Funny you should say that. There's one goes past my house every morning and I really envy the guy the sound it makes. I have straight through pipes, which sound great but induction noise on the 999 is almost non-existent. The air runners with air filters buried deep inside adjacent to the airbox make for extremely efficient silencers. The only way to change this really would be to junk the airbox lid and put filters over the bell-mouths. I'm sure it would then sound wonderful but at the expense of a fair bit of power I suspect. My previous bike was an SS. It only had half the power of the 999 but because it had aftermarket cans and a Swiss-cheesed airbox, you'd never guess that from the sound it made...
Verdict is less than great.... :/ I could put up with the slipping as that is supposed to go away after a while. The dragging combined with it though is a complete killer. I was lucky to get it home... Maybe the Suzuki tangs are too tight a fit in the slots, so the plates don't separate properly when the pressure plate lifts. Bugger...
Disappointing for you but thanks for sharing your experience I'm still happy to take the 999, regardless.
How kind... Someone else, indiecourier, had the same problem and managed to cure it by combining the two types of plate. Maybe I'll try that rather than give up. Have to say the Suzuki plates, combined with the quiet mod, made the engine sound super-smooth...
Thanks for that Spanky101. I took it to local dealer the clutch plates he says are like new and correct thickness etc. Ive done the lithium grease trick so will report back when i get it out. just waining for some good weather now
I've already got a 2003 999S ... I just want a spare, is all Also, I have a 750 SSie for commuting and such, it's a lovely friendly little bike. Even so, I can't wait for the warmer weather and lighter evenings :Woot:
You are very welcome Simon, I am going to stop by my local Richmond Ducati dealership tomorrow to pick up some parts, so I will ask exactly what it was that they did or at least how they went about dealing with the clutch issue. I had originally taken it in to the supposed "Number 1" location in my area - Vancouver BMW/Ducati I asked them to diagnose and fix the problem. And while they did not charge me anything for it, they were not able to fix the problem, nor were they able to suggest what I might do to to fix or improve it? I went away thinking I am going to have this beautiful looking bike, that I won't be able to enjoy properly. I then brought it in to Richmond Ducati and explained what the Vancouver dealership said, thinking or hoping that they could do something to fix it? They said leave it with them and they would sort me out one way or another. They told me if worse comes to worse that they would remove the slipper and put in a regular 749 clutch. I did NOT want to take out the slipper, but at that point, I didn't think I would have a choice. They did something to it that by the way they explained it, was so simple, that it surprised even them? I believe the mechanic called a friend at the Ducati main office and that had dealt with the stalling and grinding issue before, and were able to give him the solution. Unfortunately, they did not explain to me exactly what that was? So when I stop there tomorrow, hopefully they can give me a proper explanation, so I can pass on the fix to you. Let me get back to you after I have spoken to them, as I want to give you a specific answer or solution to your problem. I know I wish someone could have given me one... The one lesson I did learn from the experience, was if you don't get a proper diagnosis or solution from one shop, try another, cause you might get lucky. The one technician fixing your bike at one shop, might not have any experience dealing with your problem, while another might. So much like a Doctor, if you don't like what you hear, get a second opinion...I am glad I did, otherwise I might still be riding around with the same annoying clutch problems. You will hear back from me soon. By then hopefully the weather where you are will have improved.
The original DP Slippers are pants. I took it off my old 748R after fecking about with it for far too bloody long! Fitted a standard clutch pack and all good in da hood!
i think i have found the answer 1 step away from all the shoit grease this or suzuki that ideas. 2 get someone that knows exactly what they are doing with ducati slipper clutches 3 get it set up correctly on the bike. 4 long term if it is an original 749R crap std excuse for a slipper , get a proper one.
I have the standard crap slipper in my 749R and it has never caused me any probs. just have to keep it greased and make sure the plate height/gaps are in tolerance and all is good. I agree with points 1, 2 & 3 though.
Hi Simon, I did get to my Ducati shop today, unfortunately the mechanic that fixed it was not on today and when they looked up the work order, there was no indication as to exactly what was done? I will try and go in later in the week to find out. Sorry that I could not help you out at this time. I really wish I could have given you something...I will stay on it and hopefully get you something later in the week. Sorry mate.
I do it once a year. Remove pressure plate and clutch pack. Undo centre nut. Remove hub and spider spring. Clean ramps. Grease ramps. Put it back together. You need a clutch holding tool as the nut is about 180Nm torque. Takes about half an hour.
Thanks for that, i've been toying with the idea of doing mine as it's getting a bit grabby. I'll get a clutch holding tool and give it a try. Ta.
Ok have spent the afternoon playing with my clutch. The dragging problem was because I had failed to allow for the extra thickness of the new friction plates, which made the stack height outside tolerance. I removed a 2mm plain plate and the dragging problem has now gone away. I ran the engine till the fans cut in to be sure and I can still get neutral at rest - result! Have yet to test ride to see if I still have slipping but even if I have initially, it should go away - everyone else's has... Btw, I found the punch hole which is supposed to indicate which side is which on the dished plain plate. The Halfords manual for my old SS says it is in the region of the small cutout and indeed it is. It's right between the cutout and the teeth and it is tiny
