Ducati 996 engine custom build

[buzzer]

Thought I would start a new build thread on my ST4s custom now the Multistrada build is finished. Here is a link to the last build…

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

So here it is as it arrived. It’s a running bike with 22k on the clock. it’s not as tidy as it looks in the pictures, the paintwork in particular lets it down. It’s a runner, but it had some electrical issues, which were easy to trace, the loom was a mess!

I have now stripped off all the parts that I definitely know I won’t use, and these are being sold to fund some of the build. First little job has been to machine the top yoke and rough some clamps out so I can fit conventional handlebars, to make it easier for me to move it around, and so I can sell the originals.

I am not sure yet on the style this will end up, but it needs to be reasonably easy to ride, no clip ons! I am also going to make a tank in alloy this time, and work is already underway designing and making an English wheel which I am quite excited about.

I took the Multi out yesterday for its first short ride and was REALLY pleased with the way it run on the new ignition and carbs... and that got me thinking... I don't think anyone has done a 996 engine on carbs...(most will say why the hell would you!!) I like the idea! So I have sourced a pair of nice flat slide 48 mm carburettors! Watch this space!

[buzzer]

I have decided to give the keihin 48mm CV flatslides a go... these are off a Honda VTR, and apparently they are some of the biggest carbs fitted to a bike... unless you know different of course! they have come up really well...

[buzzer]

a little bit of progress, I have made the first manifold out of plate and tube, its come out quite well... I have managed to mount the carb at the same angle it was on the Honda VFR it came off.

[AceOfHearts]

Looks great!

[buzzer]

AceOfHearts said:

Looks great!

Thanks!

I have mounted to other carb now, it sits high so I had to cut a panel in the tank to clear it. I may end up making a tank for this build, but for now I will use the original to get it all running

[Motorsport3]

What is the benefit/significance of fitting carburetors? I thought the injections were more efficient way of running an engine both in terms of consumption and maintenance.

[buzzer]

Motorsport3 said:

What is the benefit/significance of fitting carburetors? I thought the injections were more efficient way of running an engine both in terms of consumption and maintenance.

Injection is brilliant... However, on old bikes like this the electronics fail. the ECU's fail, as do the LCD clocks, and the sensors, immobiliser issues... the cost of replacement is high and not worth it on older bikes like this. Its a way of going back to a "back to basics" bike. I know I will drop a few BHP... but to be honest I cant cope with what I already have these days

[Mr Dendrite]

Have you got any plans yet for the styling? Big Carbs has got mean a bit of nod to the classic Ducati or are you going for something completely different? As always enjoying your work, so thanks for taking the effort to post up the progress.

[TT Tim]

You said you were selling panels that weren't to be used?

Have they already been sold?

Thanks

Tim

[buzzer]

TT Tim said:

You said you were selling panels that weren't to be used?

Have they already been sold?

Thanks

Tim

Hi, I have sold some but still some left... send me a PM and I will send pictures of what I have left

[scarble]

Another buzzer build
I can understand FI is a lot more initial effort to set up if you're not using the original electronics and imagine you don't baulk at the idea of occasionally stripping and cleaning carbs like some of us do.
Your threads do make me look forward to retirement. Few years yet.

Edited by scarble on Monday 8th April 16:32

[wc98]

this going to be good if the last build was anything to go by.i like the idea of carbs, i still think modern day fuel injection on bikes is never as nice as well set up carbs.Not sure about the big vtr carbs though, only time i ever had a go on one throttle response felt a bit sharp when picking up from a closed throttle. might just have been that bike though, it was a few years old at the time.

[Dibble]

Ace! I love these threads. I don’t know what I’m looking at or understand what I’m reading most of the time, but I do like seeing stuff being put together, stuff being machined and tools made to fit/fix all the stuff.

[pits]

Those appears to be the same forks as the 750SS, used to have them on mine but I've since upgraded them to 999 forks and the bike handles so much better, fiddly job but well worth the upgrade.

[buzzer]

scarble said:

Another buzzer build
I can understand FI is a lot more initial effort to set up if you're not using the original electronics and imagine you don't baulk at the idea of occasionally stripping and cleaning carbs like some of us do.
Your threads do make me look forward to retirement. Few years yet.

Edited by scarble on Monday 8th April 16:32

yea, another build but its now on hold until late September though... I have already covered it up out of sight so as not to tempt me!

I want to spend the summer driving and riding, and holidays... we have quite a few planned... Florida tomorrow, Cuba cruise, New York, west coast USA cruise, Bermuda, and then in September a big one. South America, Peru, Mattu Picchu (been on bucket list for years) and the Galapagos... so not much time for project builds!

I love retirement!

[buzzer]

Late August and the weather is terrible… so I have made a start… for a few weeks before we go on holiday anyway no going back now as I have had the angle grinder out on the rear of the frame. I really don't want to use the ST4 tank though so I have managed to find a badly dented Ducati alternative in a breakers, which seems to fit after a bit of under tank surgery!

[dibblecorse]

Bloody hell, hate to think what the rest of that 999 that that tank came from looks like.

[buzzer]

dibblecorse said:

Bloody hell, hate to think what the rest of that 999 that that tank came from looks like.

you should see it now!

I was going to try to make a tank, but I really like the 999 one i have picked up cheap...  but its taking quite a bit of work to modify to fit over the carbs.  I have had to cut the bottom out and fabricate a new base.  some of the welding is done, and I thought it best to dye pen the joints as its easier to correct leak on the outside of a joint, rather than inside when its all welded up... good job i did as there were two leaks.  Dye penetration works amazingly well as you can see.

[Biker's Nemesis]

buzzer said:

you should see it now!

I was going to try to make a tank, but I really like the 999 one i have picked up cheap...  but its taking quite a bit of work to modify to fit over the carbs.  I have had to cut the bottom out and fabricate a new base.  some of the welding is done, and I thought it best to dye pen the joints as its easier to correct leak on the outside of a joint, rather than inside when its all welded up... good job i did as there were two leaks.  Dye penetration works amazingly well as you can see.

Wish I had skills like yours. Top work that man.

[buzzer]

Biker's Nemesis said:

Wish I had skills like yours. Top work that man.

Thanks! skills have been learned over many years... I have always had good mates who were always happy to transfer knowledge, well before the internet and YouTube days!

Finished the fabrication on the bottom of the tank, all pressure tested and no leaks!  I have had problems finding a fuel tap big enough...  most are 8 mm but the Honda carbs require 10mm pipe, they were a thirsty beast!  found one in the end...  but I wont be running a reserve.  Also made a couple of short bellmouths to fit under the pod filters.  they were made out of tube, and spun in the lathe to bell the ends out.  to do this you need to soften the alloy first by annealing it.  I have struggled with this in the past as you need to get the temperature right, but if you go too far, it suddenly melts into s a blob!  the answer is simple, a trick picked up from a mate...  scribble on the alloy with a sharpie pen...   heat until the pen marks disappear, and stop heating! then let it cool. it works a treat!