Do you think it is cracked? - Ducati.ms

Dmitry · Dec 6th, 2011, 9:24 am

looks cracked to me, just looking for second opinion.

This is my friends '97 (or 98) 900CR, while he is away I'm entrusted with bikes care and upgrades, and he wants a Showa shock, so taking a look at the old one I noticed this:

If it is in fact cracked what are the options:

Replace?
Repair?
Ignore?

Also while on the subject of upgrades, can a 916/748 fork tubes be fitted on this bike? (900CR)

* I realize the brake caliper mounts are not same but I have extra set of 748 calipers.
* Is the fork tube diameter same or does it require new triple?
* Can the 900 wheel be fitted on 748 axle, or does it require axle swap or bearing swap?

Thanks!

Sofa King · Dec 6th, 2011, 11:18 am

I'd be surprised if it's cracked. But if it is, it's an easy fix. Just take it to a weld shop after you take it off and clear off all the paint around the area to confirm. Since it's steel they can easily weld it back up better than new.

redpato · Dec 6th, 2011, 12:10 pm

Ray Charles could see that it's cracked. Being steel, the first clue is the rust coming out of the crack. You should be able to find someone willing to repair steel quicker than they would had it been aluminum.

"in God we trust"

Sofa King · Dec 6th, 2011, 3:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by redpato

Ray Charles could see that it's cracked. Being steel, the first clue is the rust coming out of the crack. You should be able to find someone willing to repair steel quicker than they would had it been aluminum.

"in God we trust"

Yeah, looking at this on my computer instead of my phone, that bad boy is cracked. And not the good kind.

On the phone, with a pic the size of a stamp, it doesn't look so bad. Blowing the image up to the size of my head, it look way worse.

bananaboat · Dec 6th, 2011, 3:27 pm

cracked for sure. Good news is that you will be able to get this fixed for not much at all. Any decent local welder can have you fixed right up.

va duc · Dec 6th, 2011, 4:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sofa King

Yeah, looking at this on my computer instead of my phone, that bad boy is cracked. And not the good kind.

On the phone, with a pic the size of a stamp, it doesn't look so bad. Blowing the image up to the size of my head, it look way worse.

You are killing me with that avatar of yours, I was ready to give you a rash of shit until I realized you copied bebops avatar, whew, that was close.

Dmitry · Dec 6th, 2011, 4:15 pm

OK then, it's cracked, just wanted to have a second opinion from the experts before I tell my buddy bad news. Welding isn't a problem, I have couple guys in the building who weld, we also have industrial size TIG in our space but no power outlet that can handle it (100A) and since none of us are expert welders and can make a living of it we decided not to spend the $$ on new electric service.

Probably remove and PC the swingarm over the winter, might even PC the frame just for good measure.

About that other stuff, still looking for an answer weather 748 front end be fitted to a 900CR? perhaps just a fork cartridge swap?

Anyone?

Any ideas?

Joe-B · Dec 6th, 2011, 4:24 pm

"Also while on the subject of upgrades, can a 916/748 fork tubes be fitted on this bike? (900CR)

* I realize the brake caliper mounts are not same but I have extra set of 748 calipers.
* Is the fork tube diameter same or does it require new triple?
* Can the 900 wheel be fitted on 748 axle, or does it require axle swap or bearing swap?"

*Brakes on 916/748 may be 40mm or 65mm bolt spacing, depending on age of bike. SS is 40mm.
*SS/CR fork tubes are 50/56mm, SBK tubes are 53mm. Bore or replace top triple clamp, shim or replace bottom. Different handlebars and fender too.
*SS front axle is 19mm, SBK is 25mm, so either shim/modify SS axle (use SS speedo), or change wheel bearings to 25mm (problems lurk there) and use SBK axle and speedo internals. All doable, but not cheap.

PeterS · Dec 6th, 2011, 4:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmitry

Probably remove and PC the swingarm over the winter, might even PC the frame just for good measure.

Personally, I wouldn't powder coat it. Powder coat will hide the crack when it happens again.
Paint is the best option.
Cheers,

Dmitry · Dec 6th, 2011, 6:24 pm

OK, no PC then, TIG weld and rattle can.

I have a complete superbike front end that I got cheap (forks, triple, calipers, fender, speed drive) but if I can find an adjustable SS fork this winter I'll buy it since it seems easier to just drop in adjustable SS fork tubes.