Looking good too!
Treated the Darmah...
- Thread starter NeilD
- Start date
NeilD
New member
and now MOT'd 
only thing he noted was some fluctuations on the brake reading
and it appears to have a right dip headlight..
nice run over to the MOT man and back, instantly felt at home on it.
couple of things I've picked up on so far...
nice and smooth engine and chassis (compared to the Guzzi
)
clutch .. is there only adjustment at the handlebar? works ok but had to take most of the free play out..
engine... no horrible noises or smoke
runs a bit rough below 4000 rpm on a steady throttle... I need to check if the pumpers are working..
ignition switch is a bit dodgy, switches 'off' if you wiggle the key slightly
gearbox.. easy changes, although it doesnt always feel like it has gone into gear even though it has - there isnt a positive 'click'
other than that.... Phwooooar
its now sat in the shed on its side stand with the oil draining out.
2014-09-15 001 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
only thing he noted was some fluctuations on the brake reading
and it appears to have a right dip headlight.. nice run over to the MOT man and back, instantly felt at home on it.
couple of things I've picked up on so far...
nice and smooth engine and chassis (compared to the Guzzi
)clutch .. is there only adjustment at the handlebar? works ok but had to take most of the free play out..
engine... no horrible noises or smoke
runs a bit rough below 4000 rpm on a steady throttle... I need to check if the pumpers are working.. ignition switch is a bit dodgy, switches 'off' if you wiggle the key slightly
gearbox.. easy changes, although it doesnt always feel like it has gone into gear even though it has - there isnt a positive 'click'
other than that.... Phwooooar
its now sat in the shed on its side stand with the oil draining out.
2014-09-15 001 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickrducatipaddy
New member
Hi Neil
A few points. You have adjustment on both ends of the cable outer of course and you have adjustment on the threaded pin and and adjuster nut under the oval clutch adjust cover on the main clutch/primary drive cover.
Running rough on steady throttle is most likely carbs out of balance
Gearbox should click into gear nicely. Could be the spring and plunger that locates the selector drum is bunged up or missing.
finally i have used but good left dip Bosch H4 units in stock @£38.00 if you get stuck.
A few points. You have adjustment on both ends of the cable outer of course and you have adjustment on the threaded pin and and adjuster nut under the oval clutch adjust cover on the main clutch/primary drive cover.
Running rough on steady throttle is most likely carbs out of balance
Gearbox should click into gear nicely. Could be the spring and plunger that locates the selector drum is bunged up or missing.
finally i have used but good left dip Bosch H4 units in stock @£38.00 if you get stuck.
NeilD
New member
so, being a simple person I assumed that the brass plug on the side of the case with the words 'oilo agip' on it was where you put fresh oil in? clearly not, so filled via the diostick hole although you cant get the full amount in... but i think i'm there now after running it and topping up.. my garage looks like a reenactment of the Torrey Canyon disaster, but we now have fresh oil inside the engine.... and a nice shiny oil filter cover...
things i have learned today... 1)just twist the carb round, dont faff about removing the float bowl when trying to get the oil filter out... 2)remove the l/h downpipe before trying to refit the sump filter as it will come out with the downpipe in place but not go in... 3) cover every thing in the shed with plastic sheet before starting an oil change (i knew that already!)...
on a serious note, is there a 'bevels for dummies' publication? just the basic routine maintenance like adjusting the clutch - i know the procedure on a Guzzi (there are 3 places to adjust it) but not on this.. or oil changes? everything i've found is vague or covers in depth engine stripping..?
things i have learned today... 1)just twist the carb round, dont faff about removing the float bowl when trying to get the oil filter out... 2)remove the l/h downpipe before trying to refit the sump filter as it will come out with the downpipe in place but not go in... 3) cover every thing in the shed with plastic sheet before starting an oil change (i knew that already!)...
on a serious note, is there a 'bevels for dummies' publication? just the basic routine maintenance like adjusting the clutch - i know the procedure on a Guzzi (there are 3 places to adjust it) but not on this.. or oil changes? everything i've found is vague or covers in depth engine stripping..?
Last edited:
NeilD
New member
Paddy I'll have to pop in and see the MOT man as he didnt mention the headlight on the MOT document, i just noticed when i got home that he'd taped up the lens, so i assumed it was a continental headlight... however looking tonight it has an arrow on the glass pointing towards the nearside, which indicates its a UK headlight..
ducatipaddy
New member
Drop me a email Neil, i have lost your email address.
