Hi All First time Ducati and indeed first time sportbike owner here. Have owned Japanese bikes exclusively until now (currently: Cb 600 Hornet for fun, XL650V Transalp for commuting + a Yamaha XT660 Tenere for the gravel roads back in my native land at the bottom end of Africa). Fully aware the 899 is a completely different kettle of fish and will very much be taking my time in getting to know her before any spirited riding! Fell for the 899 many years ago when I was at uni watching youtube videos and dreaming instead of learning anything of any use. Rekindled that desire last summer when I saw one moto camping in the Peak District - tail bag and all. Never thought I would be in a position to own one, but pleasantly surprised to have been able to prove that assumption wrong. I am based down south, but roads, traffic, thieves and insurance are against you down here so she's staying up in Derbyshire at a secure storage facility near Matlock. Family and friends/riding buddies up there plus some great roads, so made more sense than paying £2K per year for insurance and £150/month for storage closer to home. She's been meticulously cared for by her previous owners and has so few miles on her she's still on her original tyres. I am looking forward to getting her re-shod and looked over/fettled at Cornerspeed in April and then to making good use of her over the summer. Hoping to keep her pristine, but she won't be garage bound and I hope to see many happy miles on her. Looking forward to being part of the community! Any tips tricks hints generally and on the 899 in particular much appreciated - as great a resource as this forum is real wisdom comes with ownership not research... Happy riding all as we edge towards the light of warmer weather at the end of the tunnel
Heat transfer from exhaust loop through seat is a pain in the butt(sic). Put some heat reflective tape on underside of your seat. Rad guards a good idea if not fitted. Mirrors are crap. Enjoy.
Thanks all and sundry - also for the advice. Have read about the heat issue and already have some heat reflective tape on order! R/G Rad guards were one of the few mods on the bike when purchased, so hopefully should be OK on that front. Just thinking now about the first few miles - are there any signs to look out for that might indicate issues? E.g. have heard water pumps can be an issue?
Ref waterpump, the big sign is coolant running down the left side engine alternator case and onto the floor when you turn it off from hot. This can range from a few drops, to a decent flow, it comes from a bleed hole on the back of the waterpump. On the newer V2 they just put a pipe there so it runs down like an overflow, not really ‘solving’ the issue…
The best Ducati sportsbike in my opinion , pre-euro 4, 0-60 is stunning due to the gearing (as fast as the 1199) and it's a frankly brilliant road bike. Sold mine at 35,000 odd miles having owned it from new and it was the most characterful bike I've ever owned. Only issues were a relay blowing, and the internal gearshift detent spring going which seems to be a common issue on all my bikes once over 30K. Enjoy it. SW Motech Blaze panniers are awesome without damaging paintwork, Ducati comfort seat, tailpack and grippier pegs are worthwhile.
Thanks so much for that extra detail rainbow - most helpful. The service history suggests there was a problem with the quickshifter at some point, but don't think that would relate to the detent spring. Very encouraging to hear about your view of the 899 as a road bike. I am hoping to do many miles. Will keep an eye out for a set of panniers and suitable tailbag. I have been pondering the footpegs for a while - not really sure what to do about that not having put many miles on her yet, but do you have any recommendations for improved footpegs?
Plus one for the Blaze pannier system. Used them & Oxford big dry bag for week at TT 2 years ago. Rock solid on motorway etc.
You're welcome, the pegs I had were Ducati Performance pegs and Im not sure they are available now, but I think the stock 959 ones were the same upgraded items so they should work. The stock pegs just seem a little slippy and the DP one improved it no end. I preferred to get Ducati parts where possible. The quickshifter (up only) needed re-programming a couple of times on mine, but yes the detent spring is slightly different as it just makes the gear lever go completely floppy. I've had that on the last 3 bikes I owned at just over 30K miles, but easily sorted by a garage.
