ducatipaso.org

Just thought I would check in for a few questions I have about the paso.
Looking at getting one as a first bike (blue 88 750). I have definally learned alot about it in the past few days on this site.

On with the questions.

Love the look of the bike but want to change the headlight to 2 duel rounds like the new ducatis. Anyone done it?

Motor- I have done the reasearch on the motor and the carb with needing to replace it and thats all fine and dandy. I want to get some more power out of it this winter. Either a motor swap or some other stroker kit. I have looked at the swap threads and those are tempting. I want fuel injection on the bike. Best way to go about that or is it possible wit the swap options?

Tires, suspension and brakes- I understand about the tire problem and have looked in the threads here. With more power from the motor, new brakes tires and better suspension are a must. It seems like getting suspension and working around that would be the best way correct? What are my options for replacement front forks and rear swing arm that are more or less bolt on? From there I can use the brakes, rims and tires made for the suspension.

Paint- As the bike becomes more rare would it be stupid to paint the bike from the blue to another color? I don't think it would matter due to the fact that everything else would be worked over. What are youre oppinions and does the color of one bike hold more of a value than another?

I guess when it all comes down to it I love the look of the bike but want to start making it suited to my needs.

Lucas

I'm sure none of this is what you want to hear, but if you have to have Paso, take the money you'll spend on adding fuel injection and buy a 907 instead.

I can't think of any Ducati that's used dual round headlights. There was an aftermarket conversion for the 900ss back in the '90s (Powerbronze) but other than that... dual round lights was typically a Japanese thing. That said, yeah, it's been done. There's a thread here about it somewhere.

Regarding paint, original is always best. However with the other work you want to do, the paint will be the least of a future buyer's worries.

The rest of what you're talking about doing is pretty ambitious for a first bike. Not to sound like a jerk, but I think you'd be better off putting your time and money into learning how to ride. You won't be any faster on a 996 than on a stock 750 Paso until you figure a few things out... and you could buy a 996 for less than you're going to have into your Super-Paso...

sounds like a 907 to me too. do more research and really think about what you really want to be riding, a stock 907 or a hotted-up 750 for more money but doubtfully faster. ( no offense 750 guys)

I was going to do FI to a new motor. Not the stock 750.

Round headlights like the new bikes.

Not first bike in that sence.

I was not planning on doing everything at once and that depends on if I keep the bike. Motor swap would probably be the last thing and suspension and brakes would be first. Thanks for the comments though and I will look into the 907.

DesmoDog wrote:I'm sure none of this is what you want to hear, but if you have to have Paso, take the money you'll spend on adding fuel injection and buy a 907 instead.

I can't think of any Ducati that's used dual round headlights. There was an aftermarket conversion for the 900ss back in the '90s (Powerbronze) but other than that... dual round lights was typically a Japanese thing. That said, yeah, it's been done. There's a thread here about it somewhere.

Regarding paint, original is always best. However with the other work you want to do, the paint will be the least of a future buyer's worries.

The rest of what you're talking about doing is pretty ambitious for a first bike. Not to sound like a jerk, but I think you'd be better off putting your time and money into learning how to ride. You won't be any faster on a 996 than on a stock 750 Paso until you figure a few things out... and you could buy a 996 for less than you're going to have into your Super-Paso...

buy an early FZR

the only twin headlight dukes i know of are the 916, 748, 999...

as for the 900SS twin it was an after market thing. If you are going for the conversion try using a panel that fits into the hole left by the enormous headlight, or use the FZ750 twin which is a straight swap.

as for the other conversions... it's a bit too much work for not that much difference. There are plenty of newer bikes with many of the features you're after, i suggest finding a well looked after one of those...

the problem with fiddling is that sometimes you just end up with some just wrong.

lhoward wrote:Round headlights like the new bikes.

Not first bike in that sence.

The new bikes use a single round light, not duals.

In what sense is it your first bike then???

FWIW, I've owned a 907 since 1991. It was the first of many Ducs and as much as I like it, the one thing it has never been is a true sportbike. If that's what you're trying to make it into, I think you're going to be disappointed. There may be people here who will disagree with me, but in my experience Pasos do not make great sportbikes.

Your enthusiasm is great, but I have to wonder what your goal is. Reminds me of a quote I heard long ago - "You can't make a racehorse out of a pig, but you can make a mighty fast pig".

