ducatipaddy
New member
They don't look bad ? what's wrong with them ?
I have some originals but they are not brilliant either.
I have some originals but they are not brilliant either.
900GTS build...
- Thread starter Vacant Possession
- Start date
Yes please! Let me know...
On the way home after the MOT...
Full marks at the MOT, brakes all excellent and everything was working.
However, the old girl had one trick up her sleeve, a nice bit of embarrassment when I left. She took and hour of my time before she condescended to start. I was knackered. I am knackered. My back hurts! I may have felt clever when I shaved the pounds by dumping the electric start but I promise you I wasn't feeling clever today.
I hadn't realised one of the side effects of changing the primary gearing which is the engine is harder to turn over, add to that a larger capacity and increased compression ratio and you potentially have starting nightmares. At least one Yamaha Bulldog owner had a good laugh.
Anyway, after that capricious, enigmatic and idiosyncratic shaming I was in no doubt of the gender of the soul of the bike.
Here she is on the way home, parked next to a friendly V twin. Note how she is dwarfed by the Guzzi!...
For her last laugh, after dealing with a faulty instrument light socket for the rev counter, discovering that my old rev counter cable had no inner and ordering one from Andrew, the rev counter packed up. I am not yet sure if it is the drive or the instrument but I am betting on the latter. Any ideas?
I have already had some lovely comments from passers by and just about anyone nearby, I must admit after so much work it is nice to be validated.
I took it to show Pietro & Denise and rather foolishly asked if he felt I had done his country's heritage justice, he replied 'They'd turn in their grave with that colour!'. 'Nuff said.
Full marks at the MOT, brakes all excellent and everything was working.
However, the old girl had one trick up her sleeve, a nice bit of embarrassment when I left. She took and hour of my time before she condescended to start. I was knackered. I am knackered. My back hurts! I may have felt clever when I shaved the pounds by dumping the electric start but I promise you I wasn't feeling clever today.
I hadn't realised one of the side effects of changing the primary gearing which is the engine is harder to turn over, add to that a larger capacity and increased compression ratio and you potentially have starting nightmares. At least one Yamaha Bulldog owner had a good laugh.
Anyway, after that capricious, enigmatic and idiosyncratic shaming I was in no doubt of the gender of the soul of the bike.
Here she is on the way home, parked next to a friendly V twin. Note how she is dwarfed by the Guzzi!...
For her last laugh, after dealing with a faulty instrument light socket for the rev counter, discovering that my old rev counter cable had no inner and ordering one from Andrew, the rev counter packed up. I am not yet sure if it is the drive or the instrument but I am betting on the latter. Any ideas?
I have already had some lovely comments from passers by and just about anyone nearby, I must admit after so much work it is nice to be validated.
I took it to show Pietro & Denise and rather foolishly asked if he felt I had done his country's heritage justice, he replied 'They'd turn in their grave with that colour!'. 'Nuff said.
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Glawster
New member
Well it looks fantastic Paul and as Paddy says - absolutely true to your vision from the start. There's sure to be plenty of snagging problems - I've got a list of things to fix which I'm putting off until winter.
Not sure how you get around the difficulty in starting though. My "standard" engine has new rings and plenty of compression, but it's a doddle to kickstart and usually chimes up in one lazy prod. It's definitely easier to turn over than my 250.
However, if you've changed the primary gearing I guess you couldn't fit an electric start and clutch cover anyway? Could you revert to the standard primary gearing? Disappointing, but there's nothing worse than having a bike which draws attention and admiration, but turns you into a sweating lather when it won't start. As I'm sure you found in today's temperature. I wish you luck to find a solution.
Oh and I think I'd risk putting on one of Tipper's excellent pressed alloy black and silver number plates..
Not sure how you get around the difficulty in starting though. My "standard" engine has new rings and plenty of compression, but it's a doddle to kickstart and usually chimes up in one lazy prod. It's definitely easier to turn over than my 250.
However, if you've changed the primary gearing I guess you couldn't fit an electric start and clutch cover anyway? Could you revert to the standard primary gearing? Disappointing, but there's nothing worse than having a bike which draws attention and admiration, but turns you into a sweating lather when it won't start. As I'm sure you found in today's temperature. I wish you luck to find a solution.
Oh and I think I'd risk putting on one of Tipper's excellent pressed alloy black and silver number plates..
ducatipaddy
New member
You can check your rev counter simply by putting a pencil in the drive in the back and spinning it anti clockwise and the needle should bounce.
I think I'll have things to do for a while, but like you I just want to use it for what remains of summer.
I think a few miles will help and I asked Pietro if he would take a look at it and 'set it up'; He suggested running it for a week and then hopefully he might be able to slot me in - but he is as always very busy.
Yes, I might try that - you have probably noticed the one on it is a Tippers ally number.
On second thoughts, read this first.
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Glawster
New member
I'm sure you have the timing correct Paul, but I know I spent a lot of time making sure the Sachse timing was set up correctly after Andy marked TDC for me - and I chose the most "benign" advance curve. You haven't selected "nutter" mode have you?
As for the number plate Gestapo I contrived a nice FOC personal number on my Triumph by moving the digits around (but still in the same order!). So far so good...
As for the number plate Gestapo I contrived a nice FOC personal number on my Triumph by moving the digits around (but still in the same order!). So far so good...
But definitely illegal...
You know me...
I didn't go for the 34 degrees max advance option, I went for the 32 degrees option B (XL). It seemed to me they all start advancing at 1,500 rpm which I am not going to manage with my foot, and the minimum advance for starting is just 6 degrees, way below that of the standard ignition.
I find our intrusive nanny state petty, nosy, wasteful, disingenuous and not fit for purpose.
That doesn't stop them creating automated systems to fine us. They might say it is all for our own good, but we all know better; FUD is a common pretext for the state making power grabs. In this case it is our freedom they are after followed by our wallets. Lets not forget
.
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Yes, I am tempted to vid it starting; The question is, would it? 
:comp2:
:comp2:ducatipaddy
New member
I'm sure you are finding the compression stroke and giving it a squirt on the pump before you kick it ? I mean no point in busting a gut to kick it on the exhaust stroke. with your engine set up it could be quite a knack to it.
with your engine set up it could be quite a knack to it.Snagging...
Starting is OK, just a bit intimidating; It does bite.
Speedo drive was missing the centre protective spacer - and had been for a while judging by the curvature of the original spacer. New one on the way from Andrew at Mdina and a new cable too as it shagged that too by loosening and turning round on the axle. Nice.
Fixing the rev counter was as simple as installing the cable the other way round. I thought the collet on one end of the inner should be at the top to stop the inner sliding out, but apparently not. I don't care, it works now.
I lost a spacer when one of the sidepanel retaining srews came loose, but I have spares and have nipped them up a little tighter.
I had to adjust the carbs a bit so the slides are pulling at the same time, but it doesn't stall, idles, pulls cleanly and sounds great - albeit a little quiet for some.
So here is my usual Tesco's shopping run picky...
The paintwork is so shiny it bleached out my phone camera
Apart from being slightly intimidating to start (and it is getting better) it is oil tight which for me is a revelation. It has absolutely fantastic brakes with loads of feel; It is nimble, light and fun to ride and if I could liken it to anything, the motor feels like a 900 Monster motor. I say this because it feels like an 1100 Monster I rode, but with a little less Ooomph - although I am running in.
I took it to Box Hill yesterday, a popular bike meet down south. I went with a neighbour on his rather tasty 750 Lavatory and his wife on her very nice 350 Morini. The the best thing to turn up was a really neat thumpin' great Boss Hog, folowed by a small swarm of supporting acolyte Harley's. Oh yes! One of the new Indians - and I forgot to take photos. I adjusted the carbs there and was lent tools by a very nice Harley Road King rider, so thank you Mr Anonymous Road King rider.
All in all, it is looking very promising. Now fully taxed & road legal, done about 150 miles or so, I can't really tell
Starting is OK, just a bit intimidating; It does bite.
