pgw
Looking at buying a Kit and have a couple of questions.
Did Kits come from the factory without engine numbers? And what does the "A" stamped on the head next to the spark plug mean?
Regards
Paul
firebird
I would be pretty sure they all came with engine numbers,.If it does not have one i would assume that maybe it has blown the engine case at some point and managed to replace it with a new one that had not been stamped.The letter A stamped around the plug hole i thought had something to do with what head modification it left the factory with.Something to do with turning them into 888 with shaved heads and bigger valves etc.Not real sure though someone else might have a clearer answer on that one.
Shane
lordmoonpie
Just to clarify the KIT bikes came from the factory with and without engine numbers, they always had frame numbers but being race built engines they did not always have engine numbers. As they were raced frequently a number split the cases and were replaced under warranty with again blank engine stamps. The early race 851s had a tendency to crack the rear cases around the swing arm pivot because of the forces put through them in a race. Some racers modified the cases in this area so you can usually tell raced 851 KITs, at least those raced regularly as they have the bodge or the cracks, finding one with neither in original trim is now very very uncommon. Some even had hand scribed engine numbers not stamped one which look very dodgy nowadays but 25 years ago that was how it was done (and more recently too in the Corse race shop). Ducati themselves will confirm this as will expert dealers.
The "A" on the front cylinder head denotes that it is a true KIT motor and refers to the two sets of modifications that are made to the engine and the chassis. The kit parts comprised:
Ducati modification kit - 912 7 003 1A
94mm cylinder head gasket
94mm piston
replacement manifolds
29mm exhaust valves
New ECU
new horizontal header exhaust pipe
new vertical header exhaust pipe
and modification kit - 912 7 001 1A
Lightened clutch basket
new starter motor flange seat
starter motor seat gasket
New oil breather joint for RHS
plug for the motor breather joint seat
cylinder cover for battery support fastening
plug for the cooling sensor hole
gasket for the sensor plug
180w 12v alternator
rotor spacer
alternator cover gasket
race stand spacers
new flywheel
relay assembly
vibration dampers
saddle support for subframe
wiring loom
battery support
battery belt
new injection wiring
power and battery supporting plates
expansion tanks
Once you have modified all of that you have yourself an 851KIT....probably nigh on impossible to find the individual parts now to add to a 'plain' Tricolore!
