Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Clutch noise when starting off

[skibum]

Hi -

I have a 2004 1000 DS Supersport with about 8000 miles on the clock.

It only happens when I start off. No problems at all when riding.

It sounds like a grinding noise. I can't say that the clutch is slipping, but I do take it easy when starting off because of the sound.

It happens if the engine is cold or hot.

The funny thing is I have no problems at all once I am up and going. Full throttle 8000 rpm shifts cause no problem.

I bought the bike with 4000 miles on it and I am pretty sure it has always done this.

It is my first bike with a dry clutch - is this normal??

Any ideas??

Thanx -

Scott

[nelly]

The most probable cause is the clutch is dirty, full of dust. Take it apart, clean it out and the plates with brake cleaner and reassemble. It's not difficult. 30 minutes tops.

The only other possiblity is the dished drive plate in the clutch has flattened off. It'll be towards the back of the pack, and is denoted by a dot punch in it's face near the cutout in it's periphery.
Lay it on a flat surface and check if it's still dished. If it's anywhere near being flat, replace it with a new one for a few £'s.

[doogalman]

Don't know where you are in the country. But if it is the dished plate. Don't go to P&H in Crawley. Was in there 20 mins trying to explain what it is, they only wanted to sell me the full clutch pack (knobs). Ended up leaving as the parts dept are useless. Go to someone like Nelly or any good specialist.

[Chief R.B.]

I have a similar problem on mine, only does it in first as i pull off and only if I feather it for too long & don't bring the revs up enough (no such problems in any other gears). Same sound though... let us know if you get it sorted mate, hope its nothing serious.

In the mean time I'd have it apart and check/clean it as Nelly says

Regards
Ant

[duke900]

My 900ss ie does the same, whem starting in 1st gear, i will try to clean the clutch to see if it solves this problem.

What is the average duration of a ducati dry clutch ???

[phil_h]

I think you all need some loud cans
I've got a 900 and a 748 and can only just hear the rattle from the clutch over the noise of the cans, blow me if I could tell if it had a delicate grinding noise

A quick fix when my 916 does this is to get out the compressor air line let her tick over and then pull in the clutch and blast air on the plates, amazing how much dust comes off.

Cheers