Ducati Cracked Swingarm

[Voltaire]

Got a WOF on the Superlight yesterday and went for a 200 km run.
The last SS I had was overgeared so I thought I'd do a tooth count.
Standard factory 15/37 and fine is live near an Auto Strada or do track days.
Not great either at the several KM crawl in and out of fecking Auckland :mad::mad::mad: on a weekend.

I did however notice another bit of quality Italian engineering.340908
According to Google not an uncommon issue.

[AllanB]

The superlight was made too light in that spot.


Don't feel bad, a run of GSXR's had cracking subframes, Yamaha recalled every R1 (2016?) and replaced the gearboxes, and on and on the list goes.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I did 200km on the Street Triple this morning with no major structural failures hope that helps

[AllanB]

I did 200km on the Street Triple this morning with no major structural failures hope that helps

I did a hundred on the Ducati and all I lost was some tyre rubber and fuel ;)

[layton]

That just plain sucks. atleast it shouldn't be too expensive too replace.

[AllanB]

That just plain sucks. atleast it shouldn't be too expensive too replace.

But the early ones also cracked .....

Weld it up I say.

[Voltaire]

But the early ones also cracked .....

Weld it up I say.

Once I get Marlon the 53 Tbird off the bench I think that will be the plan, does the welder do house calls?:innocent:

Was going to look at the flaking paint on the cases but my mate says no as its 25 years old and Patina is where its at.

I can't keep up, have to take the brown seat and exhaust wrap off the watch list.

[OddDuck]

Maybe talk to this guy for a replacement in the meanwhile?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/suspension/listing-1949963864.htm?rsqid=346383cb9dab4eaa8bea7ef118609 93e

(btw I didn't actually go looking for a swingarm but hey it was the first listing)

I've got bits off him a few times and he's always been good to deal with, might be able to get a steel swingarm for cheap to keep you going.

[Voltaire]

Maybe talk to this guy for a replacement in the meanwhile?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/suspension/listing-1949963864.htm?rsqid=346383cb9dab4eaa8bea7ef118609 93e

(btw I didn't actually go looking for a swingarm but hey it was the first listing)

I've got bits off him a few times and he's always been good to deal with, might be able to get a steel swingarm for cheap to keep you going.

Thanks, I saw that.
Probably look at getting the one on it repaired.
It can just sit at the back of the shed for the time being as have other bikes to ride.
Glad I only forked out for 3 months rego though....

[HenryDorsetCase]

Mocking aside how did it crack there?

[Grumph]

Mocking aside how did it crack there?

They all do it sir...Various reasons, from lack of maintenance to accident damage.
Basically it was a poor design which has been perpetuated too long.
I wouldn't weld it - it'll only crack again.
Low mileage sound one off ebay is probably the best answer IMO, then keep a close eye on sidefloat at the bearing.

[Voltaire]

Mocking aside how did it crack there?

What Grump said, It could have been that way for some time.

Other issues they have are snapping head studs, alternator failures, cracks in frame, general poor finish especially engine paint finishes, its

summed up as character.....:innocent:

Meh, other than the V twin noise rather ride the R90/S anyways.

[Voltaire]

They all do it sir...Various reasons, from lack of maintenance to accident damage.
Basically it was a poor design which has been perpetuated too long.
I wouldn't weld it - it'll only crack again.
Low mileage sound one off ebay is probably the best answer IMO, then keep a close eye on sidefloat at the bearing.

maybe not this one....
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Original-Ducati-Supersport-900-SS-Schwinge-Hinterradschwinge-swingarm-Neu/400986225049?hash=item5d5ca43999:g:PH4AAOSwnHZYRAr B:rk:1:pf:0

[F5 Dave]

For that money you'd be calling Bridges at F1.

Steel would be considered a wonder product if discovered today. It puts up with all sorts of shit ally can't cope with. Of course a nice solid boss there, no clamp stressing it and a decent adjustment system like, hate to say it, but Honda excels at would do wonders.

[HenryDorsetCase]

What Grump said, It could have been that way for some time.

Other issues they have are snapping head studs, alternator failures, cracks in frame, general poor finish especially engine paint finishes, its

summed up as character.....:innocent:

Meh, other than the V twin noise rather ride the R90/S anyways.

Way to talk me out of that 916 I've been lusting after. Honda RC51 it is!

[AllanB]

Way to talk me out of that 916 I've been lusting after. Honda RC51 it is!

