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Monoposto to Biposto FE
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It really is not difficult to modify the FE from a monoposto to a biposto. You just need to get the parts! If you want to maintain the silver FE look, you'll have to send the new rear side fairings (and also transfer the FE rear decals), cover for the locking mechanism, and grabrail to be painted. It can look quite nice (see Greg's and Stephen's silver biposto examples below). However, being partial to the red SS, I decided to store the silver tank and bodywork - for posterity - and replace the bike with all red OEM parts. To do the biposto mod, read on!
First of all, the frame sections at the rear of the bike are identical on the FE and SS/SP, so the mod is really a bolt-on.
Second, note that there are two versions of the locking mechanism on the biposto SS (see two diagrams below). The newer seat lock has a better mechanism and incorporates a helmet holder. Also note the difference between the cover for the older and newer locking mechanisms (part labeled "2" in both diagrams below). Furthermore, if you locate a used cover, make sure the threaded inserts (part labeled "6" in both diagrams below) are included (for the newer cover, you'll need four of them). Otherwise, the bolts that screw into them (part labeled "5" in both diagrams below) won't be able to attach the cover firmly. Finally, to avoid a trip to the locksmith, make sure you get the key to the seat lock (haven't tried changing the SS seat locking mechanism to accept the FE's original key).
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Old seat lock mechanism
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New seat lock mechanism
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Third, you not only need to obtain a seat (stock or aftermarket), but also the seat locking pin (for the newer locking mechanism, it is labeled "19" and "21" in diagram above). It attaches to the bottom rear of the seat.
Fourth, note that, unlike the FE, the SS side fairings attach at a third location (see area and part labeled "11" in diagram above). This third location is at the rear of the bike and attaches to the two "pins" screwed into the rear of the grabrail (see part labeled "41" in diagram below). Also note that the decals on the SS rear side fairings state in the Cagiva-era font, "Ducati - Campione del Mondo Superbike". The decals on the FE state in the TPG-era font, "Ducati Supersport 900FE". If you decide to repaint the biposto rear side fairings to the FE silver, ask to have the FE decals transferred as well so that the font styles match. Finally, you may want to get the passenger seat cover (see part labled "23" in diagram above), but it's not really necessary.
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Fifth, since you'll be changing from monoposto to biposto for the purpose of carrying a passenger, the high-mount pipes and brackets must be changed to low-mount pipes and brackets/passenger pegs (see diagram below). You can get high mounts made to have passenger pegs, but your passenger will not thank you! Also, note that the rider's pegs on the FE are silver. You can get the OEM brackets/passenger pegs in silver or black (Ducati changed them depending on model year). I prefer black because they seem to dissappear against the black rims and carbon fiber hugger of the FE.
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Sixth, when all was said and done, I didn't like the look of the grabrail on the biposto FE (see photo above). It stuck out like a sore thumb. So, I used a hacksaw to cut it off. Remember, you still need the bottom part of the grabrail to locate the "pins" for the rear side fairings. Those pieces were left in place still bolted to the frame. The only thing remaining was to cover up the cutouts in the rear side fairings and the cutouts in the rear top cover where the grabrail would go through and mount to the frame (see the closeup before and after photos below). Sean Lezotte at Connecticut Cycle Refinishing (CCR) did the work. Nice!
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Before . . . |
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. . . and After! |
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In sum, the only difficulty in going from monoposto to biposto is locating the parts. Of course, you could go to your local dealer and order all the parts you need. But that takes all the fun out of the mod. It's much more fun - and much more cheaper! - to get the parts yourself by searching the classifieds and auction sites. In fact, I obtained the locking mechanism (including the key!), cover, and all associated nuts and bolts, as well as the grabrail (and the all important "pins") from an online classified ad where the seller was parting out an SS. I asked, and I received! Just make sure that, if you use an auction site like e-Bay, you don't pay more than you should for used parts. Good luck!
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Richard's Immaculate Biposto With Solo Seat Cover - Down Under |
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Stephen's Tasteful Biposto |
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