Smeegal's attempted suicide in France...

[JMo]

Yes, my Euro-trip did not end well... less so for Smeegal's internal organs:

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_1061.jpg

Having covered over 3000 miles in the previous two weeks on some truly epic mountain roads in France, Switzerland and Italy... faced with the prospect of 500 dull motorway miles to get back to Calais, in a fit of recalcitrance and protestation, Smeegal spat his dummy (along with a number ball-bearings, and oil) all over the A46 north of Lyon... not a good day.

Fortunately it happened not too far from where we were staying that night, and I was able to carry on two-up with the friends I was riding with the following day; while the good folks at Carole Nash assure me Smeegal will be back home in a body bag soon enough... I fear this is going to be expensive though...

Jx

[Scott1]

Phew, for a second I thought you were going to say you fell off, at least it still looks good.

[JMo]

Happier times...

We started out on the Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry:

Careful of that paintwork please!
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_0997.jpg

And spent a couple of days in Normandy - St. Malo, Mont San Michel, Arromanches and the Normandy beaches, before heading diagonally across France for a couple of days in Burgundy...

GPS made navigating the more minor roads a breeze:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03654.jpg

The Chateau de Savigny has a fantastic [private] collection of Abarth cars, vintage motorcycles and dozens of military aircraft:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03683.jpg

Then we headed for the Alps, with the intention of riding a good number of the mountain passes on our way to Italy...

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_1014.jpg

The weather was patchy to say the least over the weekend - this was halfway up the Passo Di Stelvio:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03736.jpg

But after a hot-chocolate stop, the weather had moved in, and this was at the top - bloody snowing - in July!!!
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03738.jpg

Fortunately the weather cleared again on the way down:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03739.jpg

cont.

[JMo]

cont.

After a weekend in the Alps, the original plan was to visit the Ducati factory in Bologna the following day... however, they emailed a week before canceling our tour because of a conference (buggeration!), and although they offered an alternative, it didn't fit into our itinerary... so after a quick stop at the factory shop (that was also bloody closed on a Monday!) we headed straight for the west coast instead...

This is the sculpture outside the shop - made from various Monster components to celebrate the 100,001 Monster being built, in 2007.
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03749.jpg

Unfortunately, someone seems to have stolen one of the shocks:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03748.jpg

So if a cancelled tour and a closed shop wasn't bad enough, it then started raining again... still, it cleared up once we reached Pisa...

Yep, it really does lean that far over!
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_1050.jpg

We then rode up the Italian Riviera coast, including some excellent mountain roads and coastal tunnels in the Cinque Terre region north of La Spezia (I mention it specifically if you are ever in the area on a bike!), and then via Monaco for a lap of the GP circuit!

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03801.jpg

After an overnight in the city centre of Nice (nice), we heading for the mountains once more in the southern Franch Alps, and were rewarded with stunning weather, magnificent views, and mercifully little traffic - heavenly!
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03855.jpg

Col De Rousset - another 'must ride' road en route between Die and Grenoble...
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03862.jpg

Look at the view! - I mean LOOK AT THE ROAD!!!
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03877.jpg

Insert witty caption here...
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03880.jpg

Somewhere near Chambery:
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03861.jpg

And that old favorite: "What's the last thing to go through a bug's mind when he hit's the windshield?"
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/DSC03881.jpg

"His arse..."

Toot toot!

Jx

[J.P]

That's a proper trip and such a shame for the bike to give up on the way back.

[urbanfireblade]

You got some fantastic miles done on your Ducati, 'tis a shame it happened so near the end but i'm sure it'll be sorted, maybe a bit expensive, check out costs of another engine before getting yours fixed?
I wish i had more biker friends who are as adventurous to do something like that trip, tho no way would i trust my 600 to do it! Lol, great pictures, love the leaning tower one!

[JMo]

That's a proper trip and such a shame for the bike to give up on the way back.

Thanks JP - to make matters worse before I left I'd just paid out to put a new clutch and belts in it, and a brand new 190 rear tyre which is now impregnated with oil...

