1987 Ducati Paso 750 Project

[Desmo Demon]

 
For anyone interested, or saw it posted here before the hacker hit this site, here is my Paso project bike that I am trying to save from the scrap heap.
 
http://www.desmodemon.com/vicks_paso.html
 
I picked it up from an eBay auction for $900 looking like this.....
 

 
...and am trying to nurse it back to streetable health. It was basically a complete bike, needing just a couple of small items, but it has something wrong with it everywhere I look. Once I get it back on the road, and it is ridden for a little while, I'm hoping to hit "Phase II", which will consist of a front suspension/triples, brakes front and rear (front being full-floating, cast-iron rotors), and 17" wheel conversion from a mid 90's SS900 with newer remote reservoir brake and master cylinders on the bars.
 
If not anything else, it's been a fun project for the last few months without requiring much money....knock on wood.

[atypical1]

Very sweet! A $900 project bike? Great find. My 748 is my project bike and the damn thing cost me $6k

I will definitely be following up on this one!

[beemerboy]

Have you visited this site?
 
http://ducatipaso.org/
 
You might find it helpful. I own a '92 907IE and have been able to source a lot of NOS parts through Gowanloch in Australia. In fact, I've ordered parts from them and similar parts from US Duc dealers and received the Aussie shipment first.
 
Good people!:clap:

[Desmo Demon]

Have you visited this site?
 
http://ducatipaso.org/
 
You might find it helpful. I own a '92 907IE and have been able to source a lot of NOS parts through Gowanloch in Australia. In fact, I've ordered parts from them and similar parts from US Duc dealers and received the Aussie shipment first.
 
Good people!:clap:

I feel like I've been living at www.ducatipaso.org , lately. Some good people with LOTS of Paso information there. Thanks for the heads-up with Gowanloch. I'll have to check them out.

[scratch]

Good on ya for resurrecting a classic Duc. It's a worthy project!

[Sock Puppet]

Everytime I see a post like this the gears start turning.  I don't have time for another project!  
 
The little devil on my shoulder whispers:  "It's only $900!  Come on, man, you know you want it!"
 
ARGHHH!
 
Nice find, btw!

[Desmo Demon]

The little devil on my shoulder whispers: "It's only $900! Come on, man, you know you want it!"

I've been watching the market on these Pasos for a few years now, and, granted they aren't worth a whole lot of money, it is the easiest way to get a full-fairing Ducati for cheap. I've also been watching some older Honda CBs and Suzuki GS's, but I really like the oddity (and rarity) of this bike.
 
I'm figuring I will only have about $1700 +/-$200 by the time I have it on the road, and that will include rebuilt carbs, new belts, valve adjustment, upgraded wiring, new tires, new chain and sprockets, new fuel line, rebuilt forks, and some new wheel bearings and other misc stuff. Most running Pasos start at about $1600, but then I'd have to worry about everything else, so.....I'm figuring it'll be well worth it in the long-run, plus I should know this bike inside and out by the time it is back on the road.....I'm just hoping to have it back on the road this spring.

[Headmanbrewing]

Oh you a*****e.
 
No, really.
 
I had put that bike out of my mind.
 
I remember the first time I saw a magazine's "sneak peek" road test of a 750 Paso.  My older brother had been riding cycles for several years.  I was just putzing around on a little dirt bike of indeterminate lineage.  That article changed all that.
 
I think the title was, "Fast? Not really. Sexy? Hell, yeah!"  The author said a few things that I haven't forgotten.  That the Hurricane 600 was faster in a straight line than the Paso.  But the Paso smoked the 600 class in slalom speed and E.T.  Along those lines, that if you wanted handling, go for the Italians, both in bikes and cars.  And if you ever laid the bike down, expect to pay about $1500 per side in body parts.  20 years ago!!
 
Good luck to you on your project.  Now I just need to find one so I can drool all over it.  Thanks for posting this!

[JamesG]

The next time I am tempted to get an old "cheap" or "free" bike, I will come read your Paso Cronicles for a mental slap of reality.
 
That should do nicely to help me remember what a (fun) pain in the ass it is.

[Desmo Demon]

Now I just need to find one so I can drool all over it.

Here ya go...
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Paso-750-Rhapsody-in-Blue-super-bike_W0QQitemZ200052332322QQihZ010QQcategoryZ49989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Headmanbrewing]

Here ya go...
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Paso-750-Rhapsody-in-Blue-super-bike_W0QQitemZ200052332322QQihZ010QQcategoryZ49989QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 
You're not helping, you know!  
 
