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Right Hand Druve 848

3K views 20 replies 14 participants last post by  PhilDucati 
#1 ·
Hi Lads n Lassies

Well I bought myself an 848 earlier this year and had some fun figuring out how it was going to work as a RHD for me. Took a lot of head scratching and googling to see how it could be done.

I couldn't find any history of an 848 being adapted this way so between a grant from NABD in the UK for a sexy lever set up (see below) and many hours of devotion from my mechanic I finally got on the road on wednesday for a test spin.

Due to my injury I've only ever ridden a handful of bikes in the past and never a v-twin, so this was going to be a bit of a shock to the system according to reports read and annecdotes from bike forums.

First things first Bob, my mechanic, went all out with this job and I now have full use of all the controls on the bike down to selecting which mode I want it in. The attention to detail is meticulous and nothing short of bike porn to me. The Ducati had to be essentially rewired to get everything over to the right hand clip on and into the new playstation like switchgear.

The Ducati is very different to my trusty SRAD600, hard as a board, huge torque, feels taller, and has definitely being going to weight watchers while the SRAD looks like it's pigged out kebabs all its life in comparison.

The torque caught me by surprise as I took off, sending me backwards in the saddle hanging on with my right hand as the Termis knocked the leaves off the trees either side of the road. The clutch is about the same as the factory one, possibly a bit lighter IMO. I may upgrade the master cylinder at a later stage but it's fine at the moment. The gear change is so smooth you'd hardly notice it in comparison to my regular steed. Brembo radial brakes operated by a single finger are so responsive but as I get used to the bike I'll probably need to make some adjustments here too for more spirited braking. The ride is hard and I will need to stiffen up the steering damper for the roads I usually spin on. Having said that when it did shake its head it never felt like it was going to stray - thankfully! You can feel every bump in the road but it's worth it







 
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#10 ·
Well folks time for an update.

We've had poor weather here in Ireland for the past few weeks but I still managed to get out a bit. Great bike, delighted with it so far. It's been a steep learning curve being the first time on a V twin, lots of unwanted wheelspins, one lock up going down the box all very nervy moments but she stayed upright. I'll be researching slipper clutches on the forum to see if it'll be worth it ( I don't race so it would be a lot of money!). These bikes are just sweet, made for the track so unfortunately a bit hard on our roads but in fairness I have found it very comfortable on the longer spins but you gotta stop for Petrol/Gas regularly anyway so I can get to rest!

For the moment I'm going to leave the slave cylinder the same as the clutch is fine (and is building up the muscle in my right arm!) So next is a professional valet and a rear hugger!
 

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#12 ·
That, my Friend, is a super set-up, having all your controls on the right side clip-on!! Very nice!!
One of my sons lost an arm when he was two, never slowed him down!! He rode a Honda scooter and raced Yeti Mountain bikes (bicycles)... he actually removed his left bar,... always drew a smile when folks saw his bike for the first time!!! Way to go, you are an inspiration!!
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the comments lads. Here's a few pictures of the lever set up. It's some piece of kit and uses a brembo master, it was a pain to bleed but the supplier warned about this at least! The lever is rubbing the fairing at full lock so I will adjust accordingly, loving this bike already want to track it so it's a good job I brought some cheap race fairings a while back!

Don't know where the indicator switches came from but will find out from my mechanic, he sourced them and they are way better than what I could find!
 

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#18 ·
Understand, clutch pressure is tougher on a stock setup, although there are modifications to make it much easier, and of course there is "electronic shifters", slipper clutchs, different ratio master cylinders, all easier to engage than the OEM parts... super stuff on your bike!!! Thanks for the post!
 
#19 ·
An inspiring Irishman. Good on you! You make us 'able-bodieds' feel a bit piss-weak.

As does the unbelievable Alan K.

(I recognise the spot in the pics - just north of The Cliffs of Moher in Clare).

Maybe try a softer spring in the rear for roads like those.. You may benefit from softening the suspension in both ends to reduce the road shocks.

Plenty of softer springs available - bound to be someone on here who can help make them affordable. Freight to Ireland will be the thing..

All the best with it, and thanks for sharing your journey!
 
#21 ·
Hat off for Eoghan..................

very cool clutch and brake system, plus all that reds, blues button not cheat people
 
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