Ducati 916 Superbike Full Restoration EP4
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Welcome to Episode 4 of the Ducati 916 Restoration. Before I stat with this description id just like to mention i was ill for a good portion of this video so i apologize in advance if any areas aren't up to my usual standards, now with that out of the way
I'll just drop in the link to my Patreon account and you can check that out if you'd like - / rrcrestoration and now ill get on with the description
So as you've already seen by the thumbnail this episode focuses on getting the engine looking as good as the frame and bodywork. In order to make working on the engine alot easier i fabricated a bracket so that i could attach the engine to my engine stand and im pleased to say it worked a treat and made the job so much easier.
Once on the stand i had to clean the engine thoroughly before stripping so that i don't end up with any contamination inside the crankcases and as this engine isn't coming all the way apart keeping it clean inside is imperative. The engine was cleaned with GUNK a cleaner that devours grease and grime then blasted off with the pressure washer.
Once the engine was nice and dry a few hours later i started to pull of the side casings, cam caps and covers and lots of other bits and bobs, it is worth mentioning that in order to pull the side casing off that houses the stator a puller must be used so that you dont break the casing trying to lever it off as there is a bearing in the casing.
After stripping it was simply a case of giving the cases a good clean on the inside so that i didnt end up with oil contamination in the paintwork and then drying them off and blasting the old paint finish off with the media blaster. The engine block was wire brushed, sanded, and masked up in preparation for primer and matt silver.
The casings were laid out strategically and coated with etch primer which acted as the perfect ground color for the custom mixed dark bronze colour i got for the casings and as previously said the engine was primed and painted with matte silver.
After the painting was done and left to cure i spent many hours re plating all the hardware for putting the engine back together, i only showed a small portion of this as its a very boring process and you've seen it all before lol.
Then it was simply a case of putting it all back together again in reverse order, and obviously fitting new timing belts along the way as it makes no sense to use the old ones, even though they are less than a year old but its good practice.
Once all that was done it was simply a case of raising it up into the frame of the bike and bolting it into place.
And that brings this episode to a close im afraid but i will be back again soon with the next one.
As usual i really hope you enjoy this series of videos and leave a like and a comment to let me know what you think.
Enjoy
RRC
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A new addition to my videos from now on will be a water mark and my channel name popping up in random places throughout the video as im getting rather tired of people re-uploading my content as their own i hope you guys understand.
If you like what you see and have any ideas for the channel or would even like to donate something to restore to the channel please get in touch. :)
And as usual if you liked the video please like share and subscribe and help the channel grow.
PATREON If you would like to help support the channel you can find my patreon account here / rrcrestoration
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More videos can be found here- / @rrcrestoration
#Restoration #Ducati #Motorcycle
RRC Restoration
Ducati 916 Superbike Full Restoration EP4
Yes I fully admit i did make a small mistake with the rotation of the belt tensioners , I hold my hand up and accept my mistake but for anyone concerned that I put the covers on and left it like that I didn't. The mistake was caught and rectified during my post filming checks. We all make mistakes.... Just a shame most of mine are caught on camera these days haha! Stay safe Guys.
My mistakes make up the bulk of my videos! lol. You do an amazing job.
Amazing work. What happens to the bike? Do you do customer work? Are you a business as such or is the channel the business? Cheers
easy to do and 99.99% of the time it shouldn’t cause any issues, but that one time you get a stone inside the belt cover, or they wear enough to touch, you can bet it’s going to get expensive!
Can you link me to the torque wrench used please.
@@smithrx97 Good spot, I was wondering why he didn't lock the horizontal cams too. @24:04 it looks like it is back in the correct location.
Such a joy to watch! Please do not worry about the arm chair general clones. They are all over UA-cam. Responding to them merely feeds their envious egos.
Your channel is an inspiration to all of us.
I always suspected that George was the real brains of the operation, glad to see him finally getting some credit for all of his hard work!
I have George's little brother Henry but he is so lazy that I don't get anything done.
I disagree! George sucks!
I'm wondering if George was helping ith the engine lifting as well? Never seen his feet before!
