2018 959 Gear Shift Lever replacement HELP

majprussell · Apr 4, 2020

Ok, I knocked my bike over cause I am an idiot--my gear lever broke.

I have a 2018 OEM replacement but when I tried to take off the center bolt and also looking at the other 2nd higher bolt...nothing moved.

I didn't want to go too hard since I didn't want to bend the rod.

HELP?

If there is a qualified Ducati mechanic in NYC that can come over and help with the right tools and know how--I have the parts--PM me.

I hate being sidelined and worse, paying $100 a tow to the Ducati dealership when it opens again.

Best,
PR

Domino · Apr 4, 2020

majprussell said:
Ok, I knocked my bike over cause I am an idiot--my gear lever broke.

I have a 2018 OEM replacement but when I tried to take off the center bolt and also looking at the other 2nd higher bolt...nothing moved.

I didn't want to go too hard since I didn't want to bend the rod.

HELP?

If there is a qualified Ducati mechanic in NYC that can come over and help with the right tools and know how--I have the parts--PM me.

I hate being sidelined and worse, paying $100 a tow to the Ducati dealership when it opens again.

Best,
PR

Post pictures of the bolts you are trying to remove.

majprussell · Apr 5, 2020

Domino said:
Post pictures of the bolts you are trying to remove.

Here are the pics:
1. Bolt 1 is the large center bolt
2. Bolt 2 is the upper 1
They both connect to the rod--which I don't want to break.

I have the replacement part--just need some help or advice on how to safely remove the bolts.

I'd pay someone if they know how to do it and come to the garage in NYC.

Domino · Apr 5, 2020

Here is what it looks like off the bike. It is assembled with loctite so you will need to apply force.

First remove the lever pivot bolt that will allow you to access the bolt for the shift shaft.

Once you remove the pivot the lever will drop so you can rotate it to access the bolt that attaches the rod end bearing from the shift lever. You may need to remove the bolt that attaches the shift rod from the shift arm, but you might not. It’s been a while since I’ve removed mine.

majprussell · Apr 5, 2020

HUGE Thanks--I definitely felt the locktite just on the first BIG bolt--Is there a level at which I could bend the rod--I didn't want to break anything more.

I assume a torque wrench is the best tool?

Thanks.
PR

Domino · Apr 5, 2020

A standard socket with hex head probably be best. You can’t bend anything removing the pivot. When you remove the rod end bolt you want to only hold the shift lever so there is no danger of damaging the shift shaft.

Paul G · Apr 5, 2020

With loctite an easy way is to heat it, use a soldering iron or heat gun. It will move

cycler · Apr 5, 2020

Anyone know if the stock 959 stock rearsets are the same ones used on a 2015 1299? I removed my oem rearsets and have cnc racing rearsets if this guy needs to replace his left side.

majprussell · Apr 5, 2020

Ok, I have rearsets off...can’t seem to get this bolt off. I don’t want to strip it.

Suggestions?

DucatiKev · Apr 5, 2020

U need some grit paste in the head so it bites nicely and comes out

you also want a fresh bolt

also put some gloves on

if it strips worse you’re gonna need these

Domino · Apr 5, 2020

Couple of options: I’m going to assume you are using the l shaped hex keys. If you have a bench vise you can remove the rod end bearing ( loosen lock it and unscrew) then take the shifter and tighten in vise. You can then apply a lot of torque to the fastener. You need to extend the Allen key length with either a pipe, a box end wrench etc.
if you don’t have a vise you can grab the lever with the biggest vice grips you’ve got then do the same. Make sure you have the correct size Allen key and make sure it is fully seated so the head doesn’t strip.

majprussell · Apr 5, 2020

yes, using L shaped hex key.

Thanks, I can’t seem to remove the rod end bearing, since the broken gear lever is still connected, it won’t rotate out.

I’ll try the other option with the vice grips and key.

Why is this so hard for a gear shift lever?

damn.

Paul G · Apr 5, 2020

heat is your friend

majprussell · Apr 10, 2020

So, I couldn't get it out but hired a guy to grind it off--whatever they put on the end of the bolt--that stuff is super glue.

Does anyone know the part # for the "turnbuckle" thingy is or have one to sell?

Paul G · Apr 10, 2020

Am sure theres people nearby who have upgraded to aftermarket shifters that have them otherwise your dealer, dismantler or McMaster-Carr

majprussell · Apr 10, 2020

Paul G said:
Am sure theres people nearby who have upgraded to aftermarket shifters that have them otherwise your dealer, dismantler or McMaster-Carr

Agreed. Found a thread on another 959 forum = EXACT SAME PROBLEM.

Putting a link to the thread so anyone doing this same search on this problem knows what's up:

Gear shift lever removal from shifter rod.

Well I did something, and now it’s been impossible to remove the shifter lever from the **** rod. I twisted jam bolt on shift rod to turn the gear shift lever to access small bolt in the back which I know had thread locker I heated the thing up with a small torch lighter and I could not get it...

www.959panigale.net

You'd think Ducati would think of a more "elegant" solution than this...at least make everything more accessible for quick changes, etc.

Paul G · Apr 10, 2020

I had the same issue on my shift rod, ultra sticky and pretty unnecessary Ducati's version of loctite but as I mentioned plenty of heat solves the problem

majprussell · Apr 10, 2020

Paul G said:
I had the same issue on my shift rod, ultra sticky and pretty unnecessary Ducati's version of loctite but as I mentioned plenty of heat solves the problem

I tried....wanted to save it all...alas, cutting was only option. I hear you though.

majprussell · Apr 11, 2020

So I am off to find a replacement bolt and wondering what happen if instead of having the head face the chain and make it harder to change--can I have the bolt head face outwards for easier access or should I just put it back the way they had it?

B Topp · Apr 11, 2020

Heat is your friend!!!!!! Ge that thing hot so the loc tite softens it will also cause the metal to slightly expand don't worry it will not hurt it.

2018 959 Gear Shift Lever replacement HELP

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