You shouldn't have shown me that picture. Now you have me thinking about all the other parts that aren't black yet!
What sort of issues are you having with the dash? The electrics on Ducatis (all Italian bikes?) are not all that robust and suffer from exposure to our wet weather over the years but there's nothing particularly problematic about the early 749/999. If you can, check the fuses and relays for any signs of moisture or corrosion. The ignition/fuel pump relay behind the battery box is a prime candidate and if it's not 100% then that can have all sorts of effects. Replacement relays are cheap but the job is a bit fiddly because of the way everything is crammed in behind the battery box itself. Like many folks, I've re-routed the cabling to move the relay out from behind the battery box, which at least makes it easier to replace if it gets corroded again. The one I replaced was in a horrible state. Regarding starting when cold, do you mean particularly cold mornings? Or just anytime you start the bike from cold? Battery output drops off quite a lot with temperature, so if it starts better on warmer days then you may have got a marginal battery which is barely up to the job on a good day. If it's hard to start from cold whatever the weather then you may still have a crap battery, and/or corroded electrics and/or poor starter circuit connections (check and clean battery / starter motor and earth connections). This may sound like a lot of hassle, but once done you can get on and enjoy what is a lovely bike!
I've only recently bought the bike so I've only started it in the cold, sub 8 degrees. I replaced the battery for a lithium one as the previous was on its way out so shouldn't be the battery. It requires full choke out and turning over maybe 10-15 times, blipping the throttle a bit when it catches to start. I don't want to flood the engine so I usually give it a few minutes between every 4 or so attempted starts. Once it is up to temperature though it restarts first time (eg petrol station). My problem with the dash only started the other day. The backlight came on but no information came up, just a blank screen. Bike operated as normal though. After a jiggle of the wires in the back of the unit it came back on again so maybe a loose connection somewhere. Strange that the backlight came on though?
You shouldn't need to blip the throttle. The "choke" isn't. It's electronic injection so it doesn't have one. All the choke is, is a fast idle - the equivalent to holding the throttle open, so you don't need to. Whack on the "choke" and when it catches it should keep running. Adding too much throttle normally doesn't help and may do the opposite.
Its just how the previous owner told me to start it. It seems to be the only thing that works. Wont start on its own with the fast idle, it definately needs a flick of the throttle and after about 15 times it actually catches. I'm starting the think it might not be the cold, but then again I have no bother with it once restarting and warm.
It needs a professional tweak. Mine on the other hand is now a bastard to start when hot. It also needs a professional tweak and will be getting one in the spring.
I meant the ignition / fuel pump relay, not the starter relay of course (edited above). :Angelic: Here's a thread on replacing it, in case you're interested. Not saying that it is the cause mind you! Your issue may fueling and/or spark related. As Glid says - expert hands should be able to sort that out. Had the bike been serviced recently??
Its got full extensive service history, 8 or 9 stamps in the book as I recall but it is due one now. The spanner has come up on the dash. Its due its MOT at the end of the month so think I'll just get it all done together.
Hi found this about removing swingarm Loosen the swingarm pivot bolts before you hang the bike up in the air or put jack stands under it. (This will help you later on and you wont have to wrench down on the bike as hard.) The Exhaust can stay on, but the mid pipe from the front cylinder must come off. Take off the header, the exhaust springs, and the right foot peg assembly. Then remove the Mid-pipe. Pull the bolts out of the shock, rocker box/arm, ride height adjuster and then take the swingarm pivot bolt out, that goes through the motor. The two swingarm pivot spacers are the same diameter from 2002 to 2006, but the length is different. You'll need to take the spacers from the 2006 and use them on the 2002 swingarm. Have also put link in. 749 999 Single Sided Swingarm Project - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum
The weights I saw was 6kg vs 5.1kg The 749 came with a shallow sump on earlier motors and deep sump on later models across the whole range not just R & S version. The dark 03-04 model Shallow sump Grey swingarm Grey frame The 2005 model & onwards Deeper sump Black box section swingarm grey frame. Now there was a cross over period where it all gets mixed and matched. The earlier dark with grey swingarm has the shallow sump and the black swingarm version (later model) has been known to come with shallow sumps to, though they are supposed to have the deep sump. Cosmetic upper fairing on the 2003/2004 have air ducts, and the upper side panels are slightly different.
