My Tank is Here

Brad did a phenomenal job on this tank. The pictures don't do it justice (but are included below, of course). I look forward to seeing it back on the bike soon. Note the retro (60's-70's era) logos and the Corse-style center stripe.

All the dents are gone and the paint looks so deep and glossy. The fairings are smooth and plastic damage has been repaired. I couldn't be happier with the job from Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks. Brad really did a fantastic job with my crashed tank.




Below are images of all three parts that Brad did for me:



Meanwhile, I have also received several parts to complete mods while the bike is in the shop. A little housekeeping is to be done and the DesmoTimes Case Saver Insert is to be installed soon. The rear ride height is going to be raised to quicken turn-in and to compensate for the increased lean angle at rest, a CycleCat sidestand that's a little over 1/2" longer will be used.




To clean up a large amount of tubing mess behind the motor, a Nichols Crankcase Breather and K&N Breather Filter are also going to be installed. As many of these mods have costly parts, the open clutch cover, a SpeedyMoto Flow Design, is going to have to be put off even further. Meanwhile, I have decided to slowly 'spruce' up the internals so when the open clutch cover is installed, there is already a considerable amount of "Bling" to show. To do this, I had already installed Stainless Steel Springs, but I now have Titanium Spring Retention Bolts and Red Billet CycleCat Spring Keepers.



The collection of new parts came from a number of different sources. The vendors include TPO Parts, CA-Cycleworks, and MotoWheels. An image below shows the collection of new parts that will be installed at the beginning of next week (hopefully.)

Parts are in, Tank on the way!

The K&N breather filter Kit, Nichols Crankcase Breather, CRG Mirror, Custom Xenon Headlight, CycleCat Billet Spring keepers & sidestand, DesmoTimes case saver insert, and the like have all arrived, no problems. Parts from MotoWheels, CA-Cycleworks, & TPO Parts. Looks like the full rebuild is a go.

I have CAD'ed up a license plate bracket and bought the sheet of aluminum, I only lack specific hole location measurements now before I start the tail chop process. I'll be ordering frame plugs from DesmoWorld.de, as their plugs have a unique design to them, and I'd like to do business with the guys at that shop. Should something arise and I find the STM plugs on a large discount I won't be hesitating to buy them as I also like the look of those, inasmuch I like any of the billet pieces, just not plastic plugs!

Recent phone call to Brad of Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks. The tank is shipped and billed, I should have it by the end of the week. He broke out the cost for me shown below, the total was $880.00:

• Tank Repair + Ducati 'Rosso' Red Paint - $440.00
• Tank Striping - White Center Stripe - $75.00
• Tank Decals - Retro Logo in White with Black Border - $40.00
• Seat Cowl Repair + Ducati 'Rosso' Red Paint - $135
  
• Headlight Fairing Repair + Ducati 'Rosso' Red Paint - $115
• Seat Cowl and Headlight Fairing Striping - White Center Stripe - $75.00

The $880.00 total (plus free t-shirt) is considered more than justifiable/reasonable to me. The tank had multiple dents, and I wanted a non-standard paint job. The logo's required a third color (black) as an outline on a red tank to make the white decals 'pop' out.

Brad was incredibly easy to work with and I would recommend him to anyone (and I will be recommending him!)

Pictures should be in by the end of the week.

More Parts for the Bike, Tank Update -

Lots of New Parts have been ordered recently. Here's the breakdown (quick and dirty).

From CA-Cycleworks, I will be enjoying a Nichols Crankcase Breather, I didn't forget the crush washer, and while I was there I picked up a matching CRG Hindsight Lane-Split Mirror for my RH Side, as well as the DesmoTimes Case Saver Insert. Might as well pick up the necessities while I'm there I figured.

To go with the Nichols Crankcase Breather, I have ordered the K&N Filter & Air Box Plugs Kit from TPO Parts. While I'm picking things up there, I decided to try out there "Custom Xenon Headlight" for Monsters, as a brighter lighting option. Since things things are adding up, I've chosen to equip the Duc with a less expensive method for letting the rattle out, and that's with the Clutch Cover Spacers Kit.

To take on the predicament of fluid reservoirs at the handlebars for the clutch and brake M/C's, I have decided to go with the Rizoma Bottom Outflow Reservoir's with Window (CT0017) in Titanium. This round the CycleCat bars, which are also in Titanium to give a less conspicuous mounting. The reservoirs are being shipped from PJ's Parts, as I have had several pleasant dealings with them so far.

The last of the parts come again from MotoWheels. To begin the clutch improvement, I ordered the Titanium Clutch Spring Bolts & CycleCat DSK-1 Billet Spring Keepers in Red. The future plan is for the pressure plate to be gold, red caps, behind a titanium color SpeedyMoto "Flow" Cover. The Titanium Spring Bolts and Billet Caps go with the SS Clutch Springs and STM Clutch Pin Holder already installed on the bike. The main reason for this shopping extravaganza began with the CycleCat DKS-35 Billet Sidestand in Silver. This is the slightly longer sidestand to relax the lean angle when the bike is at rest. My stock sidestand is completely nasty and covered with scratches, etc and this will go well with the rear ride height raise that is being done by Corse Motorsports while its in getting put back together.