Speedo drive was missing the centre protective spacer - and had been for a while judging by the curvature of the original spacer. New one on the way from Andrew at Mdina and a new cable too as it shagged that too by loosening and turning round on the axle. Nice.
Fixing the rev counter was as simple as installing the cable the other way round. I thought the collet on one end of the inner should be at the top to stop the inner sliding out, but apparently not. I don't care, it works now.
I lost a spacer when one of the sidepanel retaining srews came loose, but I have spares and have nipped them up a little tighter.
I had to adjust the carbs a bit so the slides are pulling at the same time, but it doesn't stall, idles, pulls cleanly and sounds great - albeit a little quiet for some.
So here is my usual Tesco's shopping run picky...
The paintwork is so shiny it bleached out my phone camera
Apart from being slightly intimidating to start (and it is getting better) it is oil tight which for me is a revelation. It has absolutely fantastic brakes with loads of feel; It is nimble, light and fun to ride and if I could liken it to anything, the motor feels like a 900 Monster motor. I say this because it feels like an 1100 Monster I rode, but with a little less Ooomph - although I am running in.
I took it to Box Hill yesterday, a popular bike meet down south. I went with a neighbour on his rather tasty 750 Lavatory and his wife on her very nice 350 Morini. The the best thing to turn up was a really neat thumpin' great Boss Hog, folowed by a small swarm of supporting acolyte Harley's. Oh yes! One of the new Indians - and I forgot to take photos. I adjusted the carbs there and was lent tools by a very nice Harley Road King rider, so thank you Mr Anonymous Road King rider.
All in all, it is looking very promising. Now fully taxed & road legal, done about 150 miles or so, I can't really tell
ducatipaddy
New member
Running in.....now there is a phrase you don't hear any more. I bet its only people of our age that even remember what that is .
I used to think there is not enough time to run a Ducati in because after 1000 miles its nearly run out again
.I used to think there is not enough time to run a Ducati in because after 1000 miles its nearly run out again
NeilD
New member
did you show him the 'before' pictures! although I think Pink Floyd are quite big in Italy so he may've approved.. :lol2:
ducatipaddy
New member
That's a really good idea. I think I might.
The best jokes are close to the truthRunning in.....now there is a phrase you don't hear any more. I bet its only people of our age that even remember what that is
I used to think there is not enough time to run a Ducati in because after 1000 miles its nearly run out again
.I can't afford another rebuild so I have to run it in.
Fragile...
Weird thing is, I remember GTS's being heavy looking, thickset, sturdy but it looks lightweight & birdlike - what has changed? Derek's looks similarly nimble.
Weird thing is, I remember GTS's being heavy looking, thickset, sturdy but it looks lightweight & birdlike - what has changed? Derek's looks similarly nimble.
Mirrors - black or chrome?
Since the above pictures, I have affixed an ancient black mirror which is functional but really quite nasty. Thirty years have not been kind to it.
For me, at least one mirror is an absolute necessity, preferably two. I hate not being able to see what is behind me.
Because of the style of the bike I can get away with either black or chrome - this is the era of the matt black adorned Mk 1 & 2 Le Mans, although Ducati went mainly stainless/chrome.
Possibilities include these Ducati belt drive GTS style chrome items or possibly modern Monster items like these.
Visibility is important, whilst I am a fashion victim, I'd like to stay alive and retain my licence.
What do you think?
Since the above pictures, I have affixed an ancient black mirror which is functional but really quite nasty. Thirty years have not been kind to it.
For me, at least one mirror is an absolute necessity, preferably two. I hate not being able to see what is behind me.
Because of the style of the bike I can get away with either black or chrome - this is the era of the matt black adorned Mk 1 & 2 Le Mans, although Ducati went mainly stainless/chrome.
Possibilities include these Ducati belt drive GTS style chrome items or possibly modern Monster items like these.
Visibility is important, whilst I am a fashion victim, I'd like to stay alive and retain my licence.
What do you think?
