Ducati Monster Forum

 As some of you know, I recently swapped out my front forks and brakes on my 996 to a set from a 1098.

 While I was mocking up the front end on the 996, I used a few parts from my friend's 848 (it's being stored at my house for the winter) to be sure it was possible before I sold my forks and brakes. While I was in the process of fitting the calipers to check the offset on the brake rotors I noticed something a little weird. My friend's 848 only has about 3K miles on it but yet the caliper bolts looked as though they had 100K on them. I chaulked it up to the previous owner not taking very good care of it and maybe even storing it outside until I received the used caliper bolts I bought for my bike. They looked almost the same. They were all oxidized and I just couldn't bring myself to install them on my bike. The next option was to head down to my local dealer and order up some new replacments. Only when I got there they had a used 848 on the floor with the same problem. So now I'm thinking this is just an inherent problem with the caliper bolts on this series of bike.
That left me with two options. 1. I could order up a set of TPO titanium bolts for a whopping $65 plus shipping or 2. I could try and clean the one's I have up a little. Well because I'm not one to take the easy way out, I took option 2.

I know that many of you with radial brakes may have the same problem with your caliper bolts so this is what I did. I chucked up the bolt in the lathe and used a green scruff pad on it. It came out with a nice machined look. It's very easy to do and really makes the head of the bolt look much cleaner/better. Don't worry if you don't have a lathe handy, I'm sure you can get the same result using a drill.

Here is a before and after comparison picture.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/996/Rotorbolts006.jpg)

So what do you think? Am I too anal?

Ask SacDuc...

I did the same sort of thing with my/your rear set bolts... so I really have not room to comment - other than you should put some clear lacquer on them to help them stay nice.

I didn't go TPO, but I did go Titanium. You've got options, like RaceBolts, ProBolt-USA, and Baller Bolts (via RyanRacer). I hate the quick-to-corrode zinc covered steel bolts. Heavy and ugly.

but yes, you are too anal.

You're only too anal if you didn't fix up your buddy's 848 bolts...

AHHHH yes. Corrosion. Mother Nature's Loc-Tite ;D ;D

 Those are his in the picture. I saved one for this picture.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra

 ;)

I'd say no if anyone thought you'd actually keep the bike. I clean and paint all of the fasteners that are on the cars I restore.


Given that you'll just sell it in a year anyway, I don't see any point.

 Well it was for sale and I decided to keep it so.......

 

#1 on that Corey :'(

I really do believe that the bike manufacturer's could use better quality bolts on thier products without to much extra cost  [bang], some of the furred up bolts you see on almost new machines is appalling  :'(
And NO Monstermash your not to anal, just sign here,________ and join the club  [thumbsup]

 [coffee]

I think I have 3 or 4 sets of Ti bolts for radial caliper fitment.  All for sale too...

And I know they will fit, as I've got 1098 forks w/monoblocks as well :D

Checdk out this thread on OzMonster and share your anal passion with Rob S. He's been nickel plating his tarnish bolts.... sounds easy enough.

The Ti bolts really are nice though..... arn't they Theo  ;)

Yes they are.

Wait until next week when I post pics of Ti engine bolts, and a super lightweight front axle :D [thumbsup]

Well yeah, until you finish it...then you'll sell it to buy something else.  :P

 Yeah, I get bored sometimes when there's nothing to do to the bike. I really need a job customizing Ducati's all day.  [thumbsup]

you and me both, buddy.

keep your daytime job, there is no money in the motorcycle industry........Ask me how I know.

Daytime job? Lol.

yes

 Thank Nate!  ;D

 This has something to do with rain doesn't it?  ;)  [laugh]

 Not compared to me. [laugh]

Check  this post ;D

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=30599.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=30599.0)