Winter project: year II

Jeff H. · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 04:20 AM

Previously, I told myself (and my wife) that the Duc was finished once last year's engine project was complete. As it happens, I have decided I needed some retail therapy after a rather tough summer. I had the wife's full blessing, so I didn't hold back. Here's how the mod list is playing out so far:

Black Marchesini forged Al 10-spokes, Galfer rotors (F&R), Ferodo Platinum pads, Speedymoto triple clamp, Ti front rotor and fork bolts, forks sent off to Dan Kyle for Ohlins 20mm internals, Nichols flywheel, DID chain and AFAM sprockets.

I just put the triple clamp on and it looks great. Once I get the forks back, I'll get to work on getting the rims set up with rubber and rotors. I probably won't get the flywheel on for some time. I am excited to see how it works with the rebuilt engine though. I received excellent customer service and support from Jolene @ TAW, Chris @ Cal Cycleworks, LT @ Desmotimes and Motowheels.

The Duc is being built up far beyond any intention I ever started with. I have since realized, however, that life is short and this is one of the things/activities that brings me joy. I'll be sure and post pics later on as I get the Duc put back together. I may end up making this post on another forum as well, so I apologize if you end up seeing this twice.

Best regards,

Jeff

BrianK · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 02:32 AM

Jeff, you better throw in an eject button and a parachute....!

...and of course a yellow paint job! ;-)

Sounds like a LOT of fun. Keep us posted so we (I) can live vicariously. I'll be especially interested in how you like the flywheel.

Would also be real neat to see a complete list in one place of all your mods....if you dare!

Ride safe - BrianK

hardcharger · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 09:35 PM

have fun man, i'm so far past the point of no return on my RR its not even funny and don't plan on stopping anytime soon, AND i just got a RC51 to start building as well. my wife knows its my only hobby outside of work and the fam so she pretends not to mind.

life's short and if you always get the newest best thing out there you never really have a chance to fully enjoy what each bike is capable of. I would take a RC30, 45, 998r over any new gsxr 1000 or zx10

Jeff H. · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 07:10 AM

Thanks guys! As soon as I get the forks back from Kyle Racing I'll be putting everything together. I'm really looking forward to see how everything comes together.

For the last time, the Duc stays red Brian! We both know that's the correct color.

I think the list of mods goes like this:

944 pistal hi comp pistons, cylinders bored by Millenium, heads ported and polished and crank lightened/balanced by Jeff Nash at AMS, Ohlins rear shock, Desmotimes clutch assembley, MPL clutch plate, Speedymoto clutch cover, FCR 41 carbs, Marchesini forged AL 10 spoke rims, Galfer rotors, '99 900SS forks w/Ohlins 20mm valves, '99 brembo calipers and master cylinders, Speedymoto top triple clamp, Cycle Cat rear sets and bars, CRG mirrors, ZG windscreen, Sargent seat, Desmotimes vented belt covers, Yoyodyne cluch slave cylinder, Dynacoils, Nichols engine bolts and at some point I'll have the Nichols flywheel installed. I'm also looking for an eject button to stick on there.

Zoinks!

Regards,

J.

Jeff H. · #5 (**permalink**) 11-24-2008, 06:10 PM

Here's some pics of my progress so far. Rear of the bike is done. I haven't received my forks back from Dan Kyle, so that part of the project will have to wait until after the holidays. So far, I am very pleased.

Best wishes for Thanksgiving!

Jeff

BrianK · #6 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 12:59 AM

Holy cow Jeff! You don't mess around!

nhowner · #7 (**permalink**) 11-28-2008, 02:27 PM

Hello Jeff,
This is Mike Sotomayor from Michigan...beautiful bike...I sent you a PM...have you recieved it???
If so PLEASE PLEASE get back to me...
Mike S

Jeff H. · #8 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 01:20 AM

Thanks Mike. Sorry, I've been out of town and just got the message. Sent you a PM too...

Howdy Brian! My wife says you should know I don't mess around because I married a "Masshole", whatever that is...

Regards,

Jeff

BrianK · #9 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 03:40 AM

Heck Jeff, your wife is from Mass? Whereabouts? I live in Needham.

