Ducati Monster Forum

Evening ladies and gentlemen

I want to make my first post about something I haven't managed to break. This is my project, a 1999 M600, bought privately for £1400. I've been childish and named it, Cerberus. I'd like to use this thread as my log of what I've done / plan to do, and to get suggestions on how to do it all.

(http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/381/83181603984590705452790.jpg) (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/83181603984590705452790.jpg/)

So heres the plan.

1. Change the idle jets and needles from stock to a 'stage 1' dynojet kit.
2. Remove the airbox and fit twin cone filters, making room in the front of the frame for storage.
3. Fabricate passenger footpegs, stock ones dont fit round the exhaust system.
4. Total rebuild of the dashboard, removing all the lights bar the low fuel and nuteral light.
5. Replace the stock speedo with a digital one.
6. Change the headlamp to be three smaller headlamps, similar to a mickey mouse face.
7. Rebrand the tank with 'Cerberus' rather than ducati.
8. Fit a camera somewhere in the front of the frame. (uncertain)

EDIT - 9. Make a lockable storage compartment in the front of the frame.

Ambitious for a first project, but I love a challenge. Any advice on methods or sourcing any of the points is appreciated, especialy on the speedo.

XVIII

If you're going to remove the airbox you'll need stage II jetting and change the mains also.

I don't think I've done it quite as serverely as I'v made out. This is the best picture I have of it right now. I'll take some more tomorow.

(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9232/dsc00489pw.jpg) (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/dsc00489pw.jpg/)
XVIII

motogadget speedo and get riding boots.

like these you mean?  :)

(http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/503/p10011022380001.jpg)[/URL

Sorry, cockiness aside, just went down to the shed and got a better shot of the filters.

[URL=http://img36.imageshack.us/i/dsc00003qj.jpg/](http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3646/dsc00003qj.jpg) (http://img685.imageshack.us/i/p10011022380001.jpg/)

Like I said...

You'll need to change the mains. ;)

Where's the battery and ignition mounted?

they sit in a cradle where the red wire is. The plastic was all part of the origional airbox so its currently off the bike, but it is going to have the airbox section removed and the cradle put back on.

Main jets.. Thanks, will get right on it.

Those motogadget speedos are gorgeous. Pricewise thats going to be last on the agenda though.

Sounds like a fun challenge [thumbsup]

7. If you go with the same font as the Ducati lettering, people will still read Ducati while being a little confused  8)
8. GoPro Hero HD is a great camera - looks awful, but is very easy to take off/on.

You may need to support the front of the battery box since the front section has been removed.

Three headlights you say?

These guys make a classy looking triple that might work on a monster : http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/store/show/CSC-707 (http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/store/show/CSC-707)

(http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/system/user_upload/path/187/ll1.jpg)

Not the kinda thing I was thinking but that does look meaty. I was thinking one large mainbeam light with a pair of smaller highbeams above it. (cerberus being a 3 headed dog)
Can't find a picture for the life of me

look at (http://www.barracudamoto.it/fileupload/prodotti_zoom/3963_IMG_PMZ.jpg)

from Barracuda http://www.barracudamoto.it/DettaglioProdotto.aspx?IDP=1132&CAT=9 (http://www.barracudamoto.it/DettaglioProdotto.aspx?IDP=1132&CAT=9)

There are two rubber hoses coming off of the carbs with black plastic 'filters' inline.  Those were routed to the little triangle pod on the clutch side of the bike which you have removed.  Since they need a 'dead air' space in which to operate, be sure NOT to just disconnect them but rather route the ends of those hoses somewhere up under the tank so that the carbs 'breathe' properly.

If you don't, when a breeze goes by it will raise the carb slides and cause the bike to surge forward.  ask me how I know this.....


+1 on supporting the front of the battery/ignition box.

Tackle what you can.
Post here when you're unsure.

Best of luck!
--Stuart

Uh.. They weren't connected to anything.. Another case of previous owner botchery i guess. Will they be safe run along the topside/backside of the battery when it goes back in?

As far as i know I just return everything I dont change back to where it was..

