Managed to clean a bit of the outer surface, to ground it to the engine casing, temp gauge went slowly to max, it didn't move when trying to ground it to the frame though From what I have read, that shows the gauge is working correctly I have a new thermistor, and I will replace the connector, and report back
20 minute gentle ride, scenic route to the MoT, temp gauge sat at just over 50 whilst riding, raised a little when stopped Been advised by a trusted motorcycle mechanic, change the thermostat Ordered one from Ducati Coventry
Had another look at the temps when I got back from MoT today, After 20 minutes, no issues, took some temp readings from various locations with a digital temp gauge After 30 minutes, it started hissing from the same place, between the expansion tank and the filler neck, temp reading normal as per pic above, but, some interesting readings on the digi gauge, first pic, close to thermostat, second pic, same pipe, about 2 inches further from thermostat, third pic, back close to thermostat
That's a bit harsh. Thought it looked pretty good myself, for its age. One slightly tatty support bracket, which is a job to take off and clean up. Mine's the same.
It looks used but in fairly good condition to me. Bikes are meant to be used in all weathers after all. ...and that one doesn't look like it's been out in the rain very often. Some people ride their bikes all year around and others should probably buy themselves a set of horse brasses to sit and polish while the rest of us are out riding.
Bit of an update, collected a new thermostat today from Ducati Coventry, whilst there, I was having a chat with the owner, Mr Hackett, I told him about the coolant issue, he suggested the thermostat, at which point, I showed him the new one I had just purchased, he asked about the radiator, which I told him what I had checked, he then suggested removing the hose from the filler neck that goes to the secondary expansion tank, and run a 4mm drill bit through the metal union on yhe filler neck, as that has been known to clog up I didn't think it looked that bad, until I put the drill bit through it, you can see the crap that came out Net result, I had the bike ticking over for over 45 minutes, with no issues Don't know whether it was the thermostat or the breather hose, or a combination of both, but, it appears to have cured it, fingers crossed
I think you found it, and one of us should have come up with the above. Happens on 2valve SS fuel tank breather quite often due to age, resulting in bike cutting out etc. also kind of owner to pass this on rather than insist you book it in - i know of a Classic Car outfit in Norfolk who would definitely do this in the past.
