[acpigeon]

Installing a new AB upper and lower on a 1997 Ducati 748. Track fairings are a bit tricky so I've been taking my time working methodically. After installing a DB Holders fairing stay and shaving a bit off the tip of one air runner, I have the upper fitted.

My issue is the with the lower fairing. The bottom hits the lowest point of the exhaust pipe that runs under the bike and therefore I can't make the two edges mate with the upper without bending it into an awkward shape. Not to mention having a hot pipe pressed directly into the fiberglass . It's a stock pipe, so it really shouldn't be an issue.

Attaching a bunch of pictures here. Wondering if anyone who's installed these in the past can give me any pointers. I could drill out a relief for the pipe and build something up to seal the belly pan, but I really only want to do this as a last resort...

Here's the root cause. This is looking forward, courtesy of a probe.

I have the fairing staged as close to the final position as I can get it. The wood is supporting exactly where the pipe contacting the fairing. Everything seems level, kickstand and rear pipes are clear.

In this position, the lower fairing doesn't come far enough up to properly mate with the upper. These photos are taken with the fairing balanced as evenly as I could get it on both sides. I can fasten the left side dzus but it makes the gap on the right side worse.

The front-to-back alignment with the upper looks fine.

 

[RedSubmarine]

Have you tried unbolting the muffler straps and mid pipe, then wiggling your exhaust system upwards? I wonder if you can just adjust the exhaust pipe placement


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[acpigeon]

Have all the springs off and mount points loose. So far coaxing with a mallet and adding pressure from a lift isn't budging it up.

 

[RedSubmarine]

Nah you have to wiggle it. Rotate the pipes within their sleeves. Probably a bit easier if they’re warm too

Just seeing you still have your kickstand on. That probably isn’t helping things. Either make a cut around for it or remove it.


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[acpigeon]

Yea I've already made cuts for the kickstand and rear of the pipes to clear. I definitely have more cutting to do on the kickstand side but it's not currently the problem.

 

[RC713]

Per previous advice in this thread, loosen everything that could interfere massage it around and let it all find its happy place. Had to do this a number of times with a number of aftermarket products with these bikes.

Also, get some heat shield/tape for the inside of the plastics anywhere the exhaust touches or comes within a 1/4 inch or so.

 

[acpigeon]

Appreciate the advice. Have loosened everything and reset all the joints. No progress yet.