So...aren't recovery trucks nice!
Discussion
Yes, the small weak batteries on Duke's are a PITA. The amount of times I wanted to take the bike out for a run and the battery wouldn't have enough juice to start the damn thing as it'd not been run for several weeks. I don't have power in the garage so the otherwise the essential Optimate wasn't an option.
So, if you got access to power an optimate is vital.
Or buy a spare battery to keep on charge indoors and be prepared to swop over regularily, which is what I ended up doing.
I had the battery change routine down to a fine art.....
So, if you got access to power an optimate is vital.
Or buy a spare battery to keep on charge indoors and be prepared to swop over regularily, which is what I ended up doing.
I had the battery change routine down to a fine art.....
I replaced the regulator/rectifier on my old 888 with one from electrex (now known as electrosport) in the US and never had another flat battery. I did have to splice it into the loom but the end result was well worth the effort. IIRC the 888 one was half wave and the new one was full wave which meant it charged twice as effectively. It certainly resolved all the charging problems 
www.electrosport.com/electrosport_electrical_ducati.html
www.electrosport.com/electrosport_electrical_ducati.html
BliarOut said:
I replaced the regulator/rectifier on my old 888 with one from electrex (now known as electrosport) in the US and never had another flat battery. I did have to splice it into the loom but the end result was well worth the effort. IIRC the 888 one was half wave and the new one was full wave which meant it charged twice as effectively. It certainly resolved all the charging problems
www.electrosport.com/electrosport_electrical_ducati.html
I knew somebody who used to keep a spare rectifier under the seat of his 916. www.electrosport.com/electrosport_electrical_ducati.html
I had the charging system pack in on my ST2. I won't depress the OP by saying what the bill could have been. Not that that should be his concern. Automatic 90 day warranty for used vehicles isn't it?
chilli said:
Sorry to hear that mate.....are you a Billericay man?
Southend, but was riding up to Probike to say hello to the guys there and show off my new toy!
I did see one of the instructors as I sat at the side of the road...he was inbetween CBTs so he pulled in for a chat and to laugh!
Hopefully the rectifier is OK...I understand that they are a lot better on the later bikes...
When the shop replaced the battery, I saw him test the new one on the bike and it was charging OK (14.5 volts), whilst the other one was completely dead.
We'll see how it fares tonight.
virgil said:
Hopefully the rectifier is OK...I understand that they are a lot better on the later bikes...
One thing that does need regular attention is the white connector on the cables between alternator and rectifier, these dry out due to the heat and the amount of current carried - the actual pin connections can melt (mine did). You need to (annually) unplug the connector, clean it and lube it with some dielectric grease or at least WD40, best bet is to replace the connector with a more heavy duty unit, even heavier wiring if possible.
This is a common problem on the pre 1999 (2-wire single phase alternator) but still happens on the later 3-wire bikes. To get at the connector which is in the V of the cylinders you need to remove the battery & holder. If the connectors melt and are not fixed the wiring and/or rectifier and possibly even the alternator will fail.
I keep my bike on a trickle charge when not being used (have a plug-in like a mobile phone) as the charging system is the weak point on these bikes and if the battery is not at 100% then problems are more likely - another common cause of rectifier failure is a blocked fuel filter! (uses excessive current).
Good news though is that Ducatis will stand an awful lot of hard riding but the flipside is that they must be correctly and meticulously maintained (like an Italian mistress). Happy long-term Ducati ownership is not for the person who can not or will not maintain the bike but like the above mentioned high-maintenance Latin lovely the quality of the ride more than makes up for this
The only time mine has broken down was due to a shoddy repair by a dealer not tightening the clutch basket properly after repair - so it fell out! I now use an excellent independant for the tricky jobs but do all the basic stuff myself.
Welcome to the world of high maintenance motorcycling........
Edited by catso on Tuesday 13th March 10:06
Steve11 said:
Virgil
I would like to say thanks, Saw you stuck in Billericay with that beautiful Ducati, finally made me get off my ar*se and book my theory bike test.
I take it you recommend Probike for DAS?
I would like to say thanks, Saw you stuck in Billericay with that beautiful Ducati, finally made me get off my ar*se and book my theory bike test.
I take it you recommend Probike for DAS?
Edited by Steve11 on Tuesday 13th March 09:31
Ooooh, another local lad! Probike are very good. Passed first time with these guys. Paul's the man to speak to...Get him to tell you his Jodie Marsh story!!!
catso said:
Welcome to the world of high maintenance motorcycling........
Edited by catso on Tuesday 13th March 10:06
Pah......high maintenance motorcycling......not owned an old British bike then....
However, that's exactly why I had no issue with my Monster, as I was conditioned to a high maintenance regime from running old Brit stuff. The Duc was a positive breeze in comparison...
Love the analogy of the Italian mistress....very apt.
aeropilot said:
Pah......high maintenance motorcycling......not owned an old British bike then....
Fair comment, probably worse even than old Italian bikes.....
aeropilot said:
However, that's exactly why I had no issue with my Monster, as I was conditioned to a high maintenance regime from running old Brit stuff. The Duc was a positive breeze in comparison...
Yes at least Ducatis don't break down every ride...
aeropilot said:
Love the analogy of the Italian mistress....very apt.
Yes, sometimes think my wife is jealous of all the attention that the 'Italian Bitch' gets........
Steve11 said:
Virgil
I would like to say thanks, Saw you stuck in Billericay with that beautiful Ducati, finally made me get off my ar*se and book my theory bike test.
I take it you recommend Probike for DAS?
I would like to say thanks, Saw you stuck in Billericay with that beautiful Ducati, finally made me get off my ar*se and book my theory bike test.
I take it you recommend Probike for DAS?
Edited by Steve11 on Tuesday 13th March 09:31
Thanks, Steve, it's still clean which is why it looks so good
Actually it was amazing how many people stopped to look at it...and very embarrassing that it would not go anywhere! Probike are good, though they are one of the more expensive in the area from what I remember. Great bunch of guys though - very friendly, and large enough to be flexible if you need them to. I did most of my training on a weekend (paid a little more) so saved holiday. If you are going into it properly...get some of your own kit first if you can. they can lend you jacket, helmet and gloves, but you'll be riding in jeans and shoes if you've not got your own kit.
Do it and you won't look back...even when your bike breaks down in a packed high street!!!
catso said:
virgil said:
Hopefully the rectifier is OK...I understand that they are a lot better on the later bikes...
I keep my bike on a trickle charge when not being used (have a plug-in like a mobile phone) as the charging system is the weak point on these bikes and if the battery is not at 100% then problems are more likely - another common cause of rectifier failure is a blocked fuel filter! (uses excessive current).
Will be getting an optimate for when it's not used every other day...just to make sure.
it seems to be in much better health now though...120 mile round trip and no issues!
chilli said:
Ooooh, another local lad! Probike are very good. Passed first time with these guys. Paul's the man to speak to...Get him to tell you his Jodie Marsh story!!!
You mean 'Florida Paul'...tried SO hard to sell me and my mate a trip to Florida even before we'd passed...told him I'd only go if he got Jodie along...said he'd call her but his wife would not be happy, so I told him if it helped him out, I'd bunk with her to protect his rep...needless to say I didn't go
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