Termi frustration and a busted subframe

**Graeme999** · 03 Jul 08, 05:54 PM

Hi again

Further to my last post, after much swearing (these things are a nightmare to work on) I managed to get the seat and sub frame off the 999 this afternoon.

The subframe was very easy to remove as it came away in 3 pieces! (yes the subframe was broken at the weakest point). I have managed to locate someone who can ally weld this for me (I assume these can be welded). That was the first nightmare.

With the subframe(s) set to one side, I fitted the downpipe (you know what I mean, it is a half system so the long pipe that leads to the silencer). OK so far I thought.

Then I married the Termi end can up to the pipe ends. Now, it is as though the old pipe (i.e. the feeder pipe I didn't change) is too long or like the stub for the left hand pipe coming out of the silencer is too long. In short, the fit between the can and the pipes is rubbish. It fits (ish) but I think it will blow (the seals are both in place in the pipe ends). The stubs on the Termi can seem longer than the stubs on the standard ducati can - Have I got the right pipe?. I bought is off ebay second hand and was told it came of a standard grey swing arm 999 like mine.

The EOBD light is also on permanently - this came on before I started messing with the pipes. (I will post about this separately).

All in all, a frustrating introduction to Ducatis as I have had more hassle with this bike in the first week of ownership than I had in 4 years of owning my last R6.

Any more advise as to how to sort the can out would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks very much

Regards

Graeme

**Graeme999** · 03 Jul 08, 06:59 PM

Just had a thought. Given I have a bloke lined up to ally weld the rear sub frame, I might ask him to cut a bit off the stub on the Termi can (its the left hand stub - the smaller one - as you look at it) and re weld. I Think then the match between the end can and the pipes will be a lot better. Anyone else had to do this?

Thanks

Graeme

**Keninsussex** · 03 Jul 08, 07:07 PM

Am I right in thinking you have a mono? My 999 mono rear subframe broke but fortunately within the warranty period. Ducati were very good and replaced it, together with labour and collection all foc. Dunno if you've tried to contact them via the Ducati website and see what (if anything) they may do for you? No doubt your bike is out of warranty but no harm in trying.........

**Graeme999** · 03 Jul 08, 07:59 PM

Thanks for that.

I have no doubt will be out of warranty as is 54 Reg. I can't believe how flimsy the sub frame is - wafer thin alloy. Where it broke (into 3 pieces) is such an obvious weak point it is ridiculous.

Hopefully will get it sorted soon (and move onto the next problems) - the non-fitting termi can and the EOBD light permanently on. Need to get those sorted, and a belt fluid change before I go over for the Manx GP in about 6 weeks time.

The joys of Ducati ownership - maybe I should have bought that R1!

Graeme

**love7473** · 03 Jul 08, 08:57 PM

Hi Graeme,

I felt like you this time last year, I had problems with my 999 Bip 04 Reg.

I posted on here and the other members on this site gave me there honest opinions.

I spoke about the brand new GSXR750 I was thinking about trading my 999 in for!

I hung on in there and rode the storm of problems.

2 months after my negative thoughts, the 999 sorted its problems.

I have never thought about giving up the 999 since!

My dark days passed and then the real love of my Ducati arrived!

Try to remain positive mate and remain the one who stands out in the Jap crowd.

Hope you get all the problems sorted!

Carl

**Spikey** · 03 Jul 08, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graeme999

Hi again

Further to my last post, after much swearing (these things are a nightmare to work on) I managed to get the seat and sub frame off the 999 this afternoon.

The subframe was very easy to remove as it came away in 3 pieces! (yes the subframe was broken at the weakest point). I have managed to locate someone who can ally weld this for me (I assume these can be welded). That was the first nightmare.

With the subframe(s) set to one side, I fitted the downpipe (you know what I mean, it is a half system so the long pipe that leads to the silencer). OK so far I thought.

Then I married the Termi end can up to the pipe ends. Now, it is as though the old pipe (i.e. the feeder pipe I didn't change) is too long or like the stub for the left hand pipe coming out of the silencer is too long. In short, the fit between the can and the pipes is rubbish. It fits (ish) but I think it will blow (the seals are both in place in the pipe ends). The stubs on the Termi can seem longer than the stubs on the standard ducati can - Have I got the right pipe?. I bought is off ebay second hand and was told it came of a standard grey swing arm 999 like mine.

The EOBD light is also on permanently - this came on before I started messing with the pipes. (I will post about this separately).

