Cant believe it, sun shining at last, switch the engine on increase revs to 3000, big bang engine dies. After that the engine turns over but never fires. Recovered to dealer and on starting it up with throttle wound open, it fires explodes and bits of metal fly out the exhaust. They think its dropped a valve. Only 2500 miles on the clock. Looks like its gone for 3-4 weeks. My last MTS 1200 went 20K miles without a hitch (engine wise) what a crock. Will document actual cause and damage once they have stripped it down later this week.
Bad luck mate, so the engine build quality control still isn't quite there then? Good luck with the 3-4 weeks, I'm still waiting for 2010 cylinder heads, 16 weeks on but I guess they will pull a new motor straight off the line for yours, so may possibly happen?
I hadnt realised the engine was different. Mines a 2012 model, I assumed it was ame as my original 2010. The dealer plans to rebuild rather tha replace so looks like I could be in same boat as you. Why is it taking so long ???
Reason (as I've been told) is the new bike (2013?) has a twin spark head instead of the old single spark like mine. This is part of the solution to the low speed hunting/surging issue? Apparently Ducati have changed suppliers for the outsourced castings, who are obviously pressing on making the new engines. They have had to engage this supplier to make the replacement heads for the old engine, all to a new alloy mix, so it won't now "melt" when the coolant goes through it. 2 weeks ago, they had succeeded with the vertical pots, but not the horizontal ones? Not sure if your bike is the new or old type, but if old, be prepared for a possible wait?
B1stoboy, I really hope the rebuilt engine is a good one! Why not ask them to extend the warranty another 1 (or 2 years?) FOC as another component that they don't replace may have been stressed? Hope you're back on the bike soon.
Had update from Dealer. Rear cyclinder - both exhaust valve collets had come loose allowing the exhaust valve to drop. Guess they were the bits that flew out of the exhaust. Other damage minimal as engine not under load, buts parts being changed just in case. Delay on rear cylinder head availability means unlikely to be back on road till 2nd week May earliest.
what 'other damage' ? - make sure you ask and check...gears/crank/etc... I would get/ask for both heads to get done also. what year is your bike/engine ? bugs
Hi Bugs, yes they checked the whole engine just in case but everything else fine. New Head valves guides collets etc on order. I believe other damage was limited to slight signs of impact rather than dents scratches or holes anywhere. As I said its all being replaced just to make sure. Bike was stationary in my garage in neutral. Bike is 2012 model with the slightly different seat fitment. other than that its basically the 2010 bike. I have greatest respect for my dealer Moto Rapido and trust them implicitely to do the best for me. They are one of the few dealers still repairing engines and also race in BSB. Apparently a new engine would take months, a rebuild is much much quicker re getting the bike back on the road.
B1stoboy, following on from our PM's, apparently my horizontal head is at Gatwick, so both are now "available" and being made, just in case your rebuild drags on a bit, that shouldn't be the reason?
Well guys its fixed, 5 weeks in dock. Picked it up from MR and did 90 miles, forgot just how good this bike is. Keeping it under 6000 revs still awesome power delivery with full termi system. Many txs MR. Cant wait for this years road trip.
Really pleased you have the bike back in time to enjoy some (hopefully) better weather. Did you notice any clues before the engine went bang; Running a little rough, any smoke, etc?
