Front brakes seized.....

[necroscope]

I know there is a lot of intrest in this subject and the on going saga that Twinfan is experiencing, so I thought i'd post this in the hope that shared knowledge will help others.

Out on the bike on sunday, (20/03/05) beautiful day, (for once) intending to open her up, get the blood flowing... Doing about 44mph, when the bike started to feel strange, couldn't seem to accelerate. Thought maybe there was a problem with the engine as i've recently had to have the ECU replaced. So I rolled of the throttle and pulled in the clutch with the intention of changing up into 3rd, and the bike just stopped all by itself. It stopped in an incredible short distance, quicker than if i'd been attempting an emergency stop. Turns out the front brakes had seized/locked up. Luckily I didn't pitch over the handle bars or lose control. Even more lucky that I didn't get on the brakes in a panic, or I would have been off - no question.

Bike is now back at the dealers - Ducati have requested a safety report with pictures, seem to be treating it as serious, which of course it is!

I have to say a that the dealers have been first rate so far, and have lend me a courtesy bike without hesitation - so i'll keep you posted.

For the record it's 04' 749 Dark.

[JPM]

Interesting....

So that's possibly 3 so far, main thing is you're OK

Which dealer did you take it to, and purchase your bike from?

[necroscope]

Originally posted by JPM
Interesting....

So that's possibly 3 so far, main thing is you're OK

Which dealer did you take it to, and purchase your bike from?

Charles Hurst in Belfast.
Initially the guy was very sceptical, saying that he'd never heard of such a thing happening before. I told him about what happened to Twinfan, and the DSC notice board, but he kinda poo-pooed the idea as Ducati hadn't mentioned any problems. However after he had an opportunity to see the bike and the colour of the disc's, he seemed to change his mind. Apparently there're going to replace the disc's, calipers and pads - but at the minute, the thoughts of getting back on the bike don't fill me with enthusiasm - despite the fact i'm riding the R6 courtesy bike.

[ak47]

well done for keeping it upright!!

Will be watching this very carefully...

Let us know what happens!

[Twinfan]

Whoa!!! Another one!!! And a 749 again too!

When was the bike registered in '04? Was it around May time by any chance???????

[Twinfan]

Glad you're OK by the way - could've been very nasty! That's exactly what happened on my bike too, only I couldn't stay on :(

[Steve M]

Surely Ducati need to get this sorted very quickly, dread to think what might happen if the brakes seize on a rider leading a bunch of mates on a group ride.

Come on Ducati, this need sorting - NOW.

[jobr]

Glad your ok.

My 04 749S goes in for its first service on the 1st April, I will be asking for a full examination of the braking system.

Thats three cases at least now we have heard of, how many don't we know about?:puzzled:

[JPM]

Originally posted by jobr
Glad your ok.

My 04 749S goes in for its first service on the 1st April, I will be asking for a full examination of the braking system.

Thats three cases at least now we have heard of, how many don't we know about?:puzzled:

Exactly!

How many other 749's are out there and the riders are blissfully unawares of potential issues, I say potential as nothing has been proved yet. I think the DSC has quite a large audience and I'd imagine goes someway to getting stuff like this out to a wider group of people.

But this could clearly be a serious risk to the owner/rider which worst case could result in a fatality

[Twinfan]

Yep, three we know of. If necroscope's bike is from May 2004, then that sounds like a possible faulty batch of callipers from Brembo. Interesting that they were building 749s at the time and no 999s. I wonder how many bikes are time bombs waiting to go off?

This could be quite a large problem, depending on the size of the batch numbers of Brembo callipers...

[Mark]

You would hope, soon a safety re-call will be called, if all the problems are related, and from the same build time. I wonder how many machines are required with a problem before a re-call is made.

[Lily]

I remember discusing with someone somtime ago about how they determine if they (generic motor company not ducati) need to recall.

It was something along the lines of cost benefit for the company. They balance up the cost of the recall against the cost of being sued for accidents or even fatalities relating to it.

Don't know how true that was, but pretty scary when you think about it. It wasn't the fact that someone could die, more how much it would cost them if they did!

[necroscope]

Originally posted by Twinfan
Whoa!!! Another one!!! And a 749 again too!

When was the bike registered in '04? Was it around May time by any chance???????

Registered late April 04'.
Seems unlikely that Ducati would admit to such a fundamental problem with their 'prestige' 749/999 range. But then, like this website proves, word of mouth can be very powerful!

[Twinfan]

Cheers nero - the build date ties in with other cases. More than likely a faulty batch of one of the braking components discs/pads/callipers is to blame.

I'm still waiting for Ducati to get back to me and let me know how they're going to resolve my problem of:

£5500 of bike damage (possible write off territory)
A list of required parts as long as your arm
Time delay in getting all those parts (assuming my bike would be fixed)
A written-off Arai
Damaged gloves and jacket
Scars on my right forearm
Two weeks of severe bruising to my right arm and right leg

[Rob B]

Could this be a master cyl issue, not bleeding back. Had you had a recent service?

