I had a very slow low side and the steering stop broke off the steering head base unit. I found the broken off bit and was wondering if I could use some JB Weld or similar to glue the stop back on. No other damage to the unit. Since this broke off so easily I don't see where it is designed to do anything except prevent your fingers from getting smashed when turning the bike to the left. The steering head costs around $560 and looks like a pain to replace. I'm trying not to go through my insurance. Thoughts?
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Stw
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zvez
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dunno, I'd want to get the front end and headstock checked by someone. you could've tweaked something, bent fork etc. Also don't think jbweld would do it,
yup. stops are next to nothing. they are made to brake off and not damage the "monocoque".
How do I know?
I always work on my lift or rear stand. The one time i didn't was hurrying to take the mirrors off for the track. I turned the bars to get a the other side while it was on the SIDE stand, went over to my box for an allen wrench and then... the noise that I hope NONE of you ever hear...
I didn't even turn around as I knew what just happened. I then verbally expressed multiple times (at volume) what an ....... I was. Clearly, even post said exhibit of expression the point wasn't made clear enough of my "backside of a horse-like" actions.
FYI: To all who read is that it barely fell and broke the stop. It also broke my clutch lever and didn't do any other damage. 17 years of riding and owning bikes and until this one, was my 1st to knock over to completion. Close calls, but never the full monty... I consider myself lucky.
Bottom line:
- Mistakes happen, but taking your time will avoid them
- Don't be like me and knock your bike over
- Get a new tree
- Yes the replacement is extensive, but not crazy.
- Forget the JB weld
How do I know?
I always work on my lift or rear stand. The one time i didn't was hurrying to take the mirrors off for the track. I turned the bars to get a the other side while it was on the SIDE stand, went over to my box for an allen wrench and then... the noise that I hope NONE of you ever hear...
I didn't even turn around as I knew what just happened. I then verbally expressed multiple times (at volume) what an ....... I was. Clearly, even post said exhibit of expression the point wasn't made clear enough of my "backside of a horse-like" actions.
FYI: To all who read is that it barely fell and broke the stop. It also broke my clutch lever and didn't do any other damage. 17 years of riding and owning bikes and until this one, was my 1st to knock over to completion. Close calls, but never the full monty... I consider myself lucky.
Bottom line:
- Mistakes happen, but taking your time will avoid them
- Don't be like me and knock your bike over
- Get a new tree
- Yes the replacement is extensive, but not crazy.
- Forget the JB weld
Last edited:
I ditched the JB weld for some epoxy resin.
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Yup my tri was a week old when it rolled of the side stand and made that sickening crunch !
Took out the steering stop, scratched the mirror and the bar end (both replaced from this list) but left everything else untouched !
I had the dealership quote for replacing the bottom clamp in case I wanted to discussing with insurance what I wouldn't claim for (brownie points ?) $1800NZD !
I'll prolly have it welded during winter if I can't source a bottom clamp myself.
P
Took out the steering stop, scratched the mirror and the bar end (both replaced from this list) but left everything else untouched !
I had the dealership quote for replacing the bottom clamp in case I wanted to discussing with insurance what I wouldn't claim for (brownie points ?) $1800NZD !
I'll prolly have it welded during winter if I can't source a bottom clamp myself.
P
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^ That would be a farmer's solution. Ever thought of claiming insurance? In my case that would be a 250$ deductible and off you go...
Good idea. Epoxy resin is used in some aerospace applications so I think I will be okay until I can find a used lower tree.
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Just an ittly bitty, to give a screw some bite - just needs to withstand horzontal movement. But I see your point. If the deductible isn't too high, the best answer is insurance.
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I'm only a mechanical engineer who wrenches Ducatis on the side for the last 20 years or so...so I don't know much about machines....but the 3200 psi rating of your epoxy is significantly short of the allowable stress for aluminum.
It's a two or two-and-a-half hour job to R&R the triples. Why not pull 'em, have the stop welded back onto the lower triple (it'll actually be stronger than the OE installation if it's done correctly), and reinstall it? That'll also give you a chance to augment Ducati's notoriouisly stingy greasing of the headstock bearings!
That's certainly what I'd do.
It's a two or two-and-a-half hour job to R&R the triples. Why not pull 'em, have the stop welded back onto the lower triple (it'll actually be stronger than the OE installation if it's done correctly), and reinstall it? That'll also give you a chance to augment Ducati's notoriouisly stingy greasing of the headstock bearings!
That's certainly what I'd do.
In the past I've looked for welders, sheet metal guys, etc but not much to choose from on Oahu. You should see our one "Ducati" dealer.
So as a mechanical engineer can you tell me what purpose the stop has other than to keep your fingers from getting smashed? It broke off rather easily so if it was designed to do something else I would be interested to hear. This is just a temp fix until someone crashes their bike and has a good steering head for sale. Already found several good used parts I needed off eBay.
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