I've noticed looking for various parts over the years that obviously the stem on monsters a few years newer than my bike are different. But how different are they ? Larger diameter, yes, different bearing, yes. But is the head tube on the frame equally as big? Not like the huge ones on SBK that facilitate the offset change, but has it been discussed much using newer (like '02-'04ish) triples and stem in the hoop style frame ? I'm curious what the difference in head tube diameter really is.
Ducati has used the same front bearings (yoke) since about 1976.
So it would be easy to put the front end of a two thousand something 900 on a ninety something 600 provided forks, upper and lower triple clamps and stem are acquired if the head bearings are the right size? I would think it to be an obvious yes, but sometimes things are not as simple as they seem.
When you say "Front end" are you talking about the triple and forks or just the triple?
If just the triple, then as long as the diameter matches, you can use any similar non-sbk Ducati fork with it (keep in mind the axle changes, something I'm dealing with right now).
Ducati has used a very small number of fork diameters in the last 40 years.
32mm, 38mm, 35mm, 50mm, 53mm.. I think that's it.
If you're talking about almost any non SBK forks that have the same 50/54mm tubes, then yes I mean mostly for the triples and the stem.
For instance. Say I were to run across a set of triples and stem that were for a 2002 M-whatever. I have a 1999 M750. As long as the fork diameter is the same, I should only have to change the bearings ?
This is why I ask. I want to keep my options as far open as I possibly can to doing a fork swap in the future. I'd like to get a set of SBK forks. It's a whole lot easier to get top triples already with the 53mm bore for one generation newer monster than I already have. I'm not saying absolutely I want to, because if I find a set from an old SS or M900 that still use a 20mm axle for a reasonable price, then no need change anything but legs. But the little bit of reading I've had time to do recently tells me SBK's are far superior.
Then there comes the problem with fitting a 25mm axle into a Carrozzeria wheel made for 20mm axles. And front fender, and brake calipers/master cylinder and the accompanying list of do-dads and gadgets to go with.
Right ? [bacon]
Ideally, I'd like to get a set of forks for the older 748/916 with the 40mm caliper mounts. Use the single disc brake setup I already have and upgrade to dual disc brakes later. Bore out my top triple and shim the bottom to make them fit. Provided I can find the right wheel bearings for the axle. Probably have to have the right spacer for the non speedo drive side of the wheel.
yup.
exactly the issue i am dealing with.
i have an SS that has very well sorted forks, revalved and sprung for me.
but i really want the marchesini type wheels.
forks have a 20mm axle. wheels have a 25mm axle...
Yes, only reverse the diameters. I want big axle forks with 40mm caliper mounts but have a little axle wheel. I have a line on some early 748/916 forks for under 2 bills. The guy doesn't have the slightest idea what he has other than ducati forks.
I guess the next time I have the front wheel off, I'll have to measure the bearing OD. If I can get the proper bearings, the sleeve inside will be no big deal.
I did call Carrozzeria and ask about it, but they guy wasn't much help. Not a lot of technical representation going on with customer service. Asked about bearings for a newer monster wheel with the 25mm axle and he kept re-affirming they don't make the wheels for the mechanical speedo bikes anymore when I asked "Are the bearings the same OD?". No shit, all I want is bearing sizes.