Okk
One of the owners of a business we used a lot in Eggham had a 916, I was rather envious. More substantial than the 400cc VFR you restored later on. It's always a pleasure to watch how you deal with solving the many problems as they arise. You never use more force than is needed & the results of your approach speak for themselves.
I’m just leaving a wee comment to say I’ve just found this series restoring the 916. Content is amazing and the level of detail you put into it is fantastic! It’s also somewhat therapeutic watching it and enjoying the process as it unfolds! Keep it up, I love bikes so more of this please!!!
Four different shots for filling a Gunk spray bottle. That is what makes your videos so good to watch. Quality filming.
Thank you so much and im glad you enjoyed the video :)
You’re just awesome, you keep me motivated through this COVID phase of our lives. I’ve gone from doing mediocre restorations and home renovations to a standard that I feel proud of. Thank you so much for what you do, best regards from Australia 🇦🇺
Nice one buddy, Glad i could inspire you :)
Dave Reynolds, what COVID phase are you referring to? The one where you leave your basement without a mask?
@@RRCRestorationaaaaaa😊😊😊
Thanks for the memories. I pre-ordered a 916 as soon I saw early pre-production photos and got Frame number 00009 with engine number 12 I think it was. Only available as a single seater at the beginning too so no room for the missus or kids. Loved it but clearly they did not have any Loctite for the early bikes as things started to fall off really quickly, including the kick stand when I was on the M40! Good job I had purchased the Ducati rear wheel stand thing and had it at home, but when I was out and about on it I had to prop it up against walls and railings until a replacement stand arrived. I then removed and Loctited every bolt I could see. Loved it to bits until I sold it along with my ZX9R and Aprilia RS250 to raise some cash for a deposit on a second hand 328 GTS. Still regret it a bit but at least I managed to get an MV Agusta F4 a few years later which I enjoyed until I got to be too poor of a rider to carry on riding things that are too quick for me to be safe on in my advancing years.
You've taught me more Scottish accent than Train Spotting, so thank you! Also awesome projects.
This is the most satisfying series, and channel, I have ever seen. I worked at a race shop when I was in my teens and got to help with the final assembly of a brand new 916sp when it had just come out and Foggy was riding one in WSBK. This brings back so many good memories of that time. Thanks for sharing this and I´m in complete awe of your thoroughness, skills and incredible attention to detail. Cheers!
The only Ducatis I have worked on were the bevel drive singles and that was a long time ago. I’m retired now but own a Honda RC 30 as wall as a Kawasaki Z1. I find it fascinating to see how Ducati put the bike together. The chassis is gorgeous! The motor however, lacks the sophistication of the Honda V4. That doesn’t diminish it in any way but it does show the difference in design philosophies and production technologies. Oh and thanks for the tips on zinc platting!
Ah the rc30 🥰🥰🥰🥰 i have a regular vfr rc24 and the sound is heaven
Hey, Thanks for your comment and im so jealous of your RC30 that's a seriously cool bike!
@@RRCRestoration It was my dream bike from the day it was launched. I came across mine, a bitsa for a very reasonable price when they were at their lowest value by someone desperate to sell. I’ve just completely rebuilt it including beryllium valve seats, trick valves, modified gear drive cassettes ( and HRC pistons etc I’ve guarded for 20 years! ). It’s a track bike now as the engine and frame number mismatch, although legal, reduce it’s value.
Well clearly they didn’t need sophistication, because the 916 series of Ducati’s were one of the most successful bikes of all time in World and British super bikes 👀.
@@Jonathan_Doe_ Thats because they were allowed to be 250cc larger in displacement, and in the early days quite a bit lighter too.
I just finished the major service on my yellow ducati 748, I am a machinist by trade and cars are my hobby since I was a teen. This bike is officially my first bike I have ever owned. I got the oem manual but heck without many UA-cam guys like you making these videos I would be at a total loss. I also did a valve seal job on mine and that sir was an adventure, I did this while the engine was still in the frame. I had to make some custom tools for removal and install. Again thanks for the video and thank God you didn't paint yours red....
Enjoyed that vid Mr RRC, thank you.
