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SOHC.co.uk Forums => Other Bikes => Topic started by: MarkCR750 on June 02, 2019, 06:10:56 PM

Title: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 02, 2019, 06:10:56 PM
I picked up this 1996 Monster yesterday, it was the dirtiest bike I’ve ever seen!, he’d had the belts done, changed the wheel bearings, starter motor, clutch plates, fitted new chain and sprockets done the oil change but had ridden on a daily basis since last August including through the winter on his 50 mile commute and never once cleaned it, I recon he could’ve gotten £500 more than I gave him simply by presenting it better on EBay (where it didn’t sell), anyway I’ve got the worst of it off and I can now confirm there’s a reasonabley nice M900 under all that muck 🙂, loads of tarting up and cleaning still to do but here it is, by the way [attachimg=1]superb fun to ride I recommend everyone to get one!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on June 02, 2019, 06:43:02 PM
Are you going to ditch that horrible can?
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: adespin on June 02, 2019, 06:49:03 PM

That's one fugly looking bike.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2019, 07:11:21 PM
Cleaned up well, Better then my low mileage 07reg  Guzzi anyway
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: hairygit on June 02, 2019, 07:20:21 PM
Are you going to ditch that horrible can?
Better to dump the entire thing in the sea!

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Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 02, 2019, 07:20:57 PM
Brilliant bike,  I think it's one of the best bikes I've ridden. Fabulous in red too.



Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: hairygit on June 02, 2019, 07:21:20 PM

That's one fugly looking bike.
Totally agree!

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Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on June 02, 2019, 07:28:12 PM
A marmite bike then!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 02, 2019, 07:50:24 PM
There’s a fugly can on the other side as well!, yes I’ll probably fit high level carbon cans, the ones on it are the originals and are a bit, erm, large 🙂, sound nice though!, now I have noticed that some of the replies on this thread are a little rude, it’s very rare to see such responses on this forum which I would normally regard as a league of gentlemen (and ladies Julie), I’m not going lower myself to respond to such drivel, I put that down to my “happy go #@%$ yourself nature” 🙂
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2019, 07:55:00 PM
Love it. You hear him Hairy  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 02, 2019, 08:15:29 PM
Yeah,  get with the v-twin beat Hairy  ;D ;D

Let that karma wash over you  :)
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: SumpMagnet on June 02, 2019, 08:23:48 PM
I like them ...much prettier than the watercooled Monsters. All the stuff the fairings hide have nowhere to go. ... but an aircooled motor looks nicer.

But yeah ...the stock cans are way too big and ugly!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 02, 2019, 08:37:08 PM
Brilliant bike,  I think it's one of the best bikes I've ridden. Fabulous in red too.
Surprisingly good aren’t they K2, go really well and so flickable!, I think I might actually prefer it to my 900ss, and I love that!, also I thought I’d miss the great low speed handling of my EX650R which I’ve sold to buy this, but it does that brilliantly as well, never ridden one before, so far it’s been pleasant surprises, front suspension is maybe a little over firm but not massively so.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2019, 08:43:57 PM
If I pay for bacon sarnies do I get to have a go.  ;)
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Moorey on June 02, 2019, 08:54:56 PM
Save the stock cans for another 40 years.  ;D but dump the bike.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 02, 2019, 09:04:53 PM
Yes they feel so weildy,  almost like sitting on a bicycle as so narrow, light, and big bars to lever it about.  But with a sledgehammer blow of torque relative to physical presence.

The name is a tongue in cheek take on being made of pre-existing parts, the monster,  so they knew they were creating something a little controversial.

As I understand it,  it's a 888 chassis with aircooled motor and street fighter layout, a pivotal bike for Ducati.

