I have had my 2003 999 since August (21000 km). During this time it's been in the workshop 4 weeks. The horizontal cylinder exhaust cam oil seal was leaking badly (misdiagnosed as a leaking oil cooler), starting was difficult (changed to Copper cables, new fuel filter & tune up) but the biggest irritation is stalling when idling. This drives me nuts not to mention it is unsafe in traffic & is totally ruining my enjoyment of owning & riding this lovely bike. On the go everything is fine but roll up to a stop & the motor dies unless I feather the throttle to 1200rpm but I need to let go of the bars & sit up because my wrists & back are killing me so hence the spoiled experience. Evidently the idle speed can't be adjusted (only adjust air screws) & I am told "This is a Ducati thing". I am thinking either I have a bad mechanic or I have bought the wrong bike. Can anyone please offer some advice here, is there some thing fundamentally wrong that can be fixed or is this indeed something one has to live with.
It's fixable but it's a money sink. Sell it and buy some thing else. My 749S was a 2003 and was nothing but trouble.
Yes it is a Ducati thing, mainly the 999 and 749, it is a pain and yes it can be pretty dangerous at times but stick with it, take it to a dealer to get it all balanced out, once this is done you will wonder why you didnt buy one sooner
Some of the first 99's had a few issues.My 2005 749s ( grey frame ) used to cut out on and off, but it was more from not using it through the winter. As Si says, take it to a main dealer to get it sorted. Tell folk where yu are they can recommend a good tech guy to go to (?). If its still causing issue, sell it and buy a newer model but dont give up ! ( I broke down in Austria on a Sat eve last yr on the 749s. Cursing the bike to high heaven as its a long way back to Dublin, turned out to be the alarm that the fitter never wiired properly. Restored my faith immensely ! ).
Have you tried using the fast idle lever? It's not like leaving a choke pulled out, as it simply adds a few revs on. If it needs to tick-over at 1200rpm you can just pull the lever a tiny bit until its at 1200 - job done
If you are competent with mechanicing then all these issues can be sorted DIY. The starting issue has caused a number of forum members problems. Replacing the heavy duty cables is a good start but you might also want to run an auxillary earth lead from the -ve terminal of the battery to the starter motor bolt in the middle of the engine If you don't know when it was last replaced then replace your injector/fuel pump/coil relay (found behind the battery box heat shield, below the starter relay). If you are using iridium plugs, then don't. Switch back to stock plugs. Download JPDiag and buy the leads off eBay (http://jpl250rs.perso.sfr.fr/) Invest in some vacuum gauges (pair) read how to sync throttle bodies in the JPDiag FAQ JPDiag FAQ Use JPDiag to set CO. Use a Gas Analyser (like a Gunson) and some 1/8th BSP hose connectors (these fit into the OEM gas ports) or just set the CO when max RPM is achieved by trial and error. Do a TPS reset using JPDiag. If you can't do this then tell your mechanic what needs doing. After doing this your issues should be sorted.
Stick with it, mate and get a specialist to look it over and give it a good service. These things are usually a result of that not having been done properly. Once you get it running right, you will wonder why you didn't buy one sooner.
Both my dukes had issues stalling. Main dealer and new ECU on 1 bike (under warranty) never cured it! on the way home I called at Ducati Johns, lap top and 10mins later and its been fine for years
I'd sack your mechanic if I were you! . The Testastretta is a beautiful engine IMO. But like everything, it does have it's little idiosyncrasies. If you aren't one for trying the tips that have been said on here yourself, find yourself a decent mechanic who knows his Ducati's and all should be sorted
Have you test ridden a Multistrada or Hypermotard ......better in traffic, no aching wrists or bad back. Alot of sport bike riders have tried these and found the fun that is riding a Ducati again....just a thought
I have a Triumph Speed triple R that I use for commuting. My intention with the 999 was to have a sport-bike again for the occasional Sunday road trip & track-days. Seems I got a problem child & am seriously considering parting ways with it. Like tomrowley said it is turning out to be a money toilet.
As has been said, take it to a Ducati specialist, not necessarily a dealer, there are plenty that come well recommended on here. The problems you describe don't sound like anything drastic just poor set-up, and not how the bikes should be. a decent mechanic with knowledge of the marque will soon have it right as rain or tell you if you have a lemon. What part of the world are you in? perhaps we could point you in a the direction of someone local who could sort your bike for you.
I adjusted the throttle stop screw on the throttle bodies cam a tiny amount on my 9R and it's been great since.
Cape Town, no Ducati dealer at present because they shut down when the building was being renovated. I had the bike at one Ducati "specialist" but still have the problem, there is another approx. 60 km away that I have spoken to, he seems to know the bikes really well, so that is my other option right now. Thanks for the support & advice guys, the 999 is really a great bike.
