Hampshire Darmah Hello

[Lambretter]

Hi to you all from Fareham in Hampshire UK.
Today I have purchased a long time want of a 900SD Darmah. No doubt I will be asking a lot and reading a lot of posts. This is my second Ducati purchase in 6 months. I also have 3 Lambrettas one of which has to go because there is not enough room in my garage.
I've only ridden the Darmah a short while as I gather there is a problem with the wheels? "Speedline" I hope to resolve this when I can find some more money or advice on the situation. I would rather ride than look at it.

Phil

One owner from new 16,670 miles 1979.


Along side my other Ducati with the Lambretta that has to go behind.

[BevHevSteve]

sombody's got the bug........ welcome aboard

[Lambretter]

Steve not sure if it's a bug but more a 30 year old itch I've just started to scratch

[Craig in France]

.. as I gather there is a problem with the wheels? "Speedline" I hope to resolve this when I can find some more money or advice on the situation.

Hi Phil,

Much debated, much discussed .

Go to the "Wheel, brake and tyre" section of the forum and put 'Speedline' into the search. Here's an example of what will come up:
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=293&p=716&hilit=speedline#p716

(As always, at the end of the day, it's your call ... ).

Ciao

Craig

[Lambretter]

Craig now that's just made it as clear as mud

[BevHevSteve]

Personnaly, I will not ride a bike if offered, when it has speedlines in it. Period.

[Craig in France]

Craig now that's just made it as clear as mud

.

Ok, I'll put my cards on the table. I'd change 'em. Which is what I did with mine ...

But, mind you, not so easy to find now. So try contacting Andy Jones at Mdina Italia, http://www.mdinaitalia.co.uk/. He might have a lead on some.

Btw, this is what can happen ...

[abmartin]

I know I'm swimming against the tide here but the Speedlines on my 900SS were (and still are) sound when I changed the wheels over to wires. I mostly made the swap because the roads are really rough where I live. I would check the wheels for corrosion and cracks before binning them and if they prove to be solid wouldn't hesitate to use them until you can find something else.

A bigger problem is broken screws and stripped cush drive threaded holes in the back wheel. These need to be checked regularly. I replaced the original screws with items from a Honda MX bike.

Bruce

[Lambretter]

Well I could not resist it any more Speedlines or not, I had to get out and give her a blast, so smooth can't wait till my FPS wheels arrive from Germany so I can really wind her up.

[radecal]

From my understanding, only one batch was suspect but no one knows which ones so they are all classified as suspect. Best way is to get them x-rayed which will definitely prove integrity (and probably lighten your wallet) or just change them out for FPS and hang the others up as mementos in your shed.
Cush drive is very important though.
Regards,

[Craig in France]

From my understanding, only one batch was suspect but no one knows which ones so they are all classified as suspect.

+1, Bob - that's the same as what Mick Walker told me (he was given the job of doing the recalls in the UK).

(On that basis, I guess some people reckon, "Well, if they haven't broken by now ...")

Ciao

Craig

[Lambretter]

FPS wheels have arrived so now to fit new bearings tubes and tyres. Then see what the old bevel engine is like compared to my 851

[abmartin]

Speedline wheels are date marked. Mine were made in 5/78.

Bruce

[Lambretter]

New SKF wheel bearings fitted at £9 each from my local bearing supplier bargain, tyres swopped over and out for the first real blast

Went really well nice and smooth though a lot slower than my 851. Pulled really well in all gears until I got a wet feeling on my right leg while overtaking a couple of cars. Looked down to see petrol pissing out all over my leg.
Seems the bolt on the bottom of the fuel tap had come undone, a quick turn of the spanner and away home to put my jeans in the wash, good times.

[Craig in France]

... until I got a wet feeling on my right leg while overtaking a couple of cars. Looked down to see petrol pissing out all over my leg. Seems the bolt on the bottom of the fuel tap had come undone, a quick turn of the spanner and away home to put my jeans in the wash, good times.

Hi Phil,

FWIW:
If you've got the type with the plastic bowls, you might want to change 'em. The bowls tend to leak and crack, leaving you stranded by the roadside >:|!!! . Plenty of not-bad-quality reproduction taps, without bowls, around ...

Ciao

Craig