I persuaded a friend to buy one a couple of years ago,  almost mesmerisingly good to ride.  For those that haven't,  they really can't be more wrong. He felt the same and both of us describe it like an open class moto-x bike for the road. Front forks come into their own when you really get it going some, but as you say a bit strong for slower work.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 02, 2019, 09:19:05 PM
Yes it’s the bike that saved Ducati financially, agree with your comments, I’m genuinely impressed with the way it handles/goes, I’d never been a fan of the way they look but a couple of weeks ago I looked at one in Matlock and thought, I like that!, maybe it’s because they are old enough now to have developed something of a classic look but anyway I’m a convert now 🙂
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on June 02, 2019, 09:20:41 PM
Is that true? Or is it another “DB7 saved Aston Martin” story?


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Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 02, 2019, 09:26:35 PM
The Cavalier saved Vauxhall  ::)

Every new bike saved Ducati like all Italian brands they have changed hands so many times no one knows who owns what.
But I still love them
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 02, 2019, 09:46:03 PM
I guess before that one they were essentially very niche so you'd have to really be pointedly into them to buy one. In Ducati terms the monster was mainstream.

https://sites.google.com/site/infoage1/ducati-links-list/ducati-monster-production-distribution-table

All the different iterations keeping selling,  so ongoing income isn't bad from something born of a bit of a gamble initially.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 08, 2019, 10:06:13 PM
There's an interesting connection to this bike and the Honda SOHC bikes.

The Monster designer Miguel Galluzzi, went to work for Honda at a small design studio in Italy and one of the designers involved there was Hitoshi Ikeda (the Japanese designer credited with design of the CB750) who asked what bike did Miguel have.  It was a Ducati 750ss which Ikeda went to look at,  started it and remarked "This bike has a heart-we Japanese are never going to be able to make something like this" from then on every time Ikeda visited that office he got the key from Miguel and started the Ducati to listen to it.

This story is related in classic bike mag feb2019 which has reviews of both CB750 and design process of the monster.

Interesting that they can both appreciate the other's different view of motorcycles.

 :)

Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 09, 2019, 06:33:06 AM
Interesting that K2, I wonder if Hairygit ever will? 😄
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Laverda Dave on June 09, 2019, 10:30:44 AM
Maybe this was the sound Mr Ikeda was hooked on....
https://youtu.be/DrukZIqDbMg
As an aside to the Monster saving Ducati, the Laverda RGS was the bike intended to save Laverda, unfortunately it didn't due to being late into production and being expensive to purchase. Anyone who has ridden one will agree what a fantastic bike they were. Laverda had a policy from the outset of only fitting the best components available such as Bosch, ND, Reynold, etc and were not constrained to fitting Italian only products. Laverda were essentially hand made motorcycles as Ducati were at the time and consequently they couldn't compete with mass produced Japanese bikes. The Jota was more than double the cost of a Z1 at the time.
I love all bikes though, they all have their individual merits and long may petrol engines continue to fulfil our biking desires.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 09, 2019, 10:38:06 PM
I’ll second that!

On my 900ss I have high level carbon cans , they have exit reducers fitted rather than full baffles, when I change gear or throttle off it makes that “Bwoarrrr” sound as in the video you posted, it’s a really evocative and addictive sound, (I just have to be careful not to throttle off if there’s any police around!).
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Darkness on June 11, 2019, 04:18:43 PM
I’m very happy with my M900 Monsters, but very different from the Honda 4s to ride.

An interesting alternative to the Monster is the Cagiva Elefant, provided you are reasonably long in the leg.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 11, 2019, 06:59:00 PM
Yes, the main differences I have noticed are that the Ducati steers superbly, stops rapidly and accelerates really quickly!, the Honda 750 4 does none of these things very well!, 🙂, (it’s OK I’m just trying bait Hairy git), in fairness the 750 is from a different era so can be excused it’s dynamic inferiority.
If you compare the monster to one of its Honda contemporaries then in most respects the Honda is superior, I’m thinking Fireblade of course (maybe swapping bike genres a little but you get my point).

