Ducati 049 Build – Part 6: Rear Hub Reunited

With the swingarm freshly painted, shimmed and slotted into the frame like it belonged there all along, it was time to get stuck into the next job – rebuilding the rear hub and getting it all bolted together. There’s something deeply satisfying about this stage: the parts are clean, the bearings are fresh, and everything clicks into place like it actually wants to work.

Building the Hub: Bearings, Brakes and Bits Galore

We started with the axle and hub assembly, checking and greasing the bearings before dropping them in. No drama there – they seated beautifully. From there, it was on with the rear sprocket – we encountered a little issue, in that the new sprocket we purchased fouled the bearing. Turns out it's not a great part and may require some fettling by our friendly aerospace engineer friend. For the time being we popped the old sprocket back on.

The brake disc followed – torqued up to spec and checked for run-out. The last thing you want is a wobble back there once you’re on the move. Everything spun smooth, and with the whole assembly together on the bench, it finally started to resemble a proper Ducati single-sider again.

Slotting It All Together

With the hub fully built, it was time for the big moment – installing it into the swingarm. This bit had us holding our breath a little. You know how it is: you spend hours lining everything up on the bench, but there's always that moment of truth when it goes back in the frame.

Thankfully, the axle slotted through without a hitch. Everything seated properly, clearances were spot on, and after a bit of gentle persuasion), the whole lot was torqued down and locked in place. No binding, no drama – just the click of a good job done.

Taking Shape

Now, with the swingarm fitted and the rear hub properly built and bolted in, we’ve got a rolling rear end that’s tight, tidy, and starting to look like a serious bit of kit. The lines are clean, the fit is purposeful, and even without a chain or shock in place, it’s clear this build is heading somewhere special.

It’s one of those moments in a build where you get to stand back, put the spanners down, and just take it in. The Ducati heart, the Cagiva bones, and the bits we’ve bodged, fettled and finessed into place are finally working together.

Next up: rear brake setup, and getting some tyres onto the wheels. It's nearly time to bounce it off the paddock stand.

Stick around – it’s coming together, one bolt at a time.