As a 916 owner, a few suggestions on this motor if I may......It would have been wise to re-torque the generator rotor nut whilst the cover was off, as they are prone to vibrating loose. This engine has a spin-on oil filter, but it also has a gauze filter fitted into the r/h crank case below the clutch which is often overlooked, so well worth checking/cleaning out. Lastly the o.e clutch slave cylinder is famously prone for leaking fluid which then strips the paint off the l/h side of the motor.....it 'd be a shame for that to happen after you've repainted it. Replacing the slave cylinder with an Oberon item is well worth it.
Looking forward the last episode!!
This is not a video. It is art. I love and enjoy all your vids. Please keep them coming! cheers from South America (Colombia)
Haven't even watched it yet but I can guarantee you that my day just got *A LOT* better!!!!!
SAME :D
Enjoy :)
When you cleaned and began to refit the belts, I was wtf.... then burst out laughing. Cracking work shop and video positions.
Your a very knowledgeable chap. Great watch... 👍
I love the design of this bike. It's timeless in my eyes. My only gripe is the dry clutch. Still want a 916 though. Gorgeous!
Blueblob , unless you're commuting, the dry clutch shouldn't be much of an issue. Did you get your 916 yet?
@@captainamerica9353 Haven't got one yet and might not ever, but it's good to dream. I will get an old bike to wrench on at some point. Japanese ones thend to be cheap once they pass a certain age. Functionally I don't mind a dry clutch, but they don't sound great when the clutch isn't engaged.
The way those frame bolts went in with no adjustment needed....delicious! Only now catching up on this series (you know, because of life and things) and still amazed by your work and your editing. Simply lovely! well done!
So nice to have that full service history excellent quality work as always
Ian, I have not watched all of this resto, did it come with a MOT or similar? He knew the forks were rebuilt, maybe there are records of engine work, like new rings and honing . . . here in the U.S., buying a bike like this that's been well used I would have torn down the engine or sent it out. Unless the miles are low so he just checked the valves and belts. Still this guy is amazing.
That engine/Ducati looks better than brand new. It's absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing this beauty.
I was very much looking forward to this part. Wished I could see the the engine gutted but I get there was no reason of doing that. Looking forward to the next episode!
ThreeBond is absolutely the best. I use it on everything mechanical and almost never use any kind of silicone which can mess up an engine. ThreeBond in an engine will disintegrate and go out with an oil change, bits of silicone will not break down and will stop up orifices get in your oil pump and other parts. Also ThreeBond doesn't leak. Great work!
Hello.
Great job !!!
Just une little precision, the timing belts can be tensioned by turning the tensioning bearing in the anti-clockwise way. Like that,
there is a most important distance between the 2 belts parts (rising and falling).
Thant you for your videos, it's a great pleasure.
Benoit, Ducati 916 and 996 owners from France.
Came to the comments to write the same thing!
The mobile tensioner has been rotated the wrong way, and those belts are too close together.
Turning the tensioner anti-clockwise keeps a safe distance between the belts.
:)
Thats good to know, I'll defo need to check that out and find out the proper distance just to play it safe before putting the fairings back on, thanks for leaving a comment :)
I sort of watched with my mouth open as you rinsed/dried the belts and started to put them on - you totally had me!
Haha glad my little joke reeled you in ;)
Well done George! By the way I realise just how perfect this place is to work: a space for dirty stuff and another for clinic clean level right next to it. Congratulations, lots of work again ;)
if I couldn't sleep at night, I just go ahead watch these restoration videos, really calming...
Awesome restoration ...Concerning the timing belts I tought : " No, seriously, he can't doing amezing work and replace old belts like this... such a shame". Finally, it was a great video, nice job! Let's see the next one !
UA-cam has a lot of experts who know it all but have to watch a "Master" at work, I enjoyed this one looking forward to you putting it to bed, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your comment :)
Fantastic work - and yep - had me muttering when you put the old belts back in - great gag! Thanks as always for sharing!
Il n'y a pas à dire, les anglais sont les meilleurs avec les anciennes machines. Un grand bravo pour cette restauration
Hahah trying to trick us with the old belts. Awesome job on the motor, Colours look great! Doing the belts with the motor out the frame such a breeze, having the right tools helps too!!