PS to the disgracefully rude so called “bikers” that had the temerity to criticise my bikes silencers you’ll be pleased to know that the carbon cans are in the post.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 14, 2019, 01:45:12 PM
New silencers, discs, bit of paint here and there, still a lot to do but at least it’s looking presentable now.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 14, 2019, 07:14:50 PM
Looks good Mark.
But what do I know I thought it looked good before.
I consider my Aprilia to be tidy and now I realize just how ratty it is :-[
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: SumpMagnet on June 14, 2019, 08:29:07 PM
Those pipes make a massive difference to the look ...and, I suspect, the sound of the bike
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 14, 2019, 10:02:13 PM
Looks good Mark.
But what do I know I thought it looked good before.
I consider my Aprilia to be tidy and now I realize just how ratty it is :-[
Cheers Mick, you’re aprilia just needs a little love that’s all, couple of spray tins and a days work and it’d be a minter!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 14, 2019, 10:06:30 PM
Those pipes make a massive difference to the look ...and, I suspect, the sound of the bike
They were a nightmare to fit!, RH dropped on but I couldn’t get any clearance to the swing arm on the LH, much adjustment, wrangling, shimming and swearing and 3 hours of my life I’ll never get back and it was done!, I haven’t been able to get out for a ride due to the rain but it’s hopefully sunny tomorrow, sounds OK on tickover 🙂
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 15, 2019, 09:10:07 AM
Sounds good, not too loud with the baffles in and a lovely deep boom when you throttle off, light popping on overrun which tells me it’s slightly lean, I expected that and put a screwdriver in my pocket to adjust the mixture screws, annoyingly I chose the wrong one, it’s 20mm too long to fit in, looking for someone with a hacksaw now to cut a bit off the handle 🙂
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on June 15, 2019, 03:01:11 PM
Re baffles... My 900SS was transformed with stock cans and baffles removed. Recommended by Baines racing at the time. Torque and pick up much better. Front wheel got alot lighter too for some reason :P
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 15, 2019, 09:16:44 PM
Yes stock cans are restrictive, obviously they have to meet noise regs, it’s always a balance though, too little back pressure can result in less power/torque, lean running etc, earlier today just after posting I borrowed a tree fellers bow saw from a gardener I saw and cut some off the handle off my screwdriver (I always insist on using the correct tool for the job 🙂), this allowed me to adjust the mixture screws, I took them from 1.75 turns out to 2.75, it was still popping on the overrun though, so when I got home I check tightened the exhaust flanges, put silicone exhaust sealant in the slip on joints, (plugs looked a good colour, maybe a tad pale) anyway I took the mixture screws to 4 turns out (same as my 900SS runs well on), and tapped the 6 small exit holes that surround the large centre exit hole in each baffle, I then fitted 3 screws in each baffle in the holes I’d tapped to blank the baffles off partially, it then started raining like crazy so I couldn’t ride it to see the effect , tomorrow I’ll go out armed with 6 more screws and some tools, if it doesn’t pop I’ll remove the 6 screws currently fitted, if it does I’ll add 6 screws so the baffles only have the centre exit hole open, if it still pops I’ll take the mixture screws to 5 turns out, if it still pops I’ll have to look into fitting bigger jets,  but hey I love this experimental type stuff 
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 16, 2019, 11:59:04 AM
Ok so I’ve been out this morning, it was still popping on overrun, so I stopped and fitted all 6 screws in both baffles to blank off the small exit holes, popping is much reduced , virtually gone, came home and checked plug colour, looks good which surprised me having taken the pilot screws out so much, anyway it looks good so I’m leaving the mixture screws at their current setting for the time being, I’ve blanked off the small exit holes in the baffles semi permanently now with pop rivets, I think next it’s strip and clean the carbs, the very slight popping that remains is most probably partially blocked primary jets, I had that on my 900ss, baffle photo below.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Green1 on June 16, 2019, 08:58:18 PM
That baffle reminds me of the hollow broom handle I shoved down a straight pipe on my little CG  ;D
I just drilled a load of holes in it and it run perfect after. So if all else fails  ;D 
I even had the added bonus of the broom being the right length for me now.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 17, 2019, 09:43:37 AM
Ha, ingenious!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 20, 2019, 07:43:38 AM
Sounds like you're getting it sorted out. Spoke to my mate that has one and same thing with carbs,  low speed circuits need sorting out so he's about to pull and clean carbs.

