I found that the Paso has a 15mm swingarm pivot. That is very small especially considering that all other Ducati models since 1990 they have used a 20mm pivot. So I decided that I wanted to upgrade.
This would require modifications to the frame and the bearings in the swingarm.

I found a 20mm axle from some Japanese bike was very close in spec to the Paso pivot.

My plan was to bore out the frame but it was impossible to fit in a milling machine. So I made fixtures that allowed me to drill out the holes in steps.

Measuring the inside of the frame I realized that there would be very little surface area left so I had cups machined that I welded over the original pivot area.

Modifications to the bearings in the swingarm were pretty straight forward. Sourced some new bearings and made a few new spacers.

I had to turn the head of the new pivot down slightly to fit down the frame pocket.
On the other side I had to source a small OD flange nut.
Everything fit so I could install the black plastic caps.

This should make for a much stiffer chassis.

I absolutely love shit like this, Well done and brilliant photo's and explanation I think G will be putting this in the FAQ thread pretty soon

I love shit like this too , more the psychiatric side of things than anything to do with motorcycle engineering . I mean your obviously no dummie when it comes to making things outa metal but if you really wanted to stiffen up the chasis you shoulda just painted it , any how , nice job ...... if you must

The frame will be powder coated once I finish the rest of the modifications to install the 999S motor

Oh yeah ! I can so see why you'd want to do that. Have you thought about fitting the Paso body work to a 999s ?

Hi, soory but maybe I've missed it: how did you solve it with the bearings in the engine case?
Also, what is your main reason to go from 15 to 20mm?

Frank

Ok, missed that (the 999 engine).
Wow, quit a project!
Assume that adapting the swingarm bolt is the easiest modification

Will be interesting to see the project in progress!

Good luck

Speedmade, don`t mind me asking but seeing that the thread of the 20mm pivot is longer I wonder which part of it sits in the frame. Hope you get what I mean. (if it`s the threaded part it could cause radial play, which may be gone if all is tightened up, but still...)