TANK NEWS:
Brad emailed from Speedzone to let me know that everything looked great and just required a little more time before it was shipped to avoid impressions from the shipping packaging, etc. The decals came out fantastic, and it looks like the bike will be back on the road and running by Christmas.

Tank Repair & Painting

After a quick call from Brad Diez from Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks, I was informed that the tank had been successfully repaired without any problems and was about to be painted. He insured the design we had was as before, Red with White Center Striping, with old-style logos in white with black outlining. The conversation couldn't have gone any better and besides running a top-notch business, Brad was fun to talk to. The tank should be done and back to me in a matter of a few short weeks. Things are finally coming together for this rebuild process and I will be dropping off all of the parts for the bike to Corse Motorsports around Thanksgiving (one week away). Pictures to come soon!

Rizoma Indicators & CycleCat Components

The Rizoma Indicators (Track '01' Style) are in and they look phenomenal. They were shipped practically the same day I ordered them from PJ's Parts - a topshelf company if there ever was any. The price can't be beat for Rizoma products and I had them in a few short days. The finish is fantastic and there length makes me curious as to if I should get a second pair to peak out from behind the fairing on the front. I think they'll look trick as soon as they are installed.

...a topshelf company if there ever was any.

In other news, the bar ends for the CycleCat clipons arrived safely in California at the MotoWheels shop. Once they arrived, I called Brian to order the CycleCat reservoir brackets and they should be shipped out today with the CRG-style bar end sliders to complete my handlebar set up. I'm anxious to see the whole set up on the bike. It looks like I may be ordering the Rizoma Fluid Reservoirs to mate up with my system before the end of the month. (I have a birthday coming up - 11/22). To continue to throw praises at MotoWheels as well, Brian is a topnotch employee, and they "get" the whole customer service idea. A quick phone call, and he remembers me, asks about the bike, etc. It left me with a good feeling about everything when the call was over, and that's the way it should be.

TPO Parts / PJs Parts

TPO Parts arrived today as scheduled. The tactical license plate bracket and signal relocation brackets are lighter than I had originally imagined. Turns out the lightweight screws are included in the package so I now have a redundant set that I will make use on another motorcycle. One of those things I wish I had known ahead of time since it would have saved me my 5 bucks. Next step: Tail Chop.

PJs Parts is providing the new Rizoma Blinkers to replace my damaged stock pieces. The new signals will be Rizoma Track "01" Indicator Lights in black. The clean look will replace the bulky stock signals as well as blink faster due to the lack of resistance. I could opt for the Rizoma Resistors to make them blink slower but I'll try it like this first to see what its like.

My turn to Ship parts

Shipped out the tank, headlight fairing, and seat cowl to Speedzone Paint & Body over the weekend, and they depart today. The shipping wasn't as expensive as I had imagined for UPS Ground but the insurance in case they "lose" my tank nearly doubled the cost.

In a non related shipping event, the bar end sliders for the CycleCat Clip-Ons sent to me were the standard large size bar ends and unfortunately I needed the CRG style ends. Not a big deal, a quick email to MotoWheels and the matter was cleared up. This was shipped back at the same time to California as the tank. In the email conversation, Brian will include the CycleCat reservoir mounting brackets as my new brake M/C does not have a bracket built in, nor do I have any existing bracket apparatus. There will be additional costs but I find they will likely be negligible. I could go on for days about how great the staff at MotoWheels treats the customers.

New Parts Order!

TPO Parts will provide some finishing touches to the induction system as well as the tail assembly of the Monster. As my Monster is carburated, the grey plastic vent pods have always looked excessive. The pods will be removed using a kit from TPO , cleaning up the front end. The rear will be rounded out with a fender eliminator bracket and signal relocation bracket as well, with lightweight (plastic) bolts to hold it together. The total order consists of:

• Ducati Low Profile Turn Signal Brackets
• TPO Stealth License Plate Bracket Monster - TACTICAL Style
• Lightweight License Plate Bolt Kit
• Ducati Monster Carburetor Vent-Pod Removal Kit

The parts are due to arrive within the next 2-5 days.

