DUCATI Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 BUILD Thread

[BMW Alpina]

Found a good deal on eBay for a BRAND NEW Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Heel Guard. They are exactly the same shape and carbon material as the heel guard that came with my bike as standard from Ducati, however, if you buy them as Ducati Performance Accessories, they will came with the white logo saying "DUCATI PERFORMANCE" and I love those logo, make them feel more special
Side by Side comparison:



Installed them with ProTi Titanium Silver bolts:
Well, actually I test the looks with the stock black bolts on the left picture then full blown upgrade with the ProTi Titanium Silver Bolts on the RIGHT picture:





By the way more ProTi Titanium Bolts arrived:


So I start installing them, first on the Akrapovic Exhaust:




Then Front Ohlins Forks Pinch Bolts:



Then on the Rear MudGuard, however, turn out the ProTi kits for the rear mudguard only for bolts that is obviously in the field of view, but it did not replace other bolts that was more hidden, so I decided to take out those other stock Ducati bolts (that was kinda hidden), measure them one by one, order the ProTi equivalent and installing them (in the future, about maybe 20 posts from this one)
Since this moment, my goal was to replace every bolts on my bike that can be replace (or have the equivalent) from ProTi Titanium Bolts.



Actually, corrections, not all bolts that can be replace with ProTi was replace with ProTi because I found for the engine mounting bolts for example, the ProTi version did not looks as nice as the bolts from V4EVO.
However, when I purchase the Titanium Engine Mounting Bolts from V4EVO, I received 1 that have slight cosmetic imperfections. However, V4EVO (Petros the owner) has exemplary customer service and he just send a replacement for me for free right away.
Thank You to Petros from V4EVO.

Below are the bolts with cosmetic imperfection,

 

[BMW Alpina]

More parts arrived, this time from AELLA Japan and 1 part from AEM Italy:


AEM Italy rear Wheel Nut Spacer:


Initially, I thought AELLA sending me the wrong tools to adjust the rear Ohlins spring preload, because as you can see from the picture below, the teeth on the tools only fit one slot on the adjustment nut, but turn out this is by design, so I feel relief




Then I test the color combination of AELLA Titanium nut with Gold Spacer or with Silver Hard Anodized Spacer. Note, the Gold Spacer were from AEM not AELLA. The Silver Hard Anodized Spacer was from AELLA Japan.



Spacers arrived from Grainger and I fit them for the Right AELLA Frame Slider. On the right picture you can see that I bought both Aluminum Spacer (dull color) and the shiny color Stainless Steel Spacer, and after comparing them side by side, the Stainless Steel Spacer wins hands down

 

[BMW Alpina]

I always find the gap between the stock HandleGrip and the Ducati by Rizoma handlebar weight to be unsightly...
so I purchased Desmoworld left side HandleGrip spacer (made of black anodized aluminum), thicker than stock plastic spacer so it will eliminate the gap. It was in back order for a while but I finally received it:




I also purchased sticker kit from Vulturbike (white color) that will be the white background for the "racing number" on the Tail Fairings. I also purchase the number "1" sticker from Amazon which will be clear coated to make it look "factory".
Left picture is stock fairing, the remaining pictures below were taken after I test fit the stickers:

 

[BMW Alpina]

I received the Rear Brake Reservoir Carbon Fiber Bracket from Shift-Tech. I purchase this bracket so I don't have to cut the original Ducati plastic bracket to fit the larger Ducati by Rizoma rear brake reservoir.
As you know, I plan to put the Ducati by Rizoma, Wave Clutch Reservoir.Due to their larger diameter I will have it custom mounted to the engine block using combinations of Rizoma rear view mirror brackets and ProTi bolts.
I had test fit and I just have to CUT/CHOP the upper half of this Carbon Fiber bracket to fit. More on this in the next 20 posts.




I also received the many different Rizoma brackets that I purchase for this modification:


Since I will replace all the banjo bolts with the ProTi Titanium Banjo Bolts, that means, I will need to bleed the brake and clutch lines.
To make my life easier, I bought Stahlbus Quick Bleeder

Initially, I plan to replace all the brake and clutch line with the FrenTubo carbon fiber brake lines, but then I notice that some of the stock line were actually solid hard brake line.
Solid hard brake line is better than any braided brake lines can be (to keep the rigidity and prevent "soft pedal/lever" feeling, so I decided to keep the stock brake line (although later I will change my mind and upgraded the solid hard brake line with a cooper line, but this is maybe 40 posts away).
Some of those hard brake line also runs very close to the rear cylinder bank exhaust manifold so a braided line is not suitable at all.
Below is the picture of all the Stahlbus Quick Bleeder:



Another related parts that arrived was the Oberon Clutch Slave Cylinder in Gold color. This is a Preemptive measure and of course, it is GORGEOUS to look at
Many Panigale V4 owners complain that they have to re-bleed the clutch line every 200 miles and solved the problem only after replacing ,the clutch master cylinder.
On serious note, I ordered this part direct from Oberon in UK, and it arrived with FedEx in just 2 days. Super fast shipment with very reasonable shipping cost!!!

