[Vaughn Logan]

Okay ... I have tried to remove the flat-black plastic tail inserts on my Tricolore so that I can replace them with carbon fiber ones. How the F$#K are those things held in there?

I took a screwdriver (using a cloth towel and being ever so careful not to touch the painted tail section) and almost had them out. I tried to see where and how they are attached. I swear it's as though something sucked them back in. WTF?

This should not require a PHD in quantum physics or general relatively within the time-space continuum. I thought that simple hand-eye coordination combined with a dash of elbow grease should suffice.

Comments? (And please be nice ... I already feel like an idiot having cut all my fingers attempting this task) .

~V~

 

[DucatiGuy]

ahahahaha... Yea they're a real bitch! You're on the right track. Insert that screwdriver in, rest the leverage edge on a good piece of towel or rag (that wont scratch the tail) and PRY THE HELL OUTTA HER! Don't be afraid to put some elbow into it. Once you have it up and out, enough to slip a finger or two underneath and hold it, just keep bending up and out. It will break free.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

ahahahaha... Yea they're a real bitch! You're on the right track. Insert that screwdriver in, rest the leverage edge on a good piece of towel or rag (that wont scratch the tail) and PRY THE HELL OUTTA HER! Don't be afraid to put some elbow into it. Once you have it up and out, enough to slip a finger or two underneath and hold it, just keep bending up and out. It will break free.

Let me ask then, how should I secure the CF inserts?
~V~

 

[DucatiGuy]

You need to use a good automotive grade black silicone / adhesive. It's readly available at your local auto parts store. Fill in the tail section, and apply a gentle coat to the inside edge of the CF tail inserts. Place and push them firmly till they seat. Once seated and positioned correctly, run your finger along the edges to seam and clean up the excess silicone. Be sure to apply consistent pressure as so you don't have any uneven surfaces. Don't worry about making a mess. If any silicone gets anywhere it shouldn't (just avoid the seat itself, it will stain it), don't worry. It'll clean up in seconds once dry.

Once you're done, it will dry to the touch within an hour, but whatever you do - DO NOT take your bike out for a ride for at least 24hrs!!! Most silicone in such amounts will require at the least 24hrs to FULLY dry. If you take your bike out prematurely, you may loose an insert.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

You need to use a good automotive grade black silicone / adhesive. It's readly available at your local auto parts store. Fill in the tail section, and apply a gentle coat to the inside edge of the CF tail inserts. Place and push them firmly till they seat. Once seated and positioned correctly, run your finger along the edges to seam and clean up the excess silicone. Be sure to apply consistent pressure as so you don't have any uneven surfaces. Don't worry about making a mess. If any silicone gets anywhere it shouldn't (just avoid the seat itself, it will stain it), don't worry. It'll clean up in seconds once dry.

Once you're done, it will dry to the touch within an hour, but whatever you do - DO NOT take your bike out for a ride for at least 24hrs!!! Most silicone in such amounts will require at the least 24hrs to FULLY dry. If you take your bike out prematurely, you may loose an insert.

Hey Ducati Guy,

You're my new best friend !!!

I was able to get them out. I found that the best way was to initially use the screwdriver (with cloth) to lift up on the inserts. I then took an Xacto Knife (and ran it along the inner edges of the tail section) to cut the black silicone adhesive that held them in place.

Next, I will clean the old "rubberized" traces away to make room for the new Carbon Fiber Inserts !!!

I broke a serious sweat pulling out those damn things.

:guitarist ~Vaughn~ :drummer:

 

[DucatiGuy]

No worries... Glad you got em off! Hey, how ya fingers doing? Should I invest in band-aid?

 

[Visitor Q]

And to think I remember reading posts about these falling off going down the road.

How is it when you want something one way, it always ends up just the opposite?

Jason

 

[Vaughn Logan]

No worries... Glad you got em off! Hey, how ya fingers doing? Should I invest in band-aid?

Man, My Fingers Are F'ing Fried !!! :flamethro

 

[Vaughn Logan]

And to think I remember reading posts about these falling off going down the road.

How is it when you want something one way, it always ends up just the opposite?

Jason

VQ,

I've been told to really seal those CF Inserts up with silicone adhesive. You're right ... things do tend to work in opposing directions.

~V~

 

[lee]

I lost the right side vent on mine. Ducati doesn't sell them separately. You have to buy the whole tailpiece. Can you believe it? Anyway do any of you CF lovers have a stock right side vent you'd sell me?

Lee

 

[Smeegle]

I lost the right side vent on mine. Ducati doesn't sell them separately. You have to buy the whole tailpiece. Can you believe it? Anyway do any of you CF lovers have a stock right side vent you'd sell me?

Lee

I don't get it. You lost an insert through no fault of your own and they didn't cover it under warranty, whole tail section or not!

 

[Vaughn Logan]

I lost the right side vent on mine. Ducati doesn't sell them separately. You have to buy the whole tailpiece. Can you believe it? Anyway do any of you CF lovers have a stock right side vent you'd sell me?

Lee

That might just be the excuse you need to replace them with Carbon Fiber. But potential buyer beware, once you get started with the CF bug ... there's no stopping it !!!

~V~

BTW: Mine stock ones are the flat-black plastic inserts that come with the Tricolore.

 

[spider900r]

I have the stock ones available, how much do you want to spend?

 

[lee]

Spider,

Given the outrageous cost of Ducati parts how about 25.00 for the right one?

It was my fault. I bounced the bike off a guardrail while in the process of high siding in a corner and it popped the vent out. Couldn't find it in the bushes or anywhere. No need for a CF one although I was thinking along those lines if i don't score on a stocker.

Lee

 

[von1098]

BTW: Mine stock ones are the flat-black plastic inserts that come with the Tricolore.

How did you come buy those. I take it you don't have a Tricolore.

 

[Vaughn Logan]

How did you come buy those. I take it you don't have a Tricolore.

Von,

Maybe I missed something, but I certainly do own a Tricolore. The 2 inserts (behind and above the seat) are flat-black plastic inserts. I have removed them both and am awaiting the Carbon Fiber replacements from Shift-Tech.

Sorry for the poor quality picture below, but I took the snap-shot with the camera on my cell phone.

~Vaughn~