Basically slacken off the cable and loosen the clutch centre nut, screw in the middle threaded adjuster a couple of turns and then tighten the lock nut, re adjust the cable. If that does not do it repeat until the clutch adjuster is flush with the lock nut.
Basically slacken off the cable and loosen the clutch centre nut, screw in the middle threaded adjuster a couple of turns and then tighten the lock nut, re adjust the cable. If that does not do it repeat until the clutch adjuster is flush with the lock nut.
Glawster
New member
Ha Ha! I thought everyone who has a bevel twin has already cut their teeth on a single and learned all those unique Ducati foibles by the time they get something like a Darmah!
The Haynes manual's not bad for servicing tips.
Make yourself an oil filler by sticking some garden hose on the end of your funnel. Then tie the funnel to the frame. Only way to get the oil in without getting it everywhere.
Oil filters are not specific Ducati items and are about a fiver from Opie Oils. (check my thread for the filter code).
I can get the oil strainer & plug back in with a bit of wiggling. Mind you I have Keihan pipes, but I'm sure you shouldn't need to move the header pipe.
Anyway - get the carb slides lifting together and get out for a decent spin on it!
The Haynes manual's not bad for servicing tips.
Make yourself an oil filler by sticking some garden hose on the end of your funnel. Then tie the funnel to the frame. Only way to get the oil in without getting it everywhere.
Oil filters are not specific Ducati items and are about a fiver from Opie Oils. (check my thread for the filter code).
I can get the oil strainer & plug back in with a bit of wiggling. Mind you I have Keihan pipes, but I'm sure you shouldn't need to move the header pipe.
Anyway - get the carb slides lifting together and get out for a decent spin on it!
NeilD
New member
so, what is the plug in the clutch cover for ??
once i'd found the correct hole :lol2: was ok using the jug with a flexible spout i use on the Guzzi.. i thought the strainer would go back in, but couldnt get it to start on the thread.. just me being cack handed i expect.
Paddy I'll email you
fist time i've had it out in the sunshine, and it did sparkle nicely
once i'd found the correct hole :lol2: was ok using the jug with a flexible spout i use on the Guzzi.. i thought the strainer would go back in, but couldnt get it to start on the thread.. just me being cack handed i expect.
Paddy I'll email you
fist time i've had it out in the sunshine, and it did sparkle nicely
ducatipaddy
New member
The end of the crank is threaded and if you look carefully the clutch cover has a couple of raised timing marks on it. You can remove the brass plug and attach a timing disc to the end of the crank but as nothing is adjustable i don't know why you would want to it probably stems back to the round case 750 with points where the oil filter is now.
it probably stems back to the round case 750 with points where the oil filter is now.
NeilD
New member
as posted on another thread, did about 90 miles on it today. 
so, thoughts so far....
need to have a go at setting the carbs properly before going out again, and replace and secure the front carb bellmouth which disappeared into the undergrowth.
Noticed some white smoke from the r/h exhaust on start up, which cleared after running it for a few minutes. Couldnt see anything in my mirror so does appear to be just on start up - valve guide problems on the front cylinder?? or would too much oil cause that - when i pulled the dipstick out it was right at the top mark... will check that again tomorrow.
it really does lollop along nicely (apart from the rough running on a steady throttle around 3000 rpm)- speedo was showing 80 at around 4500 RPM in top - i think that sounds about right on standard gearing?
it handles really nicely, especially with the tyres pumped up!! have put 33/36 in to start with (Bridgestones BT 45's) - thourghts?
the gearchange is fine (I think i was in Guzzi-mode on the previous ride!) although 4th and 5th gearing seems quite close ?
I'm glad i didnt persevere with trying to fit lower bars as the standard ones are quite low, just about right amount of forward lean.
I'll adjust the clutch as per Paddys advice, it works ok, although i did get slight slip when i accelerated 'briskly' from a standing start. I also had an achey left hand, but not sure if thats more about angle of the lever rather than 'weight' of the clutch.
I need to try remember which way the fuel taps go for reserve had a bit of a faff switching over to reserve whilst riding, but thankfully the clean fuel is new and so still 'clear'
What are the symptoms of a starter sprag on its way out ? just once today it seemed to spin but not engage.. that was on initial start, was fine after that
I think we're going to get along it really does suit the mix of roads i ride around here and for me has enough power, combined with lovely handling and ride, to be fun.. only downside is that it makes my Guzzi feel heavy and a bit ponderous.. I dont think theres much or anything in it performance wise but the Ducati is less demanding to ride on the backroads...
2009-12-31 006 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
so, thoughts so far....need to have a go at setting the carbs properly before going out again, and replace and secure the front carb bellmouth which disappeared into the undergrowth.
