Handy service spec including torques settings for Ducati 916 bp Biposto

Handy Service items
list of some of the items that you need to service the bike
Tyre pressures
front 2.2 bar and spindle nut tighten to 15-20 nm
rear 2.4 bar and rear wheel nut tighten to 157nm

Oil capacities with oil filter is 4.0 litres but i find it is around 3.5litres. Easier to fill with less and add when visible in the window.
Torque setting to tighten up the oil drain plug is 42nm and the oil filter is 17nm. If removed the guaze is 42nm and its best to replace the ally washer.

Torque for rear wheel pinch bolts. This is for the two bolts that are loosened to alter the chain adjustment. 32nm
Front wheel pinch bolts are 20nm

valve clearance
0.15 inlet 0.20 exhaust
closers 0.05

Plugs Ngk DCPR9E
0.6 mm gap and tighten to 15 - 20 nm plus grease the threads slightly. I replaced the plugs at 14k. now at 23k the plugs are still ok.

Chain tension is 25mm. Turn the wheel until you feel the tight spot in the chain. Then take the measurement and adjust.

I have carried out the following and have cleaned the air filters, removed the sump plug on the side and cleaned the gauze. Checked plugs not replaced as they are ok. Have a look at the pictures below. Colour looks ok although the air filters need a clean.

As with any service, check all nuts and bolts visibly to see if there are any loose. Check all lights to make sure they are working. Tyre depths. Brake fluids are topped up. Cooling mixture is at right level with engine cold. Wheels spin easily and have no play (for possible worn bearings). Battery levels are correct and it is clean externally. Quick check of charging after to make sure the charging system is working. Check brake pads front and rear are within spec. There is a fuel filter in the tank which should be changed. Easier if the tank has little fuel in to take out.

Ducati 916 bp wont start or fire

The sun is shinning and its ideal weather for a spin. Press of the button and the bike turns over but not firring after a few turns of the engine. Tried three more times and still no starting.....I normally reset my trip meter to gauge use of fuel and have only covered 140 miles. Usually I can cover around 170 miles before it is empty but I must have reset at some point. I look in the tank and there is not enough fuel to cover the bottom of the tank. I place the bike upright which puts enough fuel to start the bike.....Who says that Italian bikes are unreliable?
I took the bike for mot and had a small amount of play in the rear wheel. As Lift the bike up to check I think it is the wheel bearing as the play is from top to bottom and side to side. At greyhounds Thanks go to Arcadio, Mark and Gary. After each one has a look, Mark spots the wheel nut is slightly loose. No wheel bearing replacement for me and a simple tighten up of the rear nut....

When you need a motorbike mechanic

My mechanic Pat has gone mobile so if you need a motorbike fixing be it Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley, Triumph, Norton, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, I have seen them all in his workshop and can recommend him. Make sure you say you have seen him on my blog and he will look after you.
Pat from Viking Motorcycles 07981182730

When to change Oil on the Ducati

Thinking about my bike service with the engine oil and when to change. I have been looking in the service book and it is every 10000km or 12 months, with a quick google conversion this works out at 6000 miles. The last time I changed the oil was at 22k in June 2008.

Looking into wikipedia and the service book and with memories of discussing with friends. It is a emotive subject and I heard a story from Jon when dispatching that he used frying oil in his bike to prove a point. That it is better to change often than to use a high grade oil and leave longer in the bike. He ran a bike for a week and changed the oil to prove it would work ok. I also noticed a top ten that ran a honda c90 without oil to see how long it would last. Not something I would recommend. Another issue is the use of the bike that affects the oil. On short journeys the oil is broken down and needs changing sooner. On long journeys the bike does not need changing as often.

So for now I will top up the bike oil and leave for a few more months till June.

The ace cafe and british bikes

Found myself near the ace cafe and decided to pop in. I understand the history of the cafe was a meeting place for British bikes, preparing for a night out. Now there is so much traffic and speed cameras around I can see how its changed.
On Saturday I could see lots of Japanese cars and bikes but very little Bsa's or Nortons. Plenty of Japanese bikes. I guess it is a sign of the times.
pic on twitter
Vinny

Box hill and the Ducati

The weather was cold but no rain which is the main reason for me that I managed to get the bike out. There was quite a few bikes in the car park at box hill. If you do not know there has always been motorbikes meeting up there for as long as I can remember. I have always seen a variety of different makes and it makes me wonder about bike riders as the car park was also full up of friendly bikers talking to each other. Ducatis, Harley Davidsons, Yamahas, Kawasakis, Hondas, Ktms, Moto guzzis, choppers and sidecars etc.
I also sent a pic by twitter with the location on google maps.
Vinny

How to get out in snow on a Ducati

even a ducati biposto cant get out in this weather.......