Ducati Cracked Swingarm

**Voltaire** · 17th February 2019, 07:00

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

on a weekend.

I did however notice another bit of quality Italian engineering.

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According to Google not an uncommon issue.

**AllanB** · 17th February 2019, 08:13

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** · 17th February 2019, 12:44

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

**AllanB** · 17th February 2019, 12:54

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

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** · 17th February 2019, 16:46

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

**AllanB** · 17th February 2019, 17:57

Originally Posted by layton

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** · 17th February 2019, 19:52

Originally Posted by AllanB

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?

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** · 17th February 2019, 21:56

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

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...ea7ef11860993e

(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** · 18th February 2019, 06:05

Originally Posted by OddDuck

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

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...ea7ef11860993e

(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** · 18th February 2019, 10:18

Mocking aside how did it crack there?

**Grumph** · 18th February 2019, 10:55

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

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** · 18th February 2019, 11:01

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

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.....

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

**Voltaire** · 18th February 2019, 11:04

Originally Posted by Grumph

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-Duc...RArB:rk:1:pf:0

**F5 Dave** · 18th February 2019, 12:08

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** · 18th February 2019, 19:19

Originally Posted by Voltaire

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.....

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!