Second Time with a Ducati
 

Hullo ppl,
Cut to the chase, getting a nice new 800ss hopefully tomorrow but its my second duke and after the first one Im hoping this wont be a bag of nails.

Anyone else got the 800 or maybe had the 900s?

i bought a 900 new back in 99 its been thrashed messed about with and track day'd and the only prob i have had is a blown fork seal and oil sender switch.

got a 900ssie (2000)
 

starts every time
changed sprockets at front for a 14 tooth
goes like sh*t of a shovel
absolutely no probs at all
lurve it to bits
hope i dont say this too prematurely
Stu]
JFDI and enjoy
rgds
mort aka paul

:roll::roll:

Oh the problems I had, most of which I sort of expected. but a bent frame / burning fairing due to ill aligned downpipes was just the last straw with 900.

Provided the 800ss goes well, whats your views on using it as a daily commuter.

30 miles or so, bit of town a some nice stretches of national speed limit.
All year rider.

Well I only have a '99 750ss ie, but so far after 9 months of ownership I'm pretty happy with it!

Like Paulmort I've also changed to a 14t front sprocket for improved get up and go. Put some SIL exhausts, SBK3 front break pads, DP airfilter and double bubble screen on as well.

I commute about 8 miles each way on a daily basis. Doesn't sound far, but it takes half an hour through the London traffic. Initially I had some sore neck and shoulder muscles, but now I love it. With the aftermarket exhausts fitted, you can see the car drivers checking their mirrors as you approach when filtering.

Recently also had a Ventura rack fitted, because I got sick of carrying my gym kit and laptop in a backpack every day. What a difference it has made even in just a week! It doesn't do a lot for the looks of the bike when the rack and pack are fitted, but it's sooooo much more comfortable now that I'm not carrying the extra weight on my back.

The double bubble screen was only fitted in November when the temperatures started to drop. It was a good decision, keeping that extra icy windblast off me. (Yeah, yeah I'm only in London and expect someone from up Norf to chip in here)

Go for Stu, you might just be luckier this time around!

Phill

[Edited on 18-12-2003 by phillc]

Stu, Rode my 98/ 900SS for the last 24,000 miles never a problem at all, Serviced on time /belts changed. I think the more you ride then the better they are . I would be pleased to hear how the 800DS goes, I reckon it a smashing bike and having rode with Keffyboy with the 1000 DS Multi had all the power you need.
As for tyres stick to the ones you no ,the 010's do take some beating and will be better for the wet weather if your out in it. Regards Fordie

:devil:
Well we got her yesterday, took her home in the fog rain ice. LOL
Not a hiccup though the clutch isn't like the 900s I had, needs re-adjusting before I can tell. Found that its much easier riding through towns on it as the 900 was bit WheyHey get in that boot.

Think as far as power goes obviously needs bedding in properly but feels like theres more than plenty to get into trouble.
Somehow it feels physically smaller than the 9. might just be me.
5th V-twin and all seems pretty damn good.

And thanks ppl for the info.

Hi Stu
Welcome to the board I hope everything goes well for you with your new 800. What colour is it?

colour's gun metal grey with red wheels. so hopefully the wheels might be a bit easier to clean.

very nice i think that colour looks well posh stops you getting into the red and yellow debate as well lol:sing:

lol:)
Can agree with that.

But my old man says it looks a tarts handbag:o

Ah well cant please everyone:lol:

So how come your Dad knows about Tarts handbags Hmmm Thats now the question:lol: Fordie

lol:lol:
Who knows.

Stu,
I got a new 800ss this year, well pleased with it apart from it's been back to the dealers twice with clutch trouble, however I don't think this is the norm and hopefully it's sorted.
If you can, try and get the 2003 model as it comes with the Marchesinis, fully adjustable suspension all round, brembo race levers/ reservoirs and the DP ally swingarm.
The 2004 model retails for £500 less and has none of the nice bits.
Still a nice bike tho.

Fods

Yup, thats what I got.
Funny you should say about clutch though, think it may just be bedding in but a little slip everynow and again keeps happening.
Just hope its the plates wearing in and not out:o

As for anything else. Not much to say really other than the pilot bulb being shot when I got it, had spares so got that sorted. And a spot of oil starting to appear near the rear cyclinder valve cover.

Hopefully though I think I've spotted all or any of the minor niggles.

Well seems the 800ss is burning the fairing where the fron/rear pipes join. :(

Now some of you may know I had a 900sport where by the exhausts where at diff heights and not truely parallel.

anyone got any views? hinst to the cause?

Second supersport and exact same prob. Im beginning to think Im cursed!

Hmm,maybe some sort of spacer missing/required on the lower fairing screws.(The one under the rear brake pedal)

My 998S came with a selection of fibre washers to space out the belly pan from the exhaust.

Well that was the case with the 900 I had, but the 800 I asked specifically if they could be added which the dealer did, this time its actually burnt right underneath on the left side, and when looking at the rear of the bike the left exhaust appears about 1 cm lower than the right side. Again that was the case with the 900. de-ja-vous!:o