All great advice! I'm thinking there is a pretty good chance that I tackle this.

like I said I have a lot of tools and would really only need to buy the tools which are specific to ducati.

I have done projects similar to this before on cars but never on a bike and since this bike is rust free I am hoping that the process will at least be easy in that respect.

As for torque wrenches I've got them from 12 in lbs up through 250 lb ft so I should be good there.

I've already rebuilt the forks so I have those tools too

The only things I don't have would be a press or any special tools needed to remove or drive in races.

Keep it coming!!! It is helping

Cheap and easy engine stand i made

I tore mine completely done and replaced the engine.  I put a good deal of money in it but as I said I replaced the engine.  The engine was the reason for my rebuild.  I got a 900 engine (with the good V2 heads) with an oil cooler and carbs plus a Cycle Cat sprocket and clutch cover for $400.  I couldn't pass up the deal.

Without replacing a lot of parts, it won't cost you that much.  I powder coated the frame, shock spring, swingarm, and other small bits for about $300.

As many have said, pictures and properly labeled hardware containers will make the process much easier.  I took a few pictures for electrical components, but I didn't feel the need for much more, but they are a good reference, especially if you don't have a good memory.  Pictures are must for ground connections though.  But for the most part, bikes are so simple, you can look at a part and know where it goes.

Also, heed Speeddog's advice to clean everything as you take it off.  It just makes everything look better and makes reassembly much cleaner (this is something that I did do for the most part).  I also replaced a lot of the bolts.  

The only races I remember removing were from the head tube.  You just need something to use as a drift and a hammer to get these out.  I used a 2x4 and a hammer to drive them back in.

My bike is carbed, so it was a little simpler than an injected 4V.  The electrical system on those bikes will be your biggest obstacle and most likely is where a mistake will be made when/if you make one.

Take your time, do it right, and have fun.

I did it on my bike - twice. I did everything aside from removing the engine or wheels, I completely redid my cylinder heads the first time, did every single little maintenance item, fixed a bunch of flaws and did some basic tuning. Second time was basically a refresher, installed MBP collets and re-adjusted everything. Both times I did it in less than 2 weeks, tinkering with it during the evenings (both times I was using borrowed garages that I had to travel to). So in other words it wasn't much of a winter project because it was done relatively quickly. But then again I've worked as a mechanic, so 2 weeks seems quite long to me when you have all the parts on hand and don't have to wait for stuff to come on the slow boat from Italy. If you are new to it I strong suggest taking your sweet time. I know my bike inside and out, I can identify a stray bolt just by how it looks.  It's worth learning the processes, though, if you are a competent wrench monkey, and immensely satisfying to get your bike setup just so and running like never before. Of course there is a lot of potential for catastrophe in that.

go buy a shitload of small plastic boxes like Gladware and larger ones for separating things.

that's the only way to do it unless you have a huge dedicated space.  baggies to separate very small parts.

it is doable.  just make sure to "measure twice and cut once"

Quote from: truckinduc on September 05, 2008, 06:50:08 PM


Cheap and easy engine stand i made

i like that swingarm pin mount.. rofl.. what is that just a 8mm headless bolt?

the swingarm pivot is above that. And its a stainless rod about 4 mm

SEE

Quote from: truckinduc on September 06, 2008, 09:32:16 AM
the swingarm pivot is above that. And its a stainless rod about 4 mm

i can see that (the "real" swingarm hole) i just thought it was funny to have a tiny little swing pin 

Quote from: NeufUnSix on September 05, 2008, 07:37:49 PM
I did it on my bike - twice. I did everything aside from removing the engine or wheels, I completely redid my cylinder heads the first time, did every single little maintenance item, fixed a bunch of flaws and did some basic tuning. Second time was basically a refresher, installed MBP collets and re-adjusted everything. Both times I did it in less than 2 weeks, tinkering with it during the evenings (both times I was using borrowed garages that I had to travel to). So in other words it wasn't much of a winter project because it was done relatively quickly. But then again I've worked as a mechanic, so 2 weeks seems quite long to me when you have all the parts on hand and don't have to wait for stuff to come on the slow boat from Italy. If you are new to it I strong suggest taking your sweet time. I know my bike inside and out, I can identify a stray bolt just by how it looks.  It's worth learning the processes, though, if you are a competent wrench monkey, and immensely satisfying to get your bike setup just so and running like never before. Of course there is a lot of potential for catastrophe in that.

+1 this will also give you an amazing sense of confidence when/if you are taking road trips. If something does start acting up on it, you know "I've been through this entire bike, there is nothing here I don't know". I had this happen to me about 30 miles from nowhere, I knew a shop in the next town I'de rented a Jeep from once, I nursed it there pulled in and asked Billy if I could borrow a couple tools for a minute. 15 minutes later on my way again. Totally recommend doing the build, Monsters are a joy to work on. I've owned a lot of bikes and I've felt a feeling of satisfation working on them, but never the joy I've felt working on my Monster. 3k since rebuild and running strong...... BTW mine was totalled with a broken frame though.

Nothing crazy in what you're thinkin as far as I'm concerned. I'm going to be doing the same thing (herniated disc in my neck no riding til spring)
Good Luck and let's have some fun 

Cheers  G