Took the V4 for first service a few weeks ago. Was hoping to pick it up on the Saturday two weekends back and use the nice weather to run it in properly in preparation for Ducati track day today at Silverstone. Got a call from the.dealer on Friday afternoon expecting them to tell me it was done. Was informed instead that when they took the panels off they found oil inside, covering the panels and radiator. Leak traced to engine but wasn’t diagnosed at that point (turned out later to be a missing washer). I hadn’t been impressed by the long list of recalls (in fact I think the bike is still in the workshop as they are waiting for parts from Italy for some of the recalls). Weighing up my options I decided to hand the bike back and demand a refund (as it was less than 30 days since buying it I had an automatic right). Possibly an over reaction but was a bit spooked by the poor quality control. Dealer was very good. Didn’t try to fight it and repaid me in full. I would (and probably will) buy from them again. Think I will see how people get on with their V4s this year and may order another for next spring.
Sorry to hear that. I'm booked in for my running-in service soon, so I hope all goes well. I checked on the official recall database and as of today there are only the 2 fuel related ones listed. What other ones did they do (some have been mentioned on other threads) but are they mere updates or more serious?
Not sure of the full list and now it doesn’t affect me. Apart from fuel tank I think software update, clutch, side stand and number plate/rear lights.
Fair play to you for making a gutsy decision. I think small recalls are part of the reality for brand new platforms like the v4, but things that end up with oil getting coated around places like fairings and radiators isn’t good. I also wonder if it was enough for the engine to then run low? Either way not good
Well mines behaved itself impeccably, so no need to panic. Mind you, only 32 miles on the clock last time I looked but so far so good
1000 miles now for me with Running service completed @ 680 or so miles. Four out of the five updates done at service time and / or prior to initial pickup (2 related to the fuel issue, the change to 2 cylinder running when hot and the clutch Master cylinders). The one outstanding one as far as I believe is the aeroflow over the radiator. Bike has been flawless so far so no complaints from me.
1000 miles in and its running how it should no problems. Things happen with any new thing , your either lucky or not with all new cars and bikes.
One of the guys at Silverstone yesterday was on his second Speciale. The first dropped all its oil in the middle of a ride. His replacement wasnt the easiest to start. It took 5 minutes of turning it over before it fires for one session
Oh dear.... I seem to remember a couple of 1199 Panigale's throwing rods when they were first released. I think one went pop with a PB or Fast Bikes loaner.
It seems many manufacturers, not just bikes, are either cutting costs on development or simply do not give a shit in the rush to keep the income coming in. What should worry ducati is that the v4 is not their everyday fodder and 5 recalls before some even get the bike new, is a standard I can't see many being happy with. For some reason the factory cannot see the damage this high end failure is doing to its reputation and seemingly thinking, here is the parts for the recall, what's the problem? It seems the supplying dealers are cleaning up ducati's mess on the pr front whilst Ducati themselves seem to be ambivalent.
On a plus note, my 1299S is awesome. Didnt miss a beat during our alpine hack. Boy this bike turns and I mean turns. I'm in total love with this machine. Im in no hurry to replace her with a V4.
If it was my bike I would hand it back and demand a replacement machine or full refund, if the bikes on finance inform the finance company. If the bikes wrong now it will always be problematic
