$2500 paper weight?

[Doz]

Just bought a 2008 695 from an online salvage auction and picked up the bike this morning. Very little noticeable damage and less than 3K miles. What could be so wrong I thought. Turns out the whole rear engine mount (tranny case) is split from left to right. Going to attempt welding this back together but it is such a strange failure based on the great condition of the rest of the bike. (no broken pegs, no heavy rash, all body parts are in tact ,even the bars are fine)
Could this have been a casting problem or an over torque of that bolt?...any recalls concerning this sort of thing?
Thanks for any input.

[DarkMonster620]

VIN #?

[Buckethead]

Could this have been a casting problem or an over torque of that bolt?

Strange, but certainly not unheard of. The cases are (or used to be) sand cast, which can lend itself to some issues. There are people on the board who have had them welded.

Absolute worst-case scenario, you've bought a rolling chassis and can stuff in a different (bigger?) engine.

Can you post some pics of the crack?

[thorn14]

If the internals are fine you may just need to swap cases if welding doesn't work out.

[Howie]

Under torqued more likely than over torqued, which could allow movement.  And the casting is not great, but good enough.  The case can probably be welded and drilled and be better than new.  A good welder should be able to do this without splitting the case.  Before spending a lot of money make sure the frame is straight.

[Speeddog]

Under torqued more likely than over torqued, which could allow movement.  And the casting is not great, but good enough.  The case can probably be welded and drilled and be better than new.  A good welder should be able to do this without splitting the case.  Before spending a lot of money make sure the frame is straight.

Spot on.

Definitely check the frame.

[pitbull]

I've had two m900 rear engine bolt mounting points welded.

One on my 01 900 that dropped into a massive pot hole on I75 through MI and another on a 2000 m900 I bought crashed and put back together.

Both held up fine after welding.

If you do find the frame tweaked a bit, the advice I received from a local ducati mechanic was to straighten the frame once it's bolted back onto the engine. Mine was only tweaked a little and straightened out easily once bolted back onto the engine.

[Doz]

Thanks guys, I'll try and get some pictures posted.

[lpgoldtop]

Can you post some pics of the crack?

there must be a better way of wording that...


If you can't fix the engine, try to turn it into furniture. I know old Harley FL frames with high bars and sissy bar cushions make great recliners!

[Doz]

Got some pictures of this crack/busted case. Seems like this is not the only failure of this type, other have welded up this area with good success. I'd post pictures but don't know how...yet.

[Speeddog]

FAQ on Posting a picture:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=109.0