Ducati Monster Forum

Just noticed FBF has this kit for not a mint. Is just installing these HC pistons a worthwhile upgrade? How about with FCR's? Is it really a "drop in" install or is machining required?

Yes.

I have those pistons and 39mm FCRs on my '97 M750.

Worth every penny.

Did you have to make any ignition adjustments with the pistons?
Do you get away with standard fuel octane?
The reason I ask is that high comp on an old 900 involves ignition adjustments and premium fuel. If you can get away without those issues on a 750 then that's even more of a drop in mod.
I would be cautious about some projected reach spark plugs having sufficient clearance of the piston crown with some piston brands. There are enough types of plugs around in the correct heat range to deal with that.

Good questions koko. Didn't even consider the plug spacing. From what I have read 11:1 isn't really all that high and doesn't require higher octane.

For some reason I think I remember reading here that the FBF pistons are actually a bit higher than the stated 11:1.

I could be wrong.

The octane requirement will be dictated by whether or not you experience any pinging.

A mates 900 with Pistals (IIRC) closed up the gaps on his Denso "equivalents" to NGK DPR8EA. When I measured them against each other there was an easy 1mm difference. Always worth checking. On a 944 motor with skimmed heads, I used the NGK DR8EIX instead of the projected reach DPR8EIX-9s. Upon inspection, the DR8EIX still have a projected reach (unlike the non iridium version), but not as much. A nice compromise plug if you still want the benefits of PR plugs. They should have the heat range for your 750.

Who makes the FBF pistons now? Flat or dome crown?

It would be nice if the 750 copes ok with stock timing. Adjusting pick ups is a PITA. I would just slap on an Igniteck and knock off some timing if it meant you could use regular gas.

Pretty sure they're J&E

I just wrote them asking all these questions.

If I remember correctly, FBF offered two compression ratios, one was OK with 93 octane and one required race fuel.

My bike has stock plugs and ran fine with zero changes to plugs or ignition.

I added the Czeck "Ignatech" electronic timing box last month and the bike runs even better.

I ran the FBF pistons with stock ignition and 93 octane pump gas for three years with zero problems.

I am really liking the new Ignatech timing box. It increased my MPG from 44 mpg to 50 mpg and she runs cooler and fires up easier and dyno'd 65hp and 50ft/lbs at the wheel.

Cheers.

you mean the $420 ones?  i wouldn't call that cheap.  the 750 is a dog, ditch it for this

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/02-Ducati-Supersport-900ss-900-ENGINE-MOTOR-VIDEOS-/130748939916?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e713e7e8c (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/02-Ducati-Supersport-900ss-900-ENGINE-MOTOR-VIDEOS-/130748939916?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e713e7e8c)

ignitech, split fcr, fit some je if you really want to.  it'll farking raaaaawk man.

sorry, channelled the turtle from finding nemo for a second there.

Woah...

$400 is light compared to what other more "serious" mods can cost. But I see the logic. $420+tax+shipping and it comes close to the price for a used 900 engine.

+1

Here's a drop-in engine used 900 engine, near DC, for $400. Believe me, if I had the funds, this would be sitting in my apartment right now!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/3489247396.html (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/3489247396.html)

Sure, drop a 900 in there.

What's the fun in that?

I love my built 750.

 [laugh]
And when you get your 900 motor, you'll start hankering for high comp pistons, FCRs, big valves, porting, etc.
 [evil]

i'd fit a 900 as it has a more durable bottom end and clutch and, more importantly, it has a 6 speed gearbox.  m900ie has the close ratio box, but all other 900 motors have the wide ratio box and ime that's a definite plus when it comes to setting up a bike for a wide range of riding conditions.

it's what annoys me most about my 750.

and if you do want the power output to grow over time the 900 has much more potential with the same mods.

there's just more stuff to fix and more built in limitations with the 750.

imo anyway.  i know bruce meyers always liked the motor, and lots of people claim they're smoother than the 900, but i don't see it.

I agree with Brad. In the long run that's what I'll do. In the spring I will purchase an FCR 41 kit which should keep me satisfied for the season and the following winter I will be on the lookout for a 900 motor.

With 900 motors available at such good prices, its the right way to go. Down here we can only look at those prices with envy.
You can mod the motor to the specs you want while riding the 750. It will be a fun project to prepare the motor to your liking. You are spoilt for choice on mods, budget being the biggest constraint.
For example, high comp pistons, Igniteck ignition and a light flywheel are not too expensive, and really wake up the 900. Those items combined cost about as much as FCRs. FCRs finish the package nicely.

Well as my brother always says, "the fastest [slowest] thing you're sitting on is your wallet"