2nd Delivery

MotoWheels Box o' Goodies was delivered on time as promised by the folks at FedEx. A large Quat-D box that was unmistakeably for me was awaiting my return from an oil change today. In the box was:

• Complete Quat-D Ex Box System for M900 Ducati Monster
• 2 Quat-D Stickers
• No Quat-D Installation Instructions!
• Several Italian only "Authenticity" papers for Quat-D
  
• Brembo Radial "GP" Master Cylinder 19x18
• Speigler Dual Line Brake Switch Banjo Bolt
• Swirl Pattern Billet Aluminum Steering Head Bolt
• Titanium Crankcase Cover Bolts (2)
• Titanium Color SpeedyMoto Crankcase Cover - "Iron Cross"
• SpeedyMoto Stainless Steel Crankcase Cover Bolts (2)
• CycleCat DBR-3 Adjustable Riser Clipons - Titanium Colored
  
• CycleCat Installation Instructions
• CycleCat Bar End Sliders
• CycleCat DS-7 Frame Slider - Spare Delrin Slider

Seen below are pictures of various parts included in shipment.

1st Delivery

Ferracci parts delivered on schedule. [23 October 2006]
Included are:

• BMC Filter Element
• Ferracci aluminum bracket for open air-box top
• 2 BMC Air Filter Stickers

Below are pictures of the box the parts came in, and the parts next to the box.

Tank & Fairing Repair

Tank & Fairing repair is key for the rebuild. The tank will be repaired, removing all dents and dings and then repainted the stock Ducati Red color. The tank, headlight fairing, and seat cowl will also be striped white down the center and the tank logos will be changed to the old 60-70's era logo. The stock (original) Logo and the new 'Retro' Logo can be seen below. All tank & fairing repairs will be completed by Brad Diez of Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks. It should be noted that after millions of emails and responses to and from Brad, he has not gotten frustrated.

His commitment and level of customer service is beyond A+.

Original Logo

"Retro" Logo

And this is a cartoon representation of what the tank will look like. Thanks to fellow DML'ers for helping me photoshop the appropriate tank logos, color, striping and gas fill cap on a stock image. The tank is currently at Corse Motorsports for disassembly, draining and shipment to California.

Parts Shipped

One day after ordering:

Ferracci shipping confirmation received:

Package to be delivered on 23 October 2006 via UPS .

Motowheels shipping confirmation received yesterday:

Package to be delivered on 24 October 2006 via FedEx.

Ordering Repair Parts

PARTS

The first round of parts have been ordered. Two seperate orders were made, one at MotoWheels and the other through Fast By Ferracci. I have differing opinions on both transactions from the very beginning.

MOTOWHEELS -

Parts ordered (9):

• Spare Cycle Cat DS-7 Delrin Frame Slider
• Cycle Cat DBR-3 Adjustable Riser Clipons, Titanium Color, 2.5" Riser, CRG Bar Ends
• Brembo "GP" Radial M/C 19x18
• Mini Banjo Brake Switch - Dual Line
• Quat-D Ex Box Exhaust - M900
• Billet Exhaust Flange - 2V Ducati
• SpeedyMoto Crankcase Cover - "Iron Cross"
• Titanium Crankcase Cover bolts
• Billet Monster Steering Head Bolt - "Swirl"

Notes: Great website, immediate verification of order email. This was quickly followed up by an email from an employee to let me know that the Billet Exhaust Flanges do not work with the Ex Box exhaust system. He wanted to know if I wanted to take them off the order completely or be issued store credit (the cost for the flanges is ~$100). Either is fine with me, but useless flanges is not, so I was happy to get the email. Order was shipped later that day, tracking number email received as well.


FERRACCI -

Parts Ordered (1):

• Airbox Conversion w/ K&N Filter Element. For Carburated M900.

Notes: No confirmation email. Order given during checkout, so I called asking why I the website said I'd get an email and I had received none... Online Orders Guy is out at meetings for the day was answer given. I ask if it is in stock to verify that I will be receiving something in a reasonable amount of time. Employee on phone was unable to tell. Dissapointing to say the least and I am hoping this is not a sign of bad things to come.

Beginning after the Crash

EVERY GREAT PROJECT first begins with an idea. In my case, the idea was how do I repair this bike after a crash...My Monster 900 and I had a lack of traction experience traveling east of Memphis on a back road that resulted in a nasty tank dent, mangled handlebars, bent exhaust, scratches on both the headlight and seat cowl, and the destruction of my front brake master cylinder.

Needless to say, highsides suck.

This blog's purpose is to serve as an update of the rebuild process and what is going on the bike. This will include unbiased product and vendor reviews along the way. The primary companies I have chosen to deal with are shown below:

• Corse Motorsports - Nashville based local Ducati shop run by two great guys, Alain Ledgerwood & Andy York.
• Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks - Brad Diez defines great customer service, he will be responsible for the tank repair and painting. Located in California.
  
• MotoWheels - Also based in California, Motowheels has a phenomenal website with great inventory and some of the best pricing. The majority of replacement parts will come from them.
• Fast By Ferracci - Northeastern U.S. based company with racing heritage. Mixed reviews from several friends but the parts offered make them worth a shot.
• The DML - The Ducati Monster List: An invaluable resource for information, advice, and instructions.

Updates as they occur will be posted with opinions on transactions.

Pre-Crash Ducati:

On Its Trip Home from Ohio.