And the red ones were faster, too
 
Scott

[beemerboy]

And the red ones were faster, too
 
Scott

Oh, I don't know about that. On the other hand this Ducati model is so friggin' rare it's hard to find out first hand which is faster - red or black. Besides, red is so......pedestrian.
 

[Headmanbrewing]

Oh, I don't know about that. On the other hand this Ducati model is so friggin' rare it's hard to find out first hand which is faster - red or black. Besides, red is so......pedestrian.
 

 
What's that little piece on the top of the windshield?
 
Scott
 
edit: sweet looking ride.

[olderigetfasteriwas]

I loved the Paso when they came out but was not really into the painted wind screen look.

[beemerboy]

What's that little piece on the top of the windshield?
 
Scott
 
edit: sweet looking ride.

Thanks for the compliment. The "piece" you referred to is a wing that, when coupled with the NACA effect fairing redesign, calms the air flow coming at the rider's helmet. It's my understanding that this change came with the introduction of the 906 model line.
 
Here's another shot of my bike with a most sweet Corbin seat. Oh, and while it may not look like it this bike is very comfortable on 300+ mile days! In fact, I'm thinking 400+ would be quite doable.

[Headmanbrewing]

Didn't know that about the fairing.  Thanks for the info.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
must resist.... don't need another..... must... resist...

[Tar Snake]

Sweet bike!:drool: I had an '88. Red of course! Let us know if/when you make the 17" wheel swap. I would think it's quite involved as when they went to the 907ie it got a different swingarm, forks, maybe even the fenders too.
 
Can you even get tires in the proper 16" sizes anymore? They were quite odd: 130/60-16F 160/60 16R if I remember?
 
I love the look of the Paso:beerchug:

[Desmo Demon]

Let us know if/when you make the 17" wheel swap. I would think it's quite involved as when they went to the 907ie it got a different swingarm, forks, maybe even the fenders too.

From what I've read from those who have done the conversion, the front is fairly easy. Basically riasing the stock fender 3/4" and making some simple brackets for the brake calipers if converting over to 320mm rotors and newer brake calipers. A spacer may need to be made, also.
 
I'm going to do it the "easier" way, as I'm going to put the complete front end from a '94 SS900 on it (upside-down forks, triples, wheel, rotors, calipers, and fender). There is a guy in Europe who's done it, and he says the inverted fork conversion is pretty much just pressing the stem out of the old lower triple clamp and pressing it into the newer style lower triple. I'll get more details from him when I get closer to doing it (a year or so, as I want to ride it in stock form for a while).
 
The rear isn't too bad either. Basically needing to make a bracket for the brake caliper and possibly make a spacer or two to make sure the chain and sprockets are aligned properly. If a low-profile tire is run on the rim (160/60-17), you have to make sure that the axle is in the rear-most half of it's adjustment to make sure that the center of the tire doesn't rub on the swingarm.
 
At least one person has swapped a Paso 907 swingarm on theirs, and a few people have had their stock swingarm extended 2"-6" (geometry and rear shock may need some work for correct handling). I'm working on obtaining a swingarm from a 750 that had the sprocket bolts work loose and grind through the swingarm. I'm thinking of getting it repaired and add a 2" extension. This will allow me more variety of tires and can run a slightly higher profile tire...if the bike's geometry and handling characteristics allow it.
 

Can you even get tires in the proper 16" sizes anymore? They were quite odd: 130/60-16F 160/60 16R if I remember?

Yes, those are the correct sizes, and right now, there is only one manufacturer and one tire available in those sizes. They are the Michelin A59 (front) and M59 (rear). I picked up a set for $195 delivered to my door off of eBay, which is one reason why I'm going to run the bike in it's stock configuration.....wear out the tires and get a baseline as to how the bike is supposed to handle before I go modifying anything with the wheels and suspension.  

[Desmo Demon]

Here's the newest page to the madness.....

http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_project_6.html

(Accidentally labeled as "Page 6", as it is the seventh page in the series. I'll correct it tonight.)

[JohnBoy]

I'm really enjoying your updates on this project, DD!!!

Keep 'em coming!!

Take a peek in the Honda section (I think it's been bumped into page 2) for my new project bike.  Not too much to do for a while, but it will eventually get a full restore!!

[1KPerDay]

Those bikes are so cool.

[Desmo Demon]

Take a peek in the Honda section (I think it's been bumped into page 2) for my new project bike.  Not too much to do for a while, but it will eventually get a full restore!!

