Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > ok to ride?

[neilkeogh]

I am one these guys that doesnt understand basic mechanics etc of bike engines.

I have a brand new 999S, only out at some weekends due to other commitments.

Started up bike in garage on nearly full choke, went indoors to put my gear on 'er indoors had been tidying up and put it all somewhere different............got back into garage and saw some coolant on the floor..temp gauge on bike was 125, took off choke and engine stopped after about 40 seconds or so, took key out off ignition even the key was hot!

is it Ok to ride now or shall I leave ot a while to cool down

[yeti]

Riding it gently will cool it down fat more quickly that it just siting there cooking away slowly, but check your coolant levels AND your fan works!

[neilkeogh]

cheers for that matey will do!

[chillo]

i would never run my bike on full choke from cold!

all you are doing is revving a cold engine which for the first minute or so has not had fresh oil pumped up around the rockers. Not good at all!
Best to just get it started and if the revs climb after a few seconds or so just knock down the choke so it is just running at idle! don't let it idle for too long just a couple of minutes, then just ride it! take it easy for a few miles untill you get the temp up to about 70oC

[yeti]

Good advice from Chillo, just use enough choke to get her ticking over smoothly. I personally don't leave it unattended to warm if it's on choke cos it has a habit of running away - the revs that is!

[electricsheep]

I never leave my bike to warm up unattended as some theiving git will probably nick it

[yeti]

Originally posted by electricsheep
I never leave my bike to warm up unattended as some theiving git will probably nick it

I'm lucky, I can leave mine to warm up behind a 7 foot gate and fence!

[andyb]

These testastretta engines do create a lot of heat........Ived seen the exhaust manifold glowing red hot before on a mates bike.

Incidentally i never use the "choke" (its not a choke in the true meaning, mearly a static means of a fast idle!) The cold start overfuelling is done electronically.

[neilkeogh]

Once again guys, thanks

You come up trumps once again!

I went out earlier, running fine now,i'll take all of the advice on board...........a wake up call for me.

[PHILLIP]

Neil i hope you were going out to try that new can of yours ??????