[guest1]

Originally posted by Lily
It was something along the lines of cost benefit for the company. They balance up the cost of the recall against the cost of being sued for accidents or even fatalities relating to it.


The cost/life/legal action you refer to I believe was the Ford motor company in america with respect to the fuel tanks exploding in rear end collisions.
Executive decision was that cost of recall to refit with sub $100 part would cost more than the probable number of compensation claims arising from the accident.
Needless to say they were "outed" in court and justice administered.
There is currently more class actions taking place with same company re: Victor Crown police vehicles and allegedly exploding collisions. (search Guardian webite for full scripts)

The cost for substantiation of a UK bypass is- if bypass saves one life then the budget is £4M. Any more and it is unlikely to receive planning permission. Kind of like a points system.

[Twinfan]

Mine can't be the master cylinder as only one disc has turned blue. Spartacus had the same problem as myself/necroscope and they replaced the discs/pads/callipers but not the master cylinder (as it sounds lilke they're going to do with necroscope).

V2_Pete had a master cylinder fault so his case is different.

[ali]

This sounds like exactly the sort of issue that the DSC management should be discussing directly with Ducati UK. If the lives of our members are at risk there can be no more urgent issue. It's a disgrace that DUK haven't sorted this out already and warned other 749 owners of the possible implications.

[JPM]

I would imagine Ducati UK watch this board and several others everyday, and maybe someone somewhere there right now is reading this thread and the alarm bells are ringing...

[stuart hill]

Another one!!!
I have just phoned Ducati Manchester regarding the Judder i experienced at the weekend and waiting for the workshop managher to call me back. I'll let you know what he has to say...

[Twinfan]

Cheers Stuart - let us know.

Ducati UK do read this board, so they will know what the feeling of the Ducati community is.

[guest1]

When is the line crossed for life threatening/niggles.

Brakes seizing in anyones books has to be life threatening.
Misfires - ala JPM et al. Life threatening if your turning onto a main road into a flow of traffic (believe me.... you clutch it, gas it hard and hope for the best)
ANY vehicle which has faults should be rectified/recalled forthwith by manufacturer - fit for purpose etcetera.

Considering that Ducati, imho, are considered to be the upper end of the quality bike market then I am becoming more dissapointed in their end product. Until a couple of weeks ago I thought it was probably just me being critical of what is an otherwise excellent bike.
When it's on form then I don't think that any other bike comes near giving the same grin factor and feeling of self satisfaction.
But now..? I now have to wait 2 weeks for bike to go in for the potential lfe threatening misfire to be resolved. Dare I ride it in the meantime? Like fook I will. I've still gotta get it to the garage and I ain't lookin forward to that.
Everyone's got their own opinion and the majority probably got excellent machines with maximum grin and no problems.
But for an £11K+ motor? C'mon.

Unless DUK magically pull a rabbit out the hat and restore my faith then I shan't be revisiting the fold after this bike.


btw, if DUK are reading this, WAKE UP TO THE PROBLEMS!!!!

[Wylie1]

I'm off to the Nuburgring this weekend with one of MCN's road testers. I'll run this by him & see if MCN want to take up the story/ investigation.

[Steve M]

Well said Alan.

Ducati should note that people like Alan have been Ducati fans for a long time, having owned many of their machines, and would like for this to continue. These people deserve better treament.

Is anyone from DUK looking in? any chance of a response?

[JPM]

Originally posted by twentytwo
Well said Alan.

Ducati should note that people like Alan have been Ducati fans for a long time, having owned many of their machines, and would like for this to continue. These people deserve better treament.

Is anyone from DUK looking in? any chance of a response?

This is true of many I am guessing, myself personally am on my third Ducati on the trot, had a few issues with my 996 which were sorted under warranty, my 998 never ever missed a beat, and the 999 well I'm already having my doubts to the point where I am pretty close to shopping it in for a ZX10R if things don't improve.

The 749/999 hasn't exactly set the world on fire in terms of sales, but that isn't surprising considering what they had achieved in the 916 et al. But they made the rod for their own back there really I guess.

So trying to sell the new bike it must be seen as a major leap forward not only in performance/handling but more so for joe public reliability, which it seems to be lacking for some at least

[misterpink]

I won't be buying a 749 then!:o

[Twinfan]

I wouldn't be writing Ducati (or 749/999s) off on the strength of these problems just yet. They're waiting on Brembo to finish their analysis of my brakes, and may well have others to look at too. They'll then need to decide how best to deal with it.

The level of customer care that I receive will be the deciding factor (for me at least) in whether I stay in the Ducati fold or defect ASAP.