Link to yours: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,1082.0.html

I really like those CB900F and CB1100F bikes! I've looked at a few of them and wouldn't mind at all to own one. Of all the CB's, the F's are the ones that I like the most.  

[Desmo Demon]

Here's the latest update....  

http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_project_7.html

[photomd]

Thanks for the update: fun read.  

[Headmanbrewing]

Nice to see that you're still bringing it back.  Keep us posted!

Scott

[drsmig]

I love to see people giving new life to anything old (cars, bikes, homes...whatever), good for you for taking on the project.  The Paso is becoming quite rare.  I have a 92 907ie in red.  It has 44000 kms on it and still looks and runs like new.  I get compliments on it every time I take it out.  It has a set of staintunes on it and it sounds great.  From what I understand parts for these bikes are becoming quite difficult to get.  I am fortunate in that my bike requires nothing right now.  It will probably go in for a full service some time in the near future.  I have entered it into a few Ducati shows at our local raceway and have won prizes for it's rarity and it's condition.  Good luck with your restoration and yes ducatipaso.org is a great resource for your project.

[Desmo Demon]

I finally got off my butt and did some work to this bike. Here's the update....

http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_project_8.html

[1KPerDay]

wow.. labor of love. good for you.

[Desmo Demon]

I figure the bike has sat for over five years since the last time it was started, so I was shocked how easily it did start and idle (at about 3k rpm, as I wasn't sure how high to set the slides initially).....

http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_started.mov

The largest problem now is the smoking. I'm thinking stuck/broken rings or maybe a clogged oil return. After a few conversations with a couple of people, we are thinking that the amount of oil would not be from bad valve guides, especially since I changed all the guide seals. Looks like I'll be doing a compression check and checking the spark plugs and tops of the pistons to see which cylinder (if not both) is giving me problems.........    

I'll be adding an update to the website in a few days.

[Desmo Demon]

Here's the latest chapter to the saga....and I rode the Paso!!!....

http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_project_9.html

[Headmanbrewing]

       

WOOO-HOOO!!!

We need more smileys, like dancing freakout happy face!!

[Desmo Demon]

I haven't had much time to work on this bike, but.....I'm DONE!!!!  


I just added the final installment to the saga....
 
http://www.desmodemon.com/paso_project_10.html
 
 

 

[JoBu]

Wow...nice job on the Paso.  Nice to see it resuced from an uncertain fate.  

I've got to throw in one additional comment...Dang that's a big headlight!!  

Kudos,

Joe

[st ryder]

There's something about eighties bikes in general that I like. I've read your reports on the things you've done to get this bike on the road, and the results are excellent. That's a neat looking bike that has a place in Ducati pedigree/history. Congrats on the fruits of your labours.

[Tar Snake]

In your last picture it still looks like it has the 16" wheels? Where did you find tires?

Great looking bike hope you enjoy it, you did a great job on it, I like the Dell Ortos's too, mine had the stock 2 barrel Weber and it ran well but I rode a 750 sport with Dell Ortos (The Silver and Red one ) and it ran much better!

 

[Desmo Demon]

I've got to throw in one additional comment...Dang that's a big headlight!!  

Yes, it is.....and the headlight from the '85-'87 Yamaha FZ-750 is a direct bolt-on and fairly common upgrade.

In your last picture it still looks like it has the 16" wheels? Where did you find tires?

Yes, it still has the original 16" wheels on the bike. I got lucky about a year or so ago. A guy had sold his Paso and had a spare set of new tires for the bike. He listed them on eBay with a BIN at a really good price. I found the auction about 15 minutes after he posted it and did the BIN on them. I recently sold a brand new front and a rear with 500 miles on it. I still have spare front with decent tread. If Michelin refuses to make another batch when I wear these out, I ready have a 907 swingarm with 17" rear wheel assembly and a 17" front from a '94 SS900 I'll use to convert the bike over.

[1KPerDay]

Way cool. I love the frickin' huge DUCATI billboard on those.

[photomd]

Is that last picture at the intersection of 178 and 11? If so, I wish you woulda pulled up there two weeks ago. I'd love to see and hear that Paso.  

[Desmo Demon]

Is that last picture at the intersection of 178 and 11?

It sure is "The Store". That is my local hang-out. It's 17 miles from my driveway.  

[couchflyer]

Congrats, very nicely done.  You should be proud.

[veefer800canuck]

Very nice, I've been watching all your installments as they became available. I love old bike rescue stories.


