, but this is due to various speed limits being changed on the continent & not in any way the fault of Ducati.
Electronics
Anyone who knows, knows that modern and in this case an 11 year old Ducati are awash with rider aids. Once again though I would say that the boys from Italy have delivered a great package. The screen is just superb, everything you need to know and easily controllable on the fly, clear, concise but detailed at the same time. The gear indicator is a big luxury, the simple switch between modes is user friendly. Even the setting-up of all the electickery is simple. Engine response and power, traction control, ABS and of course on this S model electronic suspension. I am sure the purists out there (of which I am one) will say switch it all off? Ok fair one, if you're on a track day, out for a hoon then of course, but why wouldn't i take advantage of these rider safety add ons when 1 - I am carrying the most important person in my life on the back, 2 - when my bank balance can't afford a big-off and the implications that would arise from a hospital visit and dealership workshop.
Ride & Comfort
You won't be shocked to hear - fantastic! ;-) Take a bit of time to set up the front and rear suspension on the electronics to suit your style and needs in all four modes and you will end up like me with bags of confidence in both front end and rear end. Whack her into sport mode '1 up' and barrel into corners like a missile with supreme satisfaction. Put her into touring mode and change the settings (preset) for pillion plus luggage and wonder at the simplicity & ease to control this with just your big fat left thumb! It's just awesome tbf, a feature I had in all honesty I hadn't given much thought to. Now with almost 1800 miles under her belt with me I'm wondering if i could go back to manual? (of course I could) The standard seats are for me as a rider and for her indoors as a pillion comfy, well manufactured and of course solidly attached. Given the other bikes the OH has been pillion on this one by far exceeds them, very apparent by the lack of bum clenching, low speed moving around from one cheek to another and the lack requests to stop and take 5.
Looks
For some one of the most important factors - me likewise! :-) Everyone knows this little biker mantra 'if you don't turn around for a second glance when you depart then you bought the wrong bike'. In this case I can't stop myself perving at her, she just looks good! Sexy in fact and because Zelda is finished in Black she looks somewhat dark and moody! (hmmm - like owner?). She looks great in photo's, she looks hoofing up close and she makes me 'twitch'.
Summary
What a bike, what a buy, why by Jupiters beard did I not purchase one earlier? Love every aspect of her and I cannot find any fault given the short time we have been together. Obviously this is still the 'honeymoon period' but she's a keeper thats for sure.
Ells