Not having a Ducati previously and purchasing my '92 907ie a couple of weeks ago on the understanding that it will likely require a full engine rebuild, I thought it might be helpful for others new to these bikes to follow along with my experiences. Maybe I can save someone else some of the grief or anxiety that I am bound to have over the next couple of months....or more.

The bike: as stated a 1992 907ie. PO took in to have valves checked and was outraged when told by dealer that they had to "hand grind" the sims to size as they did not have any small enough. PO assumed something terribly wrong with engine if valve shims will not fit and given exact measurments required of shims, thought it crazy to be hand grinding them to size. He took back bike and stored it until I bought it.

In past week through this board and the Ducati Users Club of Western Canada, I learned that not only is hand grinding the shims (actually lapping them) standard procedure, it is the only way to get proper clearances in most cases. I find this interesting as I would have been otherwise inclined to agree with the PO.

So this afternoon I started on the bike. First order of business was cleaning it off. In my experience a good detailing is the best way to get aquainted with your new machinery. Apart from finding how dirty the bike was, I found that there are a few drips of oil coming off the bottom of the engine. I could not find out where the leak is coming from., but now that it is cleaner, it may be more evident if the leak is occuring with not oil pressure.

The fairings came off easily enough and it was pretty self evident how to take off the gas tank. Note to others: when you disconnect the lines, the gas does not leak out emptying the tank, unlike say a Harley. Pay attention to the feed line and the return line to ensure it is easy to reconnect and you do it the right way (though pretty evident). The airbox was also a straighforward removal without having to refer to a manual.

I checked the cam belt on the vertical cylinder. It looked fine but pretty dry in there with a bit of rust showing on the idler bearings. I put a bit of white grease into the bearings to make them spin a bit better, which did help them spin. Closed that up then opened up the rocker covers on the vertical cylinder. Not having a manual, tried to spin the engine with the back wheel - not successful. Used the starter but of course that is pretty rough. Found the gap on the exaust side of the engine to be about .007". Obviously one thing to work on. Did not get to checking the other side.

Pulled the spark plug: 18mm socket by the way. Gap over .025", vertical more tanned than horizontal but both look okay. Went to check compression only to find that both of my testers did not fit. Clearly there is compression though. Also confirmed there is spark with my little spark plug tester.

A few general impressions about the bike: first, it is really not at all intimidating. Although I doubt I will ever have much of an understanding of the electronics, the layout of the bike is quite logical. The electric, which is supposed to be so bad on Italian bikes is worlds ahead of my similarly aged Harley. The valve train actually seems to make far more sense than the usual sprung valve return and is no more complicated than a push rod Harley and in many respects far more straightforward, mechanically. I may be ignorant, naive and in denial, but so far this actually looks like an easy bike to work on.

Came back in the house and figured out how to spin the engine. So next weekend, I will properly check the valve clearances. During the week I will try to find a compression tester or fitting for mine to allow me to check the compression (although I would be surprised if there is a problem). In the meantime, I hope to hear from the dealer the PO took the bike to so I can get their analysis.

I am thinking I may have lucked out as I am seriously doubting the need for a rebuild.

'till next time...

Congratulations for the purchase and welcome!
Remember that cam belts need to be changed every second year, so, in order to do that, valve clearance tuning will be easyer without belts
Just some thing more (spark plugs, filters, oil change) andyour bike will be ok!!!

I was going to change the belts and probably the idler pulleys as well (if I can get them). Cheap insurance. I didn't think about how the valve clearances could be much easier to check and adjust while the belt is off. That sounds like a good idea. replenishment of gas, oil, filter, plugs, coolant, brake/clutch fluid, air in the tires, etc. will also be done. Once I know the motor works, I may look for some stainless brake lines to replace the flex'n stretch hoses.