And now I'm waiting with baited breath for this one to begin:

http://www.desmodemon.com/mega_paso/

[spinalator]

Good work, I forgot about your little obsession!  

[Desmo Demon]

And now I'm waiting with baited breath for this one to begin:

http://www.desmodemon.com/mega_paso/

Another couple of months, once I get the engine in the frame and the front and rear suspsensions mounted, and I'll start making webpages for that project. I recently had an ST4 swingarm modified to use with the ST4 engine and using the stock Paso rear suspension linkage. I want to see if that will work before I become too committed.

[veefer800canuck]

Another couple of months, once I get the engine in the frame and the front and rear suspsensions mounted, and I'll start making webpages for that project. I recently had an ST4 swingarm modified to use with the ST4 engine and using the stock Paso rear suspension linkage. I want to see if that will work before I become too committed.

Has anyone ever done this (mega paso), or are you Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before?

[Desmo Demon]

Has anyone ever done this (mega paso), or are you Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before?

I don't think I've ever seen a project as far removed from the original as the one I'm planning. I've seen a few pictures, and am trying to avoid some of, what appears to be, failed attempts, while using some of the ideas that seemed to work. If all goes right, it'll be a FI 916 with USD Showa forks and 17" wheels. Here are a few pictures of similar type projects I've seen on the 'net...

Here's one with an 888 engine in it that appears to be a nice conversion. I think this is the only radical conversion that I've seen completed...












Here's one where they butched the frame...IIRC, this bike was never finished and was parted out...

[photomd]

It sure is "The Store". That is my local hang-out. It's 17 miles from my driveway.  

You suck (I'm jealous).  

[drsmig]

Congrats on your Paso project.  It appears to have turned out very well.  It is a lovely looking example of what is becoming a very rare bike.  I love the seat.  Did it come with the bike or did you choose it.  Can you tell me a bit about it?  Is it something you had customized or is it an aftermarket saddle that was purchased for the bike?  The red trim looks great on the red bike.

[Desmo Demon]

 I love the seat.  Did it come with the bike or did you choose it.  Can you tell me a bit about it?  Is it something you had customized or is it an aftermarket saddle that was purchased for the bike?  The red trim looks great on the red bike.

It is a Corbin seat that came with a rolling chassis that I picked up during the process of trying to get the first bike back on the road. You can custom order the material and colors for the Corbin if you want one. I think they run around $377 IIRC from the last time I checked into them for the Paso.

[colt45]

From what I've read from those who have done the conversion, the front is fairly easy. Basically raising the stock fender 3/4" and making some simple brackets for the brake calipers if converting over to 320mm rotors and newer brake calipers. A spacer may need to be made, also.
The rear isn't too bad either. Basically needing to make a bracket for the brake caliper and possibly make a spacer or two to make sure the chain and sprockets are aligned properly. If a low-profile tire is run on the rim (160/60-17), you have to make sure that the axle is in the rear-most half of it's adjustment to make sure that the center of the tire doesn't rub on the swingarm.
 
At least one person has swapped a Paso 907 swingarm on theirs, and a few people have had their stock swingarm extended 2"-6" (geometry and rear shock may need some work for correct handling). I'm working on obtaining a swingarm from a 750 that had the sprocket bolts work loose and grind through the swingarm. I'm thinking of getting it repaired and add a 2" extension. This will allow me more variety of tires and can run a slightly higher profile tire...if the bike's geometry and handling characteristics allow it.
 Yes, those are the correct sizes, and right now, there is only one manufacturer and one tire available in those sizes. They are the Michelin A59 (front) and M59 (rear). I picked up a set for $195 delivered to my door off of eBay, which is one reason why I'm going to run the bike in it's stock configuration.....wear out the tires and get a baseline as to how the bike is supposed to handle before I go modifying anything with the wheels and suspension.  

Talk to Kosman Specialties  http://www.kosman.net/  about welding on a pair of 17" rims on your wneels.  They did a GREAT job on the rear wheel of my Concours, now 17".  I went from a 150/80-16 on 16x3.5 to a 170/60-17 on a 17x5 rim.  The wheel was $495 delivered + powdercoating, for about $600 total.  

[Desmo Demon]

Good work, I forgot about your little obsession!  

I'm a glutton for punishment. I just picked this up on Friday. It has a weird stumbling/stuttering issue that shows up every now and again. It'll be a pretty good deal if I can fix it.....



I put over 650 miles on it since Friday......I was....um...."troubleshooting" it.