Jx

[Char]

cool pics but what a shame -

[Nonnie]

You're so epic Jenny!

Seriously. However, that bug.....I don't know about that.........

[JMo]

..but i'm sure it'll be sorted, maybe a bit expensive, check out costs of another engine before getting yours fixed?

Funny you should suggest that... I already have a plan x

If anyone is interested - it was the output shaft bearing that disintegrated, and spewed oil out all over the rear of the engine, chain and rear tyre... I felt it go and immediately pulled in the clutch, but of course the wheel was still turning the chain and front sprocket/output shaft [and at about 80mph] - so it is more than likely there is some further internal damage to the gears etc.

At the very least the engine will have to come out and the cases split, and any debris (there is still the remains of half a ball-race and a stray bearing somewhere in there I fear, at least we found seven of the eight...), then everything cleaned out, and the other components checked for damage too.

As the bike has already done 40,000 miles, my dealer suggested changing the big end bearings too - not only as a precaution (since the engine is open anyway), but because debris could have got in there too...

It all adds up to a LOT of money, and that is before replacing or machining anything else amiss in there...

Hey ho.

Jx.

PS. glad you liked the photos - we certainly had a lot of fun!

[JMo]

You're so epic Jenny!

Seriously. However, that bug.....I don't know about that.........

Hee hee - whatever it was (and it must have been bloody big!) it was nasty - good job it hit Sharron's screen and not her helmet visor!

Jx

[Nottsbiker]

Motorapido list all crankcase bearings and seals for just shy of £500 with a 10% discount for forum members so comes in at around £450 our so. Crank rebuild if required is £300. Hate top think what the labour is though....

Great pics, and the roadracing exhausts really suit the 916 back end :)

[JMo]

Motorapido list all crankcase bearings and seals for just shy of £500 with a 10% discount for forum members so comes in at around £450 our so. Crank rebuild if required is £300. Hate top think what the labour is though....

Great pics, and the roadracing exhausts really suit the 916 back end :)

Thanks for the kind words Notts' - I'd also priced things up at Moto Rapido today, and yes, it's going to be the thick end of £800 with just bearings and a new shaft - a lot more if the gears (or anything else) are damaged...

for info. The exhaust on mine is actually a custom-made one by Zorstec - based on the original Road Racing design, but with two separate cans and more clearance for the header pipes on the right hand side; while my swingarm is actually a Febur kit for the later (S4 framed) Monsters, that apes the 916 visually but with the correct mountings/holes for the Monster shock linkage and rear header pipe etc.

But yes, I remember seeing a photo of an M900 (yellow with a purple frame as I recall) in the dim and distant past of the original UKMOC forum, and that bike had a 916 swingarm and a Road Racing exhaust... I knew then what I must do!

Jx

[Funkatronic]

such a shame, sure you could get a complete engine for that and bolt your lovely polished bits on

[gary tompkins]

Jen,

There's a pair of low mileage 620 lumps here stateside

Although by the time you add on shipping and Duty it may cost as much as a rebuild

I would keep an eye on the UK breakers for another engine... or the DD paddock ;)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-Monster-620-M620-Motor-Engine-GUARANTEED-/160645801947?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25673c67db

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-Monster-620-M620-Engine-Motor-GUARANTEED-/160845882600?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25732964e8

Also spotted this 750SS lump on evilbay but not sure if it will fit or work with 620 ECU etc..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DUCATI-750SS-750-SS-SUPER-SPORT-2000-ENGINE-STARTER-MOTOR-ONLY-12K-MILES-/130661451042?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e6c078522

[utopia]

Really enjoyed the write-up and pics.
I particularly enjoyed " no, LOOK AT THE ROAD ! "
And I chuckled out loud when I scrolled to the hairpin pass shot.

