ducatipaso.org

Ok, here's my first question, I'm sure there will be more.

The bike starts fine, and runs good, it's a little fussy, but nothing major (it still has the stock Weber). However it has died on me a couple of times. When I get on it (maybe 6000-7000 rpms) through all the gears, it will die(sometimes), usually after I've started to back off the throttle. Both times that it has done this, I also noticed the fuel warning light flashed a few times.

I was thinking maybe vaporlock? It was very hot outside when this happened. The bike was serviced shortly before I bought it, valves adjusted, carb gone through, new belt, etc.. I am going to change the fuel filter, and clean the petcock.

Does anyone have any ideas, or had a similar problem?

My standard Paso runs out or legs at 6,000rpm and I thought its normal but I think I need to look at the problem also. I only recently purchased my Limited and yet to take it for a proper test. I personally dont push my Paso's coz i respect them too much, I use my Hayabusa when i need to go for a thrash. Once I find the problem ill let you know.

Am I missing something here? Those rpm's are way below redline.

According to the factory specs, which I realize aren't always real world numbers, peak power (72.5 hp) is achieved @ 7900 rpm. I didn't feel 6000+ rpm was out of line. Is it?

I've always believed that if a machine is properly maintained, and in good working order, then there is no reason to baby it. However, I don't want to cause any damage, and as a new Ducati owner, I'm not that familiar with their limits. Are these older Pantah engines prone to problems If they're pushed too much?

I will look into the jetting.

There might be various troubles you're facing.
1) mufflers (as said before): Try with larger main jets or smaller "air brake" jer (the pair on the top).
2) spark plugs. If they have run with a too rich or too lean mixture, they can blow very soon, and they don't look bad
3) dust in the jets or dirty ones. During maintenance, both things can happen
4) fuel filters full of dirth. There're 3 of them: in the petcock inside the tank, the main after the pump in the fuel line and a nother net in the carb inlet

I think the fuel filters were the problem. I've changed the inline, and cleaned the others. I took it out for about a 30 mile ride (just got back) and it seems to have solved the problem. The inline filter was plenty dirty.

I think I will need to tear it down this winter, and go through everything. I have noticed some dry rot starting on some of the hoses, and I'm sure upon closer inspection, there may be some other things that need attention.

Thanks for the help, I'm sure this forum will be a very useful tool. I've already been able to learn quite a bit about this bike just from reading through old threads here.

It looks like I've bought a model that will require more attention than many of the others I've owned, but it's one of the most fun bikes I've had. This may be my favorite bike so far.

Thanks again

Pasos SHOULD function VERY well between 5000-8000 rpm without any problems.... At least mine function! And its very good to use high rpms just BEFORE valve adjustings to get shit out from valve systems. Surely valves must be adjusted in COLD engine!!!!

The motor has no real weakness, you can cane the shite out of it and she will come back for more.

The carb is crap. Start looking for Dellorto's or Mikunis for a winter project.

I have found a couple of tires, but you're right a carb upgrade is in order also. It runs pretty good but there is definitely room for improvement in the carburetion.

Do you guy's feel that one is better than the other?

Dellorto or Mikuni?

The carb is crap. Start looking for Dellorto's or Mikunis for a winter project.

As a matter of fact, I think that weber requires a correct tuning and a bit of improved riding...
And it will give you great satisfaction, expecially when people says: "Paso? the one with automotive carb?... You mean the DIFFICULT CARB ONE?"
You'll be able to answer:
"Paso's Weber? IT HAS NO SECRETS FOR ME!!!"

fishbone wrote:
Dellorto or Mikuni?

Mikunis are better, but if You have to choose Dellortos, then go for 36mm, if Your engine is not tuned, like ported heads, free flow air filter, more hps with pistons, cams, etc... But If its highly tuned, then 40mm are better ones, especially for track race. Btw, Keihin flat slides can be best way, but propably quite expensive...

Btw, i have just now after Weber 40mm Dellortos, but thinking to change to Mikunis from 900 Elephant, maybe next winter.... My 750 Paso engine is not high tuned and thats why i am not so satisfied to 40mm Dellortos. Many 90s Monsters and SS use Mikunis with quite good results, so why not, but surely then airbox is very important thing....