Ducati 848 Swingarm Preventative Maintenance & Mod Research

In this video, I research the feasibility of drilling and tapping a new opening on the swingarm of my 09' Ducati 848 in order to relocate the rear brake caliper bracket pin. There's a few surprises along the way, and I end up completely disassembling my rear hub.
I have a newer video that shows how to completely remove the swing arm; You can check it out here: Jan. 2015 'How to Remove & Repair' swingarm video: • How to Remove a Ducati...
And, some of you have asked, so here are affiliate links to the three different kinds of grease that I use during a typical swing arm cleaning/preventative maintenance project:
EBay
Outside of eccentric hub and swing arm pinch bolts
Lucas Oil Red N Tacky #2 Grease
1lb Tub: goo.gl/8r8aRv
14oz Tube: goo.gl/8r8aRv
Swing arm pivot shaft and nut
Lucas Oil Marine Grease
3oz (Pack of 3): goo.gl/h8EwY3
14oz Tube: goo.gl/h8EwY3
Axle and bearings inside eccentric hub
Valvoline DuraBlend Grease
Single Tube: goo.gl/sLq9Yg

[@47Edge]

Well done, clear video, easy to understand, no strange music, thanks this was helpful!

[@matthewr6937]

Recently ordered the BST Swingarm for my 848 se. It weighs 4.5 less. The BST rims were the best upgrade I made. Great video! I'm not that mechanical but you make it look easy!!

[@Track848]

Excellent!!! I bet that swingarm looks amazing... I might undertake a weight-savings project like yours on my 848 one of these days, too. Ride Safe Matthew!

[@TheCooperville]

Track 848 these videos are excellent and I have used them to replace my swing arm sprockets and even the changing of brake and clutch lubricants well done !!

[@Track848]

+TheCooperville It's good to hear that these videos are getting some good use. Feel free to drop me questions any time!

[@lammysdv]

the weld on the swingarm looks nice

[@duncanblain5922]

Brilliant, many thanks for the vid, very clear, informative and 100% useful

[@thedjize]

I like that you made the video. I noticed the same when i did the service to my hub as well. I didnt remove the pin and noticed it was the biggest issue when reinstalling the caliper bracket. To answer your question about reinserting the hub, the proper tool is a pinch bolt spreader but if you use a large flathead and place between the swingarm at the middle of the two bolts it will slip in without any need to force it. The possibility of freeze up could happen if hub was uneven when inserted. (Hard to adjust)either way great vid

[@Track848]

Thanks! AhhhHa! a pinch bolt spreader, I'll have to look that one up! I've had this apart a couple of additional times since this video and actually started using the large flathead method. In a more recent swingarm video, I completely removed the swingarm (for the fist time), after discovering a crack. I had it welded up, put everything back together and it's working fine; here's that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvcaJSDjd6Ii9U

[@TheJosa007]

Great explanation, thank you for speaking slowly, I don’t if I could. E as brave as you are. Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@stevegriffith7236]

Nice video. If you get rid of those tonka toy snapring pliers, and find one that fits the eyelits, and a much larger pair , you'll find that snapring comes out easily. Just a thought.

[@Track848]

Thanks Steve! The tonka toy pliers were replaced a long time ago. I now have a large heavy duty tool that's probably 3-times bigger than the ones used in this video! Thanks for commenting!

[@BladeDMC]

Very good work and interesting video! Thanks a lot!

[@Track848]

Thank you, Blade...

[@Other7777]

Thanks for the video, I'll be needing to do this as well since I was changing my sprocket and chain I could hear some dirt/grit grinding sounds when I would turn the eccentric cam. Now I know whats in there.

[@Track848]

+Other7777 You may want to check out my subsequent video which shows you how to completely remove the swingarm. I recommend doing this to re-lube everything (especially the swingarm pivot), at least once a year. Here's the link, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvcaJSDjd6Ii9U, thanks for watching.

[@Magicinstalls]

Yes, whacking the hub with the hammer does feel wrong to me. I've seen people use wedge shims to make the housing bigger so it just slips in there. Should I ever do this job. That's what I'm going to do.

[@Track848]

Yes a wedge is fine or another tool to spread the hub a little. It doesn't take much...

