[DuckDuckGoose]

So I finally got my off-road package… I like to do my own work whenever possible, plus I’m over 200 miles away from the nearest dealer that I actually trust 👀. Off Road pack is crash bars, skid plate, water pump guard and different hand guards. Quite complicated IMO… I’m 60 and I’ve been riding and wrenching my entire life, this job took me the better part of eight hours. Single worst part, and hence the warning, was two bolts on the front cylinder that hold the front bracket for the bash plate. The original bracket gets replaced; it’s held on by two 4mm allen head bolts that are very soft. Mine were installed with red loctite, I think it got baked in due to proximity to the exhaust. Long story short, both required herculean efforts to remove - heat, vise grips, I had to dremel a slot on one to get it moving etc. Thankfully the threads on the block were fine once I got the bolts out, but if you’re not an experienced wrench this might be a good reason to steer clear of the job. I’m sure I’m not the only one who will have this problem. Otherwise pretty straightforward, assuming you read the multiple iterations of the instructions over and over again…. And finally , if you sprung for the factory fog lights, while the bike is pre wired it still has to be progammed by the dealer before they will turn on. Argh!

 

[DESERTXATL]

I did not experience any issues with those two bolts that are replaced going through the cylinder head. Did you manage to jack up the engine to help with removing of those engine bolts?

It did take me around six hours, but that's because I had to install the heated grips as well. The heated grips can actually be installed without removing the tank, but it takes a lot of patience and thinner fingers to get to the cable under the tank.

 

[Ohseedee]

I did not experience any issues with those two bolts that are replaced going through the cylinder head. Did you manage to jack up the engine to help with removing of those engine bolts?

It did take me around six hours, but that's because I had to install the heated grips as well. The heated grips can actually be installed without removing the tank, but it takes a lot of patience and thinner fingers to get to the cable under the tank.

How did you jack up the engine?

 

[zDesertX]

I didn't have any problems with those 2, but I had a similar issue with the bottom center one used by the original plate (which is not even used by the new skid plate).

What I had a big problem with was the actual engine bars. I didn't check the package before starting the job and after replacing the engine bolt, installing the center holding bracket behind the lights, put back the side panels and now to actually install the engine bars I see they don't come together. I was stunned, they put two left bars in the package instead of a right and left. I had way higher expectations from Ducati. I was fortunate enough that the local store had another set and were extremely nice to just replace a bar for me and handle the warranty on their own.

 

[DESERTXATL]

How did you jack up the engine?

I put a wood block and car jack under the engine....I lifted it just slightly enough and it even says in the installation guide.

 

[Desertx23]

So I finally got my off-road package… I like to do my own work whenever possible, plus I’m over 200 miles away from the nearest dealer that I actually trust 👀. Off Road pack is crash bars, skid plate, water pump guard and different hand guards. Quite complicated IMO… I’m 60 and I’ve been riding and wrenching my entire life, this job took me the better part of eight hours. Single worst part, and hence the warning, was two bolts on the front cylinder that hold the front bracket for the bash plate. The original bracket gets replaced; it’s held on by two 4mm allen head bolts that are very soft. Mine were installed with red loctite, I think it got baked in due to proximity to the exhaust. Long story short, both required herculean efforts to remove - heat, vise grips, I had to dremel a slot on one to get it moving etc. Thankfully the threads on the block were fine once I got the bolts out, but if you’re not an experienced wrench this might be a good reason to steer clear of the job. I’m sure I’m not the only one who will have this problem. Otherwise pretty straightforward, assuming you read the multiple iterations of the instructions over and over again…. And finally , if you sprung for the factory fog lights, while the bike is pre wired it still has to be progammed by the dealer before they will turn on. Argh!

Same experience. Vise grips and mini torch to remove the 4mm bracket bolts.

 

[DESERTXATL]

Same experience. Vise grips and mini torch to remove the 4mm bracket bolts.

I know what you're talking about...almost stripped those bolts

 

[bailey562003]

Well I too finally got my off road package and over Thanksgiving day got up the nerve to try and install it all.

As a retired aircraft mechanic, was pretty sure I could do this without any instruction.... Yeah no..... I did get the panels off, front bracket on but the bolts for the crash bars themself's was a bit puzzling. None of the bolts fit through the holes in the bars so I was left scraching my head.

However after seaching on the forum, there is a parts breakdown of the off road kit. Perfect!! Figured out where the bolts go and worked getting it installed pretty much in 3 hrs.

As to the bolts on the engine for the skid plate, yes they were pretty tight but not impossible to remove. I did notice they had orange lock tight on the threads though.

So now that I have the kit installed, I look forward to getting out on the dirt to see how it really works off road.

