[slob]

Ron: (a bit late, sorry) Magnesium can’t be left exposed, it oxidises like Aluminium but worse. It’s also quite porous in cast state. The baby-poo/mustard coloured paint you often see on race bikes is a chromate treatment that not only protects the surface but also seals any pores. I’ve also come across Mg safety critical parts with a quoted service life (eg 5 years on some wheels). Generator covers on water-cooled Ducatis should also be inspected periodically, since coolant gradually eats them from the inside.

Terry: rear base gaskets are a common issue, certainly on pre ‘07(ish) models. I don’t think they were using enough 3-bond on them at the factory. Obviously there’s a finE line between sealing effectively and blocking oil-ways in the barrel.