[@andreiiama6369]

Great video , a lot of useful information which can be hard to get on 848. Quick question if you could help, I have a streetfighter 848 from 2015, I’m just wondering what size socket (both left and right ) of rear wheel you have ? Need to get the wheel off and the sprocket but not sure if the size , also where did you get the socket itself ? Any links would be appreciated 🙏🏻

[@charlieryan1736]

Excellent informative video

[@troycarman906]

Great job on this.....

[@richardburns9772]

What brand impact wrench is that? Look bad to the bone...you like?

[@Track848]

That's my Ingersoll Rand W7150, and yes it is bad to the bone! I love it... here's a review I completed on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2KqaJVvoamgqa8

[@richardburns9772]

Track848 awesome, thanks for the reply and link. I’ll check it out

[@mexicanorespondon1223]

How did you rise the bike? I want to do the same manteinance to my Triumph Tiger Sport but can't rise the bike without the rear stand. Great video, very usefull

[@pulsarloverCG2444]

Bro what is the size of adjuster `C` Wrench. For adjusting and tightening the chain .please tell me the size bro . Thank you

[@Track848]

Sorry man, but I don't think it has a 'size'... You can find a variety of options for this tool if you do a search for '848 chain adjustment tool'... Good luck!

[@Unique377]

What the purpose of that void in the swing arm? Is it there just to collect dirt and grim? Looks like a point of failure in the future.

[@Track848]

I'm not sure if that's what it's designed for, but it sure does collect quite a bit of dirt and grime...

[@Unique377]

I plan to check that same area when I replace to rear tire on my 2012 848. the only thing I can think of is that its hollowed out to save weight and add strength.

[@stevegriffith7236]

Should be part of your maintenance program.

[@georgesanchez9971]

Excellent video.

[@Track848]

george sanchez Thanks George, I appreciate the feedback!

[@MotonkeyX]

Saludos desde españa !!

[@Track848]

Bienvenido Motonkey! Gusto mucho Espana!!!

[@jam4180]

Hello I was wondering how you got to keep in balance the bike? Behind you put the two stands on the platforms, but ahead? You put a headstock tripod or a stand under the forks? thank you

[@Track848]

I use a Pitt Bull front stand that fits under the lower triple clamp and raises the bike. You can see it clearer in my front fork oil change video; here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyUdneZiap4aZY

[@visionboxed]

There is no need to hit the hub with the hammer if its done the right way. The clamp surface will thank you.

[@Track848]

Yep, you're right, LOL, this was the first time I took the swingarm apart. I now spread the eccentric clamp apart a little with a flat blade screwdriver (it doesn't take much), and the hub slips in with ease by hand. Is this the way you do it? Thanks for commenting!

[@pulsarloverCG2444]

Please tell me the size of socket used to remove the rear wheel.

[@Track848]

46mm wheel side, 41mm sprocket side... Take note: This is for a 2009 848... the 1098/1198 are different (larger)...

[@drwombat]

what kinda socket is that? looks interesting with the segmented design

[@andrewem5771]

very nice vid... glad to hear the final "ciao" =)

[@Track848]

+Andrea Mancarti Thanks for watching Andrea, and for the comment!

[@hughjanus9822]

I ended up with a spare snap ring I don't understand how can you help me out with where it goes? I'd hate to have to leave it off there but I just don't know where it came from

[@Track848]

Is it a big snap ring like the one in this video?

[@hughjanus9822]

@@Track848 yes it is I put the obvious one to hold the brake caliper bracket/eccentric in the swingarm and have another one left over from doing this job on the bike. also, another question is the purpose of relocating the pin for the brake caliper which extends the wheelbase to be able to use off the shelf length chains so you don't have to take two links out in order to get your chain properly tightened?

[@cwx7587]

Track848 I recently did this mod. I was curious if you could help my with some gearing and suspension questions I have. Thanks

[@Track848]

If it's a question that you can ask here, go for it; otherwise you can pm my instagram account, @track848

[@hectorm8386]

Great video. Do you happen to know if a site or where I can order the chain adjustment tool needed to move the tire. Thanks.

[@Track848]

Hector, if I recall correctly, I purchased mine from motomfg .com; if they do not have them you should be able to find one on Ebay. Another place to check is Motowheels...

