The advantage of a Ducati dry clutch, even with clatter noise

Last week on the way home, I started to hear noises from my clutch area. If you have heard a Ducati close up. This is not unusual, but for me the noise was slightly mechanical when pulling the lever in. A few more miles and the bike jumped unusually. The clutch lever became locked and I could not use the clutch.
I pulled up at the side of the road. Took out my tool kit and started to investigate. I took off the side fairing, 6 dzuzs pins, 5 allen screws to show the clutch cover.
In one way it is a advantage, with all the bikes I have owned if there is a problem with the clutch it means you are stranded. Although in my history of bikes it has only been slipping plates.
As I pulled the parts off I could see the issue. The 6 allen bolts holding the springs on the retaining plate removed. The clutch centre nut had loosened. This had caused the clutch plates to work their way out of the clutch basket.
As I hand tightened the clutch nut. Put all the parts together, I made my way home.

A visit to Pats in Herne Hill after checking the torque value from the Ducati manual. 180 to 190 nms with loctite. The whole job probably took 30 mins and with the nut at the correct torque and with plenty of loctite. I look forward to hearing only the clatter of the dry clutch, not the clutch lever refusing to dis-engage.

Vinny

Its fixed now, i have had a new stator fitted at Pats viking motorcycles. O208 671 9915. The voltage at the battery is now around 13 volts. That's higher than its ever been since i owned the bike. I know now there is very little chance that the battery will loose its charge now.

Vinny

Ducati alternator windings or should i say starting problem

It started a while ago. I would return from work, switch the bike off to open the gate. Try to start the bike and it would not turn over. The battery was flat, quick check and it was only 11 volts. Checked charging voltage on the battery terminals and only 12.2 volts. Less with the lights on.

Started to investigate the connections from the alternator and they are discoloured. Not a good sign. Although if its the issue then success. Tried cleaning all the connections reconnecting, checked voltage still no good.

Posts up on the Ducati site for help, Lots of advice, battery possibly, voltage regulator and alternator, stator etc.

With the help of a forum user, checked the output from the alternator by disconnecting the two yellow wires, placing a meter on the end and checking the output. Also to check the ohms resistance between each wire and to earth. The ohms values seem to be in range. 0.03 between each wire and no leakage to earth.......but the output is OK so that must mean the regulator rectifier is faulty.

Ordered a new one from http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/erol.html#1X0

Mike was brilliant, i had ordered a voltage regulator, forgot that the block connector is burnt and the connectors discoloured. Mentioned this and a new one arrived the next day in the post. If only all companies acted this way.

A few days later, the new voltage regulator back on. picture shows new connectors also with Mikes advice i solder the connectors. Took time to crimp the new connector. Checked the output and still not over 12.4 volts charging. I have made a mistake.

Now i phone Pat at Viking motorcycles. He tells me to check the output values with the workshop manual.

Check the values and i find....

The readings from the alternator should be only 0.2 to 0.4 ohms. Previous readings differ.

The output from the alternator should be

35 volts at 1500 revs

70 volts at 3000 revs

140 volts at 7000 revs

From memory i could only achieve around 20 volts on tick over and a maximum of 40 volts.......Now i wished i had taken time to read the manual and to discus the issue with Pat first. It could have saved me spending some money and trying to pinpoint the outcome.

moral of the story

take time to research the correct values and how to check. Save yourself some money.

i have to blame the japanese gs battery

After the ride home from work, 45 mile journey. Park up and try to start the bike. It would not turn over. seems strange that after a such a long journey, where it would have time to charge that the battery is flat. voltage is low, less than 12v.
charged the battery overnight and the following day it starts no problem.
a couple of checks with a voltage meter and the volts vary when the alarm is triggered. need to investigate further. seems as though the battery is faulty or the datatool alarm is draining the battery..

back to basics / tyre pressures

There is the feeling that with any fix, always start with the basics.
I looked at my bike and the rear tyre looked low. Touching the side wall i could tell the pressure was low. Next i turned the wheel checking the grooves and found a rusty nail.
The cause of my handling although now i still need to set the shocks as i have started to change the settings.
So, start with the basics is my advice. I assumed it was the shock rushed in and forgot to check the pressures. I guess one of the first things. Also my front tyre pressure is low. The biposto should be 2.2 and rear 2.4. I found only 24lbs in the front and 22lbs in the rear.
Vinny

Its dancing and it is not supposed to ! Handling / Weaving

The bike has started to weave, dance like i am on ice in corners. I feel its my mistake as i played with the settings on the rear shock. This has caused the resistance to lessen to the point, it gives no resistance. Today after turning the resistance up. The shock now works.
I need to investigate how to set up the shock now. For my weight and riding style. Will post some pictures soon.
Vinny

if you want to buy a ducati. have a look at this guy. its not a 916 but a relation. the hypermotard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXyV8JUj8m0
Vinny