Ducati Monster Forum

It's almost done.  Got the wheels on yesterday only to discover something is amiss with my math. (Or maybe I forgot how to read a caliper  :-\)  I need to recalculate and re-machine.


(http://crs-america.smugmug.com/photos/491830471_KPzGC-M.jpg)
(http://crs-america.smugmug.com/photos/491830703_ZCXaR-M.jpg)

I'm also re-thinking the wheel adaption.  I realized yesterday when I got it all together that I could simply make a 25mm axle with the same threads as a 20mm one and it would all work with the simple addition of a 25mm-30mm sleeve to fix the spacing on the right side of the wheel. 

The problem is that with all the adpators in place, everything fits fine, but I can't get anywhere near the 70Nm of torque on the axle bolt without putting an unacceptable load on the bearing.  Apparently, it's due to the fact that the speedo drive for the 25mm axle is a few mm thinner than the same for the 20mm axle.  I also need to machine a speedo drive flange for the Alpina wheel.  I thought I could make an OEM one work, but I can't.

Full mod report coming, as soon as it's running on the road.  [thumbsup] 

NICE!  no...scratch that.  VERY, VERY NICELY DONE!!!  [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [bacon]

So, it that a '98 or a '99 M900?!?

No offense meant, but what exactly makes that a "Scrambler"?

+1. It looks good, is quite yellow, but I don't see the Scrambler part. Other than if you mean "scrambler" like scrambled eggs, which are also yellow.

(http://digilander.libero.it/gipp1/motori/ducati/ducati-scrambler-250-1968.jpg)

Looks like we need some semi-knobbies then.

There are some great pics here: http://www.ducati.com/heritage/anni60/scrambler/scrambler.jhtml (http://www.ducati.com/heritage/anni60/scrambler/scrambler.jhtml)

That's kinda what I was getting at. When I think scrambler, I think of something just a little less than a dual sport. Something meant for dirt roads, but nothing more treacherous than that...

scrambler - because when cops be comming, you be going.

;D   [thumbsup]

What's in a name, right.

When I was looking for inspiration, I looked to my '69. 

I like the design, so I followed that direction. IMO, this is every bit the scrambler that a Multi is a "dual-sport."  And FWIW, my '69 has Michelin Macadam 50s on it and I'm sure both will do dirt roads just fine.
(http://crs-america.smugmug.com/photos/170228178_viGbk-M.jpg)

The Triumph certainly does.
(http://www.triumphnet.com/st/pics/stcontest/2001/55.jpg)

'99

Thought so... but wasn't 100% sure.

Looks great! [thumbsup]

I`d like to see it w/out the fairing.

Can you post what all has been done? As I am looking I see:
Paint Job
Wheels
Plug Wires
Sprocket Cover
Seat
Front Signals (My 99 came with square signals, those look different)

Sure, I'm going to do a full write up when I get finished, but here's a start"

>As I am looking I see:
>Paint Job

Ducpainter did a fantastic job, as usual.  Original Scrambler tanks are chrome plated, then painted, but apparently that's a lost art.  No one I talked to, including DP, had confidence that we would have good results.  Second choice, which we felt more comfortable with, was to use a new KustomKolor  "Chrome" paint.  It was a bit of a learning curve for DP, and to his credit I think he took 3 tries before he achieved a result he liked, but the "proof is in the pudding."  One thing I really like is the "chrome" finish looks more like a polished alloy than chrome.
The rest of the paint scheme just follows what was done to the '70-'73(?) 450 Scramblers.  (Which, is so happens, is one cylinder's worth of my 900cc twin,)  A thin black stripe down the fender and tank.   The stickers used are, likewise, from a circa 1970 Duc, including the "Thoroghbred of Motorcycles" sticker on the tank.

>Wheels

I bought a set of Alpina Asystem tubeless wires from Jeff at Monster Parts.  They are for the later 25 mm axles so much of the project has been devoted to making that work.  I had a set of spacers made to adapt my 20 mm axle to 25mm, but once I put it together, I realized there was an easier way.  (Part of my inspiration for doing this was to discover an easy way to adapt modern wheels to older bikes, as older wheels are getting increasingly difficult to find.  My first choice, for instance, Marvic Piumas, would have been a six month wait, IF Marvic ever decided to make another production run)  That easier way to to have a new axle machined that is 25mm from the left side up to the speedo drive, with a spacer made to locate the wheel's center between the right fork leg and the wheel bearing, then stepped down to 20mm  for the speedo drive and threaded to use the OEM threaded insert in the left fork leg.  Alternatively, we may make a single 25 axle and use one of TPO's ti bolts on both sides, with a 25mm X 30mm spacer locating the right side, and a >2000 speedo drive and spacer on the left.  (This sounds way more complicated than it is.  If you've spent much time taking the front wheel on and off, I think it makes sense.)

