Back on bikes - M900 restoration

[sta22]

Hi guys

Just a quick hello, I've been away from bikes for the last 6 years, but when I saw this tired old M900 I just couldn't resist!

http://s11.postimage.org/ljkapvnj7/WP_000663.jpg

It's only clocked up 20k but has been sat for a few years and seems to have been used year round... I plan to strip it down, clean it up, and rebuild it back to its former glory

Anyway, back to scouring the forum for Monster hints and tips

[Zak]

Welcome!

I did the same with a barn find M750, the big reveal being at The Weekender in May, it's been a great process, one hell of a learning curve, I'm still only about 90% there, but loving every moment.

Good luck, plenty of great tips on here, enjoy!!

Z.

[Diego]

well done....a superbe project bike!!!!

[sta22]

Thanks! One day into the project and we're well on the way...

http://s14.postimage.org/zcqyonbwx/WP_000680.jpg

[Darkness]

M900: good choice!
Looks like you've got some work on making it pretty again, but it's a good chance to make what you want of it, so definitely worthwhile.
Enjoy the ride.

[Grumpy]

Hi Sta, and welcome aboard.

Is your purchase the one that was e-bay last week?
Enjoy the re-build.

[sta22]

Hi guys. Yes Grumpy, thats the one. He really played it down in the advert compared to what its actually like. Haven't had one nut or bolt put up a serious fight (yet)! Even found the original toolkit under the seat, always a nice moment :thumbsup:

[slob]

Nice one, good luck with the project and welcome to the club.

[Pomp1]

Hi and welcome.:thumbsup: Looks pretty original, apart for the front headlight/bracket. Good luck

[Marsh...]

Welcome, and good luck with your project, loads of knowledge on here if you get stuck. I'm more of an asker than a teller (someone has to make everyone else feel clever ;) ) Take loads of pics, share and enjoy. Seriously its full of good peeps

Regards Marsh

[sta22]

Thanks Marsh. I've had quite a few bikes before, been on the forums etc. But the MOC really does seem so much more friendly in my brief experience. And seeing as you asked for more pics...

Day 2

http://s8.postimage.org/n69n9hvtx/WP_000681.jpg

[Geoff Ives]

Thanks Marsh. I've had quite a few bikes before, been on the forums etc. But the MOC really does seem so much more friendly in my brief experience. And seeing as you asked for more pics...

Day 2

https://pbrb3w.bay.livefilestore.com/y1poVxDiteaRdIvl3RuOQCVsPhy0oQfyQNDPGaLA6GKDPkB3Vs ie0ZDrBu2nfezCwpdReFFua106Qc/WP_000681.jpg?psid=1

I couldn't agree more. Of other Ducati forums that I am or have been involved with this is the most active and friendliest.
In the short time I have been on here I have seen a recieved nothing but support.
Geoff

[daz4004]

Welcome to the club looks an early 900 am I correct I had a 93 900 loved it had some work to do on it I got it as none runner doh. One thing I would check on is the head studs I found out that the early 900 had studs that break I had 2 Busted on for cylinder one flush to casing very bad news,if you are pull engine around check them out I think old one were stainless steel new ones are harden steel ask around as this just was
what I found on mine

[jonzi]

Welcome and good luck

And your pics aren't displaying for me. Need to host them some where that ain't locked away from prying eyes.

[utopia]

Hello and welcome.
Hope the project goes well.
I was going to suggest that instead of stripping the bike straight away, you give it a quick service and get it on the road for the summer, so you can road test it for any hidden faults.
But judging from your later posts, I'm already too late for that (though I can't see your pics either).

[Wasta]

Nope, no pics here either, enjoy the bike and welcome. Keep us posted on how the re-builds going.

[sta22]

Haha yes far too late for that...

http://s22.postimage.org/jtvg2377l/WP_000688_1.jpg

I'm still looking to be on the road for summer, but to be honest it was dirty enough to make the rebuild worthwhile anyway. If anything major does crop up I'm sure I'll just take the hit, looking forward to hearing that rumble again too much!

