Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Cracked Frame

[Derek]

Anybody experienced their frame developing a crack at the steering head?
On saturday I got the bike out to give it a good clean before putting it all back together again for the spring, currently all the bodywork, the tank airbox and carbs are off. You can imagine my horror when I spotted a hairline crack at the steering head, on the right hand top frame tube at the end of the weld to the gusset.
Now I can get this welded but I'd be happier with another frame. Has anyone else on the list in the UK had this happen or know of any occurrence?
I know that Ducati US have been replacing frames but what will Ducati UK do about it? - Ignore it I suspect.
I'm rather annoyed that I didn't spot it back in November, it's been under my nose all winter and I just hadn't looked closely enough. Now I've got about 4 to 6 weeks to get it sorted out - BUGGER!!

[LukeDuke]

derek - I've heard of a couple of instances of older SS's with cracked frame in exactly your spot. You're right - Ducati US did replace them, even out of warranty.

[Rushjob]

A friend of a friend had an early, 95 I think, 900ss which he was the 5th owner of.
He contacted Ducati UK through a dealer when his frame cracked at the headstock and was provided with a free replacement.
It's worth an email to Ducati UK - if you need any more info as to how he went about it, I can contact the person for you & put you in touch.
Andy

[Iconic944ss]

Here is an interesting link I found whilst looking for Duke stuff..........

esp page 2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.redleg.co.uk/awegg/awbadduc.html

Frank

[Imola900]

I have a frame from a 1995 Superlight that I am selling (without a logbook) if you are intersted. It's cheap and in reasonable nick.
I based near Milton Keynes if you want to inspect.
Regards
Brian Morris

[Derek]

If the worst comes to the worst I might take you up on that but a frame without a logbook opens up another can of worms when it comes to putting it on the road.

[Derek]

Good news today. Ducati have agreed to replace my frame. In their letter they said at my expense and that I should authorise a dealer to fit it. However after speaking to my dealer and to Ducati UK Aftersales they have agreed I can fit it myself. The frame should be with the dealer in a week to 10 days so I should be back on the road by the end of the month.
I can only say that I'm very impressed by the support provided by my dealer, Shirlaw's of Aberdeen and by Ducati UK

[Iconic944ss]

Excellent news.........I hope you are planning a few upgrades along the way

Frank

[Derek]

Short update. Dealer received the new frame on Monday. I collected it yesterday and the bike is now 3/4 together again and I should have it running by the weekend.

[Guido]

Glad to hear you've got it sorted Derek

Say hi to Neil and the gang at Shirlaws for me the next time you're in

Guido (aka Guy Cope)