Ducati riders- need some tips

[skiandclimb]

I am getting rid of my GSXR 600, and will be running a Ducati 996 this year. I have turned laps on twins in the past, and actually prefer the power/torque than that of an I-4, but as with any new bike, I'm lacking the ins and outs of racing the thing.

I'm hoping there might be one or to 996 racers on here that might be willing to drop a tip or two on the bike's on-track characteristics.

Track-prepping it is not the issue. I'm looking for guidance in terms of single vs. dual injector set-up, chain/sprocket brand choices/set-up, tire pref., et al...

Any help is very appreciated!

Cheers,
Ski

[Jason748]

A Few of the guys in the midwest area that I'd get a hold of (and will probably talk your ear off) are:
Fred and/or Doug (yes, that would be Doug Lofgren - Ducati tuning genius) at silverback performance:  http://www.silverbackperformance.com/
Mark S over at DUCshop:  http://www.ducshop.com/
Jason Etter at Department of susupenion... I don't have his contact info, but I ran his setup on my 748 with very good results...
Rob at Lithium - I know he's run a Duc a while back to - http://www.lithiummotorsports.com/  And he does all my suspension work.   

But probably one of the best things I did, other than the suspension, to my 748 when it was a race bike, was bolting on the 27mm offset clamps... 

[skiandclimb]

Thanks for the links, Jason. I am familiar with Dept of Suspension, as they did the suspension on my bike. Unfortunately, that was for its previous owner, who is very very skinny! That is tops on my list thus far. He spoke nothing but accolades of their work.

Thanks,
Ski

[LMsports]

I raced a Ducati 996 to an amateur supertwins championship  in the CRA back in the day. Feel free to drop me a line or call me if you would like to discuss some specific questions you may have. I think I had that bike torn down to nothing every race weekend over something!

[skiandclimb]

Thanks Rob. I will send you a PM shortly....I have questions!!!!

[chris_chops]

There are 2 other shops that come to mind as Ducati suspension specialists and also have guys that work there who go pretty good on Ducatis.

Ducati Indianapolis and Ducati Omaha

[George_Linhart]

I have a favoriate saying - racing a Ducati is God's way of telling you that you have too much money.

Prepare for a very expensive season.

[123user]

Like George says, you have to be pretty "into" Ducati to deal with the gremlins, expense, maint. and such. 

Personally, I thrive on frustration... so I love mine!

The 996's are down on power as compared to everything... and don't believe the crap about "italians really know suspension".  Count on buying new triples and a slipper clutch. 

But your in luck, with Ducati Performance, Vee-Two, Pistal and about $10,000 it'll go almost as fast as a SS-prep'd RC-51.

[backMARKr]

Bartlett is not to be trusted.......he has an abnormal affinity for Ducatis.....

[Jason748]

Bartlett is not to be trusted.......he has an abnormal affinity for Ducatis.....

Hey now... Be nice.  it's a "Healthy" affinity... 


And Yea - Matt @ Ducati Indy a great guy to talk Ducati too.  Sorry I forgot about you Matt...

[skiandclimb]

Well, the learning experience has begun.  Need to re-chrome openers, need new belts, get rid of those ridiculous half-rings and go w/ the collet style....yadda yadda yadda. 

Suspension will be 90% finished this weekend, and put the motor back together......thankfully with the guidance of my friend, Randy...my Duc guru. 

I'm running a great steering dampner and slipper clutch, and a couple other trick bits, but for the most part, its a street 996 thats gonna hit the track.  I'm definitely NOT a rich dude, but I'm also not one to go out and flog the shite out of the thing, either.

I have to say that I am in lust with this bike though.  It is sex on wheels, and I should be able to scare the shite out of a few people with the exhaust and clutch alone while on grid. lol

Hey, one question I did have for you guys is, do you / did you run single injector set up, or run them both per cylinder?  I'm currently set for single spray (with proper chip) and I like it.  Just wanting to know if this is a preferred track set up.

Thanks everyone!

-Ski

[ktd]

I would be careful asking Ducshop anything. (Corrected I mistook Duc Shop for Duc Pond dugh) They told me my 1098 had light springs in the front I should put in 1.0 springs for my weight.  So I end up buying 1.0  springs and installing them to find out it had 1.0 springs in it.  Wasted my time and money.  Jason at Dept of Suspension seems to know his stuff pretty good.  The best results I have seen on my Duc came from changing the triple.  I for your bike that is ture as well.