As we all know, our Ducati Frames have a number of open tube ends throughout the frames... Being quite tricky to clean within, I have been wondering if this could cause any particular issue's with dirt build up within and later (albeit much further down the line) causing issues with internal corrosion? My bike is destined to be a keeper and I will do everything possible to keep her pristine. This has prompted me to start looking at possible solutions to prevent this concern becoming an issue down the line... In looking for solutions I have come across these Frame Plugs which seem to be widely available. Example here: https://www.designcorse.com/collections/frame-plugs/1198 Anyone have any thoughts & recommendations? Ben.
I guess plugs would protect from corrosion if they are an air tight fit. If not they could make things worse but trapping moisture inside. I think the main reason for plugs is cosmetic. Personally I squirt a bit of ACF50 into my frame tubes and fasteners after washing. The only corrosion I've got on my six year old bike is on the inside of the front wheel spindle tube. Its only anodised steel and in a vulnerable position and easily overlooked. All my frame tubes and fasteners are fine. Only thing is, if the plugs are the expanding rubber bush type you might find they won't hold if you've used anti-corrosion oil in the frame tubes first. I've had that trouble on my KTM. Bought some plugs for the swinging arm pivot as that area looks a bit unfinished, squirted some ACF50 in first and now the plug bushes won't hold. :Meh:
Thanks for the responses guys, I think I will have a more detailed look at the various offerings from suppliers and make a purchase based on findings from this. I'm determined to enjoy the bike through the summer this year so will probably add this on to the winter 'to do list'... I'll report back and post some photo's at a later stage for anyone interested. Ben.
Although I am not immune to the lure of bling (CNC reservoir caps, levers, etc) I do feel that the pricing of the custom frame plugs leads one to wonder whether there is a form of insanity at work here. It might as an alternative be worth looking at an approach using items like this: Round Tube Inserts 10mm-38.1mm Similar items on ebay of course. I have not been able to find a supplier offering a "selection pack" which would be helpful, and when I did buy some bar-end plugs like this to fit into alloy handlebars with thick walls, I found that I had to use nail scissors to reduce the diameter of the plastic bits that wedge into the tube. If sealing is a concern, I think that silicone sealant would do a good job - come to think of it, one could simply fill the tubes with that!