Glad you enjoyed the video and my little joke :)
Mate, you may of made a slight mistake but you can’t fault you’re work ethic . Top notch in my book
wow the amount of work you've put into this is incredible! Almost got me there with the belts! :)
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Always a sly little trick!! Gets me everytime!
He got me with the paint and now the belts lol
First I thought that "Oh, red paint must have a yellow undercoat ..." then, "using the old belts ... I must ask what he washed them with". Got me both times ...
I was thinking, yeah, good as new, if the solvent you washed the belts with didn't damage the belt material. 🤔 But then, gotcha! 😅
Skill, the right tools and a space to perform the work; the equivalent of a time-machine and an all-access-pass to the factory floor in Bologna.
This clip is Designer approved ✅
i love this restoration, i miss the good old days when this bike was the top of the list. i got one but had to leave it behind , i hope it still survives. :(
You have done an excellent job. You are meticulous in your work. I like the way you put each bolt and nut in specific plastic bin so you can easily identify them and put them where they belong. Good method.
Hi, to get a thin layer of sealant just use the smallest velour paint roller. You will wonder how perfect sealant will look after assembly with this method
Every single 916 deserves this level of attention. Great work, cheers mate!
Wonderful work as usual. I'm always waiting for the joke bit. I figured the belts in the parts washer was it but the dryer sent it over the top!
Haha glad you enjoyed my little joke :)
Those 916's are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside, Your case sealant application skills are admirable
I almost cried when you’re about to put back the old belt but you got me good 😂
Glad my little joke reeled you in lol
Catch the joke since you wash it , and start to laugh 😂 ! Knowing the way you’re working… impossible to trust it ;) we’ll done ✅
Hahaha same here.... He got me so well 😂 nice rebuild btw. Thank's for the vid.
Your work, your voice , your attitude !…..just perfect !
Great video and work as usual and a sneaky little timing belt stunt that had me shouting nooooo at my computer lol can't wait for the next installment big thanks
Glad you enjoyed my little joke, See you again next time :)
I was really calling you out as I watched this for the belts.... I was screaming, just change them, they need it often.... You had me... for a minute...
Glad to see my little joke reeled you in ;)
@@RRCRestoration Your ability and what you were doing realed me in. Great work you do..
I knew George was really the one doing all the hard work!! 😂
You are one clever guy.ive restored a few bikes but you are at a level that im overwhelmed.
Kind words indeed :)
You really scared me with the old belts 🤣 I was stressed hahah
Haha, Glad my little joke reeled you in :)
I watch all your videos 4-5 times because they are so relaxing that I fall asleep to them, but so interesting that I don't want to miss a second and watch it again 😆👌🏻
Looks amazing man, can't wait to see it complete.
Did you just use high temp primer and engine paint?
Or is there a specific or special coating system that you would recommend?
Oh and did you get the paint colour matched or is there a way to find colour codes?
Great work as always 👍👊
This is an ASMR work, more satisfied to watch. Frame and engine cover is coated in different method, most of restoration project made it into coating powder.
For a moment I thought “why is that MDF sparking?” 🤦🏻♂️
Ditto here, I was like wtf's going here?
Took me a good 2-3 seconds to realize the sawdust was too bright.
Yup, I fell for that too! lol
Deffo not b&q mdf
And here I thought he was cutting some kind of tile to be used as an engine stand??
I’ve only watched this 916 restoration, the standard is a step change above anything I’ve seen before, still getting used to the trickery so far the chain runner, red paint & cam belts have all had me saying out loud “he’s not going to, oh got me”, love the idea of not stripping stuff that you have documented evidence of. Your videoing and editing is up to the same standard as you engineering, can’t wait for the completion.
proper work, I was screaming in my head when you act like re using the old belts LOL :)
Too bad I read comments first I missed out on the fun
I love your sense of attention to detail and perfectionalism, really cures my OCD, love your videos
Why only block the camshaft on the vertical cilinder and not the horizontal cilinder?
Because when timed up only the vertical is under tension (and wants to move) whereas the horizontal is not under tension so won't move.
