Well, that is quite a detailed reply Cranky. Thank you. I will keep mine brief:

Was not aware that more-modern small-crank inserts cost so little. Every one i have taken apart seemed to have the number ending -230. Maybe they have a new number but are same size? I think all the rods for the small engines thru 2012 or so have the 43.7mm big ends. Worth asking the guy behind the Ducati parts desk.

And maybe i will just buy a set of the Honda bearings to have in hand, look at, and measure. Honestly, a .010” (.25mm) off each side does not sound dangerous.

Thanks again,
MikeV

PS. Just remembered, some catalog (ACL?) showed the Honda bearing as only 1.5mm thick. No go.

I just ordered part# 11210801AB from a local Ducati dealer. This is the half bearing-blue- for late model 696 engines. If it is a fit, they are 8 euro from Stein-Dinse. It was $14 from the dealer.

I will report back in a week about what I get.

John

I see. So it is “rainbow” bearings for everything now? Micro-measurements from the factory, when cam timing often used to be 10 degrees or more different? Progress. Oh well, the US price is reasonable.

Thanks for the info JB. MikeV

So I picked up the bearing shell from the Ducati dealer today and it appears to be identical to the 40mm rod bearings from the small block pantah motors. 18mm wide. Tab in correct position. 1.8mm thick. So I think this is a winner. I am going to order a couple of sets from SD and do the plastiguage thing.

Thanks so much for the followup JB. This is good news, and really good information. MikeV

I would like to participate in these technical discussions, but it would be incomprehensible to you given my ignorance of the English language.
I'll just say one thing, the crankshaft is the heart of the engine, if a defect goes away in that point, you'll see the big end that keeps company with the front wheel.
The usual discourse is the main bearings of the engine, many times I have looked for analogous or similar things, but then I put my hands in my pockets and paid.
Let me know if the engine block remains whole and functional.
Sorry if I use a simultaneous translator.
ps. The worst thing is when I translate your answers.
I find it hard to understand, that's why I keep quiet.