Fresh to the Duc World --Few Questions

B

barbhosrika

New member
Looking at getting on a 2000 750SS with 7,000 miles

- I like to do my own mechanical work, looks like I should change the belts and the oil since there due every 2 years or 10,000 miles.
Is this something thats decently doable with the help of a manual and mechanical knowledge?

- These bikes seem harder to find parts for.
How hard would it be to get new locks, ignition and keys?

- Aftermarket alarm suggestions?

- Any certain things to check over before I buy it?

- I ran the vin through Ducati Miami and they had no records for service.
Are they any ways to check the vin on these?


Any and all advice is much appreciated, I'm going to be researching this more and more.
Thanks
 
I've got a 2001 SS, oil change is dead easy, belts, not sure but since you're getting close to being due for a valve adjust I'd just have the mechanic do it all at once since one screw up on desmo valves is catastrophic, and you have to have the shims on hand if I recall right. Total bill should be around 300 and for another couple hundred you could go for the MBP collets, that will pay for itself just by tripling the number of miles between valve adjusts. As for the parts just keep checking on Ebay, and sometimes the wreckers. These bikes sell dirt cheap used as well so a perfect running example can be a real deal. Some parts are generic too, like the wheel bearings I got for 12 bucks each from a heavy equipment shop instead of paying dealer prices. In my case my 01 SS was the toughest bike I ever owned, I probably only did a third of the recommended maintenance and I got 47000 km before any real problems and I positively BEAT that bike. I'd highly recommend the model if that helps. One more thing, before you chose a dealer to rely on you might want to search the threads on here as I seem to remember at least one Florida Ducati dealer having a lot of complaints.
 
Thanks man I appreciate it -

Drove the bike today and it was decently smooth and throttle response seemed just right for me, clutch felt good also.

Since its pretty cheap I'm sure its not a sin to change the color?

I had the guys at Ducati Miami run the vin they said it was sold new as red. Its yellow now. I can see some overspray.....so I'm thinking about painting it black.

First I'm going to get it serviced, I found ducatispot.com has some good info. So me and my mechanic buddy are going to look into and research doing the belt and valves.
 
5speedsteve:

Let me warn you against replacing the timing belts yourself...

I am definitely an advocate for the backyard mechanic....hell, I've pulled a Chevy engine out of a truck by using chains and a strong tree branch before....but leave anything involving timing belts to an experienced Ducati technician. To replace the timing belts, first, the crankshaft and cams must be locked using special tools. After being installed the proper belt tension must be set to the manufacturer's specifications, also using special Ducati tools. These are items that you won't find in just anybody's toolbox. This is a very delicate procedure which, if done incorrectly, can lead to "catastrophic" damage to your top end, like what raptuous said.

Those older SS's are pretty easy to figure out, so as long as you trust your mechanic buddy, I'm sure you guys can tweak it up quite nice in your own garage.

My boyfriend just picked up a yellow 1997 900SS SP to keep the rest of the girls company in the garage. In my opinion, yellow is THE colour for that model line, as well as the 748. Like red for the big displacement Superbikes, matte black for the small displacement Monsters, and pearl white for the 848! If you think a nice coat of black will look good, than go for it! Just be sure to share pics when you do!
 
Thanks yall

I'm definitely going to research the work some more....from my experience rebuilding vw/audi 20valve 1.8t motors as long as you have the special tools and check everything over 11 times anything is possible, but if its only $300 for the service I may just see the light and go that route


I'll have complete pics up when I do anything to it.

I like to make diy's
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=407443
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=410638
 
The turn signals are l.e.d's... I realize the advantage that they don't break off,
--but there not that visible in daytime

The taillight isn't that right either, it does the swirl in a circle action...
--is that stock?

--What are my options for lights, should I worry about having the brightest lights or is the yellow paint enough?
 
Glad you got it, I love mine.

The swirl action on the tail light sounds like those Wal mart bulbs, my buddy put one on his Katana. It's definitely not stock. He liked the visibility but it was a heat score that his bike wasn't stock.

As for the signal lights, I found the originals to be dated like the mid nineties but the flush LED's don't really show much, and it's another heat score. I'd look for a more discreet aftermarket one but something that still has an actual arm on it. For the front I've been debating on the ones on Ebay that are mirrors with LED turn signals integrated on the mirror back, obviously 1098 inspired.

For the headlight you can read all the rave reviews on converting it to HID, great improvement.

Oh yeah, the stock exhaust has to go. The sound of a Ducati is as big a deal as it is to a harley IMO. I found that the engine seemed to respond quicker as soon as I ditched my cannisters for some Remus carbon slip ons.

As for black I think it's the best colour for that bike, my buddy always used to bug me, "Spawn called, he wants his bike back".

Also looking at that pic you need a new rear tire ASAP, first time you really lean it you'll have the back end kick out on you. It originally came with a Battleax but I've heard the Dunlop D207 or it's equivalent was great.

You should keep us posted over on the Super Sport Forum, that thread is dying.
 
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