The Ducati forums are excellent for known issues with any model. Many problems are year specific that model Superlight had the swingarm fix on the last models I think.

Later models are significantly better.

[sidecar bob]

The Ducati forums are excellent for known issues with any model.

That must be taking up a fair old chunk of the Internet.

[AllanB]

That must be taking up a fair old chunk of the Internet.


:lol::lol::lol:


I work on the theory the more polish I apply to mine the less chance of anything mechanical failing.

Working so far ;)

[Voltaire]

Way to talk me out of that 916 I've been lusting after. Honda RC51 it is!

I'm sure your Honda thingy has a list too.

"I got my first Ducati
Bought it back in 87
Fixed it till my fingers bled
All my wages went to Bevel Heaven

Me and my Stahlwillie spanners
Cost a grand and they tried real hard
first gear went, followed by the crankshaft
should have known I wouldn't get far

Oh I look in the shed now
That bike's been on hold forever
And If I had the choice
I could have been boxing clever
Those were the most costly days of my life.

apologies to Brian Adams

[Grumph]

Way to talk me out of that 916 I've been lusting after. Honda RC51 it is!

I can see you finishing up with a CX500....

[AllanB]

I can see you finishing up with a CX500....

Brown leather seat and pipe wrap.

[husaberg]

What Grump said, It could have been that way for some time.

Other issues they have are snapping head studs, alternator failures, cracks in frame, general poor finish especially engine paint finishes, its

summed up as character.....:innocent:



Whist julie the 49 something rough round the edges, single mum from next door might be more reliable if were you call her and ask if she wants to go for a drink, than Miranda Kerr would be.
But I know which one i would rather ride home on.
https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article7740911.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Miranda-Kerr-main.jpg

[HenryDorsetCase]

I can see you finishing up with a CX500....
I cant even finish up the cb750....

[Laava]

I very seldom don't have a ducati to fix these days! Did 18 runs down Meremere yesterday on my S4R and on the last on the timekeeper lady pointed at my oil breather pipe chucking oil out all over the rear tyre and such! Plus engine oil was dripping from the shock reservoir, probably coming from an accumulator tank under the seat. *sigh* here we go again, can't even be bothered with it at the moment..my other Duc is at motomagnet getting repairs done...
Maybe I can get a cheap honda off HDC?

[Voltaire]

Whist julie the 49 something rough round the edges, single mum from next door might be more reliable if were you call her and ask if she wants to go for a drink, than say Miranda Kerr would be, granted.
But I know which one i would rather ride home on.
https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article7740911.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Miranda-Kerr-main.jpg

Are the Mods who like to give out infringements still around or buggered off like the rest?

Meh.embedded pic.

The Superlight never complains when I ride other bikes, most of which are about 10 years older. Despite newer models being available Superlight knows I can't be bothered with bike shops needless complication like FI and expensive bikes.
Superlight knows it won't be traded in as older sibling Darmah despite being over 40 still has a place in the shed.
However Superlight does not turn 40 for another 15 years and by then my pension may not stretch to $500 a year as the others are $50.

JB Weld looks the business.

[Grumph]

Maybe I can get a cheap honda off HDC?

Several people have tried - but AFAIK he's still got the NC30. Good luck.




[QUOTE=Voltaire;

JB Weld looks the business.[/QUOTE]

Now you're just trolling for thrills...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Several people have tried - but AFAIK he's still got the NC30. Good luck.






Now you're just trolling for thrills...

Still got the NC30. The CB750 is almost back on the road and then it will go up on the bench........

[Voltaire]

Two trips to Machine Part Welding and its all sorted.
Quite a bit involved as had to be ground right back, built up with weld, machined and reamed.
Fortunately they did not have to break the chain.
Taking the opportunity to fit a 14 tooth sprocket.
Should have that ready for a Sunday ride.:woohoo:
341429

[FJRider]

Do welds in such places need to be certified .. ???

[Voltaire]

Do welds in such places need to be certified .. ???

No they don't.

[FJRider]

I can see you finishing up with a CX500....

It will last longer than the 916 ... :blank:

[AllanB]

Do welds in such places need to be certified .. ???


Meh - who would know it had been welded once finished.

[Voltaire]

If Ducati's from the 90's were certified from new they would have had better frames.:innocent:

[Voltaire]

All together again, now with 14 tooth front sprocket.

Now onto the next Italian project from the north of Italy....:facepalm:

[F5 Dave]

That is a nice picture