[electricsheep]

Comthing to consider :

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/mottestersgarageowners/vehicleaccidentsandrecalls/vehicleaccidentsandrecalls.htm

[guest1]

Originally posted by twentytwo
These people deserve better treament.

Yes I am a long time fan of Ducati, and yes I have owned a couple.

But I don't think it matters whether you've owned one or one hundred.

Put yourself in my shoes for a second, although not on a bike.

You buy yourself the new model lexus / honda / bmw / vauxhall / ford / peugot / daewoo / hyundai / etcetera
(Delete as necessary)
It's one of the top models, no extras, no embellishments, bog standard.
Within it's first year you climb in and start it up.
You get half a mile down the road and at a tee junction you join the main carriageway...****, firing only on two cylinders, popping and farting. The engines still going but only just and with half power you try desperately for added boost just to avoid an accident with cars rapidly approaching from behind.
What do you do?!? Car fires back up and you carry on your journey.
Next available opportunity you take it to the dealer who apologises profusely, gives you a courtesy car and doesn't expect the car back till it's sorted good and proper.


Now tell me why that should be any different to the way you're treated by Ducati.

:mad:

[Steve M]

You should get exactly that kind of treatment from Ducati.

Yourself, me any many others tend to be very loyal to Ducati, this loyalty can be built up over many years, but lost overnight.

[JPM]

I think this problem lies with the dealer though in the first instance, not Ducati UK.

There are several delears which constantly get praise on here, and several that don't fair too well.

And as people have pointed out customer service is key here. Look at the whole paddock stand saga I had with D/Mcr it was going on for months, and in the end I dropped Ducati UK an email and within a few weeks it was resolved, if it was that easy and quick to resolve why could D/Mcr do it and let the issue drag on for several months.

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by JPM]

[necroscope]

Just back from the dealer who informed me that the photo's requested by Ducati have been sent. They now have to wait for a reply, apparently the fix/replacements is dependant on what Ducati says as to whether it all gets done under warranty or not. Or the fault is with the bike...

Will wait to pass judgment on that one, as part of me feels like a good old anglo saxon rant on the subject of Ducati having to decide whether the parts are replaceable under warranty or it might have been something i've done. Like most, if not all Ducati owners, I treat my bike like it's my most treasured possession, and would take exception to anyone suggesting that the front brakes seizing was down to me!

Have to wait and see.

[bolds]

So Alan has your bike been back to the dealer until it was fixed? and if not surely he is at fault for not fixing it as its only a mechanical piece of equipment at the end of the day.

If one dealer can't sort it then perhaps like JPM you need to try someone else:o

[guest1]

Originally posted by JPM
I think this problem lies with the dealer though in the first instance, not Ducati UK.
[Edited on 23-3-2005 by JPM]

Think you're right there John, but if Ducati UK have taken it upon themselves to "allow" these dealers to have the franchise, then surely the buck stops there. For any problem to have escalated to the point of sending e-mail to DUK without satisfactory dealer resolution then surely warnign bells should have been sounding in their offices a long time ago. One only has to look at some of the threads in this forum.
WRT the problem being with the dealer, how serious a problem does it have to be before the manufacturers UK HQ gets involved?

back to dealer till fixed
each time it went in it was head scratching and "well, it's alright now when we start it":mad:
Some people don't have sufficient resources to be able to take time out get the bike to "other" dealers. no disrespect to anyone on board.


[Edited on 23-3-2005 by guest1]

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by guest1]

[Twinfan]

Just back from the dealer who informed me that the photo's requested by Ducati have been sent. They now have to wait for a reply, apparently the fix/replacements is dependant on what Ducati says as to whether it all gets done under warranty or not

This is exactly the situation I'm in, only due to the subsequent accident damage to my bike no-one wants to pay up. Someone somewhere is liable - be it the dealer, Ducati UK, Ducati Sp or Brembo - but no-one wants to pay out until liability is sorted :mad:

Not the way to treat customers of a prestige marque who have spent £10,000+ on your motorcycle in my opinion.

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by Twinfan]

[guest1]

Originally posted by Twinfan
Not the way to treat customers of a prestige marque who have spent £10,000+ on your motorcycle in my opinion.

Ditto

[necroscope]

Originally posted by guest1
Originally posted by Twinfan
Not the way to treat customers of a prestige marque who have spent £10,000+ on your motorcycle in my opinion.

Ditto
After what you've been through I would have thought that the least, and I mean the very least you're owed is an abject apology and some form of compensation. Not waiting around without a bike, for someone to decide you fate when you could have lost your life. My biggest fear when I bought the 749, was to have a 3yr debt and no bike to ride due to me making a stupid mistake, at least I have the courtesy bike which sweetens the pill somewhat.

