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MK1 Superlight rebuild

Discussion in 'Supersport (1974-2007)' started by Gillan 900, Mar 7, 2012.

  1. I Got hold of this MK1 Superlight last year which had been sat in someones shed for most of it's life, it's pretty low mileage but in a bit of a state cosmetically. It didn't have any front discs or it's carbon front mudguard but it did have it's Marvic split rims :D. Bodywork was ok but it will need the seat unit and one of the fairing panels repainting, which I will be able to sort out myself. Under the fairing is a different matter ! The motor is in a right state as are the carbs, wiring, front and rear suspension and the frame.

    The plan is to restore it to standard and limit the modifications to simple upgrades. So no H/C pistons, gas flowing of heads, FCR's and spagetti headers here, oh no ! I'll be getting the headstock strengthened (don't want to have to go through that process again after I've rebuilt it), replacing most of the fasteners for either stainless or titanium, fitting new bearings, hoses and upgrade some of the wiring.

    I've had the wheels crack tested and refurbed by Steve Turner at TPCS, he did a top job :cool:. I replaced all the rim bolts with new titanium ones and even had some new sprocket carrier pins made up in titanium at the same time (so much for simple upgrades ! it's all your fault Pete :eek:). New bearings and valves to both and they're ready to go.

    The engines out and the top ends off, it's going to be a labour of love now getting this motor looking something like... ;)

    CIMG1152.jpg CIMG1146.jpg CIMG1153.jpg

    CIMG1152.jpg

    CIMG1146.jpg

    CIMG1153.jpg
     
    #1 Gillan 900, Mar 7, 2012
    Last edited: May 8, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  2. If it's not a cheeky question, what dis the wheel refurb cost you? I've got a pair of Mk1 wheels on my Imola and I must get them checked sometime. PM me if that's easier?
    Cheers ;-)
     
  3. PM sent
     
  4. Got it, cheers! I guess I'll be giving him a call as soon as I can be without them for a bit ;-)
     
  5. Lovely project Ian, I can already picture the quality
    of the final bike by the work on the wheels alone.
    I need another project myself, have a hankering to
    do a Cafe Racer but most likely it will not be Ducati
    based, probably be a Honda twin, I probably need to wash
    my mouth out now.
     
  6. There's no PROBABLY about it Dr Duke ! Husha yo mouth mutha ! Lol.....Mind you, I have a hankering to build a CR750-4 replica..........
     
  7. Ian, can I make a comment on your engine stand ? Mine is pretty much the same, but I have welded 2 bracing struts between the rear uprights, and on the lower one welded a spigot...that allows the case to rest against it and you dont then need the lump of 4x2 to hold the engine up...just gives better allround access thats all, ........oh yes, and I have some casters on it too so you can move it about easily......its strong enough to rebuild the whole bike on too.......so no stands needed AND all you do is pull the pin at the end......
     
  8. HI,

    Good to see the pictures of the bike.

    We met on the Ducati OC stand last Oct at Stafford over my Mk1 Superlight that was on the stand.

    Mine is going to recive a little attnetion this spring to sort out some minor paint defects on the engine.

    Will keep in touch so we can both see how we are getting on.

    Cheers

    Pepsi
     
  9. I understand what you mean Nog, I did consider various options like castors and support tubes but this option works fine for me. If I had a fixed front support it wouldn't allow me to spin the motor over which is very handy when stripping the paint off. You can fix the motor in at a lower level too which is handy when transporting it in the boot of the car. I've found things like this to be 'work in progress' so bits might get added on or taken off depending on what i'm needing at the time.
     
  10. I remember fella, very nice bike and a credit to you :cool:. I'll be posting up the results as I get further into the re-build which knowing me will be a slow process, work always gets in the way !

    You may have seen it already but check out Steve's SL register, he's posted on here about it but if not try this Ducati900sl.com

    Ian.
     
  11. Oh...Go and wash your mouth out too...and with soap.
     
  12. I'll take a pic of mine later Ian......it means you dont need a front support at all, and can turn the engine over freely.........and with other holes in the rear uprights you can also lower it to pop it in a car boot...tho I have a van so have no need.....
     
  13. appreciate that fella, nice one.
     
  14. The plan is to restore it to standard and limit the modifications to simple upgrades.

    Oh really? - I'll watch this with interest!!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  15. Am I that predictable ? :eek:

    Who am I kidding, cause I am ! It's already started with the titanium bolts...
     
  16. That's the trouble with being too close to TI Pete! Have got one of his front spindles fitted with my new wheels (lighter than standard, pics to follow) - pure porn.
     
  17. Did you pick it up off Ebay? It looks like one advertised on there a while back.
    Good luck with the project!
    Steve.
     
  18. Keep the pictures coming... ;)
     
  19. It makes you wonder how a bike like this can get into such a state..??? I mean they weren't cheap when new and were limited edition.....
     
  20. Looking good Ian! Hello long time no talk :)
     
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