That still doesn't make piss poor fixings acceptable. Weather shouldn't matter one iota! There isn't a single vehicle manufacturer that builds a car or bike and states in the specs, or asks their salesmen to inform customers that they aren't for use in adverse weather. Durability should be on their list when designing a bike. They have made a song and a dance about extending service intervals with these models. Maybe their next design cycle could include improving the durability of the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle. I always thought the stereotype that Ducati riders don't take their bikes out of its hermetically sealed cocoon between September - April was down to not wanting/needing to ride in shitty weather. Now,however, i'm beginning to think it's actually because the build quality won't allow it, without a fulltime detailer living in your garage. I'm not giving up riding my beautiful bike that i have worked hard for just because some bits of metal might rust. What i might do though is replace them, keep them in a box with receipts for the replacement parts. Then i will produce the parts and receipts when i'm negotiating buying another Ducati, paying for a service or buying performance parts. As i mentioned i thought Triumph parts were flaky at best but they made it through 21,000 miles before looking like they needed replaced. I could have coped with just over a year, as its's a Ducati but hey.
Try a heavier chain lube. Keep an eye on the parts and see. If they are shocking by May or so ill ask for replacement.
I mentioned it to them at first service last month so they know I'm watching it. Will maybe give it another few weeks and see.
I'd have it in writing. Send a quick letter registered post just to say what you have already said, and what you understand that they have said to you. It needn't be snarky - just a simple statement of the facts or in a few months time, you'll find that no one had any record of your displeasure.
I so totally agree with this. Who gives a toss if your bike produces another 5 unusable BHP if it falls to bits in normal use? For me, the things a bike manufacturer ought to get right before chasing racing victories is: reliability built to last and stay looking good making it extremely difficult to thieve, or at least easier to recover Of course we all want a great looking bike that is a joy to ride, but if it keeps breaking down, falls to pieces or you are relieved of its ownership, those are bigger problems. I always thought it was a tragedy that Ducati have never been able to compete seriously in any endurance racing. That for me is the benchmark of a fast bike that will keep going. A Panigale should be able to run around a track on the limit for 24 hours, and I think that customers would appreciate that feat, rather than coming in the top 3 in WSBK.
Just thought it was a massive statement that i cant even begin to understand how how you would know?Unless you are going to tell me you know what EVERY manufactuer says in all specs of EVERY car/bike and have been to all the sales training of EVERY manufactuer?
Sorry, i should have said i'm not aware nor have ever come across any car or bike that has instructions that it is for summer use only.
Sometimes it isnt worth the cost to fix a problem that most owners wouldnt be worried about as it doesnt affect them. If every panigale owner used them in winter and it was going to effect their sales then you might find them fitting better bits. On basis we are all nesh and only ride in summer then i cant see them doing much.
But people have been very vocal about the same problem on Multistradas and perhaps other bikes. It doesn't seem to be a specifically Panigale problem. You would expect Ducati to have a spec with their suppliers for bolts, fasteners, clamps and whatnot which would be the same for all models. As has been pointed out, the add-on cost must be tiny and you can't expect Ducatis to be built down to a price when you see what they cost. People used to swoon over Bimotas because of the fine attention to detail - the quality of bolts and suchlike. I think that Ducati should be a lot closer to this than they seem to be.
This is the MAIN reason im not interested in buying any new ducati bikes.Im fucked if im paying more money to find im stuck with lower quality parts than on my current 916SPS. Ive used my old 916SPS hack all year round for quite a few yrs now.Tend to ride when dry but I don't let salt covered roads put me off at all.Parts have held up very well cosmetically but I do wash it a lot after riding and use SDOC and WD40 liberally. Id much rather opt for titanium fittings/fasteners etc (if given the option) and ducati can keep all that new electronic cack instead on a new purchase.
I got the oem chain replaced under warranty , first one was maybe 2 years old and never showed any sign of rust - the replacement was red within a week My money's going elsewhere to !!! Think they've spent the savings on scrambler marketing
this reminds me I need to take a look at mine and give it a clean its covered in dirt from the awlful wet roads, not seen it since the weekend when I started it up and it needs a good clean will give it a full valet on the weekend
Dealer did mention that they had noticed a tendency for the "newer models" chains and fixings to show signs of corrosion quicker. Wonder when they will launch the Ducati Performance bolts and fixings kit - £500.
In the automotive industry there are set standards for all aspects of accelerated vehicle component age testing including weather with salt spray testing to accelerate adverse weather over several years of use - even in the Chinese automotive industry. His statement was essentially correct as far as I am aware.