[Twinfan]

I'm trying to be fair as I had to start an insurance claim and my insurers held things up for 3 weeks. They completed what they needed to do 2 weeks ago, so I'm now starting to lose my patience somewhat.

I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow afternoon for an update, where I'm expecting an answer.

[electricsheep]

As this is a serious safety issue please consider informing VOSA the goverment agency responsible.

From their website..

VOSA conduct Roadworthiness inspections on vehicles involved in accidents where it is suspected that there may have been a contributory mechanical defect. This enables us to further investigate reports of alleged safety defects in vehicles and components. In the case of serious recurring safety faults, manufacturers conduct a recall under the code of practice for vehicle safety defects that is administered and supervised by VOSA.

[guest1]

Originally posted by necroscope
.... at least I have the courtesy bike which sweetens the pill somewhat.

Owing to other courtesy bikes being dropped, D/Mcr no longer run courtesy bikes.
GREAT!:mad:
Utter friggin ****ing ****ing **** farcical

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by guest1]

[guest1]

An '04 749?

[AK]

having had some defective parts replaced on both my present & also my last bike, I am full of praise for my dealer.
They collected the bike for me & also returned it to me, as I couldnt afford to take time off work.

Only downside was NO loan bike for longer than 1 day.

Maybe Ducati UK should assess the longer term view of the 'customer care' side of things, and at least provide a low spec model for customers who may/will be without their bike whilst a warranty problem is rectified.

C, thinking about changing her role to customer care:o
Peter/Iain - hope you are listening to these lads:puzzled:

edited: contact Peter Brooking, head of aftersales (nice bloke) at Ducati UK - or his colleague Iain Rhodes:
Avebury House, 201-249, Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 1AU Tel: 0845 1222996

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by CK and AK]

[Steve M]

Alan - I've just seen your new mood:lol::lol:
made me chuckle anyway, nice one.

[Twinfan]

Ducati Manchester have a bunch of demo bikes available but they can't be used as courtesy bikes. I've asked before when my bike has gone in for a service/setup. It's very frustrating.

[guest1]

I am really really trying to take a pragmatic approach to this, but seeing as the bike is, for me, a major investment then obviously my emotions do get the better of me once in a while.
At one stage I had even thought of cutting my losses and trading in for a honda blade, but it's the soul of the duke that makes me stick at it.
I even mused about making a statement with the bike and having it blown up on some men and motors type prog, just to try and get a point across.
There is no emoticon for my current mood.

[Steve M]

lets not forget though, even Honda are far from perfect;)

you know the Honda -

that took 30 years to figure out how to make a camchain tensioner work or that chocolate wasn't the best material for camshafts on the first VFs.
plus big ends on CXs
cranks on CBX 750s
valve gear on CBX 1000s
early 'blade exhausts that paint flaked off almost imediately

and the Honda that still puts rubber brake hoses on it's sports bikes.

[posidenuk]

My bike has just had its 12 month service and the dealer said my fromt brakes were binding on slightly, so took the pads out and applied copperslip grease to the back of them, and the pin and the clip. I hadnt noticed them binding on but did get some brake judder on the way home from the service so I took the pads out and cleaned off what I though was excess copperslip (a tiny amount had gone on the braking material.) Ive been out on the bike and they seem fine now but why did the dealer look at them in the first place. was he just being good at his job or did he know something we dont ? The spaces for the pads do seem to hold the dust !

[Twinfan]

Could be a coincidence I guess? I've only done 1600 miles on my bike from new, so I'd be surprised if my brakes were binding due to the volume of brake dust being trapped somewhere. On your evidence, it sounds like a poor design if brake dust can cause binding problems :o

[Lily]

I was recently told that Ducati Manchester no longer do test rides or courtesy bikes full stop!

I believe they had a bike nicked last year, but surely you should let people test a bike? They used to charge 20 quid a go but at least you could.

My mate has had two bikes from them so far, gets all his servicing etc done there and buys aftermarket bits and bobs such as jackets etc and they still wouldn't let him test ride a bike that he actually wanted to buy!

[jobr]

Originally posted by Twinfan

I'll be calling the dealer tomorrow afternoon for an update, where I'm expecting an answer.

Twin fan why should you call them (I know the answer) but they should be doing all the chasing daily and keeping you informed. You gave over a load of your hard earned to them the supplier you now as the customer should be treated better.

Personally on recent experience the apathy stems from MK down to the dealers. I paid for a termi exhaust 6 months ago, in december Im told dealer has it. Turns out when I want it fitted they never had it. Termignoni haven't even made the cpu yet as there are problems, dealer can't tell me anything.
Me (not dealer) rings Ducati UK ask to speak to Georgina who deals with parts etc, left my number 4 times, no call back. Eventually 5th time lucky, she doesn't know will call me back.
Nothing.
Fire of email and letter to MD of Ducati UK about all the issues and Georgina not ringing back, suggested if she had no news why not just ring and say so - GOOD SERVICE?
No reply. Biut I know she has a meeting at Dealers next day but not connected.
Two days later dealer rings, now remember this part isn't apparently made or avaliable anywhere - pick your bike up next week Ducati UK are trying to get the part in time etc etc.

