Ducati Disease

[250rr]

What's up with the Ducati disease? I just picked up a 750ss with half fairing. I feel faint. And nauseous.

[joshuajcrouch]

Congrats on the purchase! You should rip off the front/side fairings and convert the front end into a monster

[250rr]

Originally Posted by joshuajcrouch

Congrats on the purchase! You should rip off the front/side fairings and convert the front end into a monster

Thank you, Joshua. I think I'll leave this one as stock as possible. I really like the half-fairing look. Although that would be an interesting project!

It does have a k & n filter, open airbox, homemade loud exhaust (sounds like Mozart) and is actually quite clean. I normally don't like overly loud exhaust. But this. It will be very difficult to quiet it down, which is why I may not!

It doesn't like to turn at slow speed. Turning radius is an absolute joke. I think mostly because of the long wheelbase. This will be a real challenge in the high-density city I live in. It isn't that heavy (399 lbs) but feels like a MUCH larger bike than the Baby Ninja. It doesn't like to go at a slow speed. I will be required to exercise severe throttle control.

However, as Ducati's go, it's quite tame power-wise. But has more power than I will ever need. The good news is the power is quite controllable. Lot's of low-end torque. Not much at the top end. That characteristic is the primary reason I didn't go with the 900cc version.

Let's just say my respect for this machine is great. I'm sure it will always be better than I. (Hell, the Ninja will always be better than I!). I love it, though! No, I'm not going to marry it. That is still illegal in Oregon.

[Jiggles]

Link to original page on YouTube.

[csmith12]

[250rr]

/\ Great scene, my friend!

[cuz]

mann what a ride


currently eyeballing a Ducati myself

[Z300]

Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebikeeeeeeeeeee

[250rr]

Thanks boys. I like it myself. Much 'twitchier' than the Ninja. The more I ride the Due Kitty, the more I appreciate the Baby Ninja. Such a sweet bike. So comfortable. So flickable.

The Due Kitty feels not so good as the Ninja at slow speeds. Which is where I spend a lot of time in the city. It's gonna take me awhile to get used to the riding position and not having much leverage on the bars and not being able to see over cars quite as easily. Still, learning new equipment is challenging and fun!

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by 250rr

The more I ride the Due Kitty, the more I appreciate the Baby Ninja. Such a sweet bike. So comfortable. So flickable.

Thank you for saying this. I wish more people could appreciate the little ninjette for what it is, an awesome bike


rather than blasting about how much better their R6 is, all while attempting to sell their sh!t here for ridiculous prices and constantly bumping their sale threads and then complaining to Alex about why we need a feedback system, when in reality the only issue is that the seller is a dickwad who's pricing everything way too high for his own damn good.

[250rr]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Thank you for saying this. I wish more people could appreciate the little ninjette for what it is, an awesome bike

My pleasure. It has the extra benefit of actually being true. The Baby Ninja is so much bike. Period. Not 'so much bike for the power', it's just a well engineered piece of motoring technology.

That said, I'm a sucker for exhaust note. The Due Kitty is music. Haven't enjoyed hearing a motor turn dinosaurs into noise that much since my old Porche 911. Just amazing. I froze my posterior tonight 'cause I couldn't put the Italian Stallion away. Just kept riding. Got gas. Put air in the tires. Just rode.

My back is yelling at me. And I don't care! Must work my core if I am to partake of the Due Kitty.

[choneofakind]

I must say, I am jealous of the sound you get from that thing. I enjoy big twins.

[250rr]

Originally Posted by cuz

mann what a ride


currently eyeballing a Ducati myself

What model?

[cuz]

2008 848

If it happens it happens in January ...
It does need some work. So a college kid like me can a afford it.

[himynameisjoe]

O wow! Awesome! Hey who doesn't fantasize about owning a Ducati haha Congratulations on the purchase! Have fun!

[bdavison]

I gotta say I am so tempted to go buy a 999 that's got me written all over it, but unfortunately the cost of parts keeps me away.

Not cheap to work on, but if you want a certifiable made to race machine, these are pretty much the only option we have in the states.

I still think the 999 is the epitome of what a superbike is.

[dave42]

Congrats on the SS! I've been wanting one of those forever; one of these days...

[ryan.chin]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

rather than blasting about how much better their R6 is, all while attempting to sell their sh!t here for ridiculous prices and constantly bumping their sale threads and then complaining to Alex about why we need a feedback system, when in reality the only issue is that the seller is a dickwad who's pricing everything way too high for his own damn good.