Enjoy the Paso for what it is. If you're just trying to make a fast Paso, great. If you're trying to build something to hang with good riders on the latest 600 repliracers, you had better be one hell of a rider because the bike aint gonna get ya there...

That's a tall order alright, and it sounds like - should all of that come true - there won't be much left that is a Paso. Although the Paso is completely enclosed like sportbikes, it's considered a sport-tour bike. Those 16" rims weren't meant for corner grip - they're built for stability at cruising speed. But onto your questions ...

re: the FI - I'd skip the 750 and go straight to the 907ie. Of the Paso line, it's generally accepted that the 907's provided the greatest power output from the get go.

re: dual headlights, I've seen a conversion done on a Paso with twin projector beams, and IMHO I thought it was pretty ugly. The only other twin round headlight bike I can think of is an F1 (same era as the Paso) that was fitted as an endurance bike:


re: paint - there weren't many blue Paso made in the first place; some consider them as limited as the white "Limited's". I have a blue '88 myself, and while I've been considering an alternate paint scheme - I've been keeping an eye on ebay for pieces and accruing them as I go. Once I get a full set, I'll paint it. Alternately, if I decide I can't wait, I'll order a whole set from Airtech-Streamlining (about $900). It's not the same quality as factory plastics, and will require some additional work in terms of getting it fitted properly (they aren't drilled for mounting holes) - but it'll keep the originals intact. Another reason for you to consider Airtech - the headlight cowl is not cut for a headlight - therefore you'd have a clean sheet to work with if you implemented twin headlights, however you decided to it - and you wouldn't have to worry about filling in the gap. In terms of value, there are fewer blue and white Limited Pasos than there are red. But on a personal note, as another blue owner, please don't paint it ...

Otherwise, Lucas, not to rain on your parade, but looking at everything you suggest from an objective, even fiscal point of view (which may not be an issue for you, I realize, but still) - you're talking about taking a motorcycle that is almost 20 years old, that was only available for a couple years and now only exists in limited quantites - and making into something else entirely. Which is completely in your power to do so ... but all these components that you're suggesting to upgrade or replace already exist in other motorcycles. Maybe they don't look like the Paso does, but if that's the only thing that attracts you to the Paso, it might be cheaper and less drama to retro-fit a set of Airtech Paso bodywork to a more appropriate chassis/engine. There would be less unknown to contend with; less problems finding parts or aftermarket options (which are few as it is).

Hopefully you don't take this a slam or in a poor way - it isn't meant that way at all - just trying to be objective about the ambitious project you have described here. Let me preface this next bit by saying that while I'm not an absolute "Paso Purist" - I do lean more towards maintaining the Paso's original intent than modifying it. (I have a '97 Monster, and that has been modified to be sure - but I think that was sort of the Monster's "original intent", too - modification!)

Anyway, everything you're talking about changing - I'm not sure what "Paso" would be left, besides bodywork. And on a 20yo motorcycle, it's my opinion that would be easier to ensure that your Paso does what it's supposed to, reliably - maybe add some refinement (either Jon Fiore's Weber tuning guide, or a Mikuni/Dell'Orto/Malossi/FCR conversion; Jon Slocum's electrical upgrades, etc), and that way you're cementing "that which is the Paso", versus trying to develop a modern day sport bike out of a 20yo sport-tour bike.

I thank you all for your comments. I enjoyed reading them and the different views everyone has. I will probably pick up the Paso and fix it to original and add some tasteful mods as I go then later down the road sell it for another Ducati. It seems like that would be the best thing.

One day I am going to buy a blue 750. It will be as close to stock as I can find. If you plan to resell, close to stock is the way to go. Added features will not add to the resale value (some performance mods excepted).

lhoward wrote:I thank you all for your comments. I enjoyed reading them and the different views everyone has. I will probably pick up the Paso and fix it to original and add some tasteful mods as I go then later down the road sell it for another Ducati. It seems like that would be the best thing.

You have made the best choice!!!
Ciao

ronstew wrote:One day I am going to buy a blue 750. It will be as close to stock as I can find.

There's a blue Paso 750 at the Seneca, SC Suzuki dealer that is for sale. All I know is that they want $2900 for it and it has 7000 original miles. I saw it through their window when they were closed and called on it the next day. No idea what kind of shape or its originality, though.

Much appreciated, Demon, but I have another year in university before I get back into the work force. For now I am going to have to be happy with this:



and this:



But if you go by while that dealer is open, I'd love to learn more about it.

Ron Stewart
Tsawwassen, BC