Ducati 1000 DS build

[buzzer]

As I have got older (a lot older!) I prefer a more upright and less stretch riding position… The bars on this bike I really like as they are the 28mm fatbars, but they are a bit low, and too far forward. Hence I made some risers which will also support the speedo when I get around to mounting it. So back to the water jet cutters to have the risers, rear number plate backing and support bracket cut! While I was there the owner let me have a look in the scrap bin… She said to help myself to anything I wanted! She said she has never seen anyone so excited about some scrap metal!

I have also made a new ignition cover, and electro etched it with the Buell Logo… I couldn’t resist doing a wine glass as well…. When our friends come round I will put his wine in it, he hates Harley and says that the Buell is just a Harley in drag! 

[buzzer]

To keep a clean look I decided on a digital speedo. I have used a GPS speedo on previous builds but missed not having a tacho so when I spotted this combined unit, I bought one! I spent a full day making a bracket for it, quite a challenge again due to the angles and the fact I wanted to rubber mount the speedo....

[buzzer]

I hated the big, bulky and heavy silencer… So here is the new one! I debated about making it re-packable. but that adds weight and complexity… and I am not that keen on the look… Chatting to the exhaust component supplier he told me I was doing it wrong! He said to use some fine stainless wool around the perforated tube first, before using the normal packing! The wool stops the wadding getting very hot and blowing out over time. He said that’s the norm on a car exhaust they last a LONG time… So I came away with all the components in stainless and set to work… here is the result. Note that the centre is offset to one side so it clears the suspension. The logo on this has been media blasted on….

Just need to make the supporting bracket, but I need to get the bike level for that so I can use a spirit level to get it straight… Oh, and angle the outlet away from my foot!

[buzzer]

here it is back on its wheels…… Embarrassing situation this morning though… I was sitting in the road to get low down for a couple of photos and adjusting my settings on the phone… I didn’t notice the lady from the house come up behind me.. she put her arm around me and said “are you ok dear” 

[Howie]

Looking great!

[stopintime]

Looks promising 

The lady's reaction reminds me of my dad, seeing the Monster for the first time and pointing towards the missing fairings; "when are you going to finish it?" 

[buzzer]

Next job is one I quite enjoy…  The wiring…  I have noticed over the years that many excellent builds are let down by poor wiring…   I started out by re-designing the entire loom to make it much simpler.  I draw things out in Visio, it’s a 2003 copy I have had for years…  I no longer have the discs or a copy so I guess when I change my PC for a new one, I will have to find an alternative, which is a pity as it’s a great bit of software!

This bike won’t be using any relays either as I have calculated the draw on the switches and they can easily cope with the load as I will be using LED stop and tail, and indicators.  I have also gone for an LED headlight bulb. Most of the wires are new, and I always buy quality wire from Vehicle Wiring Products who will sell just a meter of any colour.  The starter cable is also new and is the multi strand flexible stuff, which is brilliant compared to the old, ridged stuff.

The ECU is in the tail, and I have rubber mounted it…  it’s a tight fit and I had to put some bits of blutack on there to ensure I had clearance!

Most of the terminals are crimped, just the odd one soldered if I am unsure, and then supported with that glue lined shrink tube which I really like.  I will be using the flexible braided sheathing that they seem to use on modern bikes and cars these days.

[stopintime]

Working with top materials and knowing how to build a loom - I'd like that, me too 

[greenmonster]

 
 
"flexible braided sheathing"
What brand is that?

What LED in Headlight? What type headlight is the Buells?

[buzzer]

 
"flexible braided sheathing"
What brand is that?

What LED in Headlight? What type headlight is the Buells?

 the sheathing is generic...  the best I have found though is from Vehicle Wiring products...  its used on so many cars and bikes now, far better than the PVC stuff that quickly goes hard.

I have used a H4 led bulb...  made by Lucas, not that that means anything these days... I have yet to try it

[buzzer]

Up early this morning to do some painting… First job was to dip the rear of the seat with some carbon film… My heart was pounding as it did this, it was the last piece of film I had and no chance of getting more any before the new year! the film had to be square in the water, and the tail piece square as it went in… I was relieved when I lifted it out of the water! this will be masked up to form a wide stripe. Next painted the tank with base then clear… this will be rubbed down before I put the decals on. I know a lot of people hate fake carbon… but I like it as its more durable and I do like the look.

As an aside, I bought a paint mask off Temu a few months ago for £4. I was not entirely comfortable using it as it was so cheap. I bought another one off Amazon with lots of good reviews, for £30. It came yesterday… EXACTLY the same as the Temu one!  So it went back!

When this was finished I treated myself to the rest of the day on the lathe and miller… I have looked around endlessly for some indicators, but they are either cheap plastic, or very expensive… so I made some LED ones. They are small, light, and very bright!

[ducpainter]

I'm going to refer to you as Leslie from now on.

When you pick a different color, you can be Tony

[buzzer]

I'm going to refer to you as Leslie from now on.

When you pick a different color, you can be Tony

Leslie it is than 

[buzzer]

[Howie]