You can time without the locking tool but it's really fiddly as the inlet cam (right) wants to rotate all the time under spring tension, so you really need three hands :D
Couldn't have put it better myself :)
I am really inspired by your work. And yes,you are organised with every tool needed! I really want to do the same as you for a living,and through your videos i have learned a lot. Keep up the good work!
Love this series!
Thank you :)
I love that I stumbled across your channel, I have just watched your 916 restoration, fantastic job, and I find it very therapeutic watching you clean stuff 😊
When you started cleaning the timing belts I was thinking, "No!!!". Haha, good joke.
😁
When you were drilling at 1:45 route the cord on the other side of the press if possible. If your material breaks loose it will swing clockwise and could grab the power cord with it!
Love the content RRC! Keep it coming!!
23:30 If you were a doctor, I would totally trust you. :)
I appreciate the fact that you mounted a camera inside the media blaster.
Wonderful. I wasn't at all worried about your belt clean up. I knew full well you were putting new ones in. Bet it caught a few off guard. You have a gift. I enjoy seeing you use it.
Wish we had sealent like that, back around 1971...
A pond job '68/69 slant engine CL-175 Honda.
I either did not get the oil ways to the cam clean enough
with the gas station air hose, after the kerosene parts bath
OR I put some Permatex in the wrong place
( most likely)
Anyhow, weeks later the cam shaft seized up
@ c. 10k rpm...
Losing the $50 we paid the owner for the bike, sans title
And the money for pistons and sleaves
Cheap from Honda, in that era...
No head for that rare slat CB/CL 175 was to be found
Where emerged where I worked at Lovengreens' Cycle Salvage
Tampa FLA.... on occasional weekends...
Under the table...
Stripping trailer loads of old bikes John Lovengreen found all across the south
A lesson...
J.C.
Age 74, last month...
( A $50 Ducati Diana 250 Mk. II from Northway Nick's Indian Sales, made up for it....
Raced in AMA Sportsman road racing around FLA.... thru 1972...
Ridden all over the state until 1976...
My cousin still has that bike we tuned to Gordon Jennings specs....
10500 rpm clocked at 117 mph out on our 8 Mile Dead End... SR-579...
Not for sale, last I knew....
(-8D
Ciao
i really appreciate the professionalism employed in the restoration. everything was done carefully. i wish to see a restoration involving the repair of engine and its parts.
Ugg sorry I'm late. Work was super busy and I didn't have time to watch until afterward. Did I miss the crucifixion!? I saw on Patreon he didn't totally blow apart the engine because of its incredible service history and was expecting a blood bath!
Quality like this is the reason you are the only Patreon I fund.
And it means so much to me , I cannot begin to thank you enough : )
@@RRCRestoration Seriously though, all this Ducati content has gotten me to finally bite the bullet and go put a deposit down on a new Multistrada V4. Been dragging my feet long enough on it.
Thanks for the videos. Truly enjoyable seeing an Italian getting a restoration. Wonderful
You got me at the timing belts one
Glad you fell for my little joke ;) lol
Wish I'd brought my cousin's Piaggio Ciao back from Italy.
Watching your restoration videos makes me want to try but on something basic. I could then use it to get around London cheaply, all be it outside the stupid emission zones.
I trust your judgment, about the shape of that engine, you're always sharp, and if someone knows what to do about it... It's probably you. Nice job as always.
Expert using Torque wrenches - me tightening everything to within an inch of its life.. also me swearing because I put something on and cant get it off.
As always a great video and loving the series!
I learned so much from your Videos. No second of boring time there! Absolutely amazing. Some of them I watch more than once or twice. With audio down and a audiobook on headphones. Especially the Motor assemblies I like1
Got me with the belts!
Seriously though, this is what perfection looks like.
Truly amazing work, and huge respect from one motorcycle restorer to another.
When you put together recycled parts, it looks more like reassembling a motorcycle at the factory with new parts. This restoration is amazing, great set of skills, congratulations!
This was the first video of yours that I watched. You got me! I was freaking out when I thought you were going to reinstall the old timing belts. Good job at getting us and better job at reinstallation. As a master ASE and Ford technician, I enjoyed the video.
Awesome work as usual nice to see handtools instead of people using impact drivers for every nut and bolt.
takes me back to cleaning my 1996 monster 900 with it's air cooled fins everywhere!
