I just picked up a 1000DS fugly to use as a winter snotter. It's got just under 4,000 miles on it, an '03 bike with one owner. Cosmetically, not perfect, but not bad either. The motor seems to be smooth and it goes ok. Brakes are good, it handles well without major issues. Maybe the rear is a little low and soft, but that's personal preference. The dash doesn't light up (rev counter does), so I can't see the speed in the dark. Is there a bulb to replace? Is there anything I should know? Apart from the looks, obviously. It's not very pretty. I'm going to call it Bob. Thanks!
Many of the early Multis with the 1000DS engine suffered from premature valve guide wear. As far as I know the dash has an electroluminescent backlight built into it. If it doesn't light up it could mean a new dash although places like Scorpio Electronics may be able to fix it.
To prevent catastrophic damage to your brain, wear a blindfold when you approach it. Remember to remove the blindfold before you ride it.
i have 03 clocks were fragile 4000 is very low probably had previous clock change they all have. check mots . change oil and filter 1st job i would do .look for last belt change must keep on top of that . rear suspension has easy adjustment just pump it up with the dial . great bike love mine. i use it all the time touch wood its ok apart from idle issue and a fuel guage that is a joke go by milometer should do 140miles on full tank
thanks chaps. The MoTs verify the mileage - one showed only 40 miles more than the previous... Belts done prior to collection.
Cold roads plus loads of torque low down equals highside city. Only bike I've had that would kick the wheel out unless a mile or two under your belt
not yet Gaz. Left my man bag behind today so no ipad or phone. Tomorrow! I've done that on the Monster. And the supermoto too, but both times on nasty tyres. Got some new Dunny Road Smarts. Fantastic tyres
Hi had one for 6 years, top tip is make sure you can get the LH side panel off (over the battery) and identify the starter relay, good idea to carry a spare! The headlight one will fit if the starter just goes click and no spare relay. Cheers
Thanks for that guys. I wasn't aware that the side bits opened until I saw someone do it. I know one of them opens because I saw the toolkit there. No idea how he did it tho! I'll have a look at the oil cooler vents - it's slow to heat up compared to a watercooled bike. Got to say I love the old thing! I gave it a good wash last weekend and it came out too pretty for a snotter, so I've been living with the smell of ACF50 in the mornings. The previous owener dropped the yokes through the forks too much and made it very nervous, but I'm rectifying that today hopefully. New mirrors coming from Ducati Performance today (they move if you whack them, rather than just break). I got them at cost because one fell off on it's own on the first ride home. It really sounds dreadful without a proper exhaust. I might know where a cheap one is tho, so watch this space!
Beware the side panels. They have a habit of flying away on their own accord, as refitting is a 'tard of a job to do it properly
Yes give the side panel a tug after fitting. Also put the rear clip in from the top. Far mirrors are very good. Less vibration and I can actually see behind me now.
Guys, I haven't a clue what you're talking about! How are you supposed to undo these side panel things? I doubt I'll ever need to go in there unless the relays die, but it's good to know
As previously mentioned by Derek, the speedo light is part of the electronics and needs a specialist to sort out. If any of the lcd segments aren't showing your clocks are probably on the way out. Again, Scorpio Electronics is the fella for you, sound bloke. Don't forget those 2-valvers have an oil screen as well as the filter. And they do run cold; I found mine wouldn't tick over too well until the bike got hot. The left sidepanel opens via a dzus fastener on the back side of the panel (have a rummage round with a torch near the left fork leg) and a sliding clip behind the bottom rear edge, you'll need to get on your knees to find that one. And make sure you put them back securely cos the panels have a habit of disappearing at speed. Lovely bikes, full of character and loads of torque, proper B-road weapon.
Running an extra earth cable from the battery to the engine block definitely helps with starting and tickover, by the way.
The main thing to watch out for on a old Multi, is catching sight of your reflection in shop windows....It'd make a nice basis for a Radical Ducati project