All in all, a frustrating introduction to Ducatis as I have had more hassle with this bike in the first week of ownership than I had in 4 years of owning my last R6.

Any more advise as to how to sort the can out would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks very much

Regards

Graeme

aye up graeme my advice as to fitting the termi is " hit it with a big hammer " .....
no no thats my evil twin evil spike talkin , what i did , cos mine was miles out was take all the pipe work off except the headers and then start a fresh from there . you,ll be amazed how much play / adjustment you can find , oh and make sure everythings clean , things that are clean go together better in my opinion . ohh and have lots of beer / wine depending on your upbringing ready for the congratually drink of a job well done ( personally i just do a quart of meths but hey each to there own ) anyway goto go the nurse is coming .... toodle pip and chocks away bag one for me ginge and dont turn sausage up and i,ll see you back in blighty

spike

**safetyfish** · 04 Jul 08, 04:42 PM

How are you fitting the exhaust pipe without the subframe in place?

Those pipes line up eventaully, use a piece of wood and a 5 pound hammer to convince it into place. Some days it will just pop straight in, other days needs a bit of violance to get it going.

Can you perhaps post pictures to show where you are having the difficulties. People in the know can perhaps comment if they spot something us mere mortals have missed as is usually the case.

SF

**Graeme999** · 05 Jul 08, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the advice.

The sub frame was off as it was in 3 pieces - I'm hopefully having it welded today. With no subframe in place, I married the temi can up to the pipes and attached the springs and supported it by hand and started the bike. I appreciate this is not the best way to do it and I appreciate the subframe supports the can. I just wanted to hear how good the termi can sounded.

Maybe when I fit the subframe back on and jiggle the pipes around the fit might be better. Got myself some exhaust mounting/sealing paste so that might help too.

Like I said though, the stubs on the termi can are definately an inch or so longer than the stubs on the original ducati can. Sorry I can't post pictures but shouldn't the stubs be the same length on the original/termi cans?

Hopefully I will not have to resort to cutting and welding the stubs and doubtless all may become clearer once the sub frame is back on.

Thanks again

Can't wait to get back out on the road.

Graeme

**Spikey** · 05 Jul 08, 10:42 AM

just been out and dug my standard can out and compared it with my termi , the stubs on the can are longer , give me half an hour and i,ll post up the piks ( batteries on my camera flat) " Dont cut anything "

spike

**Spikey** · 05 Jul 08, 12:36 PM

right spike ere

heres some piks note the termi can is phsically smaller than the standard therefore the inlets need to be longer to reach the pipework , you can see from the piks the difference in lengths , i would think that if you cut any length off any thing your mounting points would be out . again joking apart take off all the pipe work except the headers including the rear pipe and get your subframe back on and all will become clear . dont forget to clean everything before re assembly and dont rush it . these things are sent to try us and dont forget termi is quite a reputable company so unless your pipework has been altered it will fit ... eventually....

spike

**Graeme999** · 05 Jul 08, 02:06 PM

Thanks very much for going to the trouble to provide the pics. This site really is excellent in making life easier for Ducati virgins like me.

The subframe is being welded now. As recommended, when I get the subframe back, I will remove all pipework (except the headers), clean the mating faces of the pipework and have a go at putting it all back together again. I am sure it will all fit together fine with a but of effort. It appears the can is correct so I will definately not be cutting anything. Thanks again.

Graeme

**Spikey** · 05 Jul 08, 02:13 PM

no probs mate , but dont forget if all else fails the angle grinder and a big hammer always work ... only kidding folks ....

spike

**Graeme999** · 06 Jul 08, 02:22 PM

After a bit of persuasion, a lot of time and much swearing, I finally got the repaired rear sub frame and Termi half system fitted.

I think part of the problem was with the seals in the exhausts (stopping the pipes from properly mating together). I ended up taking out the one on the smaller link pipe and putting some exhaust sealing past around the joint. There is a very slight leak but I may well be able to sort it.

Anyway, it was worth all the hassle as the sound is amazing. The buyer of my old bike (an R6) is hopefully coming to pick it up today. I gave it a run to make sure the battery was charged up as it hasn't been run for a couple of weeks. Much as I am sorry to see the R6 go as it has been a great, 100% reliable, bike for the past 4 years, it really does feel like a push bike compared to the 999.

Game on. Getting the belts/fluids changed next week in Ducati Manchester then hitting the road.

Graeme