Noticed some white smoke from the r/h exhaust on start up, which cleared after running it for a few minutes. Couldnt see anything in my mirror so does appear to be just on start up - valve guide problems on the front cylinder?? or would too much oil cause that - when i pulled the dipstick out it was right at the top mark... will check that again tomorrow.
it really does lollop along nicely (apart from the rough running on a steady throttle around 3000 rpm)- speedo was showing 80 at around 4500 RPM in top - i think that sounds about right on standard gearing?
it handles really nicely, especially with the tyres pumped up!! have put 33/36 in to start with (Bridgestones BT 45's) - thourghts?
the gearchange is fine (I think i was in Guzzi-mode on the previous ride!) although 4th and 5th gearing seems quite close ?
I'm glad i didnt persevere with trying to fit lower bars as the standard ones are quite low, just about right amount of forward lean.
I'll adjust the clutch as per Paddys advice, it works ok, although i did get slight slip when i accelerated 'briskly' from a standing start. I also had an achey left hand, but not sure if thats more about angle of the lever rather than 'weight' of the clutch.
I need to try remember which way the fuel taps go for reserve
had a bit of a faff switching over to reserve whilst riding, but thankfully the clean fuel is new and so still 'clear' What are the symptoms of a starter sprag on its way out ?
just once today it seemed to spin but not engage.. that was on initial start, was fine after that I think we're going to get along
it really does suit the mix of roads i ride around here and for me has enough power, combined with lovely handling and ride, to be fun.. only downside is that it makes my Guzzi feel heavy and a bit ponderous.. I dont think theres much or anything in it performance wise but the Ducati is less demanding to ride on the backroads...2009-12-31 006 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
Last edited:
ducatipaddy
New member
I'm really glad you stuck with this build Neil, its also interesting to hear your views after years of Guzzi's. Both have their merits, I think a Calli or V7 fill a slot left by Ducati and a Darmah or SS fill a slot left by Guzzi.
The white smoke is probably condensation if it clears, oil would be blue smoke and rich would be black.
Even good sprag clutches seem to get caught out some times., what they hate is back fires so ignition timing is important and you need toi get the carbs balanced . as for the clutch ? providing you have free play in the cable there is little you can do to tighten it up apart from fitting stronger springs. If it gets worse or becomes a problem give me a shout and i will sort out some stronger springs and a part used set of Surflex plates..
Glad your enjoying it
Cheers
P
The white smoke is probably condensation if it clears, oil would be blue smoke and rich would be black.
Even good sprag clutches seem to get caught out some times., what they hate is back fires so ignition timing is important and you need toi get the carbs balanced . as for the clutch ? providing you have free play in the cable there is little you can do to tighten it up apart from fitting stronger springs. If it gets worse or becomes a problem give me a shout and i will sort out some stronger springs and a part used set of Surflex plates..
Glad your enjoying it
Cheers
P
NeilD
New member
today started with an easy job ... fitted a 'gear gazer' yes I know i cant see it with the tank in place but i remember seeing one on a bevel years ago so had to have one fitted to mine
2014-10-06 006 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
then proceeded with the carb balance... some strangeness going on... hooked it up to my morgan carbtune, and initially seemed to go ok, ticked over ok, revs picked up and fell ok, there did seem to be slight roughness when i held a steady throttle between 30000 and 4000 RPM butwill need to see what its like on the road. on real issue at this point was that it wasnt keen to restart straight away if i switched off.. so, unhooked the carbtune bits, slight delay as one of the fittings broke off in the manifold so had to take manifold off to get it out ! left it to cool down, put the bellmouths back on, and now struggling to maintain tickover, it slows down then finally dies... odd.. i'll leave it for another day as the bike (and I) was getting a bit hot, and my ears were ringing! seems to be running rich, there were some impressive flames out the back of the contis at one stage..
2014-10-06 004 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
yes I know i cant see it with the tank in place but i remember seeing one on a bevel years ago so had to have one fitted to mine 2014-10-06 006 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickrthen proceeded with the carb balance... some strangeness going on... hooked it up to my morgan carbtune, and initially seemed to go ok, ticked over ok, revs picked up and fell ok, there did seem to be slight roughness when i held a steady throttle between 30000 and 4000 RPM butwill need to see what its like on the road. on real issue at this point was that it wasnt keen to restart straight away if i switched off.. so, unhooked the carbtune bits, slight delay as one of the fittings broke off in the manifold so had to take manifold off to get it out ! left it to cool down, put the bellmouths back on, and now struggling to maintain tickover, it slows down then finally dies... odd.. i'll leave it for another day as the bike (and I) was getting a bit hot, and my ears were ringing! seems to be running rich, there were some impressive flames out the back of the contis at one stage..
