Why do it? As standard, the Ducati 748/916/996/998 arrangement has an integrated 'cush-hub' and rear sprocket. By fitting the Talon unit the rear sprocket becomes quick detachable, allowing race and track day addicts to change gearing set up without removing the rear hub entirely. Also it looks pretty cool !     Pic1 - Rear Axle after Hub Removal Can I fit it myself? Any competent amateur mechanic who normally services their own machine should be capable of fitting this unit. No special tools are needed but a 42mm socket and good quality Circlip Pliers are a must. How do I do it? Removal Firstly lean the bike over slightly on something soft on its right hand side since this makes access easier and you can't use a rear paddock stand to support your bike for obvious reasons. Once secure, with chain fully slackened off and removed from the existing rear sprocket remove the external rear hub nut retaining clip and hub nut itself. Then carefully slide the entire assembly from the 'splined' rear axle. What you are left with is as shown above in Pic.1.     Pic 2. Circlip and Thrust washer in situe The next step is to separate the hub itself from the original sprocket and 'cush hub' combined. Close up picture 2 shows the circlip and thrust washer, which must be removed in order to separate the outer hub assembly from the sprocket. As mentioned earlier this circlip requires removal with a 'good quality' set of circlip pliers since it is a tough one.! Also visible in picture 2 are the backs of the rubber cush drives which require locking with an Allen key prior to removing the 14mm nuts on the outside of the hub.     Pic 3 . Cush drives and washers being fitted to Talon Hub Fitting the new hub and sprocket. Once removed the 'cush drives' can be fitted into the new Talon hub and special attention must be paid to ensure that the five large thrust washers supplied in the kit are fitted correctly. As Pics. 3 and 4 show, these must be fitted with the 'milled out' side of the washer facing down onto the rubber drives. Once all washers and cush drives are fitted the hub can be reassembled by using the Allen key and 14mm spanner as previously described. As pictured in Pic 5, a set of anodized nuts from Pro-Bolt as shown finishes the job off nicely. (These are also available from Ducatitrader.co.uk)     Pic 4. Washers supplied have 'flat face' outermost. The circlip and thrust washer must also be re-fitted as shown. (Pic. 5)   Pic. 5 Thrust Washer and Circlip - Ready to be re-fitted. Pic. 6 - A set of gold anodized nuts from Pro-Bolt finishes the job off nicely

Pic. 7 The assembled hub ready for re-fitting

Pic 8 - The finished article. (Lower chain guard for ACU Regs. Only)

Ducati Trader - Product Verdict

A great, yet simple, enhancement to your machine. The quality of finish of the Talon kit is superb. It's a quick conversion requiring no specialist tools. Highly recommended.

Use of Pro-Bolts' Gold, anodised, 'Tasty Nuts' gives a great final touch. Although alloy, these have steel 'helicoil' thread inserts and can be torqued up to 45ftlbs. One tip is to use PTFE tape or similar before sticking a socket on them, they are prone to scratching if no protection is used.

Ducati Trader Rating - 90%

Roger Turner
5th July 2002

Any comments or similar experiences would be welcome - please send to feedback@ducatitrader.co.uk

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