Just be sure they route somewhere up under the tank in that 'dead-air' space and all will be well.  The black plastic valves will help so keep those in-line.

Relax...you'll be fine.  Even when my bike surged forward it wasn't horrific, just made me think...'hmmm, maybe I ought to correct that...'

Right well, It'll be a few days before I do anything else of major significance, so I'll drag this thread up from the depths of hell once I've got something interesting to report.

That barracuda headlamp is delicious, It's going to be a serious consideration.


Cheers for now guys
XVIII

definetly go the barracuda, I like those pipes there a great look what brand are they. I have been looking for a set similar my self

They are branded 'Ducati Performance' but otherwise bear no markings. Previous owner put them on and gave me the stock ones incase I didn't like them.

Stock pipes are now on my mates SV650 :)

Okay, a few updates here.

The carbs are back on, main jets changed. Synced and the fuel mix has been sorted. Runs smooth again. The breather tubes are hidden in a plastic cubby hole under the ignition coils. The plastic left over from the airbox supports the battery and ignition coils fine, doesnt rock whatoever.
(http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5889/p18011018350001.th.jpg) (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/p18011018350001.jpg/)
(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/3520/p18011018340001.th.jpg) (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/p18011018340001.jpg/)

Started doing some exeprimental stuff with LED's, but nothing is set in concrete yet. Would like to light up the frame from under the tank.
(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7941/p18011020270001.th.jpg) (http://img64.imageshack.us/i/p18011020270001.jpg/)

Tomorow is time to make me some passenger pegs.  ;D

big ol' thumbs down on the led accent lights.

+11tb

Despite the nay-sayers who are only letting you know what they like and don't like...

You're doing quite well!  Keep up the good work!  [thumbsup]

IIRC mine had 3 tubes, one from each carb + one fr inbetween carbs?

Yes!  The two larger hoses are the vents of the vacuum operated carb slides, the one smaller hose is the float-bowl vent which is equally important but won't likely mess w/idle speed and mixture if a breeze blows by...

Yea the lights have to be in absolute dakness to be visible, so I doubt I'll make heavy use of them. A friend of mine thought it'd be funny to make them flash with my indicators...

The third breather pipe is wedged between the black caps at the top of the carbs. done a good 50 miles today and only had a small issue. It was to do with the plugs I put in the sump after removing the carb heaters.

Ran out of metal today, so I've only made 1 rear footpeg. 4mm plate aluminium and galvanised steel pipe :) Will be done by the end of the week.

Just a little (http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/oldgit.gif) input:

Your device >young idiot< seems humble to me, meaning "I don`t know it all" and you don`t.
Previous owner seems no good. Please, anything you doubt about mechanics, electrics etc, feel fre to ask here.

Your 600 has one of coolest paintschemes from Ducati ever I think, yellow frame w matte dark tank. [thumbsup]

Regarding LED light or other mods,
it`s your life & your bike, do whatever you like, you might as well learn/do this early in life to be an even stronger person. [thumbsup]
Follow your heart.

Sir greenmonster - valuable phiosophical input, thanks!

Do you have any snaps of your M900's dash? looks like the type i would like to fit, minimalistic.

Only pics of my first, fugly version:
http://www.ducati.ms/gallery/files/9/4/9/0/front-06_425882.jpg (http://www.ducati.ms/gallery/files/9/4/9/0/front-06_425882.jpg)
http://www.ducati.ms/gallery/files/9/4/9/0/ipanel-06.jpg (http://www.ducati.ms/gallery/files/9/4/9/0/ipanel-06.jpg)

Got a scottoiler now, as was recomended to me.

My tailchop has uh.. failed me slightly..
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8866/p24011016280001.jpg) (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/p24011016280001.jpg/)

You're not the first to get that result. ;)

So, you went over a bump and the tire devoured your plate.  Solution, make plate more parallel to ground! [thumbsup]

LOVE the way you put that!  Hahaha....  [thumbsup]  Don't worry, I think *all* of us here who have done our own tail-chops have ended up w/the same result! 

Keep pluggin' away Mate!  [beer]

i had the same problem with  my tail chop.  making the suspension tighter helps. 

