My 1994 900 superlight has broken a vertical cylinder bolt (all 4 need replacing) I'm finding it really difficult finding a mechanic willing to have a try (or even reply to emails!) & starting to think maybe should out both my 90s bikes and join the warranty boys with one new bike. Should really teach myself, but have very limited time/experience and space.
Where are you based? Sure plenty of back street bike mechanics and Ducati specialists like lougi would do the job. Best to call or go in IME
Hertfordshire, North London. 2 specialist I know don't fancy it "as haven't seen one for years/thought all done on warranty back in the day" Local guy who dose everything from Rudge to Laverda said yes as winter job, but is now avoiding me like the plague ! Might try Ray Petti at Greenwich. Think pretty poo job if stud snapped low inside casing.
Luckily I have an old school friend who went into motorcycle mechanics from an early age. He’s enthusiastic about older bikes and welcomed the challenge, he sorted out my SS when the boys at Ducati Manchester basically gave up They are out there, keep looking
If they can’t plug it into a computer and press ‘update’ they struggle these days … you just have to keep ringing around, they are out there.
you're right, if it's broken off below the surface of the crank case then becomes a machine shop area of expertise rather than a mechanic. I wish I could think of someone who could tackle this at a reasonable price, because at the same time you need somebody who knows what they're doing regardless of the price.
i suspect it's more of a time thing rather than a lack of ability. even if it was an ability thing (i doubt it) they would remove the engine and send it to their favourite machine shop of choice.
I've been given details of guy who rebuilds engines, even builds his own cranks. So fingers crossed he can help.
aye, deffo. personally speaking with the quantity of work going through the workshop, i wouldn't push a regular away to do a high risk, low profit/loss leader for pretty much anybody. well, unless i started to sence one or two of the lads were getting bored and needed a fresh challenge.
Make your mind up, if they have to remove and send to a machine shop then it is a "lack of ability" and this is no slur on what a person can achieve regardless of whether they have facilities in house or not.
Tragic reflection on how little good practical skills are valued in this country. This is not a complicated issue, it requires time and decent kit but is far from rocket science. Sadly most garages are set up for service and fork seal type work and are scared by much beyond that. It’s a symptom of the 80s push away from engineering skills. Hope you can get it sorted.
hmm, not so good. in which case you would get it done in my place. it's our selling point. customers know it's the insurance policy customers get from using us solely.
I'm expecting a good 4 figured bill and would like to tidy up a few other bits at same time. It just seems anything that needs a MOT most places aren't interested in. Mate just had to rebuild Triumph 1200 Adventure gearbox himself because Triumph dealers where very unhelpful & he has the skills.