[Blah blah]

Fook, you don't hang about do you...

[sta22]

Its the Ikea frame stands that make it all so easy

[Albie]

I had one like that. I do miss it strangely and will watch yours return to her former or better glory. Mine was a 97 though.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l209/albies4/Albies%20Monster%20pics/Pics109.jpg

sorry about the bin and sunchairs..............:thumbsdown:


PS just don't singleside it..............

[Petej]

Good luck with the project, I've done a similar thing and bought a neglected monster, many hours stripping and cleaning, but have enjoyed every minute! Will keep a steady eye on this thread!

Pete

[Witchellski]

I just love the original look... You've done well to pick up an early black 900 with those graphics. Simply beautiful! Good luck with the rebuild.

Not that it is any of my business, but I hope you're not going to do a 'tail chop'... Would be such a shame on such an original bike!!

W

[stu7/11]

So your the guy that outbid me :grump:, seriously, best of luck with the rebuild, I'll look forward to see how it progresses.

[theandyb]

This is a cracking thread thank you - good luck with the build. Please continue to share the pictures and don't spare us the gore as it unfolds!

[sta22]

Thanks guys, been struggling for motivation a bit over the past couple of weeks with this ridiculous weather, luckily today's sun sorted that problem out... I've got a powdercoater lined up for the frame and engine casings, but I've been meaning the give the rest of the engine a quick paint before dsimantling to reduce masking requirements. Anyway, started preping the engine, liked where it was going, and spent the rest of the morning getting it back to bare aluminium. As the pics show, not there yet, but well on the way

http://s8.postimg.org/rkq665dyd/WP_000707.jpg

http://s8.postimg.org/45890su79/WP_000706.jpg

http://s8.postimg.org/oo355v84l/WP_000705.jpg

http://s8.postimg.org/8bt3g4tt1/WP_000704.jpg

Tomorrow, think I'll try and finish off the prep, etch prime, and get a couple of coats of VHT aluminium paint on there - that way can get the frame and casings underway this week...

[buffalo4]

Good work :hail:

[sta22]

Well it's been a quiet few weeks away from the garage but progress has picked up again. No pics at the moment unfortunately as I've been rushing to squeeze in working on the bike between other things.

Last week I found a powdercoater in Bristol who was willing to source the unusual colour for the frame - after looking through the RAL sample book I decided on RAL7048, which was the closest I could find to the original bronzey-silver. Whilst I'm waiting on the frame I've been cleaning up and painting the casings in Hycote VHT silver grey - hopefully the slight contrast with the Halfords 'Aluminium' VHT on the cylinders will work well. Also sanded down the carbon bits with 1500 wet n dry and relacquered to bring them back to life - quite happy with the result.

Other than that I'm eagerly awaiting the call to say the frame's ready and it's all downhill from there!

[sta22]

Hi Guys

Well its been quite a while since I last made some progress, but got the frame back from powdercoating Friday and have spent the weekend putting it all back together. Unfortunately, fell at the last hurdle as have two wires left over (see http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?p=454951#post454951)

Other than that, and it not even trying to trying to turn over when hitting the starter, very happy with how its looking.

http://s21.postimg.org/sjbawregn/2013_05_19_19_29_19.jpg

http://s13.postimg.org/ohia2zc07/2013_05_19_19_28_02.jpg

[gary tompkins]

Looking really tidy

[sta22]

Well, finally yesterday I finished off the niggles, the numberplate went on and I took it out for a ride - last thing I rode was a 600 hornet - all I can say about the monster is wow!

http://s21.postimg.org/n8qy4gfnb/2013_05_22_20_12_51.jpg

http://s24.postimg.org/vtyik8axh/2013_05_22_20_12_37.jpg

http://s21.postimg.org/i8y3a8zef/2013_05_22_20_13_06.jpg