Sports: Re: [DucatiST] Engine bolt conversion

I have seen this done and there is nothing wrong with it at all, drill away.
QW

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim de Martino
Sent: Sep 30, 2010 4:46 PM
To: st2_owners@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [DucatiST] Engine bolt conversion

Thanks for the input. Like many other repair tasks on my bike, the hardest part is the initial thinking about it!

Here is the reply sent from TPO parts when I asked them about the conversion;

Hi again Tim,

My apologies for the late reply. Here is the procedure you need to
follow for drilling out your bike for the 12mm studs.

Tools needed:

Electric drill
Drill bit: either 12.1mm, 12.2mm, or 31/64-inch. Do not use a bit
larger than those sizes.

A source of compressed air is handy for cleaning chips out of the drill
hole. If you don't have that you can use a thin metal rod and a rag.

Begin your work with the engine installed in the bike using the factory
bolts. The factory bolts should be tight.

Remove 1 of the factory bolts only. The other bolt will hold the engine
in place while you work.

Drill out the bolt hole from both sides. There is no need for cutting
lubricant, but it won't hurt to use it if you want to. The drilling is
easy because you are only enlarging the factory hole a little bit, not
drilling a fresh hole. The existing hole will guide the bit for you
making the job easier. Once you've drilled the hole from both sides,
blow out the chips with compressed air (or other method).

If you want to use a cutting lubricant then I would recommend that you
use a water-based one made specifically for this purpose. WD-40 is not
very effective for this purpose and it leaves behind a sticky residue
that attracts dirt. If you use WD-40 make sure you clean it up well,
otherwise you'll find road grime sticking to your Duc! Water-based
lubricants are nice becasue you can rinse them away with no sticky mess.

Install the new stud and torque it down.

Repeat the process for the second bolt/stud.

As I mentioned earlier, the only important detail is that you use the
correct size drill bit. Do not use anything larger than 31/64-inch. If
you do not have a suitable bit then please let me know and I will send
you one.

Allan
www.tpoparts.com

From: Tim de Martino <timdm7@yahoo.com.au>
To: st2_owners@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 29 September, 2010 9:12:28 PM
Subject: [DucatiST] Engine bolt conversion

Anyone had any experience converting a 10mm bolt setup to 12mm? I received the
TPO kit that I ordered and although it's a really nice product, the studs are
12mm. I could return them but am thinking conversion.....

I have done fairly extensive googling and searching within this group but
there's not much info - the best I could find was QW saying ,basically , grab a
big drill bit and go to town!

QW - were you taking the piss or is this another example of your "it's not that
hard, just get on with it" posts? If the latter, can it be done in situ (albeit
very carefully)?

This idea may be overkill, but it would be nice to end up with a REALLY strong
engine mount.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers