I also posted this in the 'SS' forum (sorry but I need to make a quick decision and need quick advice)
Went to the bikeshop tonight to sign the finance for my Ducati (2003 SS) and as it was being warmed up for a test ride the exhaust downpipe on the vertical cylinder started glowing red hot, I took it out but it seemed like it was a bit rough and not as crisp as it should be.
The mechanic at the bike shop (not a ducati dealer) told me it was normal and they all do it!! My 600ss doesn't and I've never seen another do it - so is it normal?
The bloke at Ducati Manchester said there was definately something wrong with it but the mechanic at the bike shop where I was about to buy it from insisted his SP2 does it all the time.
I've seen a couple of downpipes glow red but they've been either on dyno, or Ti systems being setup on the bench. Unless the bike was ticking over for a very long time, then there is something amiss. I'd guess the mixture is set on the lean side??
Someone has done the belts and got them one tooth out perhaps. Very lean mixture also. Dont walk away, run as fast as you can. Don't let them try and fix it either, there are loads of others out there. Who knows what other damage has been done while its been running like that.
I'm sure the bike is fixable, but if the mechanic reckons they all do that, clearly he hasn't a clue. I'd trust the bike but not the dealership. However, you don't know how long it's been doing this, so I'd go and find another one.
This one didn't sell on Ebay a couple of weeks ago, maybe still available, it seemed like a bargain to me, but I wasn't looking for a 750!
09-Dec-2005, 09:37 
wlak away
Linear Mode
