Hello - new member and owner.

Hello! Just picked up a 2001 M600 Dark. She is a non-runner in the sense that she hasn't been started in 11 years... Condition seems good 11.5K miles on the clock. Already started work taking her apart to get ready for starting. Identified a few things that need sorting - mice house removal from the air box, leaking fork seals, tires, removal of stale fuel, oil/filter, battery...

I am old to biking but new to Ducati - so any advise on tips/tricks will be welcome. Specifically where is the best place to buy parts?

Thanks!

[Darkness]

Welcome aboard Graham. We are mostly friendly here.

A very important thing you haven’t mentioned is the replacement of the cam timing belts which is recommended every two years by Ducati (Three if you feel lucky) whether the motor has run or not. It’s a time thing rather than mileage. The belt tensioner and guide bearings need checking too.

This is interesting reading: http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=59406

Not local to you, but I always use them are Moto Rapido in Winchester. Speak to their knowledgeable parts department on the telephone and they’ll advise and post parts out to you. Ask nicely for the UKMOC 10% discount on those!

Also very useful for reference are the parts fisches on the Stein Dinse website. They are a good supplier too, though the P&P is a bit salty for a few small parts.:

https://www.stein-dinse.biz/eliste/index.php

[cactus]

Hi and welcome. You'll find that forum members like a photo or two, so if you're doing work on your bike let's see it.

Thanks for the welcome and tips. I have investigated belts change and will make that a priority job. I have ordered the first batch of parts from Wemoto, but will take a look at the reccomended place too. Will get a pic up later of the current condition - all be it starting to come apart.

[mickj]

Welcome to the forum coneg1 good luck with the fettling, enjoy your new toy.

Couple of pics of where I am today.

https://flic.kr/p/2mfZkTV

https://flic.kr/p/2mfWGNa

Cant seem to get the actual pic visible here...

[slob]

welcome aboard.

[Darkness]

Originally Posted by corneg1

Couple of pics of where I am today.

https://flic.kr/p/2mfZkTV

https://flic.kr/p/2mfWGNa

Cant seem to get the actual pic visible here...

Wow, I haven’t seen a tax disk (VED) on a bike for ages!

It’s looking very stock at the moment: what are the plans for the rebuild?

[hh93]

Originally Posted by corneg1

Cant seem to get the actual pic visible here...

Try using imgbb.com instead - you can embed pics with automatic code on that site.

[PPuxley]

Originally Posted by corneg1

Couple of pics of where I am today.

https://flic.kr/p/2mfZkTV

https://flic.kr/p/2mfWGNa

Cant seem to get the actual pic visible here...

You already have Flickr, so you just need to copy the link from the dowloads tab (hover over sizes right click) between IMG tags
IMG tags come up with picture icon above

( https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fb6ae9_c_d.jpg)

[Mr Gazza]

Welcome Graham.
It doesn't look like you have too much cosmetically to do anyway, let's hope those mice didn't get a taste for cable insulation!
Good to see someone sensible doing all the re-commissioning work BEFORE seeing if it runs. So many times you see bikes advertised where they say "stored for years but starts and runs"... Argh!

Exact fit belts are now les expensive than the Ducati ones and are safe for three years rather than two. http://www.exactuk.com/

Get yourself a sealed, preferably gel type battery like Motobatt. If you do get a liquid acid one make double sure that the breather tube is fitted firmly and, running out below the engine. Acid stains on the frame and engine are common on these and really spoil the looks!

Inspect the yellow cables that connect the alternator to the rectifier/regulator and make sure the connections are good low resistance connections. I do away with the standard block connector and use Gold bullets. Some hard wire these or use crimps. Bad connections here result in heated cables, melting the insulation, sometimes causing a fire but usually frying the reg/rec and boiling the battery, leading to the aforementioned acid leaks!

I am currently re-commissioning a 750SS and removed 11 year old tyres, much to the amusement of the tyre fitters. I'll be interested to find out how old yours are and I just know you are sensible enough to not try and use them..

Hello all - thanks for the tips. Here are the tire date stamps... get ready for a chuckle...

The rear tire looks a bit like a 50p piece - must have gone a long way straight...

Thanks for the tip for belts Mr Gazza, I will give them a call today.

Another question - the rear shocker is very slow on rebound. Can they be re-gassed?

As far as plans for the bike - first is to get her road worthy again. Then ride her for a while to see what she is like. By winter time I will decide what to do - keep stock and further tidy her up or look into what types of changes can be made.

[PPuxley]

Welcome. Exactly what I did, but I spent a month sorting stuff out before putting it on the road where it ran very sweetly, but I only lasted 200 miles and a week before the temptation to take it to bits and start restoring got the better of me. Now I'm knee deep in parts with nothing that looks like bike to show for it yet.
Good luck with your build. Looking forward to watching your progress.

[Mr Gazza]

Well you've trumped me there with 17 year olds.. Thanks for sharing that..

I think the oldest I have come across were about 25 years old or more which I had to cut off a 3TA with an angle grinder.!