Sounds like the gasket has gone Phill. Not a real problem. If you've got a spanner, try tightening the two nuts up a little......might help.
You won't do any real damage, in the short term other than make a bit of soot around the head.

Thanks Nelly.

I would try tightening the two nuts, but being a half faired SS that's ridden in all weathers some *ahem* corrosion may have formed and attacking those nuts looks like a job for a professional.

Have fun with the servicing in a couple of weeks!

exhaust nuts
 

phillc
if you do get the nuts changed make sure there either stainless or brass as this will stop them coroding again,i always use copperslip on my nuts but only when the wifes not looking?:sing::sing:

Hmmmm, glad a culprit has been found.

Cant find a Recommended torque figure for the exhaust flange :puzzled:

Interestingly enough there appears to be spare parts catalogue for year 2000 models onwards if you want to have a mootch :devil:

Spare parts catalogues:

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/catalogs.jhtml?MY=2000

Good luck - Frank