[Tarik]

Like the title says, can you convert an M620 from a wet clutch bike to a dry one? Grip is a little weak, especially out of 1st and second gear. The dry clutch sounds awesome too ;D
Thnx.
T.

 

[Guest]

yeah, it's real easy... just drop the 620 motor out and wedge in a 900! hahhaha!!! (sorry... too easy there).

 

[Tarik]

Seriously - can it be done?

 

[CRASH!]

He, he.

Tarik's getting "rattle envy!"

He can't stand hearing mine go "laketa, laketa, laketa"
;D

 

[Tarik]

I do have serious envy issues. True. ;D

 

[Reckless_Kelly]

You need to find a right side cover from a 900cc dry clutch motor. You might be better off looking for a blown 900 motor to take all of the parts off of, but yes it can be done, and relatively easily. You might need to use the pushrod out of the dry clutch motor also as there might be a difference in length. Feel free to IM me with any questions you have. 8)

 

[Tarik]

So, for anyone who cares; I put in a call to BCM and asked if it can be done. They said no way-that it's too complicated and involved replacing the whole bottom end.
Although I do not doubt their expert advice, I need to know from some backyard wrenchers out there who have a very how-to non biased view on things to verify this info.
A quick glance at the 900 vs. 620 shows there's really very little difference in engine layout. There's got to be a kit/someone who has done this...

 

[CRASH!]

I think this topic has come up before.

The big issue is sealing the clutch so the oil stays in the engine! While it may not be necessary to change the bottom end out, it is very likely necessary to crack the case so that the proper seals can be installed. This could also likely involve some machine work.

I'd be surprised if it were that easy to make the swap. conventional wisdom has it that the smaller bikes have wet clutches because they are less expensive to manufacture (keeping them at lower price points) than wet clutches. The difference in cost is said to be in the sealing. Soooo, if it makes that much difference in production, a retrofit job will be even tougher.

 

[m620dark]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that Pieter Von London on the DML did this . . . not sure if he participates on the board, so you may want to post to the DML if you want to talk to him about it.

If you decide to go ahead with it, good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[CRASH!]

PvL! That's too funny

He's out to prove that you can do ANYTHING if you have enough time, persistence and some money. Just 'cause PvL did it, don't mean many of us can!

 

[Guest]

actually, pieter went the route i suggested. he dropped the motor out of his m600 and stuffed in a 900!

honestly, i was only 1/2 joking... swapping motors is probably the easiest (and most rewarding) method, but it takes more time/investment. if you REALLY want to go nutz (not that i know anything about absurd projects), try to track down a totalled m900 (you'll want an '02 to keep things "simple"). shouldn't be too difficult. download the parts catalogs for the two bikes from www.ducati.com/bikes/jhtml and make a comprehensive analysis of what parts are interchangable/compatible.

part out the m900 on eBay or the boards here except for the motor, throttle bodies, ECU, and wiring harness. maybe the swingarm & rear wheel as well. sell the forks, tank, front rim, brakes, etc... to help recoup the cost. drop your 620 out, stuff in the 900 and sell off the 620 once you're good to go!

aside from the obvious benefits, your as far as your insurance company knows, you're still riding a 620 (just don't get caught).

 

[Reckless_Kelly]

The insurance co. cannot legally charge you more for insurance on any vehicle that has been modified unless you take out a policy that covers specificaly the modifications made, called an addendum policy. If the VIN says that it's a monster 620, then the insurance will be for a monster 620, regardless of what motor is in it. I know a guy who has a 996 that is titled (legally) as a 750ss. He had a totaled 750ss and wanted to put the motor in a 748 frame he found on Ebay with no title. He had the vehicle properly inspected by the state before and after the swap, and legally had the state scratch outthe 748 VIN and put his old VIN in it's place. Then he put the 996 motor in, Insurance is for a 750ss based on the VIN.

 

[Guest]

Hey T33!

Did you ever find an answer to your conversion question? I am curious myself. I Own a 2002 620 Dark, and ever since I bought my new bike (2003 Moto Guzzi California EV) I have fallen in love with the sound of a dry clutch?

 

[ducatania]

The insurance co. cannot legally charge you more for insurance on any vehicle that has been modified unless you take out a policy that covers specificaly the modifications made, called an addendum policy. If the VIN says that it's a monster 620, then the insurance will be for a monster 620, regardless of what motor is in it. I know a guy who has a 996 that is titled (legally) as a 750ss. He had a totaled 750ss and wanted to put the motor in a 748 frame he found on Ebay with no title. He had the vehicle properly inspected by the state before and after the swap, and legally had the state scratch outthe 748 VIN and put his old VIN in it's place. Then he put the 996 motor in, Insurance is for a 750ss based on the VIN.

Unless of course they ask you the engine size and you lie on the application. Then all bets are off.

 

[Guest]

Hi Steve,

I already saw the posting that you cut and pasted, unfortunately that didn't answer my question...

 

[Guest]

ANYTHING is possible. but when it comes down to it, there's no easy way. you can't just swap case-covers and be done with it.

 

[Guest]

I am a highly competent mechanic, and realize ANYTHING can be done given the appropriate amount of time and money. I am trying to find out if anyone out there has actually performed the conversion, and in detail, what is involved ???

Thanks!

 

[LiZrD]

anyone know where i can get a 99 monster900 motor? ;D

 

[anthony_coley]

I do have serious envy issues.

 

[anthony_coley]

I think this topic has come up before.

The big issue is sealing the clutch so the oil stays in the engine! While it may not be necessary to change the bottom end out, it is very likely necessary to crack the case so that the proper seals can be installed. This could also likely involve some machine work.

I'd be surprised if it were that easy to make the swap. conventional wisdom has it that the smaller bikes have wet clutches because they are less expensive to manufacture (keeping them at lower price points) than wet clutches. The difference in cost is said to be in the sealing. Soooo, if it makes that much difference in production, a retrofit job will be even tougher.

This is what I figured. The engine oil is supplied to the wet clutch assembly and I do not think there is a feasible way to change it. A different engine or bike IMO is the way to go.

Regards,
AC