Have you seen this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ7R0KVQizo they make me laugh with such a casual approach,  slightly nutty application but looks fun  ;D
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 20, 2019, 08:09:53 AM
Ha, just had a quick look at the video, I’ll watch it later, looks bonkers!, I’m re-jetting, got a couple of rebuild kits from NRP carbs yesterday with bigger jets and new emulsion tubes etc, I got 150 mains and 42.5 and 45 pilots, I believe it’s currently fitted with 40 pilots so I’m trying to decide whether to go straight to the 45’s or not, it would be irritating to fit the 42.5’s and then have to take it all down again to fit the 45’s, decisions decisions!
Update; I think if I find the 40’s are blocked I’ll use the 42.5’s, if I find they are clear I’ll use the 45’s.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: K2-K6 on June 20, 2019, 09:39:08 AM
Looks a good strategy,  going with assessment of current flow before deciding.

Unfortunately it seems part and parcel of the fine jets on most carbs that they get impaired through very low usage,  the Honda types on here also.

Often it can take more than one clean and check routine to fully shake out minor reductions in flow,  a right pain if carbs are hard to remove.

A friend runs a garden machinery business and this area drives him nuts the amount of returns he gets from small stuff sitting around after sporadic use.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 20, 2019, 12:10:53 PM
Yes it’s a PITA on the Monster, it’s very similar to my 900ss, getting to the carbs requires airbox/battery box, coils and igniters etc off, at least the tank hinges out of the way and has its own bonnet stay🙂, knowing it’s a long job I’ve divided it into chunks, got to carbs last night 45 mins including packing tools away, tonight it’s carbs off strip & clean est 1.5 hours, tomorrow rebuild est 1.5 hours, better than a 4 hour stint, shame it’s not the James Captain, 1 bolt and the carbs off, unscrew cap and slide is out, 1 more nut to remove bowl, proper engineering!
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on June 22, 2019, 06:20:26 PM
I fitted the 45 pilots, (the 40’s that were fitted were partially blocked), no more popping or backfire on decel, I found it already had 150 mains fitted and tapered needles that were all in great condition so I refitted those, the emulsion tubes looked good too but I fitted the new ones anyway + needle valves etc, there was a lot of dirt in the bowls and on the diaphragms but nice and clean now, rides really well , plenty of torque , when I first went to start it the starter was stone dead! , quick phone call to The local Ducati specialist and he pointed me at the small white connector on the back of the solenoid, he was right of course, I’ve also taken the pop rivets out and all is good:)
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on August 11, 2019, 09:03:42 AM
Finally got the fuelling right, the 45 pilots turned out to be a little too rich, went back to 42.5’s but dropped the float heights by 1mm at the same time, now all is good, the biggest improvement I’ve made is with the Marzocchi front forks, I threw them away!, I’ve fitted a set of 3 way adjustable Showas (identical to the ones on my 900ss) and it has transformed the front end, now it’s really plush, no more tooth rattling over the bumps 🙂, turns in quicker as well, not sure if that’s because I’ve dropped them through the yokes a few mm more or because they are holding the road better, probably both, best £200 EBay purchase I’ve ever made, anyway one happy Monster rider.
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on September 23, 2019, 06:58:00 PM
I’ve upgraded a bit, well a lot actually, it’s bloody terrifying!  :0
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: Nurse Julie on September 23, 2019, 07:11:02 PM
Maaaaark, you be careful. I don't even know what that bike is but it's looks much too fast for a man of your age  :o
Title: Re: Ducati M900 the new toy
Post by: MarkCR750 on September 23, 2019, 07:28:49 PM
Ha, don’t you know I’m the oldest teenager in town Julie?.
But yes it’s stupidly fast, Monster 1200, it has the same standing quarter mile time as a Lamborghini Aventador, 10.6 seconds, that sort of puts it in perspective I think, in fact any reasonably minded person would probably say that this sort of machine should be illegal, luckily as you know, I’m completely unreasonable 🙂
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