Brilliant work! I was a little surprised you appeared to be re-using the belts and relieved when you weren't - very funny! It's very nice that you have all of the service records that tell you the internals are fine. Looking forward to the last video!
Honestly, I could watch this build all day
I think you are a really good mechanic with really good methods and habits that reflect in what can be called a really good restoration. Looking forward for the finish product. Congratulations!
Just seeing this video and appreciating the Triforce of HYRULE is safe and clean! Thank you sir!
I’ve watched this three times. This video has inspired me to sort my garage out and turn it into a workshop
I have been working on my 1098, it really helped me watching your amazing work. Gave me a few pointers on how to sort my bike. Cheers, keep doing your awesome restoration projects, I love watching your work 😁
You aren‘t a Mechanic, you are an Artist!
My comment? When you were about to reuse those belts I was already buying tickets to fly over there and curse you out in person...
That was close...
But I’m getting to understand your sense of humor, like showing us the red paint...rrrr..
Ok, now you’ll have to better to fool me..
Great videos and I learn a lot from watching you. Much thanks!
When you was cleaning the belts I was like: NO, NO, NO, NO HE IS NOT DOING THIS, and when you put it on the engine I thought, JESUS THAT SHOULD BE FRAMED AS A CRIME.
HAHA totally got me there.
Nice vid, looking forward to the next episode.
Haha im glad my little joke reeled you in ;)
You really got me with the belts! I was speechless to see you washed th old ones and itgot worse till you made clear it was a joke! 😂😂😂 very well done!
If your UA-cam algorithm ever craves more comments, just leave the filming of you using the torque wrench out.
The comment section would erupt!
As always, you're a total superstar of these restorations. Til next time, cheers!😁🍻❤
Haha so true! I done that once before i cant remember what project it was and the comment section went ballistic as they thought i didn't torque bolts haha. Glad you enjoyed the project :)
The 916 was my favorit bike as a kid. The one sided swing arm and the tugged mufflers was quite unique back then. :)
I too, enjoy my mufflers tugged.
As you were installing the old belts, I was thinking... "There will be a hue and cry from pretty well anyone that has ever replaced belts on any motorcycle engine, regardless of make." And then you got the new ones out... whew!
You sir are my hero . I only wish I knew someone like you for your skills and expertise
Superb,superb.superb.What a great way for me to spend a manky Sunday afternoon.Thank you for these videos.
In every video I KNOW you will try to trick me and I never see it coming! I was getting very nervous about the belts until I realised it was another joke! Love it - keep up the great work 🤣
Mwhaha and now i bet you're thinking what's the trick going to be in the next episode ;) Really glad you enjoy it though :)
Thank you so much for sharing these videos. Amazing work. I will regret everyday selling my 996. I wish I had your videos before I stripped it down 🙂 Bought the bike after the previous owner had a low side. (just bad maintenance, front brake ceased on a slow corner.) If I had known we can clean plastic, rubber, etc with these tools, I would have saved a lot of money as I rebuilt the bike with mainly new parts LOL Cheers from Canada
i keep watching this restoration and dreaming that one day i will be able to do the same ! beautiful work
I'd just like to say there are three things you didn't teplace/rectify. They are THIS, THAT and THE OTHER!!😂😂
Seriously, a lovely job!
I think the work you do is fantastic and the detail around replating all the bolts is amazing. Thanks for all your work you inspire me and Ive been messing about with bikes for 45 years
B-E-A-Utiful work. I think Bilt Hamber needs to start sponsoring you with the amount you go through.
This is becoming one my favourite restorations you’ve done cannot wait to hear the CAT ROAR….. Nice to have a guest appearance from George
about time he pulled his weight suppose he’s getting above his station now he’s a star as usual quality restoration and film and editing Mr RRC 👍🏻👊🏻
Thank you so much for your comment :)
I like those brackets you made. Much safer than the moderately half-assed plan I was going to use for my engine. I'm going to try your way instead!
Yeah im all about over engineering especially when it comes to a 916 engine hanging 3ft from a concrete floor, Dont half ass it its not worth it lol