Andreani Cartridges Ducati 900 I.e Sport

Hello All. I've a question about the forks on my 2002 900 i.e Sport. They are the non adjustable 43mm forks with the 65mm brake caliper spacing. For all intents and purposes they look identical to the adjustable 43mm Showas as the lower casing appears just the same, only no adjusters up top, just a 17 mill hex. Having taken the forks out and apart I note the bottom casting does not mention SHOWA anywhere, no indicator of manufacturer externally or internally. Just a couple of casting markings MA65 / MA66, 960/961 denoting left and right legs. Does anyone know who manufactures these forks? Showa / Marzocchi, or 'unknown under licence' as Brad the Bike Boy has deduced?

I ask in that I was told by a Andreani ebay retailer the 900SS Andreani cartridges will fit my non adjustable legs. I've received them from Brooks and they don't. The reason why being my forks have a M8 1.25 35mm bottom of cartridge retaining caphead bolt. The adjustable Showa's have of course a compression damping screw adjuster down there which appears to be 14mm(?). A far larger access hole and thread hole in the bottom of the casting. So question two: Would the easiest manner of rectification for me simply to get the 14mm hole of the pretty Andreani cartridges welded up and then a new 8mm thread cut in there to retain the cartridge? Shouldn't be any strength issues should there? As all the adjustable is up top the bolt is simply a retention thing.

Cheers. Guzzi Growler.

 

Yeah I've got Brooks onto it right now, awaiting their response. Just trying to get a better understanding here. Research I should've done better with before ordering!