>Plug Wires

Simple, they came with the DynaCoils from Chris at CA Cycleworks, as did the FCRs.  I'm running UNI pods with the FCRs and eliminated the entire airbox.

>Sprocket Cover

Ti, ebay.  Bought it with the sprocket cover.  I don't know the brand, but I think I saw it on MonsterParts, too.

>Seat

It's a Corbin that came with the bike (I bought the bike used last year, with 3000 miles. ;D)


>Front Signals (My 99 came with square signals, those look different)

I suffered a low-speed gravity storm when a right turning truck stopped and the last second in front of my and I grabbed a bit too much brake for the gravel in the corner.  Bent the bars, dented the tank, and broke the right side mirror and turn signal.  The mirror and bars are from my other trellis-framed Italian beauty.  I swapped them out for LEDs so I had them laying around.
(http://www.crs-motorcycles.com/res/Customized/361.jpg)
The lights are just OEM types from the same manufacturer of the ducati ones, just a different style.  They make about twenty.   THe mirrors are OEM Rizoma's, as is all the hardware on the Vun.


You know, while Ducpainter had the bodywork, I ran it without the hugger, fairing, and with a CF front fender.  I really like the look of the only "color" being high, and everything low being dark, which kind of focuses your attention away from them.  To be honest, it looks tits "street tracker" style with no fender, headlight, fairing, and hugger.  It's pretty dirty though, and hell in a rainstorm.   :-[O

Obviously, while I had DP painting, I had him paint it all, but when I find a smoking deal on a CF hugger, I'm going to try that look.  I'm also going to rattle can my OEM side panels and look at that.  I have a feeling the "final" version is going to be CF fenders with the fairing and, possibly, yellow side panels.  (I really like the look of body colored SPs on the "bike of the month.")
I do have the new fairing coming this week, when I switch it out with the old one I'll take some pics without it, just for you.  (oh, and me)  ;D

It look's the "DOG'S", especially the spoke wheels  [thumbsup]

Me likey!!  [clap] [clap]

 [coffee]

Can I ask what you used to make those tank badges stick? I have an identical set that I want to use on my project bike as well but I'm unsure of what to use to make them stick.

BTW, Very Nice Work!  [thumbsup]

Awesome [thumbsup]

I thought they would be cool, but I had no idea of how much I'd love the look once they were on.
(http://crs-america.smugmug.com/photos/496142840_U8QqH-M.jpg[quote author=Pedro-bot link=topic=20610.msg377144#msg377144 date=1238036455]Can I ask what you used to make those tank badges stick? I have an identical set that I want to use on my project bike as well but I'm unsure of what to use to make them stick.BTW, Very Nice Work!  [thumbsup][/quote])

They were adhesive backed, and clear-coated over.  Anything you want to add, DP?  (I don't really know of anything special, but Ducpainter did the work.)

The badges you mention are actually decals. They come with the adhesive pre-applied. They are two layer vinyl and really pretty thick. Normally that is a bad thing. In this case they really stand up nicely on the reflective background.

If you have some of the aluminum badges that were reproduced for the original screw on application, I have some ideas.

I do have some of the aluminum badges. Yes, please share what ideas you have DP.  ;D

>>> OK, sorry, end thread jack. <<<

the badges are flat and the tank is curved.
i started to bend mine and it looked liked they would crack so i stopped and used stickers instead.  :)

Are they metal? Perhaps applying heat would help

metal...but kind of potmetal lookin.
already moved on (i have a different tank now too)
thanks tho

I don't understand one word you just said.

Werd.

Anyone got any experience with this scenario?

I reformed a set for a customer.

No cracking.

Go for it.

Judging from my "success," neither do I.  ;D

Highly skilled tradesman make these out of flat sheets of aluminum.
(http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/mfg/images/kwshoppic008sv.jpg)
The concept is similar, but a whole lot easier.  [thumbsup]

But they have English wheels and shears and brakes and...

