175TS with 125S engine project

[George]

Hi Colin thanks for reply. Guzman only has larger size. He told me that they were suitable for 125 engine. I bought a set from him and had to shorten part that fits into holder to make them fit. Now wondering if will be to strong, wearing valves, and losing HP.

[Duccout]

What about Nigel Lacey? He has a lot of bits and pieces, other than that maybe look to the USA, where loads of the 160's went.

[blethermaskite]

I got a set of 160 springs from classic ducati a couple of years ago for the 250 desmo.
Cheers,
George

[Duccout]

Well done George!

The other George: check out: classicducati.co.uk they have them, but not cheap.


Colin

[LaceyDucati]

The 160 uses 3.6mm valve springs (shorter legs than the 175 to 250 springs) with similar size valves and cam profile without any issues, so I wouldn't loose to much sleep over using 160 springs.

The hairsprings are not that heavy as far as full lift is concerned, but they do have a bit more pressure on the seat compared with coil springs. The main issue with hairpin springs is they don't allow the valve to turn with the tops locked into the collets and spring ears. That said most of these bikes have survived 50 years or more, so again it's not really an issue.

I am in the process of having more hairpin springs re-manufactured as I've run out again. The issue nowadays is it's difficult to obtain the same spring wire (material and gauge) therefore just copying the originals doesn't produce the same spring..... Like many things re-manufacturing these springs isn't as straight forward as many would think. I will add manufacturing hairpin valve springs in small batches is a manually heavy task and tricky to control accuracy. Many springs supplied by some suppliers are advertised as 3.5mm, who knows what the loads on these springs are.....

Regarding 3.4mm springs, I don't know of any source and obtaining suitable 3.4mm wire is proving difficult.

The 860/900 twin outer coil spring produces similar loads to the 3.8mm hairsprings. The single spring was used on later GTS's without issue. The double spring arrangement (from the earlier twins) used on the 239 single are pretty heavy in my opinion for road use. I have so far resisted producing coil spring conversions suitable for road bikes, but maybe the times coming to rethink that.

Regards Nigel

[LaceyDucati]

Had a look at Barry's Classic Ducati site and £30 for a pair of new old stock 3.4mm valve springs is not expensive it's cheap!! Being a minimum of 40 year old stock, when the're gone the're gone! Try getting a quote for a small batch of 100 off and then maybe reconsider the "expensive" thought.

Nigel

[George]

I have found some good condition used 125 springs. Out of curiosity when they arrive I will make up a jig and check pull on these, original springs and with springs supplied by Jesus Guzman.
Meanwhile today I collected paint work. Well worth the wait superb job well done at a reasonable cost. Work carried out my Nick at https://fdmotorcycles.co.uk based in Dunmow Essex. Highly recommended. I can see why I had to wait three months as he is very popular.

[Duccout]

LaceyDucati » Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:56 pm

'Had a look at Barry's Classic Ducati site and £30 for a pair of new old stock 3.4mm valve springs is not expensive it's cheap!!'

When you get to my age everything is expensive - beer, insurance, food........
I'm looking at the end of my 900 Bevel; it looks like it needs a new big-end, and that may be £1500 to have the rod assembly fitted, let alone what else I may find in there.

Nice paintwork George!

Colin

[DBDBrian]

The tank looks a great job George, you are fortunate in finding a good tradesman. I used to do my own paintwork in the past, but it's a lot of hassle doing it out in the open, and it consumes a great deal of time. I am lucky having a mate with a paint shop close by, this is my tank going through the process.

3e0715c1-c9be-4553-a777-58e1109f8daf.JPG

a9729309-991d-4983-bfba-0675046bc0dc.JPG

37b4db82-1d40-4c5b-8cd9-61ffb040f17b.JPG

[George]

Hi Brian. Your tank looks good. I also did all my own painting even made a spray both but found it very boring. This painter was recommended to me and I thought the little Ducati deserved a professional finish. Sold one of my Moto Guzzi's to pay for it.