Ducati 1000 DS build

[buzzer]

the engine build is well underway…its a nice and simple engine to build, I do like the way honda gets all the tolerances spot on! While I was on I polished the ports, and matched the inlet manifold to the head. I also did a bit more Cerakote, and I have to say its easy to apply, and gives a superb finish, I would say that its easily up to factory standard! I have used the air dry titanium colour on the side case for a bit of contrast and will also be using this on the oil lines.

[buzzer]

Onto rebuilding the forks, boy the oil was black in there! they were all OK though so new seals and dust covers, and some new oil. I often hear of people replacing fork seals and still having them leak afterwards…. This is often because people install the seals by tapping them in with a punch! this invariably damages the seal lip, hence they leak. the best way to install them is with a nylon collar supported in the vice… that way you can tap them in nice and square and get then seated on the bottom of the land.

[greenmonster]

Good tip.

[buzzer]

The engine is all back together now and I am pleased with the results.  There will be a break in posts for a while...  I need a bit more sun!

[ducpainter]

The engine is all back together now and I am pleased with the results.  There will be a break in posts for a while...  I need a bit more sun!

Are you leaving England?

[buzzer]

Are you leaving England?

yes    few days in Dubai, and now Maldives... 

[stopintime]

Couldn't you just take vitamin D and keep buiding?

[buzzer]

Couldn't you just take vitamin D and keep buiding?

I could...  But then I would miss sitting by the infinity pool and shower, with a beer... watching the pretty girls 

[stopintime]

Ok - that's importanter.

[ungeheuer]

Couldn't you just take vitamin D and keep buiding?

[buzzer]

Ok - that's importanter.

it was   All I can say is thank goodness for mirror sunglasses 

but back to reality... and bike building!

painting day… I debated on painting some of the parts satin black, but I actually like the fake carbon, plus its very durable. The fuel filters came as well.. I bought an 8mm and a 6mm one and swapped the parts over to compensate for the fact the fuel tap is a smaller pipe than the carb!





I was going to put a standard Honda decal on the tank, but then I saw these and liked them… not from the usual supplier, but the seller also sent me some samples so i could test the compatibility with the laquer. It was fine thank goodness. When painting over decals there are a few tips… first off I always do a first coat of laquer and let it dry, i never put them on the base coat. then I wet sand with 1000 wet and dry and then stick the decals in place. Now the important bits… Always wipe the area with panel wipe… this is for two reasons. Firstly, there is always some adhesive on the edge of the decal, and secondly they often have silicon on them and that makes the paint cess. I always give a mist coat over the decal and let it tack off, the reason for this is if you hit it with a full coat first you end up with runs off the horizontal edges of the decal.

I looked at the filler cap that came new with the tank and decided it looked crap, so I took it apart and made a new on incorporating a breather.

[stopintime]

....so I took it apart and made a new on incorporating a breather.

Of course you did 

[buzzer]

I have come to a standstill now until the powder coater finishes my frame and parts, which is quite frustrating! Like so many business these days he just can't get good reliable staff so has a backlog...

I have also finished the wiring diagram ready to do the electrics.

[DucHead]

Fantastic stuff!! 

I have a few engine covers (Suzuki) that I stripped, blasted, and applied Cerakote with no underlayer.  They look great after a few years, but I'll keep an eye on them.  I've also Cerakoted a few sets of carburetors.

[ducpainter]

Hey, maybe it works, it just goes against my training. I suspect a lot of it depends on handling, and timing.