Sorry to hear about the dummy throwing, but at least you stayed on the bike. Sounds like you gloss over what could have been quite nasty.
I'm assuming your rebuild costings are not for a diy job so this probably isn't relevant, but bearings are often available much cheaper direct from a stockist. You probably know that already though.
I'm also wondering how your chain lube and adjustment has been, but again I'm sure you're already on the case. I like scottoilers myself. Full lube, all the time. Mind you...white paint.....

I've only seen pics, but Smeegal really is a lovely monster.
Hope normal service is fully resumed in due course.

[JMo]

Thanks Utopia (and everyone)... until I get the bike back, and the engine out and apart, it's hard to say - but to be honest I'd rather leave engine internals to someone who really knows what they are doing...

Fortunately I've already found a suitable [very clean and low mileage] replacement 620 engine on the bay, so other than a belt swap and set up to match the EFi properly, I'm hoping that will suffice while I consider what to do with the original lump... one option is to simply break it for parts (so sad), or buy a Haynes manual for those long winter nights...

Jx

PS. the chain adjustment seemed fine throughout the trip (it was a new chain too), although it might have developed a tight spot I guess...

[urbanfireblade]

Exactly what i'd do. Bolt in another engine to get you going again and it gives you time to look at your options then with the broken one. I think it may end up being a very expensive can of worms tho if you've had bearing failure. Particles end up all over the place inside. :(
Will you be happy with a 620 tho? ;)

[JMo]

I think it may end up being a very expensive can of worms tho if you've had bearing failure. Particles end up all over the place inside. :(

That was my thought - at the very least it will be around £800 to fix, that is if there are no other damaged components or any machining to do...

Of course it's a gamble replacing an engine that I've known since new (and just spent out putting a new clutch and belts in), but the new engine has [purportedly] only done 5000 miles, which is a LOT less than the old engine - so should keep Smeegal fresh for a good while longer...

Will you be happy with a 620 tho? ;)

Hee hee - been happy for the past ten years - Smeegal was only ever a 620 anyway, and this way the ECU, throttle bodies, and all the ancillaries won't need to be changed either...

Jx

[gary tompkins]

Hee hee - been happy for the past ten years - Smeegal was only ever a 620 anyway, and this way the ECU, throttle bodies, and all the ancillaries won't need to be changed either...

Jx

Clockset/immobiliser would have to be changed to match coded ECU as well - Even secondhand these would probably cost a lot more than the engine swap

Hope you manage to get Smeegal fixed and running again soon Jen

[urbanfireblade]

I'd have thought Jenny is right??? Just swapping the engine out for another 620cc one won't affect the immobiliser side of things as thats built into the electronics on the bike(she's keeping the original Clockset and ecu in situ).

Good luck with it anyhow Jen. Typical there's not much choice on eBay right now, unless you look to the States that is.
Or there may be someone on here who has a 620 they're willing to strip???

[JMo]

I'd have thought Jenny is right??? Just swapping the engine out for another 620cc one won't affect the immobiliser side of things as thats built into the electronics-she's keeping the original Clockset/ECU in situ.

Yes, I think that is what GT is saying - that if I'd swapped to a larger engine, then the ECU (plus clocks etc) would also need to be changed, but not if I'm just replacing with another 620 and keeping my original ancillaries...

Jx

[gary tompkins]

Tep... that was it Jen

[dazzpowder]

Great pics, where did you carry our kit, on ye mates bike? Lara Crofts got nothing on you!

[Saint aka ML]

JMo if you want to swap to bigger engine just get engine, injectors, part of loom you might need (not all) and ecu. Avant race parts will be able to reset the ecu to stock so you will need red key to code it. They could also disable the immobiliser. It is also possible to take entire outfit in one piece to Bristol to do a Dino setup and they can reprogram your stock ecu.

[Funkatronic]

where might u find a low milage ds1000, inc lockset, clocks, ecu, loom coils etc etc? :-)
hmmmm

[JMo]

Great pics, where did you carry our kit, on ye mates bike? Lara Crofts got nothing on you!

Ha... you don't know how close to the truth that is... well, was...

