Fork seals

[Projectman]

I need to make a start on getting my 907 road worthy.
Sadly, it is highly unlikely that I will ever be able to ride it further than a few miles; Father Time has caught up with me quite rapidly over the last two years and I have too many joint issues (no, NOT the smoking kind ) now, so it's upright riding only for me.

There's a leaking fork seal, so I obviously need to change both of them.
Should I buy genuine Ducati fork bits, or will ebay 'alternative' jobs do the trick?
The same question applies to chains and sprockets, brake discs/pads etc.

I am planning on getting the bike to the stage where a prospective purchaser will be able to ride it away. I want to do a decent, lasting job, but there is a limit to how much I can spend. Ideally, any buyer should feel that they have bought a 'sorted' machine, with no outstanding issues to worry about. I believe in doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, so honesty is the name of the game.



Thank you in advance for any responses .

[englishstiv]

I got my seals about a year ago direct from my local Ducati Dealer pretty much the same price once you factor in the postage and any paypal fees etc. However it may be a case of of whether they have any in stock as mine were the last batch here in Manchester.

they are generally available on ebay you could also ask your local BMW dealer as they share the same parts.

the other parts are really a personal choice I buy what is suitable but not necessarily the best or genuine I can't imagine you will need new discs and their value will never be recouped in a quick sale, all other serviceable parts are available at Ducati so I would use genuine belts. Halfords do a few good deals now and then on oils - see whats on offer.

Remember these old beauties do not carry their value when they are sold so don't overspend.

[Projectman]

Thanks for the reply, English .
I have bought all the spares to date from Ducati. I got new belts two years ago but, wisely, didn't fit them. They will be one of the last things I fit.
Although the bike is in decent condition, the previous owner was no mechanic, so a fine tooth comb is needed.
I definitely have to change the rear sprocket; There are some teeth missing from it! Who rides a bike with sprocket teeth missing? So the front sprocket and chain should be done at the same time, but I will assess them as I go round the bike.
The front discs have a bumpy, grooved, surface (not warped), which is why I think I may need to change them. I'm even considering cheapo Chinese made ones . If I was keeping the bike I would go for some better quality ones. I'm going to get the bike on the road and put it in for an MOT. If it fails on discs, then I'll have to fit some replacements.
I'm not looking to make any kind of profit, but I need to avoid losing money as well.
I aim to sell the bike in sorted, road worthy condition, that's all. The buyer gets my labour time for nothing. Can't say fairer than that!

[Projectman]

I've ordered some pattern seals on line. I'll report back on their effectiveness (or not).

[Projectman]

I finally stole a bit of time in the garage yesterday to make a start on fitting the fork seals. They are fatter (thicker) than the originals, so I can't fit the washer over the top bush and fit the fork seal retaining circlip (some may call it a spring-clip) at the same time. Without the washer in place, I am concerned that the top bush could push out through the fork seal.Am I missing something?

[ducbertus]

Hi projectman,

there are some different seals available.
I've the same thick one as you and fitted them some years ago without the washer on top of the seal.
the upperbush is still in. So I guess it is not so dramatic.
BTW I kept the washers, when new seals are required and thin ones show up I need the washers again.
Before I put my 907 on the road again, I've to replace the upper and lower bushings.
those from BMW K100LT should fit.

Bertus

[Projectman]

Thank you Bertus
I will proceed with re-assembly, and then blame you if it all goes wrong . Joking, of course.

[ducbertus]

projectman,

thank you very much for your kind offer

Bertus

[paso750]

why not get the right ones ?

I.e. Ariete ARI.083. What you need are seals with 41,7 x 55 x 7,5/10mm. The higher ones are 41,7 x 55 x 10/10,5mm which is probably what you`ve bought.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARIETE-MOTORC ... 2ec6495628

G.

[ducbertus]

I know, but at that time my dealer had the thick ones on stock and told me they would fit as well.
matter of thrust. But the seals are in for a couple years by now and nothing happened so far.
when I've to replace the seals again, I'll follow your advice and buy the original sized ones.

Bertus

[Duc750]

I know, but at that time my dealer had the thick ones on stock and told me they would fit as well.
matter of thrust. But the seals are in for a couple years by now and nothing happened so far.
when I've to replace the seals again, I'll follow your advice and buy the original sized ones.

Bertus

hehe.... Was it a matter of "thrust" to fit them or a matter of trust that you purchased them ?

I've fitted many parts by using "Thrust" (normally assisted by a big "tickle stick") but seldom with a good ending !


Loosely related to this but what seems to be the general idea on fork oil and volume ?

[ducbertus]

I Sie
matter of trust. I know this dealer for 30 years by now and in the past I machined a lot of parts for him and often got rewarded with goodies.
I've replaced the original springs by progressive White Power springs. to be accurate I've to check the oil weight and the height of the air chamber.
Will come back to that.

Bertus

[Projectman]

why not get the right ones ?

I.e. Ariete ARI.083. What you need are seals with 41,7 x 55 x 7,5/10mm. The higher ones are 41,7 x 55 x 10/10,5mm which is probably what you`ve bought.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARIETE-MOTORC ... 2ec6495628

G.

I ordered these today. I will let you know how it goes.

[Projectman]

why not get the right ones ?

I.e. Ariete ARI.083. What you need are seals with 41,7 x 55 x 7,5/10mm. The higher ones are 41,7 x 55 x 10/10,5mm which is probably what you`ve bought.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARIETE-MOTORC ... 2ec6495628

G.

I ordered these today. I will let you know how it goes.

Well, blimey. They arrived today. That was super-quick and they are the same thickness as the originals. They come with a little sachet of lubricant grease as well (no jokes please )
Thanks for the link, paso750. I will try and find some time to fit them this week end.