Eleanor - Mods by a God

[Desmogod]

I christened her Eleanor a long time before I picked her up, and she has lived up to her name.
My first Duc was about 6 or 7 years ago and was an early 600 Monster that went all over the UK and Europe.
I did the ride from the UK down to WDW 2002, which was an amazing experience, taking in the Lambourghini and Ducati factories, and a lot of good Italian food and wine.
When I returned from Italy, I bought a '99/'00 748R, that I regrettably wrote off 3 months later.
This started my love affair with Ducati's, and my desire to once again own the only vehicle I ever mourned over.
The bike has spent most of it's life on the drag strip and race track, and although the engine internals are very strong, and the chassis is fine, everything else has passed it's use by date.
Nothing a haynes manual, a bike forum and coffee can't fix though.
I've done hours of work on her so far, tidying stuff up, replacing seals and o rings, clutch, rewired dodgy connections etc etc.
Basically all the ancillary stuff that has deteriorated, I'm getting there, the bike now starts and runs reliably (so far), although I do have a charging/electrical issue I have to hunt down, but it is a Ducati after all, what would it be without "character"
It still needs a chain and sprockets, and as it's a torquey motor that will get primarily street use, I'll go back up to a 525 chain.
After that, I'll start by tweaking it, I'm thinking factory racer spec and build quality, but this project will be over years I should imagine.
As I progress, I'll do pictorial how-to's, I have pictures for the clutch, but not the starter sprag clutch, so I'll pinch the pictures from elsewhere and use those.
Here's a very dodgy cameraphone picture, I still need to repair the carbon, and get rid of that horrific blue anodised washer on the heat shield.
In all honesty, most of the fasteners are "bits and bobs" a testament to it's life as a race bike.
I'll replace these in time.

[CitizenD]

Now that you've prettied her all up again, jump on her ride her hard as fuck and get your rocks off. Quick.

[Desmogod]

Would if I could mate, but the shoulder dictates that I can't.
It does however give me the ability to thoroughly go over the bike and make sure it is properly sorted for the summer.

[CitizenD]

The exotic ones always brake your heart. That's why I go for the more homely ones.

[XSorXpire]

Originally Posted by CitizenD

The exotic ones always brake your heart. That's why I go for the more homely ones.

What they stop (or slow) it?

[jules_1972]

Nice Jim...

Another Ducati Project.

I might know where there is some RS engine parts if need be.

[Jamathi]

Desmo, go back to 2 strokes.
Sell this one if you have to and "scoop" the RG500 from Bumbo's.
You will still have a wadda ca$h in yer back pocket and a faster machine that will increase in value over time.
Ningning..ning instead of Braaapbrap Braapp!

[arwon]

ok , so is it named Eleanor after the original Gone in Sixty seconds Mustang... the colour is right.

[CT90]

It sounds like a "Christine" to me.

[jules_1972]

Originally Posted by CT90

It sounds like a "Christine" to me.

Not Nice!!!

[Desmogod]

Originally Posted by CT90

"Christine"

Yeah mate, not far off!

Originally Posted by jules_1972

Another Ducati Project.

It was never intended to be, at least I'll know everything is absolutely spot on, to MY standards.

Originally Posted by jules_1972

I might know where there is some RS engine parts if need be.

Oh reeeeeally....

[De-evolve]

naww i thought this was a thread about me

[Lozzle]

And here I was hoping to see a GT500 Shelby =(

Good luck with it, Jimmeh!

[Desmogod]

Right, the bike is 90% complete, it still needs a chain and sprockets, plugs, rear brake light switch, neutral switch and a few other bits and pieces, but this is all down to $$$'s now
I just want to thank a few people..
Ice - For advice when I got mad.
Damian from Frasers - Amazing service, endless help sourcing parts.
BigTim - For his help, advice, and being one of the most awesome blokes I've ever met.
Patto's down in Bunbury - (I didn't speak to Wayne, the other Patto) I called him up out of the blue, and he spent 25 minutes talking to me about the bike, it's history, everything, thank you.
Goofy - Again, for advice and help.
Anyone I forgot - Sorry.

[Desmogod]

Well, when I say 90% complete, I mean the "getting it to what it should have been when I bought it" stage.
The next stage will be the fun part

[Dingo]

Originally Posted by Desmogod

Well, when I say 90% complete, I mean the "getting it to what i was dreaming it would be when I bought it" stage.
The next stage will be the fun part

Fixed

Im sure your going to have a heap of fun making her yours Jim

[Desmogod]

Mate, it'll be a slow process with bubs on the way, repayment, bills etc, but this is my dream bike.
Even with her in bits, I still walk into the garage and can't believe it's there.
I have no issues spending years turning her into something amazing.

[the[K]id]

Lovely looking bike, not a huge duc fan, but the 748/916 line were extremely good looking, a totally balanced bike in appearance, something the 1098 failed to recreate. One of those with termis nearing the redline must be in the top ten engine notes of all time. Can't wait to see its evolution

[Danger Mouse]

pitty its not red like this one.. I call it "gets him in a whole heap of shit that cost lawer fees" machine

[foolishboy]

Originally Posted by De-evolve

naww i thought this was a thread about me

I'll start one for you Elle, my special project to have Eleanor wearing a pink jacket an riding a pink bike for MAD!