Point is, if they value my custom why not respect my custom? Its not a perfect world shite happens but keep us informed and most of the anger / frustration etc is diluted.

Sorry, rant over.:flame:

[posidenuk]

mines just clocked up 2,300 miles and doesnt get used in the winter / rain etc so it should suffer from caliper corrosion etc. If it makes you feel any better I know that at least one Ducati UK employee does read this forum and word does get back to the factory about what is written on here.

[Twinfan]

I'm well aware that at least one person at DUK reads this forum...

[khu996]

Are we suggesting that trapped brake dust is causing the seizure?

Does it state anywhere in the manual that the calipers/pads should be regularly scrubbed?

I'm getting very, very worried now :puzzled::(

[Twinfan]

I'm not suggesting anything khu. If 1600m of brake dust is the cause in my case, that's a seriously cr4p design...

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by Twinfan]

[khu996]

I'd agree, mines done 2100 miles, and I haven't cleaned the pads or calipers at anytime! I am getting the judder when braking, and I'd say its more than occassional, perhaps its time to get off my arse and start scrubbing! If only to give me some peace of mind... :o

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by khu996]

[TP]

Originally posted by jobr
Its not a perfect world <b>[Censored]</b> happens but keep us informed and most of the anger / frustration etc is diluted.

Sorry, rant over.:flame:

Excellent point well made jobr. It's all about customer expectation management. If the situation changes, a proactive phone call adjusts the customers expectation and there's no surprises. Customer stays happy (in most cases, there are unreasonable customers too .. not saying anyone on here is mind, Twinfan knows my feelings ...)

It's a basic customer service premise ..

[Twinfan]

Twinfan knows my feelings

;)

[mab]

Dont like the sound of all this!!

I've only had my 04 749s for a week with no problems, but i DO NOT like the idea of the front brake siezing!!

Tell you all something, if i get as much as a sniff of a problem, i'll be handing it straight back for a ZX10!!

:puzzled:

[jobr]

Originally posted by mab
Dont like the sound of all this!!

I've only had my 04 749s for a week with no problems, but i DO NOT like the idea of the front brake siezing!!

Tell you all something, if i get as much as a sniff of a problem, i'll be handing it straight back for a ZX10!!

:puzzled:

No doubt yours came from Charles Hurst in Boucher Road, check up the thread to necroscope(??????) his came from Hurst's unless you went to Ducati Dublin, don't know how old his is but they may of got 2 in at once?????????

[mab]

Your right it is from Hursts, only had 300 miles on it!!

Maybe thats why i got a good deal on it- 'cause they know the brakes are dodgy!!

:o

And it is about one year old now!!! Which seems to be around the age of the bikes that are giving the trouble!!

Maybe i should approach them about this??

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by mab]

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by mab]

[jobr]

Originally posted by mab
Your right it is from Hursts, only had 300 miles on it!!

Maybe thats why i got a good deal on it- 'cause they know the brakes are dodgy!!

:o

And it is about one year old now!!! Which seems to be around the age of the bikes that are giving the trouble!!

Maybe i should approach them about this??

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by mab]

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by mab]

Mine goes back to the dealer a week Friday for its first service, I am going to quote a few experiences as reported on here and ask for the brakes to be fully checked etc. But like others I believe the onus is now on Ducati Uk to quickly report back to Twinfan and either take action or issue some form of clarification on what has happened to put peoples minds at rest.

[Twinfan]

I'll certainly let you all know what I'm told (as soon as I'm told SOMETHING...)

[Twinfan]

Any update on your bike necroscope ?

[Edited on 24-3-2005 by Twinfan]

[JPM]

Any update on yours twinfan?

[stuart hill]

I have spoken to ducati manchester regarding the judder I was getting at the weekend. They are unaware of any recalls etc but suggested I get the bike to them as soon as so they can inspect it. I must admit I did get the impression they appreciated the enormity of anything associated with malfunctioning brakes :)

[Twinfan]

No update on mine yet JPM. I'll be ringing DM in a short while to see what they have to say. I'll update this post when I've spoken to them...

[JPM]

Hmmm... So we have Stuart calling the same dealer as you Twinfan, and they seem to be blissfully unaware of any problem?

[Twinfan]

Well they're unaware of any recalls (which there aren't) but they have suggested he get them checked ASAP. That's about all you could expect really as there is no official word as yet.

