Fits...

While Shannon's F1 engine transplant is giving me fits, I'm pleased to report that the 900SS/SP  engine fits in the frame of the obviously a late production run '90 750 Sport with its rare (in North America) 1st year 900 Super Sport frame.  While the initial measurements supported the theory, it was a thrill (yes, I need a life) to drop the frame over the motor and find that although it's tight, it will actually work.  I'll be able to hang the igniters and coils on the 900SS airbox bracket - mounted under the Sport battery box and retain the Sport wiring harness.

 Looking at the shots of the upper frame cross brace and the foot peg hangers, you can see what I mean by tight.  Not shown in the pics is the impossible to remove vertical cylinder cam belt cover.  Another treat was that with a spacer, the SP's adjustable forks and clamps will bolt on as well.

I was planning to mount dual FCR's from Chris Kelly on the long manifolds, but they'll foul on the battery box.  I managed to borrow an FCR split single from Paul Lacelle and once again, a tight fit, but with the Mallossi short manifolds that came with the Sport, they just fit.  So far, so good.  Next up; pull the heads and treat them to an MBP valve job and take a look at the rings.  Clean inspect and buff everything from the Sport chassis through bodywork and the SP wheels, suspension and brakes.  I've also arranged to measure a late model 900SS shock tomorrow night and hope that "slightly longer" means 13.5".

As for Shannon's F1?  Too depressing to even photograph. Derek Pelowski runs a nicely prepared 750 Sport at DOCC events and I have to work hard to stay with him on my F1.  He posted "My worthless advice is toss out the Marelli Digiplex ignition in favor for the F1 or 900ss ignition. There are no Marelli control units to be found in the Ducati parts bin, which serves right for such an unreliable ignition system."  I chose to ignore his advice reworked the ignition/coil/regulator mounting plate to accommodate the change in ignitions and hope that he was wrong.  He wasn't.  When I tested the system, intermittent spark on the rear cylinder slowly degenerated to no spark anywhere, so ignition's in the bin and the mounting plate has been reconfigured.  If I hadn't sold the old Bosch pick-ups and flywheel during my latest eBay frenzy, it still would have been a depressing hassle fitting and timing the Bosch system.  But I had, and that meant contacting the two lucky winners (fortunately, I hadn't shipped) and begging them to let me refund their money.  Hats off to Tim Moulton and Jim Neher for taking the whole process in stride and letting me off the hook.

Sigh...

Content: 1990 Ducati 750 Sport, loudbike, Steve Munro, Ducati

Comments

[edward hessel]

I have just purchased a 90' 750 sport, in very nice original condition. I have noticed your "cadillac" project and wondered what happened to all the removed 750 parts?
Very nice site, I am sure I will spend a couple hours here!
thanks for you time, edward

[richard eyman]

i do not know what url is . i am computer/digital photo challenged , but if you speak with some of the docc members that were at mosport in i believe 1994 or 1995 they may remember my bike or even if you find the right one possibly one of your members being passed by me on the front yes front wheel at approx 160 mph after the last rise on the back straight . i give you my word that i did not try this . but it was eye opening . i am a former menber of the docc great club . if you would be so kind as to send me your address i would be willing to send you some photos .