Everyone, please welcome Cecilia (88 Paso 750, 6K mis)

[cjrtrio]

Cecilia, after Principessa Bartoli, the most devastating soprano from the day (any day really). 754711.

First, thanks to all who’ve posted and to the poobahs – good stuff.

Now to the pics (links only - very high res so you can see stuff):

At Dallas Love Field: http://www.rotecreative.com/images/paso/IMG_0289.JPG
Birthday suit, port: http://www.rotecreative.com/images/paso/IMG_1640.JPG
Birthday suit, starboard: http://www.rotecreative.com/images/paso/IMG_1641.JPG
Birthday suit, topside: http://www.rotecreative.com/images/paso/IMG_1643.JPG

STORY:
I’m Chris. Freshly 50, so yes, midlife Christmas. First bike (can’t think of a better one for me personally – see “Paso 750 handling” post). People are going to sue me for whiplash the way they look at it. Got yummy dirty looks at Strokers, a hopping Dallas bike bar with the American bike thing going on – drank my bud and got back on the road!

I have a recording studio upstairs in a chic wine shop – shop owner is a friend who suffers from grand mal Ducati disease – I walked by it 50 times in the back utility area never thinking I’d buy it. Then he parked it outside with a handwritten for-sale sign on a 3x5 card and, well, merry Christmas in June.

I put 150 otherworldly miles or so on it before stripping down. Had a battery go bad on a ride – pushed her home 3 blocks (Dallas is flat, whew). Fried the little in-line fuse coming from the alternator (30 amps, hope that’s right). Fixed it, went for nice ride, put to bed, then coma next morning – power was going to fuses etc. but nothing when key turned. Well, I’d used some lock fluid days before to loosen it up – early lesson. So I followed the refurb procedure in the faq, complete with electrical contact grease, and I think I’m good.

I ride like a motorcycle instructor – nerdy, blinker-infested, extremely smooth clutch work as much as I’m able, working on precision turns, appropriate acceleration, surgical engine braking – so I think I can put many innocuous miles on it – that’s my plan anyway. My motorcycle instructor dinged me for looking down a lot – then I showed him a pic of how the tank looks from the warrior’s perspective and he commiserated and said he’d allllmost bought one in one of his Christmases…


QUESTIONS:
• Where is frame # found?
• What is my electrical modification as seen in photos?
• Is the K&N R1100 the filter I have? Any way I can get back to paper?

PLAN FOR PARTIAL RESTORATION:

See details at bottom of this post. At the moment, I’m doing/documenting a one-person brake/clutch bleed that will impress the judges (ooh, that’s trash talk, maybe another newbie mistake, but I’ve got it devilishly figured out).

CONCLUSION:
Have always jonsed for a pre-abs flat twin boxer but oh the Paso siren song. I’ve had some “what have I done” moments but when I remember what it’s like to feel that bike turn...and to watch the heads turn. Sigh.

Thanks for comments. Must go get her dressed – she’s as fun with clothes on…

Be safe.

Chris


================



The laundry list (any posts appreciated – I have logged about eight hours on the site so I know some of it).

Mechanic:
* Want to find one in North Texas who will let me work beside and do menial stuff - like a 1-on-1 masterclass. Any ideas welcome. Will take to Ducati for big stuff.

Electrical:
* What mods does it have?

Tires:

* Want to keep the 16 and get the Avons with the mods…unless someone talks me out of it…

Front shocks:
* Change fluids
* Repair/replace dust rings (is there a temporary solution here?

Rear shock:
* Normal maintenance?
* Need rubber curtain that protects it from road dirt (I have some sheet rubber)

Instrument cluster:
* Clock right 2x/day! But I have a digital soldering iron…one fine day we'll clock in…
* Gas guage shows empty when I drive 3 gallons out of a full tank.
* One of the 3 shockmount screws pulled out of the mount so cluster rattles around a bit - but I have an idea for fixing it with no added parts.

Throttle:
* Lube to absolute perfection so I can easily hit any rpm I want
* Choke wheel needs lube

Keys:
* I only have ignition - need copies (who can I order blanks from?)
* Also need seat key (hope no one pushes that thing in!)
* Should I get a locking gas cap to be kewl?

Headlamp:
* Is there REALLY brignt LED replacement I can munge in? Or Koito?
* If not, need to aim/focus it better or I basically can't ride at night

Horn:
* Want a louder one!

Clutch system:
* Replace fluids
* Can I lube the part of the clutch that makes noise when I disengage it by holding the lever? (which I never do for more than 3 seconds!!!

Front brake:
* Replace fluids
* Hoses look good (no cracks) - do I trust them?

Muffler:
* It has a 2-to-1 loud ugly muffler - sounds ratty and Dukey but I'm a music director and it's killing me even with earplugs
* Want a slip-on that's subtly menacing sounding, damn good looking, and extremely efficient. And damn good looking.
* Please recommend a mufflah! I'll contact talsparesducati/Ian Gowanloch for starters

Engine:
* I'll eyeball cam belts for now
* Full professional attention in a month or so
* Want it tuned for civil driving (reduced backfires, good mileage)
* Chain is loooose - that's a job I'm looking forward to.
* New K&N filters unless someone has a better idea

Body:
* How best to clean cast aluminum parts?
* Repair/touchup fiberglass around right mirror ()
* What’s best wax for this paint?

[ducinthebay]

you ask so many questions, which answers should I choose?

The muffler isn't really much of a muffler. I don't think there is anything to muffle in there. But if you sell it, I'll buy it. That would look really good on my Sport. Looks to be GioCaMoto header and not sure of the back half. I have a Supertrapp I'll trade you, or a GiaCaMoto carbon fiber silencer from an 851 that would look good on there. Check to see that you have a 50mm collector pipe.

Air cleaners - you can not get back to the paper filter with the two Dellorto Carbs. But you can put rubber elbows between the carb and the air cleaners to get them a bit up where the old airbox once lived.

I can't tell what you have going on the electrics. Looks as though the P.O. put in a new ignition box to replace the old Marelli 2S box. That's a good thing, I think. See if you can find a name on it. Then we might tell you what you can do with it.

As for the ignition coils, not sure what you have going there. Most certainly bigger wires added in a few places.

Welcome to the site, a most welcomed addition. Creative writing, a passion for the bike, and an inquisitive nature.

Cheers,
Phil

[randtcastell]

Cecelia is very nice. Maybe you could consider installing Malossi pod filters for your Dellortos. They have a website and you can purchase the type with red foam that will not ignite if engine backfires or gas leaks onto a hot manifold, etc. It can be difficult to extinguish a Paso fire under her clothes. Link below:

http://www.malossistore.eu/Prodotto.asp ... re=1610927

Nice Crocs!

[scimmione]

Welcome Cici! (and cjrtrio, of course!)

Go straight to the FAQ.

When you have read everything there, people will stop referring you to it, because you will then know everything about the Paso and won't need to ask questions

/but ask anyway, there always seem to be unanswered (unanswerable?) questions about the Paso moto.

[cjrtrio]

Thanks, gents. In order:

Phil:
Yes many questions. I’ll get harder into the faq (I misunderstood its scope) and answer as many as I can.

I want to keep the “muffler” (she came with a perfect red seat too – I can accessorize with her like a blinkin Barbie doll). I’m interested in seeing pictures of them – this could be easy. My collection pipe is 50mm spot on.

No name on ig box. She starts in a microsecond and idles smoothly and lazily so think I’m good.

RandT:
Fire???? I guess keeping a few more budweisers processing in my system would not be the best solution(!). Going at the Malossis, thanks.

Got the crocs under duress in Florida on vacation – only ones that fit – someone needs to paint their Paso in that color (not me!). One day I want to ride to FL – maybe on a bigger Ducati!

Scimmione – thanks.

Chris

[ducinthebay]

For horns, its hard to beat the Stebel compact nautilus horn.
http://www.ridesafer.com/Stebel_Nautilu ... 14-cah.htm
Gets everyones attention. Trick is finding a place to mount it. While compact, it does take up some space. I fit one on my ST2, but could not squeeze it into the ST4s when I upgraded.

Is that safety wire on your rear head just to support the carb?

I sent you PM about pipes.
Cheers, Phil

[cjrtrio]

Thanks for horn tip. I'll get it on there nicely.

Yes, she has a, um, wire-infested undergarment... It seems to make sense, but I probably can get that figured out in a more pretty embodiment.

Off to brakes, rear wheel, other fun. Addicted.

C

[Derek]

For horns, its hard to beat the Stebel compact nautilus horn.
http://www.ridesafer.com/Stebel_Nautilu ... 14-cah.htm
Gets everyones attention. Trick is finding a place to mount it. While compact, it does take up some space. I fit one on my ST2, but could not squeeze it into the ST4s when I upgraded.

I have one on my ST4s. I managed to fit it behind the radiator, just above the bottom hose and thermostat, next to the fan. It is a tight squeeze and only just misses contacting any of these components and the fairing. Worth the effort though

[whitepaso]

Not sure I'll manage answers to all, but here goes: keep the K&N air filters. But there are squat oval K&N's that will fit much better. You can also replace the crusty old rubber connectors between the carb and aluminum intake. If carb sag is a problem, that will help. Best to check out this site: www.bevelheaven.com. Although aimed at older Ducs, the Dellorto carb parts and Brembo parts section will apply to our Paso's. Forks are easily rebuilt and when you pull the fork seals out, use a magnifying glass and get the numbers (dimensions) off one. Then go to Parts Unlimited and order the exact same size. Like me, you will be amazed to find they probably will be from the same mfr as the originals! You will however have to buy new dust seal/covers from Ducati. Bring your left arm for payment. While on Bevelheaven site, buy new timing belts and don't even think to keep the old ones if you don't know their history. Way cheaper than an engine repair. Clutch cover; its so damn noisy cause it's got holes in it! Seriously, unless you're racing and need the ventilation, the holes are pointless. They let all that nasty clutch plate dust fly all over everything and let moisture into the clutch, which is why it looks like a rust-bucket in their. And as far as oiling or greasing the something that squeals (it's the pressure plate contact that squeals - normal - should go away after some more miles).....don't. The oil/grease will collect all sorts of dust and wear the bearing out faster. Once you pull it all apart someday, you'll see what I mean. Speaking of clutch, the hydrualic system uses the same fluid as your brake fluid. So, as long as you're replacing the brake fluid......just remember brake fluid is an excellent paint removal tool. Don't ask how I know.