[@anguskangus8222]

the water must get in thru the slit for the pinch bolts for the hub. do you guys do your own valve adjusts? mine is a 2012 848 4 valve motor and the dealer wants 1450.00 for the service. its inside for winter and I think I could do it. any dvd instructions out there?

[@Track848]

+angus kangus I think you're right about the water getting in through the slit... regarding the valve check and adjustment, I'm planning to record my next one and will post it up here on my channel, but that probably won't be until the end of the 2016 riding season...

[@milamofernando4504]

Great video thanks! Did you note a substantial difference of gearing on the track with the 41t sprocket?

[@Track848]

Yes, it was a great upgrade and my favorite sprocket for most tracks I ride... well worth the upgrade!

[@milamofernando4504]

Track848 do you know if it works fine also with 1198? As I know 848 uses 39t from stock and 1198 has 38t .. or maybe I’ll need go with 40t? Thanks in advance

[@Track848]

@@milamofernando4504 I would assume that the end result would be similar on the 1198, but as you mention a 40t might be a better option considering the torque difference... the higher the tooth count in the rear the more wheelie prone the bike will be. You might find some good feedback over at one of the 1198 forums. Come back and let us know what option you go with...

[@orlandoducati]

I had three questions in regards to a future (next week) repair on my 2009 Ducati 848. Replacing hub and spindle 1. When you put the hub back into the swing arm, is there a certain way it should go in, or is it shaped so that it can only fit in a certain way, meaning its not a complete circle? 2. I am replacing my old axel with a brand new axel, but im reusing my rear brake disk, the disk looks exactly the same all the way around, is there a proper location to set the brake caliper mounting bracket? 3. I have all the tools but I don't feel comfortable with my tool and tackling the circlip? do you have a specific brand that you recommend?

[@Track848]

Hi Orlando... 1) The hub's shape only allows it to go in one way; 2) There is no setting or 'right' or 'wrong' position for the brake caliper mounting bracket, once you have it installed over the hub and locating pin, it will rotate according to the location of the pin (stock=forward or modified=16mm to the rear). Here's a link to my swingarm modification video that shows how to do the mod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6qagYx_bdypbqs and lastly, 3) I recommend getting a 'heavy duty' set of circlip pliers if you so desire; you can remove it with a normal set, but my auto mechanic used a heavy duty set of pliers from SnapOn one time and it was so much easier. GOOD LUCK!

[@MrBlompod]

I have a Hyperstrada 939 are most of these procedures relatively the same for all the different models?

[@Track848]

Paul, I have never worked on a Hyperstrada, but just looked at the 2016's parts diagram over at Ducati Omaha. The swingarm looks 'fairly' similar to me. If you do not have a Service & Repair Manual for your bike, I would recommend getting one if you can before tearing it apart.

[@Ladromar]

Hey there Track848! I have a 1098S. I need to move the swingarm further back than stock so I can make a 200/60/17 Pirelli Superbike fit. It rubs right now with the 98 link chain in the rear part of the swingarm right below the shock. So question; did you end up increasing your wheelbase by drilling and tapping the swingarm? if so? how big of an increase? I am trying to justify the 200 rear tire... instead of just going with a 190 and leaving it alone... Thoughts?

[@Track848]

Omar, I gained about 5mm by changing the final drive on my 848 from a 39-tooth rear sprocket and 98-link chain to a 41-tooth sprocket and 100-link chain. I'm pretty sure you would be required to make a similar change as well. However, I believe your stock rear sprocket is a 38-tooth sprocket, right? So perhaps you would only need to go to a 40-tooth. Due to my ride height settings, I did not realize any additional wheelbase length as a result of drilling and tapping the swingarm. I do understand though, if I increase my ride height I could then perhaps experience a little longer wheelbase. This really is a complicated topic and I have listed below a couple of links to Ducat forums that discuss it in greater detail. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing: www.ducati-superbikes.com/index.php/topic/20086-final-word-on-20060-slick-on-1198s/ www.ducati.org/forums/track/45289-beware-190-60-rear-tire-2.html

[@stefcamp]

Great video, i heard the 15k service includes the hub service and i wondered why. The cavity explains why. Did you lube the axle too when re-inserting it? Thank you!