Initially, I was considering to purchase from AELLA because AELLA's version has 28mm diameter so it will be lighter effort to press the clutch lever compare to the Oberon 26 mm and stock Ducati 22mm diameter.
However, AELLA's version is basically a factory slave clutch (same housing) modified to accept larger piston then anodized.

I also look at CNC racing's version which came with an even larger 29mm piston. The drawback was the CNC racing design was much thinner on the center. It looks slim like a super model, but I assume it will be less rigid compare to Oberon's version,
so I Oberon is my choice simply from engineering point of view.

This Oberon Clutch Slave Cylinder is "Made in ENGLAND",
The last time I ever owned things Made in England was in the mid 80's, about 35 years ago when my father bought me a Raleigh "Milk Race" bicycles
Amazing that this quality product only cost around $133.93 USD converted from £102.07 GBP with 2 day FedEx shipping from UK errr. England
The part number is 1103, whch is intentional as in our engine cc size, very nice touch from Oberon

 

[BMW Alpina]

I am replacing the Brake Master Cylinder (MC) with Brembo RCS17 Corsa Corta while the Clutch MC will be replaced with Brembo RCS16 Corsa Corta.
The Corsa Corta has a straight tube design while our stock OEM Brembo MC have slanted design.

Because of this, I will need to replace the stock Ducati right Start/Kill switch assy. with a slimmer after market switch., so the RCS17 Corsa Corta can be moved further outside of the current stock position.
After many hours of research, I decided to purchase the Aluminum Machined Start/Kill Switch Assy from Bike Sport Development (BSD) UK.
It will be mounted to the left (with an offset) on top of the Brake Master Cylinder Clamp so it will prevent the Brake Lever from the RCS 17 Corsa Corta from hitting the throttle housing, thus allowing full brake lever travel.

What great about BSD was, they accept a custom request to have my switch assy. came with all 3 buttons in BLACK Color to make it look as close as the factory looks as possible.
Of course further modification on the way the BSD switch will be secured/bolted is coming soon




I tested pushing the buttons and they feel robust (locking and intermittent buttons). You also need to buy the special tool from BSD so you can remove your original Ducati switches housing.

BSD has an alternative model with 3 button shell clamp, an even more compact solution.
BSD also told me that they will issue a NEWER version for the LEFT handlebar switches, with more simple design than their current offering.
However, I don't want to replace the oem ducati switches unless I have too, so my left one will stay stock, plus BSD's version of the left switch lack the horn and turn signal button which is not good for street bike and I want to keep my bike in street legal configuration.

I also purchase a Rizoma mirror clamp to secure this BSD switch, at the same time provide mounting location for the brake and clutch reservoir:

 

[BMW Alpina]

The Brembo RCS 16 Corsa Corta Clutch Master Cylinder does not come with a switch unlike the RCS 17 Corsa Corta Brake Master Cylinder.
But, I found a solution for the Electronic Switch on the clutch side, because Kohken from Japan has a bolt on solution:
ブレンボラジアルマスターシリンダー用機械式スイッチキット【RCSラジアルクラッチマスター用】 [KOK-2002] - 4,180円 : KOHKENダイレクトSHOP

You can also purchase it at webike (English language section): KOHKEN (KOHKEN DENKA) : Mechanical Switch Kit for Brembo Radial Master Cylinder [KOK-2002]

 

[BMW Alpina]

I checked the Melotti Racing Facebook page and saw this post: Melotti Racing
Melotti Racing describe this part as the "Top Fork Bridge", and the picture in their Facebook page was their Upper Triple Clamp custom laser marked for me.