Hmmmmm, what did I miss?

[whitepaso]

Okay I missed a lot, but here's a hidden gremlin if you haven't figured it out yourself yet. Zip-tied to your wiring loom is the round aluminum housing for the throttle cable splitter (bifurcation-ator for the nerdy). Take this apart and inspect it. I also have Dellortos and the same splitter. Well, on my second splitter actually because the first one came apart in that same housing. Also check that your throttle cables do not enter the carbs at too severe of an angle causing the cable to "saw" into the cable entry tube on top of the carb carbs. If it looks like they are, you can buy entry tubes at a lesser angle from the Bevelheaven site, or any place that sells Dellorto parts.

I too had a 2-into-1 exhaust on mine when I bought it that was painfully load. Fortunately I also had the factory pipes I could switch back too. When I did I noticed an immediate improvement in bottom end and off the line starting ability when clutching out. Prior to that I had to feather my clutch release a lot. If you're having a similar issue, that's the cause.

[cjrtrio]

Will inspect throttle next time in (when horn and red filters get here). Also will check all connections fore of seat because she has electrical blackouts now & then (which I fear may be because soon after I bought it I ran an inadvertently arid battery to the ground trying to limp home and isn't that just like the nono of disconnecting the battery while running and o god do I need a new vr? ).

One day, bulletproof. Till then, riding with cell phone.

Looking for 2by2 exhaust I guess - tho I've found that genero 3m earplugs work fine and I sorta like being heard since I'm a newbee rider.

People in Dallas must like Cici - everyone stops and lets me go like I've got the queen mother on the back or something.

[delagem]

Electrical:
* What mods does it have?

Yes, that certainly looks like the Ignitech TCIP4 igniter setup. Nice little box, neatly replaces the Kokusan modules that tend to fail on the older Duc's. You can get the software for that free from the manufacturer, and can create your own ignition timing curves, by plugging a laptop into that connector.

What I don't understand is what happened to the Marelli box that's usually in the location where the Ignitech box now resides? The TCIP4 doesn't completely replace the ignition setup. It simply replaces the 2 Kokusan boxes. That other box must have been relocated somewhere else. I didn't see it in the photos I looked at.

EDIT: I think I see it in the right hand side photo.

The work that's been done to the cables in there is very nice, by the way!

[delagem]

Zip-tied to your wiring loom is the round aluminum housing for the throttle cable splitter (bifurcation-ator for the nerdy). Take this apart and inspect it. I also have Dellortos and the same splitter. Well, on my second splitter actually because the first one came apart in that same housing.

Those early splitters had a poorly made plastic piece inside the tube, that the 3 cables connect to. I snapped one the first day I installed it.

I simply made an aluminum replacement part, as I didn't want to wait a week for another, that would also likely break.

The later ones seem to be of a better quality, I haven't had any problems with them. Don't remember if the newer ones have an aluminum or plastic inner piece?

[cjrtrio]

Electrical:
* What mods does it have?


Yes, that certainly looks like the Ignitech TCIP4 igniter setup.

Thanks for that - had been snooping on internet but hadn't figured it out yet.

You mentioned the marelli box...

I intend to put in a mosfet r/r because I've had intermittent electrical total blackouts on road. Unless someone stops me...

The work that's been done to the cables in there is very nice, by the way!

THIS makes me happy - treated all the connections with dielectric so it is certainly nice to feel that your wiring is good.

Looks like I'm doing all work myself. Next up: dellortos, exhaust, tires, front forks. The way I work I should be riding again by 4Q12.

Those early splitters...

For now, I just sprayed hhs2000 into it and said a hail mary. Seems to be smoother. I will do something about this in the near future.

[delagem]

Don't worry about that splitter. If it's held up for any amount of time, it's probably fine. Good idea to clean and lube it, though.

What kind of total blackouts are you experiencing? Is the headlight getting dimmer, and dimmer, until finally the bike stops? Or is it a sudden "click" and everything is dead?

If you're getting dimmer and dimmer, then perhaps a new r/r will fix it, but I'd start by checking the ac output from the alternator, using a simple ac voltmeter. Also, check those wires (two yellow if I remember correctly?), and their connections; I have seen several of them melt badly.

I know the later Duc's had problems with the rectifiers, I smoked several of them myself, usually it was a poor ground. Haven't heard of this issue much on the Pasos.

If your blackout is just suddenly everything is off, it's not going to be the r/r. I'd start by looking at the keyswitch.

Michael