Back with a M900 series I

Albie · 09-02-2022, 09:05 PM

A long time has passed and a sad thing noted previously is Darkness post. Things are starting to happen now as Alec is helping me mentally and generously giving me help and anything I need at cost to get the build going again. Carbs are stripped and been ultrasonic cleaned and just waiting for gaskets. New screws on them too. I have a price for stripping the frame back locally and that's going in next week then being painted locally too.
Regards the engine we have spoken to Luke at Moto Rapido and we have come to the conclusion the gifted pistons from the 900ie is not a good idea. Part nos different but physically different in skirt and valve cut out. Now the rings may still be possible but as Ducati ones at cost are 186 a set for one piston is way too steep. Before we go there engine is going down to our workshop to take head off as could just be the oil ring as they are somewhat the most to get broken. Alec will be watching me over my shoulder giving me advice as he believes I can sort this and do belts now. I understand now the myth and it's not so scary if you follow simple rules of checking and double checking.
It's way too long now since this started and sadly failed. It's now 7 years in May I got it and 4 years since it's only real journey to the weekender. That's just 375 miles . Next year is 30th anniversary of the Monster and something inside me relates to Darkness with my bike and it's sad to be still in bags etc so it's going to be a good push this year.

Luddite · 09-02-2022, 11:53 PM

All power to you, Albie!

I'm sure this refresh will be just as keenly followed on here as the original restoration was (I can see this thread reaching 200,000 views!)

Perhaps, if Practical Sportsbikes does a Monster 30th anniversary special, we'll see you in print again.

Dukedesmo · 10-02-2022, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albie

Now the rings may still be possible but as Ducati ones at cost are 186 a set for one piston is way too steep.

I had problems with piston rings on my M900, not Ducati but rather JE pistons and had to get the cylinders replated twice due to Nikasil bore wear.

In the end I got new CP (Carrillo) rings from Performance unlimited; http://www.performanceunlimited.co.u.../piston-rings/ all they needed was the measurements and they were able to supply a set of rings that fit perfectly and at much less cost than Ducati's prices. I don't remember the actual cost but I think it was in the region of £50 - £60 for both pistons.

Albie · 14-02-2022, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dukedesmo

I had problems with piston rings on my M900, not Ducati but rather JE pistons and had to get the cylinders replated twice due to Nikasil bore wear.

In the end I got new CP (Carrillo) rings from Performance unlimited; http://www.performanceunlimited.co.u.../piston-rings/ all they needed was the measurements and they were able to supply a set of rings that fit perfectly and at much less cost than Ducati's prices. I don't remember the actual cost but I think it was in the region of £50 - £60 for both pistons.

Thanks.

Ok so no requirement to voluntary work today or tomorrow but my carbs can be rebuilt as new gaskets are in. So tomorrow I'm running the engine down to the workshop where at some point very soon we inspect it for the wear on mainly the rear but I'm thinking just check front too.
I'm going to try do most of the work with Alec guiding me and I know now how to do belts so nothing I'm scared of trying now.
Also I will be ordering more frame paint this or next week but iI will keep you updated.

09-02-2022, 09:05 PM	#1
Albie Fanactical volunteer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kent Bike: M900 Posts: 9,033	A long time has passed and a sad thing noted previously is Darkness post. Things are starting to happen now as Alec is helping me mentally and generously giving me help and anything I need at cost to get the build going again. Carbs are stripped and been ultrasonic cleaned and just waiting for gaskets. New screws on them too. I have a price for stripping the frame back locally and that's going in next week then being painted locally too. Regards the engine we have spoken to Luke at Moto Rapido and we have come to the conclusion the gifted pistons from the 900ie is not a good idea. Part nos different but physically different in skirt and valve cut out. Now the rings may still be possible but as Ducati ones at cost are 186 a set for one piston is way too steep. Before we go there engine is going down to our workshop to take head off as could just be the oil ring as they are somewhat the most to get broken. Alec will be watching me over my shoulder giving me advice as he believes I can sort this and do belts now. I understand now the myth and it's not so scary if you follow simple rules of checking and double checking. It's way too long now since this started and sadly failed. It's now 7 years in May I got it and 4 years since it's only real journey to the weekender. That's just 375 miles . Next year is 30th anniversary of the Monster and something inside me relates to Darkness with my bike and it's sad to be still in bags etc so it's going to be a good push this year. __________________ http://albies93m900.blogspot.co.uk/

09-02-2022, 11:53 PM	#2
Luddite Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Southampton Bike: M1100evo Posts: 2,465	All power to you, Albie! I'm sure this refresh will be just as keenly followed on here as the original restoration was (I can see this thread reaching 200,000 views!) Perhaps, if Practical Sportsbikes does a Monster 30th anniversary special, we'll see you in print again.