Hi all, My name is Jamie, I am 27 years old and I live in Haslemere. I currently do not own a bike, but enjoy driving around in my Blobeye Impreza STI (please keep comments to yourself) ! My father is giving me his 1998 748, which is very kind of him BUT ... it's in pieces. The engine was recently rebuilt and most of the other parts have either been renewed, and not fitted, or sent away to be refurbished. What I have then is a minter, which I need to assemble. I've an engineering degree and am competent with auto mechanics, but wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of a resto project which I could use for guidance. I hope to start the project towards the end of this year. Thanks all! Hope to start the project thread soon. Jamie
Right, The bike has arrived and the project starts! Firsy thing is to tackle the engine, which needs a clean and a paint. I would love to spray but don't want up upset any of the gaskets in place on the recently rebuilt lump. Progress report to follow.
What a great way too know your first ducati motorbike; build it!! (surely starting a dedicated thread in the 'builds & projects' section would be more wise?!!?)
I have done this with a flaking 748R engine and as long as you mask up everything fully it should not be a problem. I have built several 748's from scratch and they are a fairly easy bike to build. Get yourself a copy of the service manual and use that to help with the build. The hardest part is routing the wiring which needs to be done properly to avoid chafing and shorting the wires. The manual has detailed diagrams of how all the hoses and wires need to be run so if you get a copy then it will be much easier. A Haynes manual is also available and can help with wiring diagrams, this helps identify what wire goes to where. If you can look at a complete 748 and note how it is put together and then you will get a good idea where everything goes by way of cabling and layout. Makes sure the rear hub is the correct way round when you tighten up the chain as you can get the adjustment back to front. If you look at my photo gallery you will see an example of my 748SPS being completely rebuilt, that may guide you. PM me if you need to know something specific.
Hello and welcome Jamie to the forum Plenty of help here if needed Watching with interest (Please locals keep banter away as this is interesting and don't want it lost )
Hi all, Thank you for the welcome! I will start a new thread once I properly start, unless the mods are able to move this current thread to the right place?? It is going to be a bit trial by fire, but I have most of the manuals (i think) and the help of my dad (although about 100 miles away) as and when I need it; who ultimately stripped the bike. Time scale wise, I am going to have to play it by ear as my wife and I are expecting our first child in May, so I guess it's either get it done prior to then or plod on at a glacial pace after our delivery! As stated above, the engine is the first part. I intend to clean, wire brush and gunk it so that it's as clean and degreased and then treat it to a lick of paint. Red998 did you spray or brush on your paint, one assumes spray will give a more even finish but will require much more dilligent masking. The frame has already been painted in a colour match for the 2007 1098S Tricolore Gold, and I intend on doing the 3 spoke wheels the same colour. Once I get properly started, I will add some further updates. Need to sort the garage first, it's all a bit of a mess! Jamie
I sprayed my engine using a stock silver wheel colour which was a very close match for the original. I removed both side casings in order to mask up properly and to avoid spraying over the original case sealer. Doing this made it look more original as no sealer was painted over and it was easier to mask.
Hello and welcome. As the engine's in one piece I can say I doubt you'll have too much trouble. There's a lot more popular bikes out there that are a much more difficult project to start on. One extra tip other than above, grease the swingarm pivot bolt really well before putting it in. Congratulations on you're upcoming child. If you're like me the bike's gonna be forgot about as soon as it's here, no greater joy than a new baby.
Hello and welcome. Looking forward to seeing you complete this. I would love to do something similar. Ian