[dave w]

Am i right in saying the 749/999 use the same discs/ calipers and master cylinder ?? if so has there been any 999 with the same problems ? :cool:

[JPM]

Well the R's don't use the same calipers, as you know

[dave w]

Originally posted by JPM
Well the R's don't use the same calipers, as you know

Sure its all the same for the 999 bip and the S ? But not the R :P But why only 749 :puzzled:

[Twinfan]

If we're talking about a batch of faulty parts there is an explanation. The way the factory works, it builds certain numbers of bikes at a time. One possibilty is that it was 'UK 749' day at the factory. They were building Darks, Bips and Ss for the UK market and during that time the pallet/box/crate of faulty parts is delivered to the assembly line. As the bikes are built it's a random call as to which bike gets a faulty part. For example, mine seems to have get a faulty RHS calliper but necroscope has got a faulty LHS and RHS.

It's probably a small number of bikes that have been affected, but 3 on this site makes it relatively common.

As far as I'm aware, all 749/999 models use the same braking setup except the 'R' models have the radial callipers. I think they all use the same master cylinder and discs?

[Twinfan]

I've just spoken to DM and my brakes got sent to the factory last week. However, the factory has now passed them on to Brembo...

So I'm still no closer to finding out exactly what was at fault, or what Ducati are prepared to do about my damaged bike. I guess at least another week will have to pass while they (and Brembo) work something out.

On the plus side, Ducati UK have agreed to supply me with a loan bike (if my insurance will cover it). I'm going to check that out now but it looks like I'll have an '03 Monster 1000 to tide me over :)

[jobr]

At least its good news on the loan bike if a bit slow in MHO.

Trouble is with Easter now its likely to drag again and you want answers.

[TP]

Originally posted by Twinfan
On the plus side, Ducati UK have agreed to supply me with a loan bike (if my insurance will cover it). I'm going to check that out now but it looks like I'll have an '03 Monster 1000 to tide me over :)

Wahey!! About time!!

At least you now know that they are taking action. To be honest if it was a faulty part then this is exactly the path it would have to take (give or take a few weeks ;) ) so that's good news.

It's positive.

[guest1]

Partial result then TF. Best of luck with the rest of it.
Does that mean others should expect - nay - demand, the same treatment?

[JPM]

Well if a loan has been offered I would say that has to be a good sign of some acceptance of fault IMO.

[Twinfan]

Well if a loan has been offered I would say that has to be a good sign of some acceptance of fault IMO

Well it's been given as a 'gesture of goodwill', which I am glad to recieve and happy to accept :)

If the brakes have been sent to Brembo, then to me that indicates that Ducati feel there is a fault with them. I guess Brembo will need to confirm that's the case, see exactly what the fault was, and see how big an issue the problem is. The interesting bit after that is 'who pays for my damaged bike'?????

necroscope - sorry for the thread hijack! I hope you get your bike sorted soon, which you should do given that you were lucky enough not to crash.

[necroscope]

Originally posted by Twinfan
Well if a loan has been offered I would say that has to be a good sign of some acceptance of fault IMO

Well it's been given as a 'gesture of goodwill', which I am glad to recieve and happy to accept :)

If the brakes have been sent to Brembo, then to me that indicates that Ducati feel there is a fault with them. I guess Brembo will need to confirm that's the case, see exactly what the fault was, and see how big an issue the problem is. The interesting bit after that is 'who pays for my damaged bike'?????

necroscope - sorry for the thread hijack! I hope you get your bike sorted soon, which you should do given that you were lucky enough not to crash.

no worries Twinfan, looks like the forum is doing it's job.
On the subject of insurance for the courtesy bike.... when I had the ECU replaced Hurst's offered me the R6 if I would sort out the insurance. However, my insurer's weren't interested, told me that it should be insured by the lender. Phoned Hurst's who after a bit erring and hmmming said ok. no problem. This time round Hurst's didn't even mention insurance. So, it could be down to DM, if your insurers don't play ball. Plus you can always mention that Hurst's in Belfast were happy (in the end) to cover the insurance. Seems to me that businesses always start of with a minimal offer and then you need to haggle!
Good luck!

[Twinfan]

Cheers matey.

My insurers will cover me and another bike, but they won't cover a Monster :puzzled: Because it's classed as a roadster i.e. a different style of bike they won't cover it. Bizarre, as the bike is less power and worth less cash than my 749S!

I'm waiting to see what else DM can offer me, and it looks like they've just sold the Monster I was going to have anyway!

[spartacus]

Wonder if my calipers got sent to brembo for comparison... or whether they just got binned. You'd think it'd be worth their (and our) while to compare them since they have had the exact same fault... both LHS i think?? Guess mine and Twinfans were stable mates on the production line.
Went out to wales on it last weekend, and just didn't have the confidence in the brakes so I may yet chop it in for a Jap bike if i can't regain the confidence. To think a Ducati was the bike I always wanted, and now this...

