I'm looking into options regarding what to do with my 748 track bike over the winter and would like to explore the costs and process of converting it to an 853. I'd be doing most of the spannerin' and hammerin' myself as I really enjoy that part of duke ownership.. I know I'm gonna need some 916 heads,pistons and conrods, as well as different mapping but what else? Thanks in advance for any help.
Interesting.. Don't suppose you've done it? Would the original air box work? Is that the same motor as the 998?
same motor as a 998 yes i have done it ...and some. easy fix! plenty of good engines about and all the bits to fit can be std ducati bits if you need be......
If you go down the 853 route you don't need to change the heads or con rods, you need special pistons and barrels, 916 barrels can be machined to fit ( a few mil of the top I think). Mapping to get the best out of it but mine runs faultlessly with a chip from JHP. Steve
The full engine blueprint is 1165 plus vat plus parts , The pistol pistons are from memory around 500 pounds and to bore and plate the cylinders to 94mm is approx. 300 Then you have the head work on top (price varies) on what can be done Then you need a full custom remap on the dyno for fuel and spark on both cylinders at £425 to keep any guarantee on the engine. There will be no off the shelf chip that will suffice given ducati and there discrepancies in throttle balance , cam timing and injector flow rates. Engine remove and refit is 200 -300 approx. So probably a 998/999 conversion is cheaper, but you loose the engine that likes to rev so much
on the contrary.........some criticise the testa for being too revy and not having the soul of the desmo .........we cant have it both ways...
Odds on my 999s will be getting broke. Nothing wrong with it, not been down the road it just makes more sense to part it out as the yanks would say.
After going down the tuning route, I can whole hartedly recommend the bigger engine idea as the best bang for your buck.
i would have had a 999s motor but couldnt find one when it was needed. Ended up putting a 1198s motor in after the 853r.
