2001 748. Thoughts, advice?

[memper]

My brother is picking up a yellow 2001 748 from the WERA classifieds to turn into his track bike. Anything I could tell him to watch out for? I told him to check his valve clearances, put on some race brake pads (obviously) and change the RR to a mosfet unit.
But anything else the 01 was known for in terms of faultiness?

He has been a Yam racer for years. Never owned a Duc before. Kind of empowering holding your older brothers hand while he joins us in our Italian affliction.

[ducpainter]

Pull the cams and check the rockers.

[memper]

Right. Were the 748's known for flaking?

[Howie]

Right. Were the 748's known for flaking?

Yes.  Change all fluids also.  Timing belts if over 12K or 2 years old.  Tires if 5 or more years old.

[memper]

So whats the cure if flaking? Can they be powder coated?

[HotIce]

I have bought a 2002 748S last summer. Before I got back this summer, I will have to have the rockers checked too.
No, powder coating them won't do it.
There is people/companies you can send them, that at ~$60 each, they will strip off the whole pad, rebuild it with new solder material, and chrome them back.

[rule62]

I would definitely suggest replacing the in-tank fuel lines. My 748 left me on the side of the road due to the issue. The original lines are not rated to be submersed in gasoline. Over time they deteriorate and split. The result is no fuel pressure. The bike simply will not fire up regardless if there is any fuel. It happened to me mid-ride without much of any warning. Replace the fuel filter while you're in there too. Submersible fuel line can be found at your local auto-parts store for about $25 per foot. Seems like a lot, but it is worth not having to worry. You will need about 2 feet.

Check out ducati.ms  http://www.ducati.ms/forums/56-superbikes/150417-2000-748-tank-fuel-line-size.html

Also, check the cush drives on the rear sprocket. If the sprocket is OEM style there is a chance the cush drives are backing their way out and will eventually machine the eccentric chain adjuster hub away. Thank goodness I noticed mine before much damage was done. Tell-tale sign is tiny aluminum shavings on the rear wheel. I sourced a set of good cush drives from Gotham. Most newer quick-change style sprocket carriers have small lips to prevent the drives from backing out.

I would also suggest checking out the rockers for flaking. Mega-cycles and some others are available as aftermarket replacements which will last longer than OEM.

Setting the TPS and synching the throttle-bodies turned my 748 into a "new" machine. Don't overlook this relatively simple maintenance task.



(and try not to drop your 748 like I did... RIP)
http://www.easyexport.us/vehicle-finder/lot-28271753/1998-ducati-motorcycle-salvage-certificate-az-phoenix
Can you believe they totaled it? Would have bought it back but I like my wife and son living with me.

[Speeddog]

So whats the cure if flaking? Can they be powder coated?

Replace or get refurbished.

EMS has a very nice refurbished rocker, send 'em his old ones as core.

Pretty sure Clubhouse Motorsports has 'em as well.
 

[ducpainter]

So whats the cure if flaking? Can they be powder coated?

Either new ones, or there are companies that sell Duc rockers with a different surface treatment.

Megacycles is one, although they don't necessarily correct the issue in the long term.

Powder coating is not a suitable option.

Clubhouse has had rockers with  DLC coating in the past. Not sure if he has stock right now.

[Triple J]

What Yamaha has he raced? The 748 handles likes a pig compared to the R6 (at least '03 R6 or newer, which is what I have experience with). It's super stable, but won't be anywhere near as easy to turn or just ride in general. He'll also be bouncing it off the rev limiter for a while I'd guess.

Wheels make a huge difference though.

[memper]

Thanks for all the tips guys. My brother is having it shipped from NC to Binghamton, NY.
When he gets it I will tell him 3 things: 1) join this forum 2) get a manual 3) let me ride it in the summer 

[memper]

What Yamaha has he raced? The 748 handles likes a pig compared to the R6 (at least '03 R6 or newer, which is what I have experience with). It's super stable, but won't be anywhere near as easy to turn or just ride in general. He'll also be bouncing it off the rev limiter for a while I'd guess.

Wheels make a huge difference though.

I think he had a 2005 R6. Went like stink. Til he went too hard on tires not fully warmed. Wrecked the bike and shattered his R femur. It is now titanium. His racing days are over. It was a good five years. But track days are not. I warned him about how the Duc will require more "coaxing" on the turn ins.

I also warned him that he's gonna have to get used to doing his own service. Even if he could afford it, there is no one in the Binghamton area that knows Italian engines. They barely get Honda service right up there...

[ducpainter]

He should look up Scott at Goldcoast.

[The Architect]

What everyone said above.

Belts
Valves
Rocker arms
If he's going on the track then new tires are a must
Check the chain and sprockets
Change the brake fluid


I would also recommend dealing with the suspension: have the front and rear refreshed and have it set up for his size and type of riding he is going to do.  . 

[The Architect]

And if he needs rockers let me know.  I have a few sitting around.