 

[andrzejba]

sorry torques are in the photos.. my mistake

 

[DESERTXATL]

Well I too finally got my off road package and over Thanksgiving day got up the nerve to try and install it all.

As a retired aircraft mechanic, was pretty sure I could do this without any instruction.... Yeah no..... I did get the panels off, front bracket on but the bolts for the crash bars themself's was a bit puzzling. None of the bolts fit through the holes in the bars so I was left scraching my head.

However after seaching on the forum, there is a parts breakdown of the off road kit. Perfect!! Figured out where the bolts go and worked getting it installed pretty much in 3 hrs.

As to the bolts on the engine for the skid plate, yes they were pretty tight but not impossible to remove. I did notice they had orange lock tight on the threads though.

So now that I have the kit installed, I look forward to getting out on the dirt to see how it really works off road.

FYI, avoid any muddy or wet trails...the str tires are really bad for muddy or wet trails

 

[bailey562003]

FYI, avoid any muddy or wet trails...the str tires are really bad for muddy or wet trails

Yeah for sure. Tires are my next thing to get on the bike.

 

[Ohseedee]

In the middle of doing my install and the instructions call for loctite 601 for the engine bolt (green based on my web search). I can’t find 601 or any green at the 3 auto parts stores I visited. I ordered 638 (green) from Amazon and will arrive today and going to go with that unless I can find any issue with it. what are others using?

side note: I was worried about the 2 bolts noted in this thread, but had zero issues. I only have about 600 miles, so maybe that’s why.

 

[ride200mi]

Green appears to be the orange type now.

 

[customryder]

For anyone doing this themself, pay special care to the long center bolt going thru frame. Locktite left side bolt at tread edge, and let it dry. If this is not done you can experance vibration as the bolt becomes to tight when installed.

 

[Ohseedee]

For anyone doing this themself, pay special care to the long center bolt going thru frame. Locktite left side bolt at tread edge, and let it dry. If this is not done you can experance vibration as the bolt becomes to tight when installed.

the loctite 601 referenced in the instructions is a Retaining Compound rather than a thread locker like red loctite. I’m going to be using the loctite 638 Retaining Compound I found which appears to be close to 601 per the spec sheets on Henkel‘a site.

 

[Ohseedee]

Also loctite 601 (retaining compound) on one end, not on both (at least instructions don’t say both)

 

[rIchard]

Same experience. Vise grips and mini torch to remove the 4mm bracket bolts.







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[BUZZ71]

I did not experience any issues with those two bolts that are replaced going through the cylinder head. Did you manage to jack up the engine to help with removing of those engine bolts?

It did take me around six hours, but that's because I had to install the heated grips as well. The heated grips can actually be installed without removing the tank, but it takes a lot of patience and thinner fingers to get to the cable under the tank.

Are the heated grips a bigger diameter than the stock oem grips and are they the same plastic feeling to them as the stock oem grips ?? Thanks

 

[DucatiBart]

Just completed the crashbar installation. A few notes;

When using the loctite for the engine mount bolt and the "special nut" on the one end; The diagram which shows the proper depth is NOT visually correct. I used digital calipers and when the depth is set to 18.5mm or .73in, THERE IS NO GAP. The "special nut" actually goes over that little gap and is almost flush with the main shaft. Use digital calipers and you'll see what I mean.

You do NOT need to remove the headlight assembly to install the front bracket. Instructions are correct. I'm referring to a video I saw. Loosening the screws will allow the bracket to easily slide in.

One final note. It appears Ducati is NOT shipping with both "special nuts". On the exploded diagram, they are part #5 (two of them). They are only shipping with one "special nut". At my local dealer we opened 3 crashbar sets and they only had 1 of these special nuts. There isn't one on the stock or engine mount that is reused. If I'm wrong on how many of these parts there are supposed to be let me know, cause I've got my local dealer believing there should be two.

 

[Toymaster]

......
One final note. It appears Ducati is NOT shipping with both "special nuts". On the exploded diagram, they are part #5 (two of them). They are only shipping with one "special nut". At my local dealer we opened 3 crashbar sets and they only had 1 of these special nuts. There isn't one on the stock or engine mount that is reused. If I'm wrong on how many of these parts there are supposed to be let me know, cause I've got my local dealer believing there should be two.

My kit only came with one "special nut" as well. The box and packaging came opened so I thought it has just been lost in transit. The most pleasant surprise was the dealer actually had the nut in stock, must be used in multiple applications. I thought the wait would be long. And, yes you need two.

Also, to help some. Ducati is only putting in half the required amount of fuel hose. You need two pieces about 100cm (40") long. Size 5mm or 3/16" works.