Another 900 GTS story. The Black Pig

First thing to do Derek is take both air screws out and compare. They come in different shapes and sizes, if in doubt try swapping them round and see if the problem moves from pot to pot with them ?
 
I've just found this thread and have spent way too long reading it all.You've done a top notch job Derek and should be proud.You're lucky to have lots of good blokes to help you out with excellent advice too.

Cheers
Andrew
 
Thanks Andrew,
It's not a perfect job and would probably offend the purists, but old Bluebelle is a lovely bike to own and ride. I've done about 1200 miles without major issues - so it's probably ready for the next rebuild. Just sent off for floats / valves / needles and jets for the carbs to try to improve the carburation.

If you want to check out a real proper job up there with Jesus turning water into wine you need to look here http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/showthread.php?19481-900GTS-build...

Cheers,
Derek

You're right about good help and advice though - many thanks to the usual suspects on this forum Paddy, Paul, Bob, Derek, Martin and a few others.
 
You haven't ridden it yet - it might be a disaster ;) I followed it the other day and it looks like a 125/250 from behind.

I think your bike is lovely and authentic; Mine is just a spin on yours mixed up with a bit of FS1E.

We'll have to keep an eye on the weather and see if we can have that meet before the nights draw in.
 
Funny you should point me to that Derek as I just started reading it this morning.Boy,what a mess that poor girl is in.I'm looking forward to seeing how VP gets on with it.
The good thing about finding these things late is you can read the whole story in one go:D.The only problem is that you can't comment because everything has happened so long ago:lol2:
I just fired up the MHR tonight after not riding her for 14 years.She fired up ok but is running like a pig.I put a carb kit through her but will have to buy a couple of diaframs.I did notice a big rust hole in the Conti but at $1700 a pair she won't be getting replacement.I saw that you got your pipes from Keihan.How do find them?. Are they a Conti replica?. I might have to go that way myself.
Cheers
Andrew
 
Andrew2 said:
Funny you should point me to that Derek as I just started reading it this morning.Boy,what a mess that poor girl is in. I'm looking forward to seeing how VP gets on with it.
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Job done and very pleased!
Snip...
I just fired up the MHR tonight after not riding her for 14 years.She fired up ok but is running like a pig.I put a carb kit through her but will have to buy a couple of diaframs.
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I presume you mean a refurb kit for the carbs? A really good clean helps, too but I am sure you know that. Diaphragm's for Dellorto's? What carbs are they? Do you mean the accelerator pump diaphragm? I am not sure what you mean.
I did notice a big rust hole in the Conti but at $1700 a pair she won't be getting replacement.I saw that you got your pipes from Keihan.How do find them?. Are they a Conti replica?. I might have to go that way myself.
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Sadly there is nothing quite like Conti's. I'd have a set of Keihan's for the winter - if I didn't mind the alloy of my engine being attacked by salt; Hence no Keihan's. Ity is not just the look, the Conti's have a particular and wonderful sound.
 
I'm reading your build now.Just started page 2.It's tempting to go to the last page and check out the finished product but I'll wait;). Here's the diaphram I'm talking about.The accelorator pumps aren't squirting.
http://ducati-gowanloch.com/catalog/dellorto-pump-diaphram-p-2598.html . Mine look ok but and I've thoroughly cleaned the carbs so I'm guessing it's the diaframs.I have read that sometimes they need priming through the one way valve at the top so I'll try that before I buy new ones but I doubt that'll work.
I put these through them.http://ducati-gowanloch.com/catalog/dellorto-gasket-p-2593.html

Cheers
Andrew
 
Andrew,
The Keihans are relatively cheap (in UK) and very well made. They are all stainless and come with a 10 year guarantee - but I don't think anyone's ever worn a set out yet. They are however very loud - louder than Contis. The only downside for me is that the header pipes do not follow the flowing lines of the originals, but have defined kinks in them. I think this spoils the lines somewhat. If you can salvage your headers and get them re- chromed, I'd do that. The silencers are great though and highly recommended.
Ultrasonic cleaning of the carbs is a good starting point after 14 years inactivity.

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Andrew
The pick up tube/jet in the float bowl for the pumps has a one way valve as well. check that by blow/suck.
You will need to strip clean the carbs if they have sat that long. The pump return springs on the diaphragm rust and snap. Rubber seals on the idle and air screws break down and block the orifices as well.
Go direct to Dellortto for parts.
 
Thanks Derek.The headers are ok so I should only need the mufflers.Do you have a photo of the mufflers themselves.I think I might invest in an ultrasonic cleaner too.

Cheers
Andrew

P.S. sorry for hijacking your thread
 
Thanks Paddy,
I've checked both one way valves on both carbies and they are working fine and the diaphrams seem ok but it's a bit hard to tell with them.The springs are good too.I've replaced the original choke carbs with pumpers so I might see if the diaphrams in them are any better although I doubt it.Is there any way to test the diaphram before buying new ones?.

Cheers
Andrew
 
I just started reading Martins Darmah thread,boy you poor buggers sure suffer from the harsh climate with your bikes.I guess the salt on the roads doesn't help much either.Credit to all of you for top notch efforts with your restorations.By the way I came to Oz as a 6 year old from Devon,don't hold that against me if it's a bad thing:rolleyes::D.I don't remember much though except for a couple of trips back for holidays.

Cheers
Andrew
 
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The only other thing it might be is the pump nozzles. Its difficult to tell if they are clear because the hole is so small even blowing through them its not easy to tell. The diaphragms usually just need a visual inspection, when they split its pretty obviouse especially round the metal centre where the spring seats.
The other thing to check is the pump levers in the carb lid ie: have they still got their protrusions on that operate the pump piston ? I have seen these snapped off before.
I have an ultrasonic cleaner and they are good but they are not miracle machines. The secret is to use the right cleaning solution in them. There are special cleaning agents for carbs
http://mistralie.co.uk/collections/ultrasonic-cleaners

Its a shame postage is so expensive or i could do you a set of SS silencers.
 
Fixed.It was a pump nozzle on the front carb even though I had cleaned and checked it already.Maybe it just blocked up again.The back I'm not sure what the problem was but cleaned everything again and now it works.Thanks.

Cheers
Andrew
 
Thanks Derek,they look great.It sure beats 956 pound for an original set of Contis over here.I'll give him a call.It's a shame I did'nt know earlier as my daughter has been living in Manchester for the last year but is coming home Tuesday.I'll see about getting some sent over early next year.
On another subject can I ask you what you thought of your GT1000 that you sold.I've been thining of selling my BMW GSA and getting one as a touring bike.Is it comfy enough to do long distances on.The tank seems a bit small. I've heard about troubles with tanks also.Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Andrew
 
The tank issues on the GT1000 are regarding "spreading" due to the high ethanol level. It's not really a problem yet in UK, but will be if and when they increase the ethanol %. I really liked the GT1000. It has some weaknesses (in my opinion)
- Poor front forks. Can be improved by increasing preload (using bicycle stem spacers) or fitting improved springs.
- Poor quality chrome plating on spokes and rims. The rims are steel on the GT, not alloy as on the other Sport Classics.
- short, slippery seat. My wife refused to go on it.
The price of Sport Classics is rising in UK, particularly for ones which haven't been "improved" by customising. For half the price you could have a decent old model Multistrada which would probably tick all the boxes - except for the aesthetics!
I replaced the GT1000 with a Triumph Tiger 1050 which I think is great.
 
Thanks Derek,I'll keep all that in mind.The small tank might be an issue iver here for long distances.I've got a BMW 1150GSA which is a great bike but way to tall and heavy.It's a good bike for well made dirt roads and an excellent touring bike other than that just a pig to manhandle around the garage and if it falls over fully loaded:eek:.I'd love a Cagiva Elefant but they're a rare thing over here.

Cheers
Andrew
 
No worries mate.I did'nt have the money at the time but have just sold a sidecar so am on the lookout.I'll probably go with the Keihans now.Maybe you can help me out with this-http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/showthread.php?20978-Keihan-conti-replicas-for-84-MHR.Are they all the same?.

Cheers
Andrew
 
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