2014-10-06 004 by GUZZINEIL, on Flickr
NeilD
New member
indeed, I decided against showing everyone on here my Ducati 'Tattoo' 
Tiger? yes thats mine.. its alright... prefer the 955i or even the 885 carb triumph engines.. its a nice smooth triple but i think a bit bland TBH... only advantage over the 955i is that it is lighter and easier to push into the shed. I bought it for solo touring, which hasnt happened, so may well see what its worth against a Ducati Scrambler next year
Tiger? yes thats mine.. its alright... prefer the 955i or even the 885 carb triumph engines.. its a nice smooth triple but i think a bit bland TBH... only advantage over the 955i is that it is lighter and easier to push into the shed. I bought it for solo touring, which hasnt happened, so may well see what its worth against a Ducati Scrambler next year
NeilD
New member
today i treated it to a run out in the pouring rain on mud covered roads it amused the bloke at the local Ducati dealer though one excuse for the run out was that i'd balanced the carbs again, and they seem fine now at part throttle, but it now wont tickover, despite it doing so happily when it was hooked up to the carbtune thingy... 
the other reason was to have a chat about the new Scrambler... i think i need one
edit this photo doesnt do justice to the filthy state it was in... nor does it show the lump of paint which fell off the front wheel
it amused the bloke at the local Ducati dealer though one excuse for the run out was that i'd balanced the carbs again, and they seem fine now at part throttle, but it now wont tickover, despite it doing so happily when it was hooked up to the carbtune thingy... the other reason was to have a chat about the new Scrambler... i think i need one
edit this photo doesnt do justice to the filthy state it was in... nor does it show the lump of paint which fell off the front wheel
It's that time of year conundrum again, 20 minute ride & two hours cleaning or no ride at all.
Yep, special winter bike is top choice.
Yep, special winter bike is top choice.
looks dry tomorrow so hopefully get out on the darmah, before back to work thursday...
NeilD
New member
a far nicer ride today... sat outside a cafe sipping a latte in the sunshine... sadly Mablethorpe not Bologna ! :lol2:
did about 120 miles today and only came home because i was being stalked by a big black cloud! I'm going to have to have a look at the clutch as it does occasionally slip, i'm also going to look for a replacement ignition switch as mine switched itself off as i left a petrol station..! anyway those are jobs for once they start spreading salt (instead of mud!) over the roads...
sat outside a cafe sipping a latte in the sunshine... sadly Mablethorpe not Bologna ! :lol2:
did about 120 miles today and only came home because i was being stalked by a big black cloud! I'm going to have to have a look at the clutch as it does occasionally slip, i'm also going to look for a replacement ignition switch as mine switched itself off as i left a petrol station..! anyway those are jobs for once they start spreading salt (instead of mud!) over the roads...
ducatipaddy
New member
Ha ! a true biker that likes to ride and not just talk about it good to see you cleaned it before you went out today as well
If you want to try another set of plates i have some used surflex sets with loads of life in them. If you have std 27mm springs in i can do you a set of 30mm springs.
good to see you cleaned it before you went out today as well If you want to try another set of plates i have some used surflex sets with loads of life in them. If you have std 27mm springs in i can do you a set of 30mm springs.
NeilD
New member
sadly i dont ride as much as i'd like, and i'll put the darmah and le mans away once they start salting the roads, probably not many more weeks.. both of 'em have a few jobs outstanding, so i'll be making use of the stereo unit i just bought for the shed over the coming months
I'll email you ref the clutch bits
I'll email you ref the clutch bits
NeilD
New member
the Dramah hasnt wanted to tick-over since ive started using it again, so thought i'd have a look at it today... one of the pilot jets had a lump of something hanging out of it and there was some blobs in the bottom of the floatbowl... i dont think the state of the carb insulators helped either !
2015-05-30 001 by neil, on Flickr
changed both insulators, cleaned the pilot jets then a quick session on the carbtune and it was a lot happier.. and so was i after an extended testride. next job is the clutch, which i notice that last mentionned in the post above in October! I have all the bits, just been sidetracked with my Triumph
2015-05-30 001 by neil, on Flickrchanged both insulators, cleaned the pilot jets then a quick session on the carbtune and it was a lot happier.. and so was i after an extended testride.
next job is the clutch, which i notice that last mentionned in the post above in October! I have all the bits, just been sidetracked with my Triumph