Ducati 916 bp side stand leaning over

The Ducati 916 bp when parked up, seemed to look as though it was going to fall over. On inspection the side stand has worn as it is made of aluminium and where the stand touches the ground has a sharp point that can dig into tarmac. I tried to tighten the stand and this helps but still it leaned over far too much. I went to see Alex at Alpha Welding, Croydon, London CR0 2RQ where Stan helped to measure the lean angle and work our the amount needed.He then cut out a piece of ally around the stand and Alex welded the part on. It is more on the basis of a trial stand where the part that touches the ground is larger and is less liable to dig in to soft ground.
Below are the pictures of before and after. Alex can be contacted on 0208 684 3811 and quote "Vince"

snow and under the motorbike cover

The snow has passed and this brings back memories to the problems with the weather of snow and ice on the roads. The bike was parked up and under cover, once lifted off to check the bike I have found condensation. This could start rusting or corrosion on the bike. It is always a good idea to clean the bike of any dirt and to use some corrosion resistant sprays.
The other day I started the bike to let it warm up and when up to normal temperature switched it off, I think that motorbikes, cars, mechanical parts do not like sitting still. So many times I hear that bikes with low mileages have so many problems (caused by standing). Parts that seize or rubbers that harden and leak, Cam belts that can break or jump a cog. This leads to so much discussion on the time to replace? time or miles, with the 916 bp there are very small gears on the Ducati s and as the angle is so tight, this seems to be one of the reasons why the belts are changed every two years. Whereas I have experience of servicing cars and a Honda car and a Toyota van, the owners have not changed their cam belts and both are over ten years old. Peace of mind would have me change the belts straight away but good examples of how belts can last longer. As with any service item, it is always best to make up your own mind.
Another issue is the bike battery which is connected permanently to a trickle charger. The alarm is constantly discharging so its good to have the battery in a optimum state so when you press the button.
what tips do you have when you park up your car or bike for a while?

Vinny

Front fork seals replace and how to fit back

I have no pictures to show the fork seals as I dropped the forks off to Pat my mechanic friend who took them apart and replaced the seals.
He did mention that it would have been advisable to replace the weather seals at the same time. These stop water and dirt from the main seals so should be changed. Also when putting the bike back together the workshop manual shows to put them back with measuring from the middle of the spindle to under the lower fork brace. I have set them back as the previous picture where the three rings are. This is only a few millimetres off the original advice. Also when putting the forks back in to the bike I forgot to make sure the braided hoses were routed correctly. I had to dismantle the forks again so hope you do not make the same mistake.
Vinny

Front fork seals replace and how to fit back

The front fork seals have started to leak so I am in the process of taking the forks off so that my friend Pat can replace the seals and renew the fork oil. Before taking off I took two pictures of how they locate in the head stock so that I can put them back the same way or find out if they need to be adjusted.

Ducati starter problem nipon denso stator full of oil

Went to press the starter button and nothing happened. It wheezed and would not turn over fast. On further investigation found the starter insulation under the 10mm nut was worn and the starter full of oil. So have had to strip the casing down to take off the starter motor. As you can see the starter is not fitted for ease of replacement. The engine oil has to be drained and the side casing removed so that you can reach the three allen screws that hold the starter in place.

Ducati 916 bp starting problem caused by oil in brushes

Above is the issue why the bike would not start. Inside the oil leaked into the brush and stator area. This stopped the starter from spinning over. I had another starter and made one good one out of all the bits. Thanks to Harry for helping me and the ducatisti forum which helped me pinpoint the faults. Underneath the 10mm nut is a plastic washer that protects the voltage from shorting out. This had worn but as I had a spare one that was in good condition, replaced.

Now it spins over with ease.

Vinny

Ducati 916 charging problems regulator rectifiter

Below is the regulator rectifier that caused so many issues on my bike. It started off with the temperature guage not reading correctly and the front bulb blowing then battery levels dropping.
Now with a replacement Suzuki regulator rectifier and a new battery that has been charged up. The bike is running as it should.
I am not happy that the RR52 regulator rectifier that I bought from electrexworld did not last very long. There are so many bad reports about the electrical system on Italian bikes but when the components fail or are made elsewhere, the brand gets a bad reputation....
Vinny