Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Flaking rockers - is it really THAT common?

[hogfisch]

Hi all,

Being new to 748 ownership, one of the things i keep on seeing mentioned is flaking rockers. I just wanted to know how common a problem this is.

As I understand it, providing you can provide a copy of the service history, Ducati UK will replace the parts (but not the labour) FOC. My questions are:

1. Does the history have to have been by a main Ducati dealer and not an independent?
2. Is this something I should be worrying about when my next service comes in 4k miles time or should I just get on with riding the bike?

Cheers

Hogfisch

[Harv748]

Depends on several things...

Basically, if you own one of the 748/9** variants, you need to get them checked at the next service. If the bike is still in its warranty period then you will need to get ot done at an authorised dealer to mantain the warranty...if its an older model and not in warranty then you can take it anywhere you like!

Specifically ask for it to be done, even if it is not on the planned service schedule. It may cost you a few pennies more for the check (say an hour or twos labour, as to do it properly they have to pull the cams), but it will give you a definitive answer either way as to if they are shagged or not.

If they are...they need replacing (although you can get them recoated by some specialists if you want to go down that route), and can prove costly if you need a few doing.

As for if Ducati UK will pay for the parts, I think they look at each individual case on its own. I think its a case of keep on knocking on their door or shouting down the phone at them and they will get the message and 'perhaps' reach a compromise with the owner. It does to a degree depend on the age of the bike/service history etc...

One thing at a time...get them checked and see if they are OK or not...then decide on a plan of action!

And to put your mind at rest, my previous bike was a 1997 748 bp with 16,000 miles and it never had an issue with the rockers.

[Edited on 13-1-2005 by Harv748]

[hogfisch]

Thanks for the advice Harv. I noticed in another thread that you are from Abingdon. Whereabouts as I am on Peachcroft and you don't see too many Dukes around here?

[Harv748]

LOL ...no way...I used to live on Peachcroft (just off Wick Close), but now live south of 'the Ock'...just off Mill road.

The only other Duke I've seen about Peachcroft was down off Pagisters (Waxes I think)...I think that was a monster. Was that you?

Funny thing was, when I saw you post about getting your 748, as soon as I saw the photo I thought to myself that looks just like where I used to live

If its dry, I'm out for a blast on Saturday if you want. I might go over to see Mike at Robsom Racing (just outside Stratford, about 40 mins), DSC member and allround good chap, to get some new tyres fitted. He'll be able to point you in the right direction suspension wise also?



[Edited on 13-1-2005 by Harv748]

[hogfisch]

Bizarre - the Monster down Waxes was me. Don't suppose you are the chap I used to see down Waxes Close on the 748, possibly visiting a chap called Dustin?

BTW thanks for the invite. Dave Woods is doing my suspension tomorrow and am house hunting on Saturday (not in Abingdon for much longer)

[Harv748]

LOL...yep, that was me.

Don't really know Dustin that well (hes a friend of a friend), but went to see him about buying a trailer off him.

Keep an eye on the rideouts section, as the Oxford gang (of which there are a few) have a rideout on the first Sunday of every month, as well as riding down to the Hants meet on the second Sunday of the month. Also during the summer a few of the lads get up to Foxes on Monday evenings for a natter.

And, if your not yet, get your membership paid up and then get your name down for the DSC trackday at Cadwell Park...

[hogfisch]

Funny how we take more notice of things as soon as a Ducati is involved!

Often up at Fox's at weekends and Monday nights in the summer. I would have undoubtedly been lusting over your bike at some point!

[antonye]

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[moto748]

I'd be interested to hear responses to this.
Of course, a professional who sees many bikes is in the best position to judge how commonplace it is. Obviously "it all depends", on pattern of use, frequency of oil change, whether the engine's been ranted from cold, etc etc.

Also I'd be interesting now whether, as is claimed with the rectifiers, that "later is better". I seem to recall Shazaam posting that the rockers were re-designed in 2001? This may not even have been the first re-design for all I know.

Anyone had the problem on a 999/749 yet? Or has better lubrication provision solved the problem on the testeretta engines?

[rockhopper]

I dont believe its any of those things that cause the problem. Its a simple design fault with unsutable materials and insuficient lubrication. My ST4 needed 3 rockers at 18,000 miles.