Project Ducati: What's your clearance Clarence?

 With a second set of hands, we were able to check the closing valve clearance.  Thankfully, all valve clearances (closers and openers) were within Ducati specifications.  No tinkering with shims for me, at least not yet.  I've heard from multiple sources that once Ducs hit this type of mileage, the clearances are pretty stable.  Sorry for the lack of pictures, would have needed another set of hands.  Although, I have been thinking about using a remote camera and starting to do video of work in the shop; but video editing is not something I'm familiar with.  

Initially, I thought the valve covers had been installed with gasket material and gaskets, but I think it is just residue from the factory gaskets. Either way, it's been a mess to clean up without damaging the engine cases.  I've been using a little 3d printed piece from a previous project and it's working great! See, that's why you save useful stuff!  With the valves covered up, it was time for new plugs. 

Hmm...going to need to address this as well.

I ran out of new-old hardware, time to buy another bag.

The big delay is going to be those damn carb parts.  That's what I get for being a ham-fisted moron at times.  Slow down, especially when working with old plastic parts.  With the carbs complete, it will be time to sync them with my fancy electric sync tool.  I think I'll gladly trade more frequent service intervals for doing half the work, and that work being easier to access.  

I got the clutch basket cleaned up, and everything installed.  I had printed a clutch holder tool out of PETG.  When I first tried to fit it, I thought it didn't align correctly, however it did fit the basket and hub.  What did not align were the bolt holes, but it worked.

2 outta 3 ain't bad, but it's not ideal.

I was worried about this bolt bending, but it worked.

Single use tool, but it got the job done up to the required 136ftlbs!

Once everything was bolted down, it was time to put in the plates and pressure plate. Under the spring caps, I found 2 small washers, which I don't see on the parts diagram. I don't really see the purpose of them, as you do not crank the springs all the way down, otherwise the clutch would not function.  I need to get a torque wrench that goes down to 5ft-lbs to check the spring bolts. 

Starting to look like a motorcycle again. Who knows, maybe it will be running this week.  Still need to put on the new front tire, and flip the rear.  

Stay safe out there. 

**UPDATE**

Right after I hit publish, I remembered I DO have torque wrench that goes down that low, but in inch-pounds.  And I realized why those washers were there.  So, with each spring assembly removed, washers added, I was able to set the proper torque value. 

One of the many cool vintage tools that have been passed down from my Grandfather.

 

Operation Duc Hunt: Baby's first bath.

This post is going to be mostly pictures, as my brain is mush from driving to Maryland and back, plus being out in the heat all day spraying, washing, and a good once over.  Plus working on the Hurricane.

How she looked after being exhumed from her tomb, loaded in the van and taken back home. 

Some shots of the rust and crust. 

Baby needs a bath. 

This is one of my favorite features.

Always cool finding personal touches like this. 

Results of a battery spill, I'm guessing.

Something always breaks. 

Looks fast, sitting still.

Not too bad....

Well, shit.

The cylinder studs will most likely need to be replaced, they're very  rusty and a common weak point.  If we're going down that route (and we should), we might as well take a peek at the crank shaft oil galley plug.  That little silver sliver may be from it backing out and grinding away. 

Gotta do belts, and valve service, so I'm probably just going to pull the engine and do it on the bench. 

It's very surreal to have this motorcycle, yet it feels like, in some ways, it was always mine. Like I was just waiting for it to fall into place. 

Stay safe out there.  

Oh yeah, the Hurricane is running better. Not calling it fixed yet. 

Viking Bags - Dirtman Enduro Saddlebags

Commuting on a bike tends to require some storage space for things like rain gear, layers and other daily needs.  On a bike like the Ducati Monster, there aren't a lot of budget friendly, daily use luggage options.  Viking Bags  mainly specializes in luggage for cruiser bikes but recently they have added a line of dirt/dual sport luggage.  It includes the Dirtman Enduro Saddlebags and the Dirtman Enduro Tank Bag.  The Monster already has a tank bag so some saddlebags were needed.  

For $80, you get both saddlebags and the mounting hardware.  The bags are rubber lined on the main compartment so they offer some weather resistance but for serious downpours, I would use either an over bag or a dry sack inside. Each bag has an exterior pocket and a single compression strap. The zippers are nice and large and are covered by a storm flap to help keep out the elements. Total storage space is listed as 1375 cubic inches, it's definitely plenty for a daily use saddlebag or even a long weekend if you pack light.  

Since these are made for a dual sport / enduro bike, it will take some trial and error to get them to work with your street bike.  The install time for the Duc was about 10 min.  Some strap trimming was required.  If you trim, be sure to melt the ends of the webbing so it doesn't fray. 

Once mounted, they've been secure and work perfectly for daily use. Anything larger would really be overkill for daily use and anything smaller wouldn't be enough.  

Plenty of room left over!

Contents of Left Bag

1. Hi Viz Safety Vest

2. LED Light 

3. Gauntlet Gloves

4. Short Cuff Gloves

5. Neck Gaiters (warm and cool weather)

Contents of Right Bag:

1. Rain Jacket

2. Rain Pants

3. Tank Bag Rain Cover

4. Water Bottle

Overall these bags are a killer deal and worth every penny.  I'm looking forward to putting some serious miles on them.  

 

The Viking Bags Dirtman Enduro Saddlebags were provided by Viking Bags for this review.