Frame stress crack
 

Has anyone had any problems with a stress crack on the frame of a 900 ss or Super Light, or know of any historic issues with stress cracks on these frames.
The issue I have is where the fuel tank front support bracket is welded to the top frame tube just down from the head stock. The weld securing this bracket has a cack between the weld and the the frame tube and also a crack in the frame tube inline with the lower edge of the tank support bracket. I can get it fixed, but was curious if this is a known issue.
Any feedback appreciated.
:puzzled:

Yes - I've read about this before and it is a known (and common) problem.

Frank will have a link, but try a Google search as something may come up.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en...k+ducati&meta=

that should keep you busy!

Thanks for the link. It should give me a little light reading.
I'll say hello at the next DD round. The opening round at Cadwell was cracking, especially as most were new to racing.
Cheers

As Antony says it's a well known problem with early SS frames. Some go, some don't.

The good news is Ducati will often supply a new frame for free (labour for fitting's another matter though).

Darren

Trust me - if *I* can strip down an SS to a bare frame, put it back together again and then go out and get 11th place in a Desmo Due race, it's not that hard!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Antonye - you know me too well:

http://www.ducati.net/faq.cfm?id=41

I wonder if this has ever been the subject of an official recall then if Ducati 'recognise' the weakness by supplying a new frame if required?

Time to have a detailed examination of my frame I think.

Frank

It hasn't been the subject of a recall but Ducati will replace the frame if your claim is supported by the dealer. I got the one on my '95 replaced last spring. I had to do the work but replacement is free. Ducati are currently out of carbed SS frames until another batch is made. A fellow off one of the other lists has been waiting since last summer:(

Here's a pic of the crack that mine had :

I had exactly the same thing happen to my 96 900 superlight. I went to see the lads at Derby Powersports which is sadly no longer there, they told me they had received several replacement frames from \italy and they ordered me one.
I was well chuffed with the response from Ducati, a frame was delivered a couple of months latter and I swapped the frame so they could send the original back, the bike was rebuilt over the winter.

The only draw back I felt was that the frame comes obviously with no frame number as its not actually a bike!!
and no paperwork, to verify what has been done.
So you have to stamp your frame number onto the new frame. Be carefull to try to duplicate the frame number and type of stamp, I dont know how prospective buyers will perceive this when you come to sell.

I feel happier fitting the new frame than I may have done by making a weld repair, which was the alternative. I have had no problems what so ever and it was not too much hassle at all as during the winter I would normally strip the bike any way, maybe not right down to the frame but!!
All the best and hope you can get the same response fromyour local dealer.

Regards

Pete

A new batch of frames has just been released.

Blimey! I'm impressed.

How many other companies would be replacing parts for free on 10 year old bikes, just because a lot of them are like that?

Good on ya Ducati...

Now, if I could work on the angle that a lot of ST2's are heavier and slower than their owners would like....I think the ideal replacement would be a 749R...what do you think? Has the idea got legs?

Thanks for all your inputs gents.
Acting on yor comments, I have ben in contact with Ducati UK and have been advised to take my Superlight into an authorised dealer for an inspection of the frame crack. So i shall be off to JHP Coventry first thing in the morning to have it assed and photographed and hopefully will have a happy outcome. I can only say how impressed I am so far with Ducati's reaction to my problem. So fingers crossed.
Thanks again to all of you.
Regards
Allan:sing:

The man at Ducati he say YES.
 

:burn:Thanks to all of you who replyed to my original post and suggested contacting Ducati UK ref a replacement frame.
I am delighted to say that I have received a new frame today. All I have to do now is remember how to put the thing back together again.
Ducati UK have been absolutley brilliant in the way they handled my problem. Good on you Ducati.
Thanks again for your suggestions.
Allan R

Nice one Allan, and glad we could be of help.

Now all you need to do is send in your £25 for membership and we'll call it quits... :D

Membership forms are over this way....
http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/index.php3?M=34

Must get one of those DSC icons by my name. I have been a member since Feb of this year. I have even being cheering you on at the DD races.
You'll have to settle for a beer instead.
Cheers

Drop TP or Flanker a u2u message as they should be able to sort it for you.

I really must get my noggin checked next time I fall off the bike.... :rolleye:

Wanna see a frame crack?!?!

http://www.tlplanet.com/forums/showt...threadid=48595

hmmm.
Seems to be a bit more than just a crack. I must say this is the first time I have come across an American under exagerating.
I think I'll stick to steel tube frames.
All the best
Allan R

lol

:sing: