Discussion
A couple of weeks back took the V4 to the dealer for first service. Was expecting to get it back on the Saturday with aim of running it in properly for Ducati track day tomorrow. Didn't quite work out to plan.
Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
I'm not sure that's proportionate but I understand why you would do it. It's a new bike, in every sense of the word, and it always takes them a while to work out the kinks with any new model. The leak couldn't have been that bad you didn't notice it?
I also think i'd need to know more about the significance of the recalls before I was bothered. They chould just be monitoring it closely and want it to be right. Also I'd personally more confident about a brand, if I'd experienced a quality issue and had seen a number of recalls, than had issues and not heard of anything.
That said, you bought an Italian bike, surely this is entirely inkeeping with your expectations?
I also think i'd need to know more about the significance of the recalls before I was bothered. They chould just be monitoring it closely and want it to be right. Also I'd personally more confident about a brand, if I'd experienced a quality issue and had seen a number of recalls, than had issues and not heard of anything.
That said, you bought an Italian bike, surely this is entirely inkeeping with your expectations?

Esceptico said:
A couple of weeks back took the V4 to the dealer for first service. Was expecting to get it back on the Saturday with aim of running it in properly for Ducati track day tomorrow. Didn't quite work out to plan.
Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
V4 strikes again.Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
Dude, just get a normal bike like S1000RR or GSXR1000R.
Prof Prolapse said:
I'm not sure that's proportionate but I understand why you would do it. It's a new bike, in every sense of the word, and it always takes them a while to work out the kinks with any new model. The leak couldn't have been that bad you didn't notice it?
I also think i'd need to know more about the significance of the recalls before I was bothered. They chould just be monitoring it closely and want it to be right. Also I'd personally more confident about a brand, if I'd experienced a quality issue and had seen a number of recalls, than had issues and not heard of anything.
That said, you bought an Italian bike, surely this is entirely inkeeping with your expectations?
Fair points. I also think i'd need to know more about the significance of the recalls before I was bothered. They chould just be monitoring it closely and want it to be right. Also I'd personally more confident about a brand, if I'd experienced a quality issue and had seen a number of recalls, than had issues and not heard of anything.
That said, you bought an Italian bike, surely this is entirely inkeeping with your expectations?

I suppose it was a stick or twist position. Had I kept it past 30 days then I would have had no right to hand it back. Might have been fine but might have been a dog.
Circumstance was behind me not knowing. Did all the miles in a short period of time then handed it to dealer for service. Also as new wasn’t checking it for faults.
Esceptico said:
A couple of weeks back took the V4 to the dealer for first service. Was expecting to get it back on the Saturday with aim of running it in properly for Ducati track day tomorrow. Didn't quite work out to plan.
Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
Oh, you have GSXR, I see. Good on you, mate! I love mine GSXR1000R. Got a call from the dealer. Was expecting them to say the bike was ready. Instead told they had removed the body panels and discovered a major oil leak from the engine. Not what I was wanting to hear. The number of recalls had also jumped from 3 to 5 in the week they had the bike.
I got cold feet and rejected the bike. Under the consumer rights act if there is a fault within 30 days you don't need to let the dealer fix it (if there is a major fault - clearly I couldn't ride the bike away so I thought that major). I think the bike is still in the workshop whilst they wait for bits for the recall.
Eventually they tracked it down to a missing washer. A simple fix, yet also worrying that their quality control didn't pick it up. Made me wonder what else they had missed.
I am not convinced that the V4 has been properly developed before launch. They had to start selling it this year because I think the 1299 no longer meets emission regs.
The V4 is a great bike. Maybe I am overreacting. I will be tracking the forums and if it seems that my bike was a one-off and this is just an initial flurry of recalls then may order another one next year.
At least the GSXR has been reliable (and a delight to ride).
Although a bit annoyed at Ducati the dealer was great. Took a few days for the MD to respond but then didn't quibble about the refund. I would buy from them again (and probably will).
So...what to buy next....
There is ONE recall, which is plug and play, which I haven't done yet, because I haven't noticed any problems so far.
Not just Ducati, i recall back in the 70s and CX500s got sold with the wrong bearing caps and we had the "Knock Knock" jokes.
Honda also had chocolate cam-chain issues they had to resolve when they launched the CB750KZ.
I recall repeat alternator failures on Honda MT5s, the list goes on.
Have to say though, when you're spending that much wonga, I would probably have bailed too.
Honda also had chocolate cam-chain issues they had to resolve when they launched the CB750KZ.
I recall repeat alternator failures on Honda MT5s, the list goes on.
Have to say though, when you're spending that much wonga, I would probably have bailed too.
LuS1fer said:
Not just Ducati, i recall back in the 70s and CX500s got sold with the wrong bearing caps and we had the "Knock Knock" jokes.
Honda also had chocolate cam-chain issues they had to resolve when they launched the CB750KZ.
I recall repeat alternator failures on Honda MT5s, the list goes on.
Have to say though, when you're spending that much wonga, I would probably have bailed too.
The thing is Honda did something about their reliability issues and created the most overengineered and failure proof bike ever. That ethos runs through all their bikes and cars today and people will be amazed to hear that Honda were unreliable lumps in the 70s, whereas Ducati just do more to cement the view of unreliability with every new bike. Honda also had chocolate cam-chain issues they had to resolve when they launched the CB750KZ.
I recall repeat alternator failures on Honda MT5s, the list goes on.
Have to say though, when you're spending that much wonga, I would probably have bailed too.