Cowards hide their insults and attacks. You're a ****ing moron.

1.) I don't think I've ever said the R6 is a 'better' bike than then Ninjette. And if I did, I said it in a joking way.

2.) Ridiculous prices? Okay. Everything I've ever listed on here is more than half MSRP. Dumb****.

3.) I made a USEFUL suggestion, that multiple other people have shown interest in as well, so... you're a dumbass.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by ryan.chin

Cowards hide their insults and attacks. You're a ****ing moron.

Banned.

Originally Posted by ryan.chin

1.) I don't think I've ever said the R6 is a 'better' bike than then Ninjette. And if I did, I said it in a joking way.

Lol, what a bold faced lie

Originally Posted by ryan.chin

2.) Ridiculous prices? Okay. Everything I've ever listed on here is more than half MSRP. Dumb****.

idk about the prices but your bumps just scream immature attention whore. And yes I'm alluding to the bumps to your other dead threads just so people would talk about your bike.

Originally Posted by ryan.chin

3.) I made a USEFUL suggestion, that multiple other people have shown interest in as well, so... you're a dumbass.

I don't even know what or where this was, link please so I can ridicule you



And @chode EPIC TROLL I didn't think he'd go for it but lol I was wrong

[choneofakind]

/chodetroll.

[Jono]

^
Haha.


I can't wait for the day I own a Ducati! I would love to own any of their newer bikes. I think the 848 would be a good bike for me!



But the new 821cc Hypermotard seems like a reasonable bike to own. The 19,000 mile valve service interval is very appealing.

[hirubhaiambani]

I have Ninjette disease now but I hope to get sick with Ducati disease at some point in my life.

[250rr]

So, since Ducati's have been making mechanics out of riders for decades, thought I'd post up my tentative, trembling, and Bambi-like attempt at turning wrenches on a motorcycle.

Here, I have just opened up what is commonly known in some circles as Desmo Hell. Desmo Hell is when you take off the valve cover and realize that you're an idiot to ever think you can figure out how to adjust these valves without adult supervision. Idiot, meet your nemesis.

[Sirref]

rule #1 of italian machines, be a mechanic.
rule #2 of italian machines, have a lot of cash for when your mechanical genius runs out.

As much as I think the ducatis look amazing they're entirely too expensive to justify the extra work needed just to keep them running as opposed to triumphs and japanese bikes.

[Jono]

Geeez, I wouldn't know where to begin! There isn't a screw, bolt, or a nut in there. How the hell they build those things.

[250rr]

Originally Posted by Jono

Geeez, I wouldn't know where to begin! There isn't a screw, bolt, or a nut in there. How the hell they build those things.

It's a case of Ducati being too clever by half, imo. It works and after you study it and get your hands on it, you kind of start getting it. However, as with most things in life, there are costs for being clever. As an example, for each valve there are two clearances to measure. Opening rocker arm clearance and closing rocker arm clearance. Most other engines in the world uses springs to close the valve, and so only have one rocker (opening rocker) clearance to adjust.

I have never adjusted valves on anything before this, so I can't compare. I am told by some far more experienced than I that the two valve Duc's like mine are actually quite simple machines. I will have to take their word on that.

FULL DISCLOSURE: If I start it and it explodes no one on this forum will ever know of my baffoonery. I will file fake ride reports and pictures of me with the bike taken last year. On the other hand, if it starts and runs, I will declare myself the best motorcycle mechanic in the world.

[choneofakind]

sooooo... I see a cam. I see opening arm and closing arm. I see valve stem. I, like Jono, see nothing 'adjustable' from that angle. What's the official adjustment procedure?

To build it, I'd assume they'd have to piece it together as they build it, vs the ninjette, where the head was attached, then the valvetrain was put into place.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Link to original page on YouTube.

i'd say this is an accurate depiction of my first test ride on the ducati motard.

[250rr]

I am the best motorcycle mechanic IN THE WORLD! It runs, biatcheseseses!

On a more serious note, those who have posted their DIY mechanics on this forum helped encourage me to try it myself. Thank you, Ninjetters! c

[Insan3guy]

found a .gif of how it works, if anybody's interested.

[250rr]

Originally Posted by Insan3guy

found a .gif of how it works, if anybody's interested.

Excellent model of what goes on in there. Thanks!