900SS/SP FE Update

bobducati · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 12:50 PM

Well, after buying this baby from Cliff out in San Francisco and having it shipped cross-country, I've settled into making it mine. Never one to overlook bling, I have a CycleCat blue pressure plate, a billet open cover, blue retainers and stainless springs to light up the right side. That install will commence when the springs and retainers get here.
I installed a Dynojet kit but it wasn't dialing in easily with the open air box and K&N filter, so when a friend offered me a deal on a new set of Keihin flatslides I bought 'em. So, I'm about half-way through this install and it's going well although I hesitate to say that...don't want to jinx it. The Keihins actually clean up the mess Ducati made in the name of EPA, so the airbox pull really wasn't that bad, nor was the required airbox modification. These carbs are supposed to come dialed in from California Cycle Works and we'll see tomorrow how true that is in my case. I sure hope this thing just runs well without more fiddling.....I'm about fiddled out although the EazyRizer http://www.bikelift.com/ is the snitz for making it easy to work on a bike...love this thing even if it does look scarey sitting up there like that. Now all I need is a set of stainless Staintunes and I'll be ready to ride! Anybody got some nice aftermarket high mounts...not too loud they want to sell? Ebay has some for $750 but I don't think so.

bruntr · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 04:44 PM

Nice! As I found out a few years ago modifying a Ducati is a sickness that has no cure

bobducati · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 09:39 PM

OK....just finished the install of the Keihin's and took it for a 15 minute test ride....came back early cos it's still nekkid and...well...you know. This little monkey is STRONG. I've never ridden a 900SS before so have little to compare but with the Keihins as shipped from CaCycle Works, cut air box lid, K&N filter and stock cans, this little thing runs! I'll get a better idea of how it does noodling around in town with carb spit and part throttle and stuff, but 3-9k it rocks. I even spun the rear! Wouldn't that have been sweet.....25 miles on it and I high side it.....gotta be careful around 5 to 6 cos it has real good Ducati torque.

TripleDuck · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 12:38 AM

Nice work Bob!

Yes the FE is strong. I've never seen any technical reason; however, I've been on two FEs and several other carb'd 900SSs. The FE's both felt substantialy stronger - at every RPM.

edwyun · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 01:39 AM

LOL.

Bob, you sound like a giddy little schoolkid (jk). And it's all justified. Those FCR's with accelerator pumps on a 2V duc gives it some giddyup. Enjoy it! Now all you need are some lightweight forged rims to replace the OEM boat anchors

edwyun · #6 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 01:42 AM

Oh, one thing about the FCR's. If you transport/trailer the bike - like for a trackday, shut off the fuel line to the FCR's. Otherwise, they will be flodded on first use.

No biggie.

bobducati · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 01:44 AM

Good advice Ed...thanks.

edwyun · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 01:49 AM

Better advice is the REMEMBER to turn the fuel back on before the first time on the track - don't ask me how I know

bobducati · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 09:58 PM

Data Point. Put 170 miles on the bike today...temp in the mid-50's. The ride was normal fair with some traffic then open road then 40 miles of curves while trying to stay out of jail. Maybe topped the ton a time or two but nothing crazy.
Oil temp got up to 110C and held there. Is this about right?
Looked in the book on fuel capacity and figured the light would come on around 140 miles if it was getting 40mpg. At 150 miles I was a bit nervous as I don't know what the mileage is nor if the light even works. So....filled the tank with 150 miles on the trip odo and only put in 3.2 gallons. Hmmm. That's 47mpg! And to think I was worried. This with Keihins set to stock settings from CACycle Works. Is this about right?
Thanks,

900SS/FE · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 10:30 PM

Hey Bob! glad to see you've got her posted up here for everyone to see! I've heard that the MPG does actually improve a bit when installing the FCR's, a truly painless mod.

I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for my ex-ride. I can sleep well knowing she's in the hands of a very nice guy. Enjoy!

Cliff

900SS/FE · #11 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 10:32 PM

Guess my name doesn't really make alot of sense anymore should have thought of a handle with some more staying power huh?

Oh well, looks like I'll have to find another one someday...

bobducati · #12 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 01:14 PM

Hey Cliff....you can keep the handle....it's a good one. Your name is where your heart is. Don't change your name to Malarie though.

And....another data point....the bike weighs 419 lbs (230 rear/189 front). This with 3.7 gallons of gas in it and new BT014's. What amazes me is how light and small it feels. My R1100S looks HUGE sitting next to it. Well...today's another shiney day in Middle Georgia...guess I need to stretch it's legs some...huh?

edwyun · #13 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 05:38 PM

Bob:

The oil temp and fuel mileage seem correct.

The oil temp gauge isn't really accurate but it does tell you if the engine is overly cool or hot. It's a relative thing as opposed to an exact temperature.

With the FCR's I've gotten 170 miles on highway riding before the reserve light comes on and have gone 190 miles on a tank. If I'm cuarvig the mountains, I get 110 miles before the reserve comes on.

Looks like you're enoying it!

900SS/FE · #14 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 07:50 PM

When I said "looks like I'll have to find another one someday" I meant FE not handle!

mortoduc · #15 (**permalink**) 03-06-2006, 02:32 PM

I don't start looking for fuel untill 180mi. per tank if I'm on the road. after 200mi. I may start to get a little nervous.