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/339_3907.jpg

Jx

ps. Yes, fortunately the rental bikes came with top-boxes, so that saved me having to wear a rucksack... no luggage on Smeegal - never!

[NattyBoy]

Great thread mate / I'd check out rich at Louigi Moto for that rebuild - he's got a great track record for sensible motor rebuilds. And you might get mates rates ;-)

[He11cat]

Hope things get sorted Jenny.
I don't know you take it on a nice holiday ......

Maybe the oil was its attempt at getting a tan?

[JMo]

Great thread mate / I'd check out rich at Louigi Moto for that rebuild - he's got a great track record for sensible motor rebuilds. And you might get mates rates ;-)

Hi Natty - yes of course, that would be a good option - Rich has always been helpful in the past and that could be a good way of getting the original engine sorted... thanks for the suggestion!

Jx

[SunEye]

Looks like you had a great trip, ignoring the mechanical failure at the end.

The high alpine passes get snow at any time of year. Had a freshly snow ploughed route up the Grossglockner one summer and black ice on the way down the Col du Galibier another summer.

I hope you get the bike sorted. It is a lovely looking machine.

[JMo]

Quick update. Well I've found a suitable donor with exactly the same blood type etc. and who seems to have died young (just 5000 miles) and left their organs to science... Just waiting for the patient to be repatriated from France now, then surgery will commence!

Jx

[JMo]

Quick update - I have a low mileage 620 engine sitting on my workbench, and all being well, Smeegal will be delivered home on Monday... then the fun begins!

Once everything is running again, I'll be breaking the original engine, so if anyone is after 620 parts - do get in touch... all monies go to fund my Dakar 2013 campaign of course!

Jenny xx

[northantsrich]

wow that is one cool bike. I love the cans on it what are they?

[JMo]

Thanks Northantsrich - they were actually custom-made by Zorstec is Shipley, based on the original Road Racing design (see more info on the first page in reply to Nottsbiker) - top quality workmanship!

Jx

[Mark Taylor]

Hi Jenny, good luck with the Dakar next year, I can't believe how shiny your bike is - did you DIY or have it done professionally? iIt must take a lot of dedication to keep in that condition - that's PROPER immaculate, btw what mirrors are they & do they give a good view?

[JMo]

Hi Jenny, good luck with the Dakar next year, I can't believe how shiny your bike is - did you DIY or have it done professionally? iIt must take a lot of dedication to keep in that condition - that's PROPER immaculate, btw what mirrors are they & do they give a good view?

Thanks Mark - I'm going to need as much help as I can get for Dakar this year, as I don't have the buffer of any savings left this time...

My bike is actually not as shiny as it once was - the polished alloy parts have faded over the years, giving more of a satin finish - which I actually prefer to be honest, the mirror polished parts needed an awful lot of autosol after every ride!

This was in 2006
http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/other%20pix/Gollumdesktop.jpg

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/other%20pix/JMOrearright.jpg

The wheels, swingarm and engine covers were all stripped and polished professionally originally, then I just kept on top of it after that...

As for the mirrors - yes, they do actually work pretty well - as long as your jacket is not too bulky (which is a polite way of saying as long as you're not a porker of course x) I got the idea from riding a 749, where I found you have to lift your elbows to see anything! - the seating position on the Monster (especially with higher, wider bars like I have) means you actually get a pretty good view under your arms, and set right they are ideal for checking if anything is about to overtake you on a dual carriageway for example...

I swore I would never have anything made by Motrax on my bike, so I'd like to say the black versions that are now on my [cream bodywork] bike are Oberon mirrors... however, George White were having a clearance on Motrax and these are one of the very few items that actually look just as good as the real thing... the mountings I custom made using a 8-10mm mirror adaptor bolt and an M8 allen bolt shaped to offer a degree of adjustment - works for me anyway...

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_0800.jpg

http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr289/JMoandpiglet/UKMOC/IMG_0802.jpg

Jx

[urbanfireblade]

Ooh, is that ur XR in the background(last pic)?