Need a bit of advice here guys,finding my 05 999 biposto is taking some getting used to Finding it difficult at low revs/throttle openings to get the right amount of control for slow turns,small roundabouts etc It seems to be all or nothing,either throttle closed or taking off like a scalded cat,dont seem to be able to find the neutral to feathered slightly open position Bear in mind I have 25 years of riding Japanese in line fours,so if its something that comes with time thats ok,or is there something else I should or shouldnt be doing Thanks in advance
I got a 999s a few weeks ago. 500 miles down the road I have just about got used to the throttle. It does bite early and there is heaps of torque low down the rev range. It's also geared very low so bobbing about in traffic it's difficult to be smooth. You spend a lot of time in 1st. When you get out on the open road it's much easier, but I'm now getting used to it in the slow stuff as well. You just need to be very smooth and controlled when rolling the throttle. There might be a fix for it, but I don't know of one.
If anything they tend to be geared high, you need a steady throttle and a fine feel for the clutch, if it's really snatchy it might need adjusting, find an empty car park & practice low speed manoeuvres you'll get used to it
Er, yes. Surely all in the clutch control. I don't find the 999 any different to any of the Ducatis I have had. When in first, you spend a lot of time slipping the clutch. But after nearly 30 years, I expect it's just 2nd nature to me.
Smaller gearbox sprocket to shorten the gearing makes a big difference in town. You'll still need to use the clutch though.
thanks,I have actually been getting round it by slipping the clutch,if this is normal then I will just crack on and get used to it
It is normal - you can imagine that at low revs, the power delivery of two big pistons banging up and down is not going to be as smooth and controllable as four smaller ones. It's a small price to pay though for that big wave of torque you get from 4,000 rpm or so. I really hate riding my 999 in town traffic, but it all becomes worthwhile once you're out on the open road.
Get the clutch biting/pulling , constant steady throttle for a bit more drive and cover the rear brake to add control ....more importantly look up and through your exit and the bike will follow smoothly .....it's 10% skills 90% ob's/looking ......this goes for ANY bike it just takes a bit more finesse on a duker , especially sports head down arse up .....get your chin up !!!!!
I have to say on the 848 the smaller front sprocket did help but there is a step in power when you open the throttle to pull away on my bike, once used too it it's fine
Yep, as pingpong says slip the clutch. twins are very lumpy low down and feathering the clutch and keeping throttle low works for me.
Go up a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket, or down one at the front Avanti Race Parts - Ducati Parts and Accessories for Road and Race Motorcycles. Services for Ducati Motorcycles. Race prep, Paintwork, ECU Repairs, Anodising and more! makes a real difference at slow speed raising the revs a bit making it smoother to ride.
Thanks folks, that's some useful advice - hoping to get my 999 on Thursday (my first Duke), so will try to remember that when I start making a pigs ear of it...