About 6 months ago, when I start seriously consider buying a Ducati again, I noticed many owner replace their Upper Triple Clamp to what they call "GP style"...
However, I never like any of the offering available until I saw the Melotti Racing one... But I don't want to replace mine since mine came with the "Serial Number",
until I found out that Melotti accept custom design from some Racing Teams. So, I contacted Melotti Racing directly and this is the result
Custom Laser Marking of 25 Anniversario 916 and Serial Number 210/500 just like on my original upper triple clamp plus the "Number 1" racing number logo just like on the fairing (and on my t-shirt)
So far, of all the parts / accessories that I already purchased for my bike, I think I love this one the most

 

[Lucati]

man, I NEED that dry clutch

 

[Lucati]

The Brembo RCS 16 Corsa Corta Clutch Master Cylinder does not come with a switch unlike the RCS 17 Corsa Corta Brake Master Cylinder.
But, I found a solution for the Electronic Switch on the clutch side, because Kohken from Japan has a bolt on solution:
ブレンボラジアルマスターシリンダー用機械式スイッチキット【RCSラジアルクラッチマスター用】 [KOK-2002] - 4,180円 : KOHKENダイレクトSHOP

You can also purchase it at webike (English language section): KOHKEN (KOHKEN DENKA) : Mechanical Switch Kit for Brembo Radial Master Cylinder [KOK-2002]

what I'm waiting on. 1 month wait they said...

 

[BMW Alpina]

Peter Lieb's carbon fiber parts arriving early (well it "WAS arriving early" since this happened many months ago)

Peter packaged everything very well:







I immediately install the key carbon cover with nicer looking Titanium bolts (arrive on time):
Below is the Titanium Bolts (not ProTi) and this is just temporary solutions, have nicer solutions in the future for this area :





Next step is to add Akrapovic Sticker to the lower tank carbon protector/cover and paint them with clear coat to protect the sticker further, since this area is prone to chip from stone thrown by the rear tire, although, of course I am not sure whether that will ever happened since I don't plan to ride this bike but I always like to prepare for the worse case scenario when/if I have fun riding this bike maybe 15 years from now and stone flying all over

 

[BMW Alpina]

The left/CLUTCH side did not have any lever protector, and I just feel it make the bike look unbalance, too asymmetrical...
Since Ducati by Rizoma line does not offer left side Clutch Lever protector, I decide to purchase the closest substitute available, which is the Rizoma ProGuard.
I will further modify this Rizoma ProGuard with a "DUCATI" lettering to make it looks similar to the right brake lever guard from Ducati by Rizoma.
I also plan to paint one of the ring on the handlebar weight "RED ANODIZED" to match the Ducati by Rizoma red ring anodizing.
But I will do this after my Ducati by Rizoma right brake lever protector arrived. My bike came with the Ducati by Rizoma brake lever protector but it have a minor blemished, so I sold it and buying a new replacement.
Hopefully this new replacement will not have any blemishes

I bought them with the optional mounting system from Rizoma, I can reuse the original stock mounting system (which also by Rizoma handlebar weight), but I want it to be proper


Test Fit it on the left side, but out of curiosity also test it on the right side:




My Melotti Racing Upper Triple Clamp/Top Fork Bridge arrived, along with Melotti racing special tool for Ohlins fork and steering stem nut:




And some small details, AEM radiator reservoir cap :




More ProTi bolts arrived, this was supposed to be my 3rd phase of ProTi bolts purchase (I thought I only have 2 more phase before I completely purchase all the ProTi bolts kit offered for Panigale V4, but then (later), I decided to not just buy the "kit" offered, but also buy every bolts that is not in the kit, but can be replaced by ProTi Titanium equivalent)... Also, please take a look at the right picture, those are ProTi banjo bolts, they are VERY NICE :

 

[BMW Alpina]

Another small step for a struggling Ducatisti :

STM Timing Cover and Rizoma rear reflector arrived:


Before and After STM (note, I will replace the current screw with ProTi screws):



Test fitting all the bracket and spacer/washer and bolts that I will use to mount this Rizoma WAVE Clutch Reservoir as Rear Brake Reservoir, now, just need to buy the ProTi bolts with proper length and I can install it (which means 2 months away).
Note, I am using original Rizoma own mirror bracket with slight "improvisation" to become the bracket for this Rizoma Rear Brake Reservoir. Also I have a choice to use between black or silver Rizoma bracket. I end up choosing silver for some extra color contrast :

 

[BMW Alpina]

Bought Ducati official special tools to remove the stock start/kill switch assembly:



Test fit (measurement) of the Bike Sports Development (BSD) switch, utilizing spacers and washers, so I can order proper spacer thickness in black anodized color so no need for those stacks of washers:

 

[BMW Alpina]

The painter that was working on my tail fairings emailed me this pictures below... She applied maybe 5 or 6 clear coats on top of the Ducati factory clear coat for the area with red paint still visible.
(Originally we planned for just 3 clear coats) to make sure we cannot fell the edges of the stickers (white background and #1 stickers) that is why it is so shiny and deep,
She still plan to sand it down and polish it some more today... so it is going to be even shinier...

