Thinking of a Ducati 600ss for DesmoDue?

[Dan]

Just found a standard Ducati 600ss in good condition (don't know what year) for £1500. Now speaking hypothetically, would it be appropriate for entering DesmoDue in 2007?

If it is appropriate what other changes would I need to make to the bike to make it track/race ready? :wink:

Just thinking of course, nothing too serious......

[Dan]

Just found out the bike is a 1998 model displacing 583cc.
Here's an answer to the rest of my questions: :wink:
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The Ducati Sporting Club ‘Desmo Due’ Race Series
TECHNICAL REGULATIONS 2006
The motorcycle must be based on an air-cooled 2 Valve Ducati Twin cylinder produced since 1992, displacing no more than 675cc.

The machines used are allowed limited modifications. Most modifications are only allowed for safety reasons or to allow older generations of the Desmo Due family of motorcycles to remain competitive with the latest machines.

All motorcycles must meet the requirements of the ACU Standing Regulations for Road Racing.

1.1 Displacement capacities

Class A
Engines that were produced with an original capacity of 583cc must not exceed 675cc. Modifying the bore to reach the class limit is allowed.

For 618cc engines no increase in capacity is allowed

Class B
The maximum engine capacity will be 583cc

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2.1.4 Qualification for entry to the series

This series is primarily intended for DSC Club members to allow them to experience racing. The eligibility for the series is:

All entrants must be fully paid up members of the Ducati Sporting Club.

Class A
Entrants will need to be members of the Club prior to 31st December 2005 and not raced above Clubman level within the last 3 years.

Class B
For the 2006 series, entrants will have to meet the following entry criteria:

a) Novice licence holders as of 1st January 2006, or
b) Raced in Desmo Due on a 583cc machine in 2005, for 2 or more races.

The top 3 finishers within Class B will be required to move up to Class A for the following season or can remain within Class B but will be ineligible to score championship points.

General:
Discretion may be shown by the committee towards entrants who do not meet all of these criteria, but who are entering in the spirit of the series. This to include those applying to join the series after the 1st of January 2006.

Any entrant found to be bringing the series or the Club into disrepute, can at the discretion of the Race Committee have their entry withdrawn following a formal review and endorsement by the Management Team of the Ducati Sporting Club.

These rules will not apply to guest riders, who do not score points. These are defined as people entering for a one off round and are not registered for the whole series.
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Gets you thinking doesn't it! Wish I had the cash.....

[Ozz]

Go on Dan you know you want to...

I am sponsoring a couple of riders next year so should be some fun....

[Oopsmoments]

A friend of a friend of mine is signed up - has his bike ready to go I believe - sure I can put you in touch if you need a bit more info..

[zimbo]

Should be ideal, you need very few mods to make it to the grid. You need to make the bellypan hold 4 litres of oil, remove the lights horn etc, stick some decent brake pads in (I recommend Performance Friction) and change the fluid to race spec, cut the top out the airbox, race can and dynojet kit, lockwire the oil filler / sump plug / oil filter, paint yellow number boards on, and go racing!
I race a 583 monster in DD, I thoroughly recommend it, cheapest and closest racing you can do and it'll bring your riding on like you won't believe!
Let me know if you need any help / pointers . . .

[diamondbrit73]

Sounds like good fun Dan,

ive got a 600ss sitting about! and a spare engine that my old mans been playing with! (strip down and a bit of cleaning and polishing of the inlet manifolds etc. )

Can you change the swingarm to an alloy version?

[zimbo]

You may change the swinging arm to an alloy one, I can't imagine there's any real advantage in doing so though.

[Mini Mo]

I'd love to do something like that but I can't even go round corners properly

[zimbo]

Originally Posted by Mini Mo

I'd love to do something like that but I can't even go round corners properly

It's a good way to learn, fast!!! I used to think I could go round corners fairly well but I go round a LOT quicker now, and I still need to get a lot quicker still, the boys at the front are just carrying so much more speed through complex series of bends than I do. Still, at least I can still improve!

One of my favourite pics from DD this year, Fil2 at Cadwell on his 620SS

[Dan]

Thanks for the info fellas..... I have to admit I'm still struggling to find/borrow enough money to buy the bike, and I don't imagine I'd be able to make every race meet because of work..... however I've just been reading all the blerb and assuming my bike met the prerequisites, I'd probably be able to enter a few races as a guest rider! But I'd need to be a member of the Ducati Sporting Club and hold an ACU licence..... gets complicated this racing malarky.

Feels a bloody intimidating idea though.... I haven't even bought the bike and I can feel the arse kicking and a consistant last place on the grid already.

Zimbo, If I manage to buy this bike, prepare yourself for a house visitor over the winter! :wink:

[Mini Mo]

Zimbo. what are the running/competing costs, bar the capital layout of the bike?

[harriebird]

Originally Posted by Dan

I haven't even bought the bike and I can feel the arse kicking and a consistant last place on the grid already.

if you can hang on til 2008 Dan, i'll keep you company at the back i am the official Foxy Racing back marker don't forget - I've even got the tshirt

[Dan]

Originally Posted by harriebird

if you can hang on til 2008 Dan, i'll keep you company at the back i am the official Foxy Racing back marker don't forget - I've even got the tshirt

Sounds good to me Harrie! :wink:

Just recieved this reply from Domski on the www.ddracer.com forum:
(As you know, I hate paying to join clubs but in this case I might have to! )
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Want to be a dd racer?

There’s no cheaper or friendlier way to start racing than with the DSC. Its aimed at novices that want something more than just a trackday.

Part one paper work.

Need to join the ducati-sporting club £25 for the year and there’s load of other activities can do there as well. Contact

http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/index.php3?M=34

Next contact the ACU, book a training day £50 in Ruby (its very informative for new racer) and you get a test form that needs to be sent to Chris Bushell with completed ACU form.
Need a novice road racing licence also need an eye test (see your doctor) and a photo.

http://www.acu.org.uk/info/joinus.aspx

Need any help with filling this out contact dominic_clegg@hotmail.co.uk

Once form filled in send this and a cheque for £47 (for novice licence includes orange novice jacket) to Chris Bushell contact him at chris.bushell@ducatisportingclub.com

Also need to join new era that run the race meetings £25 http://www.neweramcc.org/contact/contact.htm

All memberships last 12 months (acu jan to dec)

At this stage you will get in the post your ACU licence (orange jacket), DSC membership which includes a 10% discount at most ducati dealers. And new era membership card.
New era will also send you race entry forms to enter races which will need to be filled out and sent back as soon as possible race fee are about £120 a meeting for this get a timed practice and two races. It about the same you pay for a trackday.

Part two

Getting the bike. There is a load out there, ebay is a very good place to start can pick up a real good 600ss for about £1000. Iv also had seen plenty of 620 monsters and 600ss at damage repair places i.e insurance write offs with very little damage.

So what do you need to do to the bike?

Well not a lot, need to get a race fairing and an oil catch tray. Full set can cost around £250. Also need to up grade the brake hoses to steal braded ones and lock wire sump, oil cap and filter to the bike. Also need to remove all in necessary items from the bike i.e head light etc (see technical rules). Also need to fit a set of Pirelli Diablo tyres a set cost about £150 and can last all season. (control tyre) one more rule to meet acu is to fit a shark fin chain gard
And a set of race numbers contact Chris about what number you can have.
These are the basics and this will get you racing. But there are other things like giving the bike a service before racing i.e. new oil, filters spark plugs.
also need to put all breather pipes into a catch tank (small)
and two 25mm holes in the bell pan with plugs that need to be removed for wet races

Part three protection

Need a one-piece leather suit these can be picked up new for £100 just ask on the message board.
I also recommend getting two helmets gold ACU approved helmets can be picked up for as little as £30. Also get two sets of gloves with wrist straps for £25 pair. And a good strong set of boot for about £100.
I also recommend a back protector for £10. These may seem cheep but if don’t go for named brands there can be huge saving. The quality is not bad at the cheep end too.

Hence a total season race costs could be as little as £3000

If you not got a van, trailers can be found new for £250.

These are just the basics want any more information or help.
All the dd racer are keen to help you out in any way we can just drop us an email leave a message on the board or come see us at a race meeting.

Hope to see you on the track you wont regret it.

[Ollie]

Dan if you want a someone to do your spannering just gimme a shout!! be well up for it!!

I even fancy it myself!!

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Dan if you want a someone to do your spannering just gimme a shout!! be well up for it!!

I even fancy it myself!!

Bloody hell, I'm feeling even more out of my league now!
Thanks for the great offer Ollie, but I still need to buy the bike first!