[Twinfan]

It's a shame mate, it really is. The psychological thing about the brakes will go with time - you've got to keep telling yourself it's fixed now.

Who knows about your callipers - maybe there are several sets there being examined??? Mine is a RHS problem not LHS, not sure what yours was?

[necroscope]

from I could tell it was the left disc that seized as it was badly discoloured, i'm not sure about the right hand side. Even the AA guy who picked it up commented on it, said he'd only ever seen it happen to car drivers who had decided to drive with the hand brake on.

[Twinfan]

Any news on yours necroscope? Are Ducati replacing eveything for you?

[necroscope]

Originally posted by Twinfan
Any news on yours necroscope? Are Ducati replacing eveything for you?

Not a dicky bird. I had to email a scan of my first service coupon this morning. To be honest, being that it's almost easter and what is happening with you, i.e. the brakes being sent to brembo, I don't hold out my hope of seeing my bike for another week or so. No doubt it'll be the warmest, sunniest easter on record!

[Twinfan]

I had to email a scan of my first service coupon this morning

You had to prove your bike was still under warranty then? I take it the dealer you're using didn't do the first service on the bike?

Strange, but I guess that's procedure.

[necroscope]

no, it was the same place I bought the bike. I think he was trying to second guess Ducati, and maybe speed up the process by having the info at hand just incase.

[TP]

Originally posted by necroscope
no, it was the same place I bought the bike. I think he was trying to second guess Ducati, and maybe speed up the process by having the info at hand just incase.

Shouldn't he already have a copy of it then?

:puzzled:

[Twinfan]

That's what I thought - it would be on their records? Ah well, if it was the dealer asking then it doesn't matter.

[Wylie1]

Originally posted by Twinfan
I had to email a scan of my first service coupon this morning

You had to prove your bike was still under warranty then? I take it the dealer you're using didn't do the first service on the bike?

Strange, but I guess that's procedure.

This isn't a warranty issue - it's one of safety. Fair enough, there are procedures, but potentially people could be killed. We're talking about brake calipers here, not flakey paint on the tank. Ducati (ultimately) & Brembo should be pulling out all the stops to get to the bottom of this before somebody gets killed or seriously injured.

[David Cook]

Ducati UK's Peter Brooking (Manager, Marketing & After Sales) has been in touch with me with the following information:

"The situation at the moment is that following discussions with Mr Jackson and the insurance underwriters involved, we have recently been given permission to remove the relevant components from the machine. These have now been sent to the factory and once we have received their comments we will then discuss the matter with Mr Jackson.

We wish to re-assure members of the Club that we are taking this matter seriously & our priority is the safety of our customers. As will be appreciated, we are at present unable to comment on the outcome of the inspection of the parts. However, whilst the matter is being investigated, should any owners have concerns regarding their own machine they should in the first instance discuss the matter with their Ducati dealer who will then contact us as necessary.

Thank you for your co-operation."

[necroscope]

There's been a few people in the course of this thread who've been wondering if anyone at Ducati are listening or reading these boards.... Well having spoken to Hurst's a couple of minutes ago, I can categorically state that YES - Ducati do read these boards! Apparently the Scottish rep phoned Hurst's to tell them about this thread, so now I'll have to watch my p's & q's. Maybe somebody will tell DM and Twinfan will receive a call about the availabilty of a coutesy bike. Kinda makes you feel good knowing that people power still exists.

By the way - Hurst's rock!

[JPM]

Originally posted by necroscope
There's been a few people in the course of this thread who've been wondering if anyone at Ducati are listening or reading these boards.... Well having spoken to Hurst's a couple of minutes ago, I can categorically state that YES - Ducati do read these boards! Apparently the Scottish rep phoned Hurst's to tell them about this thread, so now I'll have to watch my p's & q's. Maybe somebody will tell DM and Twinfan will receive a call about the availabilty of a coutesy bike. Kinda makes you feel good knowing that people power still exists.

By the way - Hurst's rock!

Or Ducati's reputation on the line?

Imagine if say someone out there with said 749/999 was killed and the police were to get involved, bike gets impounded and forensics get involved and identify a faulty brake component... Huge press exposure, good-bye sales...

This is all hypothetical, and if anything these are hopefully isolated incidents, and from what we know so far no-one has been seriously hurt.

The good news is Twinfan has been offered a bike, and it looks like the powers that be are getting involved and communicating to the masses.

Good work Ducati UK

[Twinfan]

...it looks like the powers that be are getting involved and communicating to the masses.

Good work Ducati UK

Well said JPM :)

And thanks David/Peter for the message from Ducati UK.

[Edited on 24-3-2005 by Twinfan]

[Greybloke]

Eek, thought I'd waved goodbye to quality / design problems when I sold the Benelli:puzzled:

As mine is an 04 749 Dark I suppose mine could also be affected. Be very interested to hear the Brembo or factory investigations.

