848EVO Track Build

[Tricky Mike]

Well, I downsized from three bikes to one and have been having some fun throwing money at my 848 EVO.
It's going to be a long-ass winter, so I figured I'd start a thread.

I love the 848, but it's not quite up to the task in stock trim.

Started by selling these:





Here's the patient:

[Tricky Mike]

Started of with a visit to the fine folks at Woodcraft CFM http://www.woodcraft-cfm.com/cgi-bin...i?display=home

Frame sliders, rearsets, case covers, Armour Bodies bodywork, Clipons, etc... Quality is first rate as expected.





Bodywork mocked up:


I also pulled the stock shock as that's one of the weak links:

[Tricky Mike]

Found a good deal on an Ohlins TTX MKII.
Had Peter "say goodbye to daddy, sweetheart" Kates of GMD Computrack Boston re-spring and rebuild it.
I'm also running the DucShop linear linkage. I may need to machine that Sato ride height adjuster. I'm waiting to finalize the front end before I worry about ride height.

[Tricky Mike]

Adjusted the valves, replaced the cam belts and found myself a great deal on a used set of wheels, complete with the usual moronic ebay seller shitshow (ugh). Still need to buy some rains.

Valve adjustment on the Testastretta isn't as bad as everybody makes it out to be.

[Tricky Mike]

I didn't really plan on a new master but unrelated trips to Seacoast have a way of changing plans. Brembo 19RCS pump mated up to some new HEL brake lines:



Had to get a little creative with the reservoir mounting.





Stock Monoblocs are definitely up to the task. Gave them a good cleaning:

[Tricky Mike]

Probably THE biggest issue with the stock 848 is the lack of trail. The fix is relatively easy, but expensive (figures). The bike needs reduced offset triples. Stock offset is 36mm. I managed to find a set of used DucShop triples. 28MM offset and a 1-degree reduction in rake (23.5 degrees from 24.5 stock). I guess this is what Jake Zemke has been running on his 848. Hoping for good results. I also have the option of running the stock 24.5 degree rake for still more trail. DucShop made these really cool eccentric inserts and a smaller diameter stem in order to achieve the reduced rake. Front wheel-radiator clearance is an issue with the 28MM offset, so the radiator fans had to go and I'm working on a way to move the rad back a little.

[Tricky Mike]

More used parts. Ohlins dampah, kid. Still trying to decide if it needs a rebuild. It feels OK

[Tricky Mike]

Managed a package deal for a Yoyodyne slipper with those DucShop triples. Took a little figuring out since I didn't have a set of instructions. I guess the big thing is that you have to tweak the order of the clutch pack so that the judder spring doesn't get caught under the basket when it lifts to engage the slipper.Seems like it works on the bench.

[Tricky Mike]

And that's kind of how it sits at the moment. I'm staring to think paint. I have a bunch of House of Kolor left over from another project. I also picked up some red matched to the frame/wheels. I'm thinking mainly pearl white with that red to break it up...
I'm no pro, but hoping I can manage to make it look decent.

[DZircher]

Awesome looking project but as you may know already, I'm biased towards the Ducs.

[Pittenger5]

Awesome looking project but as you may know already, I'm biased towards the Tricky Mikes.

[union]

Nice Building these things up is almost as fun as riding them. If you can I would suggest finding the instructions for the clutch. Stack height tends to be important.

Of course I must ask. Can I ride it?

[Mgiossi]

awesome progress! look forward to seeing it continue

[theducman]

Great read! Can't wait to see this at the fishtail days

[Marc R]

Hey Mike! Without the offset triples, what is the problem at the track (front end vague, slow turn in, ...)? Does it concern only fast people?

And, thanks for posting the motorcycle nudity pictures.

[Tricky Mike]

Mainly a lack of front end feel. The bike doesn't like to change it's course mid-corner and tends to run out of track on exit.

I'm hoping it doesn't only help fast people. I'm not really in that category!

I'm just kind of going on DucShop's existing testing/data. Mark S. from DucShop has been a Ducati chassis tech off and on since 1995 and this is apparently the most common factory Duc superbike setup. They've done a bunch of testing with some really fast guys (polen, Zemke, etc), so I'm hoping to be pretty close right out of the gate.

[scottieducati]

Great progress Mike. Almost makes me want another 848...

[Tricky Mike]

Almost makes me want another 848...

Almost? How dare you, Scottie Ducati? How dare you?
Your old 848 was a big part of the reason I wanted to build this one up. That bike was dope.

[Tricky Mike]

If you can I would suggest finding the instructions for the clutch. Stack height tends to be important.

10-4 on that. Talked to Yoyodyne this morning and confirmed that my clutch pack is within spec. For those that haven't done it, the install is super easy. They actually have a pretty cool way of measuring the stack. Basically just take a depth measurement through this hole, remove the plates (really just need to remove one or two) and remeasure. The differenve should be in the 1MM neighborhood. Mine measured out to 1.16mm and they said that was great.

[CBR929RE]

10-4 on that. Talked to Yoyodyne this morning and confirmed that my clutch pack is within spec. For those that haven't done it, the install is super easy. They actually have a pretty cool way of measuring the stack. Basically just take a depth measurement through this hole, remove the plates (really just need to remove one or two) and remeasure. The differenve should be in the 1MM neighborhood. Mine measured out to 1.16mm and they said that was great.

what would happen if it was out spec? I never did measure mine and used the original plates. never had a problem all year and it felt fine.

[Tricky Mike]

what would happen if it was out spec? I never did measure mine and used the original plates. never had a problem all year and it felt fine.

I'd bet:
1. It would slip too much
or:
2. It wouldn't slip at all
or:
3. You'd run 1:12's

[CBR929RE]

I'd bet:
1. It would slip too much
or:
2. It wouldn't slip at all
or:
3. You'd run 1:12's

hmm didn't think of 3. its gotta be that cause its not slipping too much and its not not slipping. I'm gonna have to call up Yoyodyne and ask what's up, why ain't I running with the top guys.

[catch2otwo]

Off topic, who makes your lift table?

[Tricky Mike]

It's a cheapo Harbor freight No complaints so far. I think I paid $259...

[GixerJockey]

Great progress Mike. Almost makes me want another 848...

Almost? How dare you, Scottie Ducati? How dare you?
Your old 848 was a big part of the reason I wanted to build this one up. That bike was dope.

I've been consistently saying this since 2008...

"Scott's 848 is still the most well sorted motorcycle I've ever ridden."

It went around VIR like it knew the way, and just needed you to manipulate the throttle. It went around Loudon like its ass was on fire, and the bike thought it could out run the flames.