The 899 received rave reviews and it is a very pretty bike but alas it has its problems, a double sided swing arm fitted to keep costs down. That should have rung alarm bells as to what else did they skimp on to keep costs down, Well the bike came out in November 2013 and we were desperate to get them run in and our termi's fitted but at what cost. Collected my 899 on 29th November 2013. First service took place 11th December 2013 Collected bike on 14th December 2013. I noticed later that day that there was some corrosion on the metal sleeving carrying the rear brake lines into the calliper. So I popped back in to my dealership. After close inspection they found corrosion on both break lines feeding the front calipers, corrosion on the paint at the bottom of the fork legs and around the bottom seals. Bear in mind before the bike was released from the dealership it was given a good coating of ACF They did the same when it was in for its service just over a week after first collection. Corrosion found on rear sprocket and chain too. Chain was heavily greased so how the hell has this happened. Well to be fair the warranty has covered the break lines and the forks but Ducati UK rejected the claim for the sprocket and chain. Statement from Ducati UK quoted "As you will appreciate, oxidation of specific components of your motorcycle can be caused by a number of reasons not simply a manufacturing defect and so we have to consider in a balanced way the level of assistance we are able to offer." Well if that's the case surely they should have rejected the claims for break lines and forks? I also own an 848 streetfighter which has been out on the road during December in this damp weather but shows no signs of corrosion so what does that tell you? I emailed Ducati and expressed my displeasure, I got a phone call from Bologne a customer service rep said they were very sorry and it should certainly not be showing signs of corrosion after only 2 weeks of ownership. They sai they will contact Ducati UK and get it sorted, Imagine my disgust when Ducati UK emailed me to say sorry but they could not help me and it wont be done under warranty. So be warned if you buy an 899 you can keep it in the garage to look at but dont take it out on the road coz it will rot real fecking quick. Yes they kept the build cost down but at the expense of the poor consumer. You can buy a new 1ltr Jap bike for around £11,500 nearly 2.5k cheaper than a bike that is 100cc less and falling to bits.
Bradders this dealership have looked after all my Duc's and have never let me down, my Streetfighter has been out in all weathers and doesn't show any signs of corroding so its not how the dealership maintain it or the way I look after it only other cause is cheap shit parts .............
Sorry to hear that. Each time when I think about going over to the red side I read something that puts me off. Bought a new fireblade last year after 21 years out of riding. Absolutely love the bike, very easy to ride & can't wait to wake her up in Spring after it's winter hibernation. It's such an awesome machine. If anything IMO it's too much power for the road which is why I would consider an 899. On paper it looks more manageable for the road. I've always hankered after a Duke but have been steered away each time. The jap bikes do everything so well. Like the 899 MCN clip on you tube. Don't think I'll be parting with the fireblade anytime soon.
That is diabolical! - Rotting bike after 2 weeks? - Doesn't seem possible - Sounds like Ducati UK are being a cunch of bunts if Bologne are saying they will fix it? Fix it with what though? - New parts that will also rot?
big deesey on the lash 7,30 am before match u up 4 it shandy boy :biggrin: trading stds waste of a phone call nanny state Britain
had read it......thinking maybe that's the problem? MCN had it on their long term MTS1200 and it didn't work on that
Well I am fortunate my dealership look after me, had a call from them today saying that even though Ducati refuse to budge they will replace the items as a good will gester, they are waiting for Renthal to get their finger out their arse and make an anodised sprocket for the 899 and they will replace my existing rotting parts. So I am a lot happier. I have an 848 streetfighter at home too that has ACF 50 on it and the bike is in mint condition, My old 848 & 848 evo were also treated with the same stuff and never had a problem so I aint got a clue as to why it aint protecting the 899
