Motorcycle Repair: slivers in oil, metal shavings, main bearings

Question
I just got a 1998 ducati st2. bike has 11000 miles and runs awesome. I changed the oil for the first time since I got bike and there are a lot of very tiny metal sliver I think, on the magnetic oil plug. Should I be worried?

Answer
Hi Eric.
 Every bike will produce a small amount of metal shavings.

 The time to worry is if, after the regularly scheduled oil change, you find large quantities of them on the magnetic plug.
 If you know that this oil change is within the scheduled time, then you should worry.  However, if you are not sure, then you should take the bike to a local mechanic to get it checked out.

 If the main bearings on this bike are not roller (or ball) bearings, then you should also be concerned.

 Try checking the repair manual first.  It should have something showing the acceptable amount of shavings on the plug.  If not, then take it to a mechanic and have the bike checked out.

Good luck.
FALCON