Barracuda Engine Spoiler/Belly Pan - M696

[theprocess]

Opinions on how this looks?



Anyone know how this mounts?  Most require using the engine cover bolts to bolt on brackets...any issues with oil leaks after loosening the engine cover bolts?

http://www.barracudamoto.it/DettaglioProdotto.aspx?IDP=1114&CAT=62

[Veloce-Fino]

A few threads about this already, try searching "696 belly pan" or "696 barracuda"


http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14253.30

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19025.0

[theprocess]

Awesome thanks.  I did a search but the second post didnt show up.

Any comments on the engine cover bolts?  Maybe I should post in the tech section.

[Veloce-Fino]

When I was looking into getting one of these from what I learned there were no major issues with install. Fairly simple and straight forward. One of the barracuda belly pan owners said they never had any issues with the pan so I can only assume the install will not damage anything.

[theprocess]

So which one did you end up getting?

I noticed in your sig you have the R&G tail chop...did you have any issues with lining up the 4 screws used to attach the two pieces?

[ungeheuer]

Opinions on how this looks?

Keep naked naked 

[Veloce-Fino]

So which one did you end up getting?

I noticed in your sig you have the R&G tail chop...did you have any issues with lining up the 4 screws used to attach the two pieces?

I never purchased one. Decided clipons and a top triple was more important. Plus the more I stare at my bike the more I realize I like the "less is more" look.

As far as the R&G kit YES I had some major issues with the install. The mounting holes that join the two halves together would not align properly. At the front of the two brackets they were contacting causing the brackets to not align.

I solved this issue with a few minutes on the bench grinder and some matching black high temp corrosion resistant wood stove paint. Best looking kit installed IMHO but there were issues with assembly. Installation was flawless though, the conflict was with the parts in the kit itself.

I thought it was an isolated incident but if you have heard of this I guess not.

[theprocess]

Well Ive heard about it and now am experiencing it.  I managed to slightly rework the bends at the back (by the stop light) so the screws now go in but the middle section of the bottom piece is too wide...cant narrow it because the sides are blocked by another panel (the angled one closest to the front of the bike).  Might have to make the holes slightly bigger.  The aluminum is super-thick, hard to bend even slightly.

[Veloce-Fino]

I'll try and snap some pics if I can get a good shot. The best thing to do is grind a bit of the metal allowing the screw holes to align.

It's difficult to describe but if you slide the two halves of the tail chop together they hit at one end which prevents the holes from lining up by a few mm. By grinding a bit of the metal off you can allow more movement and the holes will align.

[Raux]

yeah i thought it was a one off issue for me too. i informed the company since i had one of the early ones

i used a rubber mallet to spread them apart

[Veloce-Fino]

Ok Below are the photos of where I ground off some of the plate with a standard bench grinder. Most of the grinding was done on the vertical surface but also some on the "corner" of the bracket half.




The Photo below gives the best idea of where I ground the plate to make a perfect fit. Touch up with some black paint and your golden.

[vossy]

Keep naked naked 

+1 

[theprocess]

Thanks for all the comments on the tidy tail kit.  Ive opened another thread specifically for that http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39791.0

[theprocess]

Torn between naked and belly pan.     Like others have commented the barracuda looks a little big...covers too much of the engine.  But naked just seems unfinished to me.  The barracuda is by far the best looking belly pan available right now for the 696. 

In the matte black finish (unpainted) it looks better on the white than red. 

[causeofkaos]

i like the belly pan cuz it covers the oil filter from getting compromised from a rock or other debris and causing an oil slick that always ends with a wreck. I like the barracuda the best.