Get your suspension set "right", don't tighten it up more than what would be correct just to save the license plate when you can just bend the license plate to be more horizontal!

Gday 18

You're doing a great job and making the bike your own. Don't worry, I'm on my third tail chop iteration!

Keep doing what your doing. Bought my bike wrecked. The bike was factory all the way.What i found was some times a pic is worth a thousand words. Maybe this will help. Heres pics of my bike with tail chop.
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r24/sshull2/DSCN2584.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r24/sshull2/DSCN2583.jpg)

Tail chop is sorted, (I hope) as per recomendation I simply made the plate bracket more paralell to the road.

Will present new pictures tomorow of the freshly fabricated passeger pegs and adjusted rear end. :)

XVIII

Good plan.

You could also take your license plate and install it underneath your seat, in front of the rear tire, as I did.  Tail chop works perfect now.   ;)

LED accents blinking with your turn signals is a neat idea.  Especially if it is just the same side as your turn signals. 

Fixed tailchop. has done 45 miles without incident.
(http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1474/p03021014470001.th.jpg) (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/p03021014470001.jpg/)

Rear footpegs. I'm frackin proud. Plate ally for the most part and stainless steel for the pegs.  Would they look better black?
(http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8053/p03021013270002.th.jpg) (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/p03021013270002.jpg/)
(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8708/p03021013270001.th.jpg) (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/p03021013270001.jpg/)

Not sure you want to mount the passenger peg brackets to the exhaust...

Your bend looks pretty good around the pipe though. You could really make those look trick if they were more skeletal.

All of the stress that a person puts on them is put onto the frame beneath the seat. the attatchment on the pipe is just to keep the thing in line. Im not sure i can make them skeletal without seriously risking the rigidity of it. Its standard ally. only 4mm. I've been the only test subject and im just 10st.. It didnt show any obvious strain with me getting on or off, but I wouldnt want to risk it woithout hardened ally or some form of steel.

The problem is that during a ride, the force is not straight down. Its going to be combination of down and backwards. Just something to think about. Typically they are mounted in the front to the rider's rearsets, or hang by two fixed locations at the frame (S*R series). Not sure putting stresses on the pipes is what you will want to do.

First: black would be the way to go. + stickers or yellow highlights?

I understand that you're proud of making them yourself. I respect you for the effort [clap]
But - your passengers health is depending on those pegs. They MUST be trustworthy. I strongly recommend you get back to the drawing board - you're clever enough to make something better [thumbsup]

the other thing is those real pegs in a wreck could be deadly. in MSF they taught us to always raise the rear pegs when not in use due to the danger. maybe find some stock ones and mount them. the idea of the 'wing' mounts is very different, but as stated above, you'll want to use hard mounts on the frame not the exhausts.

The pegs themselves can be removed with ease, the bracket is threaded, and i can litteraly unscrew the stainless pegs from the ally.

As to the mounting of the bracket.. I'm gona have another look tomorow when its light, see if I can bring the bracket round the pipe again to tie in with the frontsets.

As for the tail chop... gotta respect american plates for being much smaller :P  But it happened to me too.

As for the pegs... seems like you are a creative guy.  Props there.  They don't look bad, craftmanship seems good.  But they are very "big".  Plus mounting anything to the exhaust is no good.  Finally, the flat metal really has no strength to it, you'd need a crese of some kind running the length of the bracket.  Look at some way to build some brackets out of steel tubing if you can weld... could even build clamps that attach to the frame without welding to the frame.

Just came across this company that makes a three point headlight, thought I'd post it for you, though maybe it's not precisely what you're going for.

http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/store/show/CSC-707 (http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/store/show/CSC-707)
(http://www.crimescenechoppers.com/system/user_upload/path/187/small/ll1.jpg?1197061730)

Sorry I've been dead for the last week or so, money suddenly became an issue and all progress had to stop. I've got a new design for the pegs, and  I've begun re-doing the dash to be more minimalistic.

I'll be back.

XVIII

We'll save your seat man.  ;D

 [thumbsup]