Good luck in your persuit of answers, were all watching with interest

[mab]

Originally posted by necroscope
There's been a few people in the course of this thread who've been wondering if anyone at Ducati are listening or reading these boards.... Well having spoken to Hurst's a couple of minutes ago, I can categorically state that YES - Ducati do read these boards! Apparently the Scottish rep phoned Hurst's to tell them about this thread, so now I'll have to watch my p's & q's. Maybe somebody will tell DM and Twinfan will receive a call about the availabilty of a coutesy bike. Kinda makes you feel good knowing that people power still exists.

By the way - Hurst's rock!

Just bought my 749s off Hursts so its good to see the positive remarks!

However, do you know they are loosing the ducati dealership? (and the kawasaki one)

Yes indeedy, soon they will be official yamaha dealers only!
:sniff:



[Edited on 28-3-2005 by mab]

[jobr]

strange for such a big firm as Hursts with so many car franchises to let Ducati go! Who is getting the franchise in the North????????

[Edited on 28-3-2005 by jobr]

[sonic]

Just read this thread on the brakes issue, been doing some miles (800) on my new 749 Dark (04) and every so often been noticing a judder on the brakes which seems to be getting more pronounced, its only happened a couple of times recently (which I put down to road surface), but Ill definately be taking it to the dealer to check it out now. Thanks all, could just have saved me £££ (and limbs) by reading this....

[Twinfan]

No probs - get it checked :)

Sorted out my Monster loan bike - I should pick it up later this week. No further news on my brakes yet.

[necroscope]

Originally posted by jobr
strange for such a big firm as Hursts with so many car franchises to let Ducati go! Who is getting the franchise in the North????????

[Edited on 28-3-2005 by jobr]
Apparently all of the manufacturers are looking to have a dedicated dealership in Northern Ireland. Until Ducati make a decision regarding Belfast there will only be Ducati Dublin. However, Hurst's will honour all parts and servicing for the forseeable.

[Twinfan]

Any more news on your brakes, necro?

[necroscope]

Just of the phone - Hurst's still awaiting the go-ahead from Ducati. Not sure if they've been in contact with Brembo.
What about yourself, anyword?

[Twinfan]

No news news as yet. Ducati UK went to see my bike and took the brakes away with them. They then got sent to the factory and just before Easter the factory sent them on to Brembo. I'm now waiting for the chain of events to happen backwards and find out what's going to be done with my bike. I speak to my dealer again on Saturday when I hope to pick up my M1000S courtesy bike.

[yellerduck]

Hey I'm new to this forum but am a regular at ducati.ms. I had a wreck a few weeks ago on my 2001 748 and didn't really discover what caused it until yesterday. Before I wrecked I noticed that my bike was "sluggish" or had a lack of power. When I gave it more it just bogged down. I down shifted to 2cd and had the throttle back a bit. The front end came up then back down. The bike went into a tank slapper and I low side on the left side. Well, I finally got the bike back together and rode it yesterday. About the same place I wrecked from my house, bike was doing the same thing described as "sluggish" or "bogging down." Didn't downshift with more power this time. Instead I stoped the bike and noticed that once the power was off that the bike stopped quicker than usual. I tried to move the bike in neutral. It wouldn't budge. Got off and checked the front rotors, they were sizzling hot. The discovery of this was a major revelation of why I wrecked. If you ever feel the bike bogging down and front end diving, don't give it more power! Evidently, I gave it enough to get the front end airborn. Once it came down, the brakes were frozen enough to cause the bike to go into a tank slap. Does anyone have any idea of what I need to do to fix this? I have been told about the fact that water in the brake line could boil causing this problem but I recently changed the fluid. I broke open the calipers and the seals look fine.

[Twinfan]

I would check your pads and callipers for a dirt build up or corrosion.

[mark749s]

twin fan
what were brembos/ducatis findings, I have read right thro' and can't see the conclusion


Mark

[Twinfan]

In my case, there was no fault with any of the braking components on my 749S.

Ducati repaired my bike as a goodwill gesture.

[DC]

Originally posted by Lily
I remember discusing with someone somtime ago about how they determine if they (generic motor company not ducati) need to recall.

It was something along the lines of cost benefit for the company. They balance up the cost of the recall against the cost of being sued for accidents or even fatalities relating to it.

Don't know how true that was, but pretty scary when you think about it. It wasn't the fact that someone could die, more how much it would cost them if they did!


That sounds like Fight club.;)

[yellerduck]

Hey, it is really cool to be emailing to a bunch of fellow Ducatisti's on the other side of the pond!

[mark749s]

i have had a couple of cans myself
but what are you on about

[yellerduck]

Do you mean what am I riding now? 2001 748.:puzzled: