I know these are not standard Ducati colors for the purists but it's my interpretation of what I would have assembled back in the day. I always stick close with a slight twist that gets people talking and asking if it came this way. Here is the swing arm finished and also put new tapered bearing in the steering. If you noticed I made some adjustable steering stops out of necessity, because the LH one was knackered and the stem stop on the frame bend. I straightened and welded the frame and tapped the lower triple and used 5 mm bolts as stops.
Worked on the Exhaust and am pleased with the results. I used a stainless wire wheel on makeshift bench grinder. This worked out pretty well and only too about 3 hours to complete. Once they were cleaned up I used a handheld torch using MAP gas to discolor the pipes to the desired effect. More heat creates the purple and blue and less for that golden look. I'm also modifying the stock exhaust for a straight through perforated baffle. Should sound and perform better. It will basically be an aftermarket slip on.
More Progress on the bike. Refinishing the plastics (under tray and Air Intakes) as they are weathered and had some flaws. I use a myriad of products from SEM, light scuff with a red Scottish-brite pad, followed by a plastic prep was, then a fexible condition clear followed by SEM Color Coat t in a Satin finish. The Mirrors I just wet sanded the scratches out with 320 wet paper and then plastic prep wash. Then SEM trim Black in a Semi gloss, followed by a dusting of SEM color coat.
More Progress on the exhaust. Ordered a perforated stainless tube from Amazon, Good thing once I opened up the can the inlet is at 2" same as the perf tube. I will remove that outer gage and weld the inner end caps to the tubing making a baffle . Then I can assemble and rivet the outer can to the original end caps. Should sound just like a slip on.
Got the Frame and Wheels back from powder coat. Please with the results. I followed the advice here and did not PC the VIN. I had them tape it off and then I painted it with a contrasting satin black so its easily read. I manages to score a pair of ST4 discs off Ebay for $45 for the pair (there's a story), they are perfect with little wear on them.
Managed to get the exhaust baffle fabricated, Used 2" perforated Stainless tube from Amazon. I salvaged the inner caps by grinding the welds off from the outer cap and inlet side. Then cut a 2" hole on the outlet side. welded the perforated tubing to those and created a way to pack the baffle. It will be assembled like a standard can with stainless pop rivets through the can. I made some straps so it will look like an aftermarket. The cans will be assemble so the factory stamping are not seen. Probably paint the can a titanium color for looks. Although I have a line on some carbon oval sleeves.
It's been a while since my last update. The bike has been together for about a month, I've worked out the final gremlins and it running great. I managed to have it ready in time for an STT Track Day at Barber Motorsport. So here are a bunch of pics of the final assembly.
Hers are pics of the Ifairings, I painted the tank to match. Fit was good with some trimming, the quality of the paint is really good considering the $560 delivered price for every piece of plastic.
I am more than pleased with the results and the look. It's a keeper for sure! Here's some finished shots.
Her I am at Barber ripping around. Not bad for a 60 year old guy? Bike worked flawless and was a very capable bike, I did more passing than being passed in the Intermediate group. It was the perfect bike for a track bike. I am also running this on the street too.
