Dropped my 696 at 2mph, cracked engine case, FML

[IV_Dan]

Yep, as the title says, dropped the bike, and cracked the casing right behind the kickstand mounting area. It was a 5mph fall, after a hard stop which happened to be on a slippery cross walk strip. Felt like ice under my front wheel, next thing I was on my side. Stood up, see oil on the floor. FML

Going through insurance the most I can expect for an ‘09 with 11,600m... $3k ? Not worth it. I just finished 7500/m valve/belt service, also installed new clutch, new tires, chain and sprockets, Termis, swapped forks for showa 1100S adjustables with full rebuild and race tech springs. All work at DucatiNYC.

I spoke to a shop that has dealt with case repairs in the past, unfortunately they said draining and flushing the oil, and then welding the crack closed is something they don’t want to try in my situation. A full motor swap is the recommended option.

Any thoughts ? I’ve considered parting the bike out, but that could take a long long time. Also an engine swap isn’t much harder than on a car, and I’ve done plenty of those, so there is that option.

Any one know a shop that’s done a case weld repair without engine disassembly ?

[amcjen]

Damn, that totally sucks, so sorry to hear it.  I’m surprised DucatiNYC declined that work, they have a pretty full-service shop downstairs.  (I’ve not had any work done there myself, but did buy some 696 fairings from them and they gave me the tour.)

I unfortunately don’t have other advice for you except that I rebuilt a totaled 696 after being hit by an idiot drunk driver. I didn’t replace my engine but did replace the horizontal head bc it was cracked from the front rim.  They’re easy to work on if you have basic skills. And a replacement 696 engine with 5k miles, last I looked on eBay a few min ago was $900.  Hell, if I were you I’d buy an 1100evo engine, ECU, and throttle body and upgrade it. (Would need new exhaust though so maybe not worth it to you.)

Also, side note, where did you find the adjustable 1100S forks/shock? Or rather, from what year 1100 did you get those? I’m looking for some suspension upgrades myself. 

[Speeddog]

I've not had any of the new cases welded, so no FHE there.

I'd say talk to a few experienced welders, see what they say.
It'd be worth a shot, not much to lose giving it a go.

I'd say your best option after that would be swapping in a 796.

[Charlie98]

I'd probably just try to find a 696 or 796 motor.  Problem is... many of the Monsters being parted are because of engine problems, which seems to immediately regulate them to junk status.

There is a guy on a FB page I frequent... Ducati Depot, for example... that parts out bikes, I'm sure there are others.