Non VTR but bike related. Is it or isn't it ??????

[LotusSevenMan]

Some of you know I bought a Ducati '748' last year. Yes, I know I was asking for trouble, but it was/is beautiful etc etc. You all know how good the 900 series look.
Well, my gorgeous piece of Italian automotive design wrecked its crank (due to the factory pre-loading the bearing too much at build time) and to cut a long and expensive story short it now has a '916' engine on board. The extra 168cc's giving an additional 18 bhp so nice upgrade.

The only difference between the '748' and the '916' is the obvious engine capacity, an oil cooler on the '916' (which is fitted to mine) and a 90 size rear tyre as opposed to the 80 of the '748'.
Now the question.
So, is it now still a '748' for the DVLA purposes as that's the frame number etc or is it now a '916' as the engine serial number now is? Do I just inform the DVLA that it has a new serial number? The insurance co are aware and no grief at all.
Discuss!

PS. Having asked whether I should alter the rear tyre size to the larger width one I was advised by a well known dealer not to as the smaller width is supposed to be a lot nimbler and 916 owners often downsize to the smaller width anyway.

[warby221]

Nice upgrade shame about the hassle

As far as DVLA is concerned it’s still a 748
You’ll have to get the new CC and engine members put on your V5

Now for the hassle your insurance company’s going to love you as your riding a modified bike with increased performance and CC

Assuming they’ll insurer it there’ll probably be a hike in premium
And if you thinking of not telling them then if you’re in an accident your screwed as your not insured and you’ll be personally liable for any damage and injury
Not to mention the points or even ban




edit: Sorry about the way the posts written now that I’ve read it back looks a bit like im preaching

[IgorVigor]

AFAIK it will still be a Ducati 748 model wise, just with a 916 engine :S

You need to notify them that you have changed the engine (new engine number, and CC)...

I am only working off what I remember reading and hearing....

E.G. if you had the heads skimmed on say a Mk1 Ford Escort 1300, you should notify DVLA with the new smaller engine cc....

I hope that helps....and hopefully someone will come along with a 100% answer...

EDIT: Wooops Got distracted part way through typing the reply....so took 10 minutes to write it

[gilson]

Carol Naish is good at dealing with Modified bikes... It shouldn't be a problem though, even if they simply charge you as a 916?

The answer to the 190 or 180 question is due to the wheel size. I think it's always best to stick with the recommended size, so I'd stick with the 180.

Shame you've had grief with it....

[LotusSevenMan]

Aha!!!
Stealth 916 it is then.
Actually, Carole Nash (my current insurers) are fine with the 'upgrade'. No additional costs so far.

New girlfriend thought I had bad luck with it too so decided that I might need a new registration plate on it.
Now bear in mind my name is Chris Paul Clark.
What a Sweetie she is eh?

[seb421]

Thats mega!

That Reg must of cost a packet i was looking at a similar one for the VTR and it wasnt cheap i can tell you that

[RAINMAKER]

Been away for a while so maybe youve already mentioned this but just how much did it cost for the bike and then a new engine............sure a fantastic looking bike but is it worth it ??
Personally I think the 916 style of bike was an inspired creation, at least the way it looks.

[LotusSevenMan]

Registration wasn't pocket money for sure! I lurve it!!!

Mind you, my VTR one isn't bad either IMHO



Was the bike worth it? Hmmmmm. Think it depends on your ability to see into the future! It went back to the dealer as 12 days out of their warranty (which is a pi$$er). They'd do the parts at trade as so close to the warranty expiry date. Thought at first it was an alternator shim break which is far from uncommon and if caught OK not a bad fix.
Now when it starts to get sorted the find more grief etc etc.
So, given the way it went it should have 'caught fire' long before it got rebuilt, but what do you do having gone a long way down that route and have a box of bits? Today a chap is travelling down from Birmingham to collect the 748 remains.
Ah, bo**ox. It's Italian so gotta be that way. Character they say. Just like its two handed clutch lever in traffic. Geez. Awful, BUT, give it its head on a racetrack/motorway and it does what it is supposed to do brilliantly.
On the road, my VTR is running in sixth gear (lowered gearing with two teeth up at rear) happily at a genuine 80mph. The now '916' is in fourth awaiting more input!!!!

[LotusSevenMan]

Very good Mike !!!

[gilson]

I've never seen a tail bag like that!

BTW, what are those crash bungs and do they fit to the middle engine mounts? Thanks

[LotusSevenMan]

http://home.clara.net/survivalskills/givi_fastbag.htm
I have used the 'FastBag' for touring for three years and find it brilliant. Along with a tank bag I can pack enough stuff for two weeks away inc. my wet weather kit without having to 'go commando' in the last few days!!!!!

Not sure what make the crash posts are, but they came from eBay. They bolt to the frame not the engine mount but the fixing bracket has a welded lip to stop them rotating around the fixing bolt in the event of 'an off'.

LSM

[snipper]

now you know why i got rid of my 748 chris

its not a case of if ..... but when

saying that my sp1's been off the road weeks and will be a few more till i take
delivery of a new rad..... if it ever comes

[LotusSevenMan]

True Snipper, but I'd rather have (how can I say this on this site I know? ) a 916 than the SP1 or 2 anyday.

Iconic and, well, Italian ha ha

[Beamish]

True Snipper, but I'd rather have (how can I say this on this site I know? ) a 916 than the SP1 or 2 anyday.

Iconic and, well, Italian ha ha

If youd have said a 848/1098 then fair enough but a 916 is way off the mark. 916 = A good looking expensive RAC using paperweight. The SP is a better bike and looks are pretty special too
Just my opinion

[Jbrebel]

I like both the 916 and the SP equally. I've actually looked at a couple of 996's myself.

The SP pips it for me though Ducati's-particularly 916's- are beautiful, exotic, iconic bikes. No question.

But I just see them as more a fashion statement to a lot of people now. A bit like Paris Hilton's pug