 

[BMW Alpina]

A few days latter, they arrived and test fit on my bike (test fit because the will be remove again to fix the wrong number 1 font that I purchase at Amazon while I was sleepy in the middle of a night (my fault)):

 

[BMW Alpina]

DriveTrain upgrade project:
AEM Factory D-SEI V4 Sprocket Carrier in Titanium Color arrived. They are very beautiful. The right picturecompare it with the current original Sprocket Carrier.
I think this would be a good color combo with my EK 3D Gold Chain, Sitta Quick Changer and Sprocket, AEM Factory Titanium Studs (with Champagne gold rear aluminum housing), ProTi gold sprocket nut and AELLA Titanium Axle nut.



AEM Factory Titanium Studs/Nuts with Cush Drives:


But, I want it to look even nicer, so I UPGRADE the AEM Titanium Nuts with MOTOCORSE Titanium Nuts :



EK 3D Gold Color 520 Chain:


And of course SITTA Quick Change Sprocket Kit:


I am hoping to install all the above tomorrow as in September 20'2020, although I received all the above parts about 4 months ago, however, all the other modification require the whole rear swing arm, rear subframe, rear exhaus manifold and rear suspension to be removed, thus I can't install all the above yet... but hopefully tomorrow...

 

[BMW Alpina]

I also purchased Rear Ohlins Springs with Lower Spring Rate:


Purchase some Anodized PAINTS, this will be a fun project stay tune :


The BLACK Aluminum Spacer arrived, and I am happy to announced the BLACK Aluminum Spacer fits perfectly on the BDS Switch. Notice that I used 2 stacks of differing diameter for the Black Aluminum Spacer, that is because if you use the same diameter, due to the curving shape of the BSD switch, it will not fit properly:


I directly contacted CNC Racing in Italy asking about the Titanium Version of their Steering Stem Nut for Panigale V4 since they only have the version for the 1299 (shorter).
CNC Racing told me they are available to order but it will take a few weeks, then they listed the picture on their website. I like it, and this will be a match made in heaven for my Melotti upper triple clamp, so I place an order right away
The part# for this Titanium version is GH457X Ring nut Ducati Panigale V4 - Titanium: Ring nut Ducati Panigale V4 - Titanium

 

[BMW Alpina]

Then, it was sticker party time
I installed the Mugello Circuit outline sticker. I purchased this sticker on eBay, however the seller mistakenly sent me the larger size sticker, so I asked for replacement, and the seller promptly sent me the replacement, only to make the same mistake and sent the large size again, finally the third time was the charm
So now, I have 6 large extra sticker because I ordered 3 pieces of stickers. (only 1 small size left because I install 2 small sticker today).


I mocked up the best location "carefully" and marked it with painter tape:



Installed, and they looks much nicer in person, the contrast between the black paint on the fairing and the gold sticker is just right





Continue to the windshield... Ordered name sticker from bicistickers (in Eastern Europe) using my 2 sons name (not their legal name but their baby name that me and my wife use to call them at home).
Left side for my oldest son, Right side for my younger son
This sticker took almost 2 months to arrive but they are very nice quality. Choose light gold color with Italian Flag.
I use the smaller sticker and due to their small size, they are very hard to install properly... so I waste 2 stickers before I finally got it right.



Installed:

 

[BMW Alpina]

I was really intrigued and interested in detailing + ceramic coating, luckily we have our resident Pro & Expert @HKMP7
If any of you interested in getting your bike (or car) detailed + ceramic coating, you can contact @HKMP7

I was also inspired after reviewing this YouTube video of a European detailers working on a Panigale V4S Speciale:

At 4:03, the detailer used what I believe is a BigFoot Nano iBrid HR81ML (Long Neck): iBrid Nano - RUPES USA to polish the tank,
but at 4:16 he switch to Flex polisher with extension (can't identify the model).
I learned from @HKMP7 that this is due to the position of the surface to be polish.

Life is a never ending learning session

 

[BMW Alpina]

More GORGEOUS parts arrived

Moto Corse Suspension Bracket and Frame/Subframe Bolts and Cover:




Brembo 17RCS CORSA CORTA:



ILMBERGER Dashboard Carbon Cover and ILMBERGER Right Side Cover (the left side was at the time this picture was taken, still back ordered):




SPRINT F1-85 Air Filter:



Bonamici Racing Dashboard Cover and CNC Racing Screen Protector: