Help installing the akra full system

Hi everyone!

So I removed the stock exhaust and when removing the front header I damaged the radiator. A replacement is on its way, used radiator bought from a fellow member, now i am in debate where to finish the job myself or taking it to the dealer. I am not exactly doubting myself about doing it, I am asking for tips, recommendations or more information on installing everything back. If I would've known that by removing the radiator first I would've had a lot more space to work around the exhaust, would've have saved much time and trouble.

Anyone has gone through this or similar situation?
What are your recommendations?
Or plain and simple take it to Ducati?

Thanks and much appreciate it

With the radiator removed it's a reasonably easy job.

I managed with the radiator in place but the front header nuts are a ...... to get off, it's tight and you need a small 3-4 inch ring spanner and you only get 1/8 turn at times....
Once you get the front header back on its not too bad, leave header bolts loose for connecting other pipes later, (assemble the heat guard to the front header first).
Then I think I did the rear header next leaving header bolts loose then the link pipes.

Then the silencers (the rear silencer bolts are a ...... as well, put the front bracket on first with nuts on loose then attempt the rear silencer bolts).

Then the spring rubber hooks which are not too bad, I used a screwdriver to pull them up and stretch the top hook over.

You did get the instructions with them, right?

The front header is the hardest part. If you're replacing the radiator, then the access problem is solved.

The instructions are not comprehensive, but many of my problems resulted from straying on my own. The sequence of removal and replacement is important.

I would say keep going

Steveo said:

With the radiator removed it's a reasonably easy job.

I managed with the radiator in place but the front header nuts are a ...... to get off, it's tight and you need a small 3-4 inch ring spanner and you only get 1/8 turn at times....
Once you get the front header back on its not too bad, leave header bolts loose for connecting other pipes later, (assemble the heat guard to the front header first).
Then I think I did the rear header next leaving header bolts loose then the link pipes.

Then the silencers (the rear silencer bolts are a ...... as well, put the front bracket on first with nuts on loose then attempt the rear silencer bolts).

Then the spring rubber hooks which are not too bad, I used a screwdriver to pull them up and stretch the top hook over.

You did get the instructions with them, right?

Click to expand...

Yes I got the instructions, still I found they lock of accuracy.
When would the radiator go back then?

This has been written about extensively and yet we have another destroyed radiator. Don't feel bad, the dealers do a nice number on them as well. I really don't understand the hesitation in dropping the radiator when installing systems. Without the right tools, your going to loose on shortcuts.

Get the fan and duct off, makes lide MUCH easier. But if you're replacing the radiator anyways, install the front header before you install the radiator...

endodoc said:

This has been written about extensively and yet we have another destroyed radiator. Don't feel bad, the dealers do a nice number on them as well. I really don't understand the hesitation in dropping the radiator when installing systems. Without the right tools, your going to loose on shortcuts.

Click to expand...

I'm fairly new to the forum, I actually tried to find information but not much luck. I agree 100% removing the radiator should definitely be suggested.

Sorry didn't mean to be a jerk. I just come off that way LOL. You can do it. Just stare at it a bit. As I alluded to in a previous thread, the bike is a jigsaw puzzle with a systematic assembly and disassembly sequence. Once you figure it out, things are easier. I can do the exhaust in under 2 hrs (correctly) without taking the radiator out (zero damage)but only with a set of bizarre aviation tools that are essentially air ratchets that are used in specialty fastener assemblies in extremely limited access areas (inside wing assemblies). I got these things at a military auction years ago and they are awesome. The forum members have laid out excellent advice. You should have no issues

endodoc said:

Sorry didn't mean to be a jerk. I just come off that way LOL. You can do it. Just stare at it a bit. As I alluded to in a previous thread, the bike is a jigsaw puzzle with a systematic assembly and disassembly sequence. Once you figure it out, things are easier. I can do the exhaust in under 2 hrs (correctly) without taking the radiator out (zero damage)but only with a set of bizarre aviation tools that are essentially air ratchets that are used in specialty fastener assemblies in extremely limited access areas (inside wing assemblies). I got these things at a military auction years ago and they are awesome. The forum members have laid out excellent advice. You should have no issues

Click to expand...

It's all good, just had to mentioned being a fresh 1299 owner left aside working on this bikes. I agree, seems like I got few pointers and I should be ok finishing it I suppose. Rad comes either today or tomorrow so once I get it then I will make my mind . Definitely having the right tools helps a lot.

1299rookie said:

It's all good, just had to mentioned being a fresh 1299 owner left aside working on this bikes. I agree, seems like I got few pointers and I should be ok finishing it I suppose. Rad comes either today or tomorrow so once I get it then I will make my mind . Definitely having the right tools helps a lot.

Click to expand...

I did my install while ONLY removing the side fairings. Nothing else on the bike. Of course this made my install much more difficult than someone lifting the subframe and removing the radiator. I did bend a couple of fins but the damage was very minor. Even with the right tool, the front header bolt wasn't turning much at all so taking it off and then putting it back on was definitely challenging to say the least but I got it done. Had to make 2 trips to my local shop to get tools that I didn't have. Install took me about 8 total hours over the course of a weekend, which included my trips to the store. I could easily cut that down to half the second time around if I had to. More importantly, I would do it all over again because not only did I save $500 or so, I also learned a lot about the complexity in the design of this bike and nothing is more rewarding than being able to say "I installed that."

You needed a combination of universal joints, a long (8in) 1/4" extension with a small 10mm socket and a small 10mm wrench. Alternate between the 2. The front nut will require the wrench the most.

I only had to loosen the radiator bolts to swing it forward once (maybe the first time I did this), but it is not needed.

Where are you in Aurora?

1299rookie said:

Hi everyone!

So I removed the stock exhaust and when removing the front header I damaged the radiator. A replacement is on its way, used radiator bought from a fellow member, now i am in debate where to finish the job myself or taking it to the dealer. I am not exactly doubting myself about doing it, I am asking for tips, recommendations or more information on installing everything back. If I would've known that by removing the radiator first I would've had a lot more space to work around the exhaust, would've have saved much time and trouble.

Anyone has gone through this or similar situation?
What are your recommendations?
Or plain and simple take it to Ducati?

Thanks and much appreciate it

Click to expand...

You will be fine doing it yourself. I think I took about 10 hours over two days to do the job. But I did an oil change in the middle and let all the oil drain overnight. Plus I was weighing pieces and giving a very detailed clean as I went.

As other guys have said the hardest part is removing the top 10mm header bolt on the horizontal cylinder. I took off the fan assembly and loosened the radiator and pushed it forward. I got enough clearance to use a very small flex head socket. What I think is the better tool for the job is a ratchet ring spanner.

Coincidently I purchased a 13mm one today for a different job on the bike. I think it will be worth buying one for the job.

I found the instructions very good and followed them to the letter. I suggest taking your time and do not rush it. Do not force anything and only do the final tightening of bolts when everything lines up nice.

Do not forget to use the ceramic paste etc where specified. The key is take your time. You will get a real sense of satisfaction when you step back and can say "I did that".

I left my side fairings off for the test ride and after letting it cool down checked all the bolts again.

And buy some spring pullers, when you go buy the 10mm ratchet ring spanner. Makes putting on the springs simple rather than a PITA.

Also a final note before you start give the whole exhaust a good clean with some spirit to remove all your greasy finger marks before you heat it up. This will avoid marks on the system which are hard to get off later.

sorry one more tip. When you are removing the two o2 sensors from the OEM undo the plug at the other end so you do not twist up the cable.

Good luck and enjoy saving money doing it yourself.

1299rookie said:

It's all good, just had to mentioned being a fresh 1299 owner left aside working on this bikes. I agree, seems like I got few pointers and I should be ok finishing it I suppose. Rad comes either today or tomorrow so once I get it then I will make my mind . Definitely having the right tools helps a lot.

Click to expand...

And don't forget the oil change. Really quick with no silencers in the way.

Changing oil is always good. Lifeblood of the engine.

Before I start working in the space between the engine and the radiators, I always tape a thick piece of old cardboard on the radiator. Never had any damaged lamellas since then.

Also, a small ratchet with high resolution (72 teeth) makes life much easier on the header nuts: e.g. Nepros

I am about to do this job again,

I have found the 1299 to be the most tightly packed bke ive ever worked on, with everything bolted to 2-3 different things

I have learned with the bike to take my time and if I even question would it be easier to take a piece off, I take that piece off.

remember working on your own bike is supposed to be enjoyable, your not on a rate.

take your time, have fun

How did you damage the radiator? Just curious as i just pulled mine to replace my front spark plug and reseal the valve cover- and they came out super easy- but i will say this- its harder to put them back in. but finish the job yourself. Keep at it youll get it and when it comes time to service the bike youll know what to do.

Gecko said:

Before I start working in the space between the engine and the radiators, I always tape a thick piece of old cardboard on the radiator. Never had any damaged lamellas since then.

Also, a small ratchet with high resolution (72 teeth) makes life much easier on the header nuts: e.g. Nepros

Click to expand...

exactly what i did- except i had the tip from Indy ducati owner before i tackled mine- saved me some bent fins.

Cardboard shield worked fine for us:

If anyone needs a radiator, let me know...got the stock from my '15 R just sitting around....

I agree 100% on that one, nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment!
Thanks for the input