Ok lets get this thing started as I feel its going to be a long one. A few months ago I bought what I think is a 1993 851 Strada Biposta - in bits. I had renovated a 900SS from a complete strip down so was not really worried about the rebuild. Obvioulsly since getting the 900SS I had always lusted after a Superbike but felt another bike in the 8 -10k price range was not really something that was affordable or could justify to the Mrs. This came up at 4k, I don't mind say the price, please feel free to say its about right, I've been ripped off or I got a bargain. I thought at lease I could just about get (most) of my money back if I sold the parts. It was bought from a mechanic who runs a bike shop, so rightly or wrongly presumed the work done so far would be to a professional standard. The engine and heads were build up and looked in good condition, the frame was painted not powder coated, panels and tank in good order. Its taken a bit to sort the garage out and get a bit (and I mean a bit) of work space. So here is what I have (sorry body work in the loft). I hope with the wealth of knowlegde on here I can get this back on the road in good mechanical & condition. I would appreciate any comments and help, and won't be offended by any criticism or negative comments. My First aim is to get the engine back together and assembly the minimum number of bits to get it started. Along the way I will be asking many question about various parts of the bike so I can renovated or prepare to renovate then in tandem with getting it started, and would appreiate your feed back on anything I post. Cheers Gaz
So I thought it prudent to check a few things. I got 2 sets of pistons and barrels with the bike, 851 92 dia and 888 94 dia. Pistons 851 - Vert 91.95 Horz 91.95 Cyl 851 - Vert 92.01/015 Horz 92.015/020 Pistons 888 - Vert 93.95 Horz 93.94 Cyl 888 - Vert 94.01/015 Horz 94.01/015 I believe Piston cylinder clearance is 0.04 - 0.06 & Max 0.12 Worst case I have 0.075 so I think I am OK. Piston ring gaps 888 Top 0.2 - 0.4 Mid 0.3 - 0.5 Btm 0.2 - 0.7 Top H 0.33 Top V 0.35 Mid H 0.38 Mid V 0.33 Btm H 0.58 Mid V 0.58 Valve clearances checked out OK apart from 1 Horz Inlet Closer 0.38. I think I need a 3.1/3.05 to bring it back about 0.15/0.20. Also any comments on small wear patch, others look OK. Piston ring gaps 851 (measured down the bore as picture) Distance and limits - Top 0.2 - 0.4 Max 0.8 Mid 0.3 - 0.5 Max 0.8 Btm 0.2 - 0.7 Max 1.0 Top H 0.40 Top V 0.40 Mid H 0.55 Mid V 0.60 Btm Oil H 1.20 Mid V 1.20 Would be happy to reuse these but need new oil rings, I think there is somecalled called DLA on ebay in Athens selling Caber srl rings for £15 ea. unless anyone knows anyone in uk at decent prices. Cheers Gaz.
Got the oil rings (for 851 - 92 dia) from the Greek place DLA engine parts, €32 for 2. Bit strange the package was from Germany. I initially expected some VAT and duty but reading up on it, under £135 no import duty and overseas seller should be registered with HMRC to pay them the VAT. Oil Ring gaps now 0.3 Vert 0.33 Horz. Cheers Gaz
Hi Gaz I would fit the rings that don't squeak (sorry couldn't help myself) Looks a great project and a good find.
We will see if it's a good project or not when I am finished and added up what I have spent, or I could just buy stuff and forget to added it up. Cheers Gaz
For a £4k Meccano set without the instructions but you've the knowledge i think that's a fair price in my book. GLW the task ahead. @Guillaume69 probably buys them complete for that in France / Switzerland, perhaps we should change his name to the hound dog.
I actually never bought a bike in Switzerland as, being outside of the EU, you pay a bunch of taxes when importing into an EU country…
I guess that kills the chase then if on a tight budget and wanting a reasonable return on an investment after the enjoyment factor.
I'd replace that worn rocker, it's already worn through the hard chrome and exposed the softer material underneath. Also that's a '92 851 they became 888's in '93. Steve R
Thanks for replys, especially on technical point Steve R. I did think the rocker was a did far gone, but thought I had see a video from Bradthebikeboy saying as long as surface is smooth the material underneath was just as hard, but to be fair I think you right on replacing. Regarding CC's I have also got a set of 888 cyliders and pistons which are in spec, I was only going the 851 route as the V5 said 851cc and did not want any hassle with insurance. I will try to check but have the feeling it is a late registration so build wise might not be a 93. I got 3.1 closing shim so thats valve clearances sorted. So I think next job is to check if the mechanic has put any other worn rockers in. Cheers Gaz
Build the motor as a 888 the difference can't be told unless the motor is stripped and measured. You could also drop in a 916 crank without anyone knowing, but you would also need 916 pistons as they have a different deck height to the 851/888 items. Steve R
Hey Gaz, I'm going to watch this with interest as i also rebuilt my 900SS from a pile of bits. It cost me £4k all up including the purchase price of the pile of bits, which is what a decent whole one would have cost me, but then I would have missed out on the satisfaction and enjoyment (and occasional pit of despair ). I love the 851s and 888s and have been fancying another project myself, so I look forward to watching your progress. Good luck!
Gaz - Great work and very exciting. If you want, have a look at my 888 Strada restoration site for plenty of photos and possible ideas. www.ducati888.co.uk @Steve Robins is a mind of great information and was a great resource to bounce thoughts off.
Thanks for all comments, I am now feeling pressured to crack on but you do realise it took me 12 years to do my SS. I will try harder. Cheers Gaz
I restored my 92 851 over lock down (remember that!!!). That inspired me to restore my SS. As you know, that's ongoing. Hopefully not 12 years though!
I used a company to get the kit who are now called eplating (https://eplating.co.uk/plating-kits/). If you do go with a kit, get a digital power supply upgrade from them, so you can regulate the volts and amps precisely.