[@Track848]

Thanks for the comment, Stefano. And yes, I lubed the axle before re-inserting. I added a 'pop-up' in the video near the end at 7:17 that mentions to 'lube axle per service manual.'

[@artmchugh5644]

Got 82.000 on my multistrada , maybe I should have a look at this !!😎😎😎😎😎😎😎🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@Track848]

@@artmchugh5644 go for it, Art! It's a fun project!!! 🏍🏍🏍

[@artmchugh5644]

Thanks rider !!! Just ordered chain and sprockets for the old girl . will do the hub at the same time 😎 I have had 3 Ducatis 91 900ss 196.000 miles on it , 2001 ST2 205.000 ON IT , 40.000 on the new unit , check it out if you like !!😎😎😎🍺🍺🍺🍺 😄😄😄 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGPTaqCoZp5gh7M

[@fast-rider-services]

What side of socket tool that you unlock nut real spocket and wheel?

[@Track848]

Hi Chai--my 848 requires a 41mm socket on the sprocket side and a 46mm socket on the wheel side... The tool that I used in this video is a combination socket that has both of these sizes in one.

[@fast-rider-services]

@@Track848 Thank you very much.

[@animeonperseest]

what exhaust are you running in the stills?

[@Track848]

+animeonperseest Competition Werkes..

[@TheCooperville]

Track848 is there a particular grease to use for the axle or is a high grade marine grease acceptable?

[@Track848]

+TheCooperville The manual calls for 'Molybdenum disulphide grease, high mechanical stress and high temperature resistant'; It recommends Shell Retinax HDX2 which I couldn't find any where. I believe any well-known brand that is 'moly-fortified' will work just fine for the axle. I use Valvoline DuraBlend on the axle and a light replenishment coat for the bearings inside the hub as well. I use Lucas Oil Marine grease for the swing arm pivot shaft and bolt, and Lucas Oil Red N Tacky #2 for the outer hub and swing arm pinch bolts. I just added links to all of these in the description above. I have a newer swing arm video that shows complete removal that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvcaJSDjd6Ii9U

[@terminatorninja]

Did you ever find out how all that dirt and mud got into the swingarm? And if you did, how did you fix it?

[@Track848]

Hey there, Driss... I concluded that since I used to ride in the rain a lot that's where most of the 'gunk' and some of the water came from. Around that time I used to wash the bike a lot, too, due to the fact that it was set up as a street bike. I have since switched this bike to a track bike and do not ride it in the rain. I have not experienced the problem again. Did you have the same problem?

[@terminatorninja]

@@Track848 to be honest i never checked. I recently sold my ducati 796 and im pretty sure it also had some water in it because i also ride in the rain. Anyway I'm looking to buy an mv agusta next and it also has a single sided swing arm and the last thing i want is water and dirt in it. But i quess I'll have it checked out whith the next tune up. Great video by the way 👍🏼

[@stevegriffith7236]

What's the torque on the two hex head bolts that tightens the eccentric hub?

[@Track848]

The rear wheel hub retaining bolts are torqued to 35nm; use grease on the threads and tighten using a 1-2-1 pattern...

[@weaver412]

Nice man, thank you. Mid ohio huh? Im in Groveport. Are you someone I can talk to about maintenance? I wrecked my S1000RR and soley rice my panigale v4s now and wow, this machine is quite different to work on.

[@Track848]

Sorry to hear about the wreck--I hope you walked away okay... The Panigale V4S is a nice bike, but I have not worked on these bikes yet... Do you do track days at Mid-Ohio?

[@mmcguireiphone]

What red lube is that?

[@Track848]

Hi Michael--the red lube that I used was Lucas Oil 'Red n Tacky' #2...

[@TrustableGuy]

You still around? Hope all is well

[@Track848]

Yes, I'm still around... I hope you're well too! I'm not making as many videos as I used to but I have a few in the pipeline

[@TrustableGuy]

@@Track848 good to hear, currently changing out just about everything on my 848 and your videos are a great help. Thanks!

[@andreatognetti750]

They video is 7:48 long.......... 748....... flashback!!! ;)

[@Track848]

Andrea--it's funny that you noticed! When I first started putting together maintenance videos for my 848, I considered making all of them 8:48 long; that probably would work for some, but would be impossible for others, so I abandoned the idea.