I had the same screw seize that you did. Good video, it helped me decipher the instructions, which only describe how to install the two kits separately, leaving me scratching my head as to where all the extra parts go - in the bin!
Fitting the skid plate tomorrow, still waiting on the new black crash bars to turn up from ducati , only been waiting since January 2023 for them 😂 this video saves me from squinting at my phone trying to read the pdf instructions 😂😂
Thanks for the video, it definitely made my installation go faster. On those bolts that are hard to come out, I used an impact drill and they came out fairly easy without using heat. Thanks again!
Back reviewing this video again. Used it to install the skid plate two months ago, will be installing the bars and waterpump protection bar tomorrow. EDIT; I was able to get the front mounting bracket slid into place without loosening the headlight assembly fasteners. I unplugged the wire marked "dashboard" (this wire goes to the TFT display, it was limiting the harness from moving freely) then I simply pushed the harness upward as I slid the bracket into place. Also, a Bondhus "ball end" 4mm Allen wrench makes removing the screw under the coolant tank much easier, only took me around 15 seconds to remove that screw. Thanks again for making this vid, helped me understand the job much better. I looked up the specifications on the grease, it's a mineral oil base lithium grease.
Thanks Ryan, followed your lead and everything worked a treat. I was missing one bolt for the lower water pump mount but apart from that excellent fit. Thanks again for your efforts.
Yeah, BS how the Ducati is using red loctite on a lot of fasteners now-a-days. They're doing it on all the bikes it seems. This may sound crazy, but the thing I do is use a gas welding torch set to the smallest flame as possible with a small welding tip and hold it on the bolt head for about 3 seconds. It works great! Obviously, you have to be careful. I had to use this process on my Panigale V4 above the rear (vertical) valve cover to remove the ugly sound deadening plastic cover that shields the rear cylinders. I just put a wet towel over the areas I was concerned with (valve cover, frame) and went for it. You basically have to liquify the red loctite. I'm going to use this technique on my X where needed. Great video. Thanks.
all finished, thxman. I ended up stripping 1 of those stubborn hex bots on the center skid plate bracket. after initial strip I tried hammering in a torx bit and impacting it but that stripped as well. I heated it with a torch and dremmel'd a flathead notch and it finally came out using a big flathead screwdriver. this took me all day. if you are on the fence about having dealer install and money isnt an issue I'd pay to have it installed and avoid the headache and risk.
It’s a Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure tail bag. They make a few different sizes. I believe I have the largest one. It’s a phenomenal bag. I have another video where I install the topcase on the Desert X, and I sort of show that bag off. Here’s a video from the manufacturer: th-cam.com/video/u5YuuLz2Pyk/w-d-xo.html
www.nelsonrigg.com/motorcycle-luggage/tail-bags/trails-end-tail-bag-detail I bought the adventure size (the largest one) I believe. Yes, extremely Happy. This is the third bike this same bag has been on. No issues, works great.
Does the water pump guard come with the skid plate purchase? Or did you have to purchase it suppurate? I do not see it as a separate purchase on the Ducati site.
The water pump guard comes as part of the ‘off-road package’. That includes the, bar ends, the skid plate, the crash bars, the radiator mesh guard and the water pump guard. It is sold separately if you don’t buy the full package. You would need the crash bars installed to install the water pump guard, as it mounts directly to the crash bar on the left side of the motorcycle.
There are multiple ways to help get them out. Of you strip one out (like I did) you will have to use some sort of bolt removal tool. They are several different types. I hammered in a torx bit into the hole and was able to use the impact driver to back it out. It would be wise to heat the bolts with a torch or a soldering iron to help melt the loctite that’s in there too, that will help loosen the grip of the bolt.
Can you post a link to the installation instructions you mentioned at the beginning of your video? I'm on the DrsertXForum and can't find a link to the instructions. TIA!
I had the same screw seize that you did. Good video, it helped me decipher the instructions, which only describe how to install the two kits separately, leaving me scratching my head as to where all the extra parts go - in the bin!
Great vid mate, made the whole process a real breeze.
Fitting the skid plate tomorrow, still waiting on the new black crash bars to turn up from ducati , only been waiting since January 2023 for them 😂 this video saves me from squinting at my phone trying to read the pdf instructions 😂😂
Thanks for the video, it definitely made my installation go faster. On those bolts that are hard to come out, I used an impact drill and they came out fairly easy without using heat. Thanks again!
Great job Ryan, I’m sure in the months and years ahead this will be a much viewed and valued video!
Super appreciate you putting this out now that I am about to do the same install. Especially calling out the tool and tool size. Well done!!!
Back reviewing this video again.
Used it to install the skid plate two months ago, will be installing the bars and waterpump protection bar tomorrow.
EDIT;
I was able to get the front mounting bracket slid into place without loosening the headlight assembly fasteners. I unplugged the wire marked "dashboard" (this wire goes to the TFT display, it was limiting the harness from moving freely) then I simply pushed the harness upward as I slid the bracket into place.
