Cost of building verse reconditioning

[HillbillyOzMonster]

So I want to work towards a 900cc Ducati monster (dry clutch ftw) and I am wanting to know if it is cheaper in AUS to build it from scratch of buy a second hand and recondition it? Would it be recommended to purchase a rebuild engine from a bike wreckers or would there be a more suitable place to get one. Your input would be appreciated.

[ducpainter]

I don't think you'd be able to find enough new parts to build one from scratch.

Look for a used engine or a whole bike and go from there.

[Kopfjager]

+1

[koko64]

Both are expensive, but if you can do it yourself, take your time to snag bargains and resist "the fever", you can make it cost effective. You will require plenty of good nearly new used parts at good prices so you will have to be patient to not blow the budget. You need mates who can paint because here that is a big expense if you don't. It also depends how custom/performance you want to go. There are good bikes around at good prices for a solid start but it will still require a pull down to paint the frame if needed, no way around that. People are starting to hang onto their older M900's now.
Pm me or call for advice if you like.

[koko64]

The motor side is where you need inside knowledge to not get burnt. A low kms motor may still need a top end freshen up and for sure a repaint of the cases and heads. They are nice simple big block motors, with understressed bottom ends and there are well established recipes for performance upgrades.

Tell us your plan.

[HillbillyOzMonster]

Whahahah sounds like I am in for a treat. Game on, frame of engine first? recommendations!

[ducpainter]

Whahahah sounds like I am in for a treat. Game on, frame of engine first? recommendations!

Pretty sure a 900 will bolt into yours. You might have to open up the holes in the cases if the mount bolts are different. You'd need a motor with carbs and likely have to jet it, but that isn't hard depending on configuration.

Find a Showa front end unless you already have one...or convert to SBK...and have it set up for you in either case...

change to a 5.5. rear wheel...and a ton of stuff I'm forgetting...

and have fun.

[koko64]

As DP said, you could fit a 900 motor to your bike and go the bigger rear wheel option.

Regarding frames. State rego laws will guide what you get and where from. You need a vin and ADR compliance plate. There is a frame in my shed that belongs to a mate that complies, but it will require paint and has been deregistered. You may best be served buying a local one to your state or better still a regoed, running QLD bike to do up. At least if its complete its just a matter of painting and plating.
The bigger cost will be how much power you want or if the motor is a high km example. The way to get good power from an already sound motor is this very bang for buck recipe:
1. JE hi comp pistons
2. Heavy duty engine studs (make sure you use these)
3. Retarding ignition via Ignitech unit (I got map specs) or retarding pick ups about 5mm for 3-4 deg less advance (98fuel).
4. Jet kit with open airbox and K&N filter
5. Exactfit coils
6. Machined down flywheel

You get 80hp and second gear power wheelies. Plenty for a satisfying street ride without getting tazered.

[koko64]

In Oz, you could sell your 600 as it's a LAMs bike and will fetch good money and look for a 900 to build, unless you want to ride the 600 while you build. At least your 600 will recoup your investment in the 900 project when you sell it.

[koko64]

There are three M900 carbed Monsters on Bikesales. The oldest one in SA is the one with the best motor to hot up. In stock condition, all things being equal it has the fastest motor (as does the Vic bike below). The other two are fine if you want to just cruise around on a stock motor.
There is a M900S in Vic from a shop that would be good if it runs as good as it looks. The S has some carbon and fancy brake discs. If I had the spare cash I would drive up to the SA bike in my ute and buy it once I established it was ok. Being in Vic I would get the Vic bike if it was registered. Pity the QLD bike has the detuned motor from stock.

[HillbillyOzMonster]

So much food for thought. I need to strip my bike and get the frame repainted as theres a bit of rust on it and the previous X amount of owners took no pride in the bike. It appears as though there has been a lot of corrosion and someone slapped paint over it 

[Speeddog]

IMO:

Carbie engines are the best starting point, as they've got the wide ratio trans.

Nothing *wrong* with the close ratio, just feels a bit silly, as the motor's got more than enough grunt to handle the jumps of the wide ratio.

Get the '98 and later, with the 3-phase charging.

Find some of the cylinders that do not have the oil 'cooling', AFAIK the '00 and later M900 had 'em, not sure about SS or other models.

Stay away from W heads.

Some of the above may be a bit different in Oz...

[koko64]

How is it going?