Chain seems loose on Ducati

[haapai]

Hello everyone.
I am putting together my Ducati that has been sitting for a year.
I bought it 2 years ago and just put it away after riding 3000 miles on it.

I got new 15 front sprocket and 40 rear and a new D.I.D 520 chain.
When I changed out the chain it seems very loose. I mean it drags on the top and on the bottom.
I don't remember it doing this with the old chain.
Is this what it is suppose to happen?

I have attached some pictures:
rear sprocket at the limit


slack


the bike


Even when I drop the bike down onto the ground it seems to be really loose.
Any ideas or is this just how loose it is?
Thanks,
LT

[ducapaso]

Wonder what's gone wrong...
Anyway,if the entire kit is brand new, try to shorten your chain and tension it again to a 1" of vertical play in the middle between the sprocket and the wheel axle.
Keep us updated

[paso750]

how many links does that DID chain have ? From my memory it`s 108 (or was it 106?!)
G.

[Fraser]

Hey LT,
The last new chain I bought (a DID 520) was way too long, even though it was purchased specifically for the Paso. Just remove some links (not too many) to get near the correct slack then do your normal chain adjustment.

Fraser.

[haapai]

Thanks for all the input.

I will be purchasing the Press and Riveting tool today ($79.99 Cycle Gear) and it looks like I will need to get a chain tension tool to. I will start by cutting 2 links off and go from there. I will keep the tension loose since that looks to be the best for the gears and crank case, and from what I have read on the forum.

I will keep you all up to date with pictures.
I hope to take it out this weekend for a ride. The weather in SF is starting to warm up!...no fog!
Once again thanks for all the advice.
LT

[haapai]

OK I have done the deed and I have pictures!
I would like to start by saying that Fraser was right. I had to cut some links off. So, let us start the picture show.
1. The tools:

Wrenches and some loctite (blue). The loctite was used for my sprocket bolts.


The breaker, press, and rivet tool ($79.99 Cycle Gear) or you can find online for cheaper.


Dremel, every man should have one so if you don't, go get one!

2. Let us start the surgery!

Measure how many links I will need to cut. Looks like 2. I wanted to keep the number low. Easier subtracting than adding.


Dremel in action. Oh, the sparks looks like 4th of July. Remember kids to wear eye wear.


Used the breaker tool to press out the pin.

3. We can rebuild him, faster, better, stronger.


Look mama no slack. I have of course pulled the wheel to show no more slack. I will let some out but this is just for the picture and to show how much tighter the chain is.


Keep in mind that even when I had the wheel at its max the chain was still lying on top of my swing arm. Nice and tight.


Press tool and the components. Time to press the pieces together.


Press tool in action. Make sure that you line up the holes.


Time to rivet the lock. This is a break down of the tool.

After riveting the lock you should be ready to go!

I love working on this bike. And I love the looks she gets just sitting at the gas station, coffee shop, at work, and in the drive way. She looks better than the new Ducati, and one of my friends was surprise to find out how much she was worth, and what year she was. Design is dead my friends, and 10 years from know someone will be writing the same thing about the 999 and 1098.
Thanks,
LT

[persempre907]

What lovely rims .
Ciao

[jcslocum]

Nice write up.
Nice rims.
Nice tools. Tools are our friends!

Good job and thanks for sharing!

[ducapaso]

I love working on this bike. And I love the looks she gets just sitting at the gas station, coffee shop, at work, and in the drive way. She looks better than the new Ducati, and one of my friends was surprise to find out how much she was worth, and what year she was.

I think you explained with the best words the feeling of all paso riders & owners!!!

[persempre907]

And I love the looks she gets just sitting at the gas station, coffee shop, at work, and in the drive way. She looks better than the new Ducati, and one of my friends was surprise to find out how much she was worth, and what year she was. Design is dead my friends, and 10 years from know someone will be writing the same thing about the 999 and 1098.

The last good looking Ducati has been the 916.
What you're saying is the thruth: many people is wondering about my 907s and many times they stop me to ask about.
I'm always surprised when it happens, perhaps because I ride so little my bikes ....
Ciao