Also, the Honda issues were the same on all engines, whereas this looks like a washer should be on there, just Luigi forgot to put one on, which is seriously poor form.
Ducati really do themselves no favours. Pretty bikes? Maybe. Reliable bikes? Nope.
Ho Lee Kau said:
V4 strikes again.
Dude, just get a normal bike like S1000RR or GSXR1000R.
Yeah, like the S1000RR I picked up early 2010 which I handed back three days later with 500 miles and a knackered crank....Dude, just get a normal bike like S1000RR or GSXR1000R.
I was warned about buying a new model bike and advised to wait a year.
Advice I ignored again with a 2015 R1 which returned later for a new gearbox...
Have to admit, when it happens to Ducati it seems to be a bigger deal.
legzr1 said:
Yeah, like the S1000RR I picked up early 2010 which I handed back three days later with 500 miles and a knackered crank....
I was warned about buying a new model bike and advised to wait a year.
Advice I ignored again with a 2015 R1 which returned later for a new gearbox...
Have to admit, when it happens to Ducati it seems to be a bigger deal.
My 2010 S1000RR roadbike was faultless, as was my old trackbike (apart from gearbox but after 6 hard years exclusively on track I expect most bikes need a refresh)I was warned about buying a new model bike and advised to wait a year.
Advice I ignored again with a 2015 R1 which returned later for a new gearbox...
Have to admit, when it happens to Ducati it seems to be a bigger deal.
The HP4 needed work doing on the semi active suspension wiring, as it was poorly routed and rubbed on the reg / rec and shortcuited.
How did you not notice a ‘major oil leak’?!
Genuinely interested; I ride knackered old bikes that drop a thimble if oil every hundred miles (deliberately) and I’m covered in it when I stop!
Also don’t panic about recalls; all manufacturers have them (check BMW 3-Series recall history!) - it’s how they deal with them you should judge them on.
Genuinely interested; I ride knackered old bikes that drop a thimble if oil every hundred miles (deliberately) and I’m covered in it when I stop!
Also don’t panic about recalls; all manufacturers have them (check BMW 3-Series recall history!) - it’s how they deal with them you should judge them on.
Gavia said:
My 2010 S1000RR roadbike was faultless, as was my old trackbike (apart from gearbox but after 6 hard years exclusively on track I expect most bikes need a refresh)
The HP4 needed work doing on the semi active suspension wiring, as it was poorly routed and rubbed on the reg / rec and shortcuited.
To be fair, it was one of the first in the NE and was traced back to a balls-up on the assembly line (a bit like the missing washer on the OPs bike).The HP4 needed work doing on the semi active suspension wiring, as it was poorly routed and rubbed on the reg / rec and shortcuited.
The dealer and bmw UK were brilliant - I accepted the bike back with new engine, a few future services and a few goodies including akra exhaust - it didn’t miss a beat for another 18,000 miles and stood up well to everything from trackdays to mid winter commuting through snow and sleet.
I had issues with a new 1198 too - the attitude from the dealer and Ducati UK was terrible.
I had a 2010 S1000RRnthat needed a new engine under warranty, to give BMW their due they were great about it, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the bike.Despite this, after having an RSV4 and now a Panigale V4 I really do enjoy riding them more than the BMW, in fact the only other bike be enjoyed as much which is more mainstream is the R1.
Wether you did the right thing with rejecting the V4 is your own personal decision, I bought mine knowing it’s a new model and there could be teething issues, if mine has any I will be throwing it back under warranty.
Wether you did the right thing with rejecting the V4 is your own personal decision, I bought mine knowing it’s a new model and there could be teething issues, if mine has any I will be throwing it back under warranty.
srob said:
How did you not notice a ‘major oil leak’?!
Genuinely interested; I ride knackered old bikes that drop a thimble if oil every hundred miles (deliberately) and I’m covered in it when I stop!
Also don’t panic about recalls; all manufacturers have them (check BMW 3-Series recall history!) - it’s how they deal with them you should judge them on.
The Ducati mechanics didn’t notice until they took off the body work then found oil inside the panels and on the radiator. Genuinely interested; I ride knackered old bikes that drop a thimble if oil every hundred miles (deliberately) and I’m covered in it when I stop!
Also don’t panic about recalls; all manufacturers have them (check BMW 3-Series recall history!) - it’s how they deal with them you should judge them on.
I did notice oil on the floor of my garage but I have a number of those from other vehicles and thought it was an existing stain (I’ve seen some garages on here that look cleaner than operating theatres - mine is closer to a slaughterhouse!)
Walter Sobchak said:
I had a 2010 S1000RRnthat needed a new engine under warranty, to give BMW their due they were great about it, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the bike.Despite this, after having an RSV4 and now a Panigale V4 I really do enjoy riding them more than the BMW, in fact the only other bike be enjoyed as much which is more mainstream is the R1.
Wether you did the right thing with rejecting the V4 is your own personal decision, I bought mine knowing it’s a new model and there could be teething issues, if mine has any I will be throwing it back under warranty.
I was thinking of making the V4’ my only bike. Just about acceptable to have it sit in the garage being repaired if you have a fleet of other bikes to play with but not so good if your only bike eg last weekend the weather was great and had finally got two biking friends on a ride out after a three year gap. I would have been really annoyed to have had to cancel because the V4 was sitting at the dealer waiting for bits.Wether you did the right thing with rejecting the V4 is your own personal decision, I bought mine knowing it’s a new model and there could be teething issues, if mine has any I will be throwing it back under warranty.
Has made me rethink the one bike plan.
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