Im a new owner of a 2002 998. The bike is a UK model and has done only 5000 miles since new. It's received regular maintenance from Ducati service agents in its time..... however as a new owner I wanted to ask if there are typically any recommend tasks to regularly perform (outside of standard servicing intervals) and also any recalls or tips I should consider as a new owner? Many thanks.
I did hear somewhere that some of the testastretta rockers had flaking issues up to a certain month in 2002.Unsure were I read it now,
You probably have mate,it was few a far between from what I can remember,but someone on here will probably be able to clarify.Didnt mean to give you the heebie Jeebies:Woot:
Not sure that is correct although there are those who frequent this forum who will know. Check your service records for front fork oil change, if you do not find it has been done at least 2 or 3 times that is a good place to start. You should have the latest rear sprocket flange so no issue there. A good check over all the regular grease points, chain and sprocket conditions so just the regular stuff. You are going to need to ride it for a while to see hoe it performs and blow the cobwebs out. Enjoy mate. Andy
I've never heard of flaking rockers on the Testas. Can't think of anything critical that wouldn't have been done with regular servicing but it's tricky on something with less than 500 miles a year! Have you got a copy of the schedule (if not give us a shout)
Please pass through mate if you could. I'm confident the servicing intervals have been done (by ducati main agents) but it's a new model to me so any advice appreciated thanks. Recommended oils? Chain lubes? Etc?
I'd check all connectors, especially alternator and rectifier, relay bases and apply white grease, they may all be good but essential maintenance in my book!
LUBE THE SWINGARM PIVOT! Most people never need to take this out. But if you need to, and it's seized, which they do, I've heard all sorts of horror stories even ending up with angle grinders through the swingarm and axle.
starting a big twin takes some doing esp when cold . I suggest you replace the battery leads for something more substantial and always make sure the battery is in good shape. it will save you wearing the wear on the starter sprag clutch prematurley get the shock serviced and forks too if its not been done for a while it will make a huge difference to the handling of the bike its a great bike you will love it. i found that the harder i rode mine the better it handled
As above correctly set suspension will let you enjoy the sublime chassis. As for starting I can't see why people have so many issues. In 20 years of Ducati ownership I've replace 1 starter motor when a magnet broke inside after a crash, and a few batteries. Well maintained you should have no trouble. Just remember it's not a jap bike and needs love and attention. You can't ignore servicing or cleaning and expect it to run faultlessly like a CBR for example.
I have a 998 with just 4,000 on the clock and I service it regularly as the need arises. Rockers should not be an issue with these models but main bearings can be and have been known to fail. Change the oil regularly and use a decent fully synthetic oil and check valve clearances when the time comes. Belts need to be changed regularly and there will be many comments about this on the forum and when they should be changed and whether to use genuine belts or aftermarket items. You really shouldn't have any issues with the bike and any you might have could stem from lack of use and how it has been stored.
Agree with that. The less regularly I've ridden mine in the past, the more vexatious it's been. A couple of years ago it went off to a JHP in a van cos it was a pig to start, wouldn't idle properly etc. When it came back to me the mech said over the phone, "promise me one thing...", "yes?", "ride it more often".
Worth inspecting the cush drive bushes as the rubber may have begun to break down. see........... Cush drive bushes - Single side swing-arm bikes