Jeff H. · #10 (**permalink**) 11-29-2008, 07:52 AM

Holyoke...what's that, about an hour away I think?

toxic · #11 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008, 02:05 AM

Great looking machine. Updates?

Jeff H. · #12 (**permalink**) 12-24-2008, 12:28 AM

I'm still waiting to get my forks back from Dan Kyle. He says they'll be done this week, so hopefully I can get her back together soon and take some pictures of the finished product. We've been socked in with snow storms, so there's no hope of doing any riding any time soon. I'm really looking forward to this Spring!

Jeff

viper1 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009, 12:19 PM

Very cool! Please post more pictures! I'm in the middle of a total build as well. 748 to a 996.....I too should post some build pic's! But like a few others said, besides the family, it's the only thing I really truly enjoy doing! guess it keeps me out of the bars at night!

Post more when you have them! It looks great so far!

Jeff H. · #14 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks for all the kind words everyone!

Well, I got my forks back last week. It took almost 2 1/2 months, but Dan took care of me on the price so it's all good. The Duc is all back together now and I like it. The forks have Ohlins 20mm valves and 1.0KG/mm springs now. I'm a little worried that the front may be sprung too stiff for my riding weight of 205lbs, but I guess we'll see.

I tried to take some pics that would give an idea of how the bike looks now, but I didn't have much room to get good camera angles. I can't wait for Spring to get here!

Regards,

Jeff

BrianK · #15 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 02:43 AM

Hey Jeff, what tires you running on there (I see Metz name but don't recognize the model), and how do you like 'em?

I am a big fan of Metzelers myself, but generally prefer PIRELLIs ***IF*** available.

PS. Not bad - for a RED bike....!

PPS, apropos of your signature line, I saw Mr. Rollins with his then band Black Flag back in the very early 80s (lived in upstate NY then, before becoming a Masshole). My ears literally rang (and that is the word - you can hear a constant ringing type of sound) for days....loudest thing I've ever heard. (F-ing great concert though.)

Jeff H. · #16 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009, 08:25 PM

Hi Brian. They're Sportec M-3's and I really like them. Seem to give me more grip than I'm able to use, with a good ride and decent mileage. I think about trying out the Pirelli's, because I read so many good things about them. I've been a Metzeler guy for a long time though and have always had good experiences with the brand. I guess Pirelli owns Metzeler, so maybe I'd be OK with trying them out.

Don't get me started on red vs. yellow!!!

I've been to see Rollins' spoken word show 3 times but never got to see a concert. Met him a couple times and he was really cool. The music gets a regular workout on my CD player. Good times, good times.

Hey, I think I might have that Nichols flywheel put in this Spring...

BrianK · #17 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 03:41 AM

Hey Jeff, how are you? Haven't been at the site much lately so just checkin' in. Hope you and your better half (and I do mean "better"! - please tell her I said helllo) are well and thriving. How's that crazy monster of a bike doing for you? And most importantly, now that you've done all of the other speed and handling mods, are you ready to take the final step to ultimate power and handling?...

(wait for it)

Paint it yellow!

Jeff H. · #18 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 01:31 AM

Dammit Brian, I'm not painting it!!!

It's funny, I saw a beautiful 999 for sale the other day. I think it was on this site and Ducati.ms. I seriously thought about picking it up...and it was YELLOW. I thought there is no way I can get this bike and not take any heat from you!

Somebody got to it before I could make up my mind though...

I love my 944 and all the mods are working great together. The bike runs great and I think it compliments my riding ability pretty well. I still have some work to do before the rider meets the potential of the Duc. Can you believe I still haven't put on that lightened flywheel???

Glad to hear from you! Everyone is well and I hope things are the same for you.

Best regards,

Jeff

joepopp · #19 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 09:01 PM

That is a beauty bike! Very inspiring...

BrianK · #20 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 03:10 AM

Jeff, all good here, thanks. I am definitely looking forward to giving you some sheeeiit when you eventually buy a yellow Duck, which you WILL, since you're a smart guy.

Sorry for delay in responding, I don't get back to this board much anymore.

Seeing that beaut of yours makes me think I'll pull the Duck out of the garage for tomorrow's run...it is TIME! Big eye-tye bike meet here (well, Sturbridge) next weekend, better polish 'er up when playtime's over.

Stay safe and have fun - BrianK