Also, a Bondhus "ball end" 4mm Allen wrench makes removing the screw under the coolant tank much easier, only took me around 15 seconds to remove that screw.
Thanks again for making this vid, helped me understand the job much better.
I looked up the specifications on the grease, it's a mineral oil base lithium grease.
Thanks for the video.
I picked up the skid plate today. Will be installing tomorrow.
The crash bars will be picked up soon.
Thanks Ryan, followed your lead and everything worked a treat. I was missing one bolt for the lower water pump mount but apart from that excellent fit. Thanks again for your efforts.
Glad it helped!
Great instructional video! You’re going to save a lot of people a lot of time. Thanks for providing!
Great video, well done and very informative. I appreciate the time you took to make this.
Yeah, BS how the Ducati is using red loctite on a lot of fasteners now-a-days. They're doing it on all the bikes it seems. This may sound crazy, but the thing I do is use a gas welding torch set to the smallest flame as possible with a small welding tip and hold it on the bolt head for about 3 seconds. It works great! Obviously, you have to be careful. I had to use this process on my Panigale V4 above the rear (vertical) valve cover to remove the ugly sound deadening plastic cover that shields the rear cylinders. I just put a wet towel over the areas I was concerned with (valve cover, frame) and went for it. You basically have to liquify the red loctite. I'm going to use this technique on my X where needed. Great video. Thanks.
Great info. Thanks for taking the time to post this!
Thanks for filming it mate. I’m waiting for my off-road pack to arrive too 😂
Thanks for the video
Thank you thank you thank you thank you.
you lucky man
Awesome video! It's referenced quite a bit in the forums. Any vibration after the install and riding?
thanks Ryan, I'm in the thick of it now!
all finished, thxman. I ended up stripping 1 of those stubborn hex bots on the center skid plate bracket. after initial strip I tried hammering in a torx bit and impacting it but that stripped as well. I heated it with a torch and dremmel'd a flathead notch and it finally came out using a big flathead screwdriver. this took me all day. if you are on the fence about having dealer install and money isnt an issue I'd pay to have it installed and avoid the headache and risk.
Glad you made it through! It’s a rascal for sure… I made all the mistakes…
Hey Ryan thanks for the video! What is the rear seat bag you've got there? I want one for my Desert X
It’s a Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure tail bag. They make a few different sizes. I believe I have the largest one. It’s a phenomenal bag. I have another video where I install the topcase on the Desert X, and I sort of show that bag off. Here’s a video from the manufacturer: th-cam.com/video/u5YuuLz2Pyk/w-d-xo.html
very nice, what rear bag it is and r u happy with it?
www.nelsonrigg.com/motorcycle-luggage/tail-bags/trails-end-tail-bag-detail
I bought the adventure size (the largest one) I believe. Yes, extremely Happy. This is the third bike this same bag has been on. No issues, works great.
@@ryansandefer6887 thank you
Can I ask where you got those tank knee decals/protectors?
I actually found them on Alibaba randomly. They’ve held up really well.
Hey Ryan, how do you access that schematic? Is it a full Desert X manual or does it come with the kit?
This is where I found the schematics. www.desertxforum.com/threads/engine-guard-plate-install-manual-water-pump-protector-too.49/
Does the water pump guard come with the skid plate purchase? Or did you have to purchase it suppurate? I do not see it as a separate purchase on the Ducati site.
The water pump guard comes as part of the ‘off-road package’. That includes the, bar ends, the skid plate, the crash bars, the radiator mesh guard and the water pump guard. It is sold separately if you don’t buy the full package. You would need the crash bars installed to install the water pump guard, as it mounts directly to the crash bar on the left side of the motorcycle.
@@ryansandefer6887 Good to know thank you soo much!!
hello, I have great difficulty removing the 2 screws on the front engine shoe support. how did you do please? they seem to be glued
There are multiple ways to help get them out. Of you strip one out (like I did) you will have to use some sort of bolt removal tool. They are several different types. I hammered in a torx bit into the hole and was able to use the impact driver to back it out. It would be wise to heat the bolts with a torch or a soldering iron to help melt the loctite that’s in there too, that will help loosen the grip of the bolt.
@@ryansandefer6887 thanks a lot for your answer. I will think about which solution to choose to solve this little problem.
Can you post a link to the installation instructions you mentioned at the beginning of your video? I'm on the DrsertXForum and can't find a link to the instructions. TIA!
There aren’t any written instructions. It’s just the blown up diagrams that I used to guide me through the installation.
Which side tank pads did you go with?
Here are the ones I bought. They were nicer than I was expecting. I’ve been pleased.
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004286170009.html
Any issues with vibrations after installing the bars?
No not really. Maybe like a 5% increase at low rpm but hardly none at all.