I used a wooden dowel, a hammer, and a sandbag. ;D

"A Poor Workman blames his Tools."   ;D

The point I was attempting to make was that it's a bit more complicated than "bending" it, but not much, as simply trying to bend it without resisitance WILL break it.  But little love taps against a sandbag will "reform" it just dandy.

btw, you're up late.  Waiting for F1 like me?  [beer]

I knew what your point was.

I was just joking around....although I am envious of the talents of people that do that kind of work.

Not an F1 fan...insomnia.

I know. It's a shame about the body makers.  I'm afraid it's a lost art.  Very few kids are learning the trade and we're losing the old guys.  I seem to remember an ad in the back of Throroughbred and Classics (Limey vintage car  mag) for a 4 year apprenticeship.  Lot's of investment.

The pic I posted is of a former MIG factory in Poland that Kirkham Motorsports contracts to build Cobra bodies.

Bummer.  I have the opposite problem. 

It's a basic problem with our society.

Everyone needs to go to college, sit behind a desk, and make a ton of money according to the pundits.

The 'trades' are viewed by our society as being second class, and pay accordingly.

When all the craftsmen are gone it will be too late. :'(

Here, here! [raises a pint....er....at this hour a  [coffee]]

I waited until cocktail hour to respond.... [beer] ;D

but people don`t realize that there are plenty of plumbers, electricians, and city workers that make more money than a lot of those guys in suits.

Some,

but not all of them....

I think that's more a function of location.

...and not to demean their work...I've done most of it...

 most plumbers, electricians, and city workers...

can't build you an aluminum Cobra body. ;)

They are tradesman...but not necessarily craftsmen.

True

( So much for the scrambler thread)

Should we visit the ban yourself thread? ;D

I have the suspicion dlearl476 won't mind this slight deviation.

He'll tell me if I'm wrong

Hah!  I just followed someone else's link in a thread re: spoke wheels to MY OWN THREAD.   [thumbsup]

You guys hi-jack all you want.  The "Scramber" is 99% finished and I'm working 16 hrs/day.  Did I mention it was 72˚ out today.

What's left?

To re-do the whole thing, twice.   ;D

I finally came up for air and got a few ducks in a row (no pun intended)  I scraped the OEM forks w/spacers idea when I scored a pair of cheap calipers for the SS forks I have.  You know about the fender.  Got the top triple and the speedo drive back yesterday.  Shipping the RoadRacing exhaust off Monday, then all I need is to measure, order, and install the new front brake lines and it should be on the road.  I'm about 20 hours out now.

You can carefully heat the badges with an O/A torch and anneal them.  Be careful though as they can deform easily with the heat -- so keep the heat into the back middle area.  Then just bend to shape as required as they become very soft.  Use your rubber mallets and wood dowels to tighten up tolerances if needed.  If you have damage to an old badge, they can be fixed and then media blasted / polished to bring back to original condition.

Biggest trick is putting fasteners into the tank itself to attach the badge itself.  Most shops will refuse to weld a gastank without stripping/boiling it firm to remove all fuel remnants.

Making aluminum coachwork ala Bugatti's, Cobra's, etc?  Not hard.  But you don't want my wrist / elbow or shoulder from doing it for years.  Nor do you want to learn to O/A weld butted joint aluminum panels that are .040 or .050 before it was planished/worked.  Or how about forming 3-dimensional shapes that don't "oil can" and fit the attachment points and still fit the master buck form. It's a lost art to be honest. (and why my next project will be foam/clay with carbonfiber bodywork -- it's easier!)

Cool project -- been watching this one for awhile.  I remember Jeff / MonsterParts when he debuted his @4 years ago with his interpretation of the Scrambler theme on his M900 as well.

DP had that all sorted, I just decided to go with the stickers.


I don't want to learn. I'm just bemoaning the fact that it's hard to find anyone anymore that you can PAY to do it for you.   ;D
Ten years ago, I knew 10 guys who could hammer out an alloy tank.  Now I know OF two, one in UK and a fortune and the other's in Italy and, well, slow.  (In his defense, he's one busy mofo)

Thanks. I spoke with Jeff a lot, before and after I bought the wires from him.  In fact he gave me the stickers I used.  His bike, and my '69 scrambler, were the inspiration for my bike.

Hopefully, you'll see some glamour shots by the end the month.  (I have a pro-photog friend that read me the riot act for my crappy SmugMug photos, he offered to shoot the finished bike for free.  Should be cool)