So it packed up after 17 miles??? I assume as you're in Scotland it was a private sale as you only have DG? Did you not contact the seller and get them to investigate?? Eddie (ERS) is good by all accounts so I doubt it's anything to do with him. Ducati's are pretty reliable now, in some cases far more reliable than their eastern counterparts but you've bought a 2nd hand bike we don't know anything about the service history, condition (being a big one here) and so on. When I had my 999R the only thing that went wrong was the front coil (common problem due to position and protection), my Multi had a few issues and the D16 has fried a rectifier that covers the last 8 years so pretty good IMO. I'm guessing this is something fairly trivial, could be contaminated fuel, blocked filter, electrical, there's a few variables which haven't been removed yet. Stick with it, you'll learn a lot and when 2013 comes you'll appreciate just how good Ducati's are compared to the UJM's
I've spoken to Charlie (the tech you spoke to a few mins ago) and I agree with him, from what you have told us, it sounds like poor fueling. To overly simplify the situation - if you've got good fuel, spark and compression you should get ignition. You say you've got good spark and the plugs are good. I hear ya but to be honest this is subjective, as it may not be good enough and could be getting snuffed. A blowtorch is not recommended btw, that will only soot things up but let's assume your 100% right and the spark is good - there are no warning lights suggesting electrical failure so it's kinda pointing to the fuel supply being suspect. The bit you have missed from your description above of the timeline is that this bike stopped a few miles after you've topped up. Don't discount contaminated fuel (water or debris) or are you 100% you haven't put diesel in - check your receipt, it's easy done - you wouldn't be the first and certainly won't be the last, it's easy done especially if you drive a diesel car/van/truck. Have a right good sniff at the tank, it may be masked if there was petrol already in there. Don't look for the expensive / difficult things first. Try easy / cheap before you start to get pissed off and think big bills. My advice is the same as Charlies, drain the tank completely then refill with some fresh super unleaded. Turn it over a few times with the plugs out and let it vent again. Then fit a brand new (not cleaned) set of plugs and try again. I would be confident you'll start, it's too weird it just died after topping up. If it doesn't, you'll have a new set of plugs for next service. OK they'll cost £28.44 for a pair of the right plugs (We find the RG4HC CHAMPION are better than the equivalent NGK you have fitted) but that's not a trip to Glasgow and weeks of unrest wondering what's going on. Best of luck Mart
Don't despair mate, you have an unfortunate problem, which will be resolved soon hopefully. You have the main man giving you the best possible advice so things will get sorted. I have had my 749s for 3 years, done 19k miles, and the only problems I have had in all that time was front brake light switch failing, and 2 bulbs. I did need to have the valve clearances adjusted at 18k as they were out of tolerance and effecting the engine power, but once they were sorted I was back in business. You say the problems occurred a few miles after refueling, mmmmhhh! If you have accidentally put diesel in the tank as Martin has mentioned, you won't be the first one! Good luck getting it sorted, imo the 749 is a cracking bike, especially when the suspension is set up professionally, and you have a quick action throttle fitted ( essential for the best riding experience)
I would like to see if there is fuel at the injectors, can you put it in through the air intakes on 749? I've not owned one, but I have had similar sounding problem from a S4 which was a perished fuel line in the tank?
Sorry to hear you've been so unlucky - not a good ad for Ducati from where you are now. If you persevere through all the suggestions with still no luck then I would be looking for a kindly soul to swap ECU briefly just to eliminate it.
Are you in Aberdeen? If yes then try Jim Laird @ Albamoto under the arches, if Glasgow is a hassle. 01224 587566. He may even collect it for you. They have a Ducati trained mechanic. I know Jim he's a decent guy, I have no affiliation with them just trying to help you. did you buy that yellow 749 mono avertised in Forfar?
I know how OP feels, I've had my 749 since August and I've only managed to put 300 miles on it due it being being out of action for about 4 weeks due to ECU faults and clutch issues. Annoying and expensive and I'm starting to lose the love. :frown:
Can 749 owners let us know what you normally see on the voltage readout on the dash (with ignition on and lights off (if you can switch them off))? I don't know the 749 that well and don't know what the dash readout normally reads for the voltage. However if I measured the battery voltage on my 748 on a new battery at 11.9v I would be taking it back and getting another one as one of the cells would be going down. They should be producing much more than that even when not fully charged and a fully charged new one should be reading >12.6 across the terminals even on cold mornings. If this is normal for a 749 dash voltage indication then disregard. Also owners manual is available free from here Ducati
Mine would read 12.3-4. Is OP cranking at max 12.2? When using OEM batt/acid it would struggle to turn over and voltage would drop drastically after repeated cranks. Manual states to crank with at least 12.0 showing.
Voltage isn't a true indicator of the batteries condition. It's the amperage that it can provide to the starter motor, which is required for efficient engine starting.
