Being a novice Ducati owner I bought a 2003 model 999 with only one black key & no code card. I find out now that the ECU cannot be accessed to tune the motor & the instruments, locks & ECU have to be replaced to get things back to normal. Mechanically I have got the bike running fine now but am concerned about the long term implications. Can I just leave it as is or is it imperative that these bits be restored. ? No doubt this will be an expensive exercise, also, are the parts available ? Some advice please guys.
I've an 05 and have 3 keys ,one being the red key . I've never used the red key and have had the bike remapped by CJS and he didn't need it.
Who told you the ECU can't be tuned? The ECU can be remapped without the red key. The red key is only required to code the immobiliser in the clocks/ECU and add additional keys. Adding additional keys without the red key can be done by cloning your existing key. There are companies out there that can retrieve the red key and code card information but it is an expensive process. Second hand Clocks can have their coding reset by companies like Scorpio Electronics - Home. I have the equipment to remove immo or virginise ECU's. The code card is required to bypass the immo manually. Though, in 12 years of Ducati ownership I have never had to use the code bypass (some of the multi owners might disagree!!). Not having a red key and just one black is not an issue. here's a post about how I added some new clocks to a bike despite not having the red key http://ducatiforum.co.uk/f41/solution-may-help-others-14019/
Cheers Chris, that is what I needed to hear, there is paranoia here about having all the keys & card. I am going to clone the key so I have a spare & be done with it. Many thanks.
For the clone you need a key blank with a blank T5 transponder. I use an AD900 USB to programme the keys.