NeilD
New member
its because they're shiny
i remember bikes from this era whe they were at the 'used' stage so were often adorned with added extras like carriers/racks, crash bars, huge mirros and handlebar muffs I looked at a totally original Guzzi T3 recently and thought the same... ref mirrors... bar-ends?
That's it! That's what is missing, handlebar muffs, crash bars and a rack & topbox!
My complaint about bar ends is you have to look down. I have a really nice one on the SS which is pretty much the only choice and it is a lot better than nothing; Nevertheless, one's attention is elsewhere for an instant.
My complaint about bar ends is you have to look down. I have a really nice one on the SS which is pretty much the only choice and it is a lot better than nothing; Nevertheless, one's attention is elsewhere for an instant.
Glawster
New member
Looking back at my original new GTS it did not come supplied with mirrors - I had to buy one of those trapezoid shaped bar end jobs of the period - which was pretty useless. I have one now on the 250 and they're still useless.
I had a GT1000 which had the lollipop mirrors and I hated them. Big ugly things to my opinion.
What I do like is the CRG Lane splitter. You hardly notice it but the view behind is excelllent. Here it's on the GT1000, but I now have it on the GTS. Wish I'd hung on to the GT1000 a bit longer the way the prices are going up.
The worst mirrors in my stable are definitely the ones on the 996 which show you 90% your elbows and not much else.
I had a GT1000 which had the lollipop mirrors and I hated them. Big ugly things to my opinion.
What I do like is the CRG Lane splitter. You hardly notice it but the view behind is excelllent. Here it's on the GT1000, but I now have it on the GTS. Wish I'd hung on to the GT1000 a bit longer the way the prices are going up.
The worst mirrors in my stable are definitely the ones on the 996 which show you 90% your elbows and not much else.
Thanks for all the info Derek,
I love the picky of your GTS way back when - gosh, I would have been envious ;-). I was so taken with your picky I had a play to remove the 70's 'Technicolour' contemporary palette and normalise it, to see how it might look today. I don't know if I have got it right but here it is...
That belt drive GTS looks better than new!
I thought that whilst I was looking into mirrors, I'd see what folding ones are available. I found the following:-
The CRG Lane splitter is what I am using on the SS. Nicely made and I will have a look and see how well it might go on the GTS. The black/grey looks pretty smoky & cool...
I love the picky of your GTS way back when - gosh, I would have been envious ;-). I was so taken with your picky I had a play to remove the 70's 'Technicolour' contemporary palette and normalise it, to see how it might look today. I don't know if I have got it right but here it is...
That belt drive GTS looks better than new!
I thought that whilst I was looking into mirrors, I'd see what folding ones are available. I found the following:-
The CRG Lane splitter is what I am using on the SS. Nicely made and I will have a look and see how well it might go on the GTS. The black/grey looks pretty smoky & cool...
Glawster
New member
Hi Paul,
Can you email me the "improved" version of the photo? It looks almost like real life - not orangey brown like everything else in the 1970s! That bike was brand new and cost me the princely sum of £1,299. List price was £1,699, but it was the last Ducati in JK Hirst shop in Bradford. Lucky for my my Trident T150 had been stolen (hooray) and I'd just been paid out the insurance. I had to have it.
Can you email me the "improved" version of the photo? It looks almost like real life - not orangey brown like everything else in the 1970s! That bike was brand new and cost me the princely sum of £1,299. List price was £1,699, but it was the last Ducati in JK Hirst shop in Bradford. Lucky for my my Trident T150 had been stolen (hooray) and I'd just been paid out the insurance. I had to have it.
Good story about the GTS ;-) picky on its way.
Here is the side of the bike I haven't started yet - note the flaking heat resistant (Yeah, right!) paint...
and one in the same place just before it was torn down...
Here is the side of the bike I haven't started yet - note the flaking heat resistant (Yeah, right!) paint...
and one in the same place just before it was torn down...
ducatipaddy
New member
Looking at your engine when you started i cant see what all the fuss is about ? Luxury lad bloody luxury
Took the head of the front of my latest project today
Only question is......should i change the rings ?
Took the head of the front of my latest project today
Only question is......should i change the rings ?
