[zodom]

I'm picking up a new to me 03 999 this week and wanted to know some of the common issues that come with these bikes. I have talked to one owner and was informed about some fuel pumps that are bad from ducati. If you can let me know of any other issues that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[ducnial]

None that I know or heard of. My 04' 999S track bike has been rock solid even after running it hard and crashing :bawling:. 99% of it depends how well the previous owner(s) cared for it, or didn't.

 

[zodom]

The previous owner has really neglected the bike. It has been sitting for about 8 years, it has been laid down on both sides. Mirror were replaced with some ugly ones and the fairings are rashed to hell.

 

[zodom]

The last picture is from the underside where the fairing has been on the exhaust pipe

 

[Aussie_Bob]

749/999 air filters
Testastretta Cam Belt Tensioners

From - Ducati Points to Watch For

 

[zodom]

That is an awesome link. Thanks Bob

 

[aftriathlete]

Weak starter circuits. The solution of choice is usually the Motolectric starter circuit upgrade cable kit.

 

[zodom]

I'm hoping none of this happens to me anytime soon since the bike has 190 miles on it but it has been sitting for a long time

 

[vesrah]

Ignition coils and the early 59M ECU.
You can use coils off an 848/1098/1198/etc as they are cheaper/newer. ECU - buy a 5AM from an 848 or something and flash it with GuzziDiag.

 

[zodom]

How common is the ecu failure?

 

[Tuned]

How common is the ecu failure?

It's not common at all. In fact, none of these problems are truly 749/999 specific. The 848/1098/1198 have the same, if not MORE problems because there were more made and sold.

 

[zodom]

Ok let me rephrase the question. What are some of the items you would replace (other than belts and hoses) on an 03 999 that has been sitting since 2008?

 

[Tuned]

Ohh gee… I'd just do a full 15k maintenance on the machine, including all fluids, belts, fuel filter/air filters and checking the clutch plates, etc. I'd also replace the battery with something more modern, most issues on Ducati's come from damaged batteries. Tires will most likely be bad and so will the chain, so two other things to think about. The wheel bearings and swing arm bearings could also be bad, depending on if it was ever sat on or moved in that time frame. I don't have the 15k maintenance breakdown sheet, but if you do a google search, you should be able to find it. That will give you a list of what to do, so you don't forget.

 

[zodom]

A lot of that was going to be taken care of anyway. The tires, oddly enough, are in ok shape for how long it has been sitting. The bike only has 190 miles on it. Motor has not been started or opened up since roughly 2008. She is going to need some love to get back to shape but I plan on bringing her back. Ill more than likely post up a few pics once I get her torn apart and let you guys see what ill be working with.

So the only thing extra that you would replace are the bearings, if needed. I have moved the bike myself and it doesn't feel like the bearings are bad. The front end is going to be swapped for a full ohlins set up once I get the bike home so front wheel bearing should be no problem.

The fork seals seem ok for now but once again going to be no factor. And any advice on where to get some inexpensive mirrors and a headlight fairing would be greatly appreciated as those will need to be replaced, damaged.

 

[Tuned]

I'd still be worried about the tires. It's not about wear, it's about ozone. The rubber literally falls apart over time and most tires max shelf life is 5 years. It would suck to be riding the thing and the tire totally delaminated on you. Remember, the only thing between you and the ground is the quality of rubber.

 

[zodom]

Those will be replaced but they are good enough to roll on, test and tune, and get me to the shop to have them replaced.

 

[Mrfantastical]

I'm surprised the air bubble in the clutch line wasn't mentioned. As far as I know it's not something that can be fixed. You basically have to bleed the line every so often. Otherwise the air bubble will depressurize when you pull the clutch and make shifting gear extremely difficult. You have to turn off the engine, and then turn it back on to rest everything for awhile.

 

[vesrah]

I'm surprised the air bubble in the clutch line wasn't mentioned. As far as I know it's not something that can be fixed. You basically have to bleed the line every so often. Otherwise the air bubble will depressurize when you pull the clutch and make shifting gear extremely difficult. You have to turn off the engine, and then turn it back on to rest everything for awhile.

Throw a speed bleeder in. I bleed my front brakes and clutch twice a month - before every trackday - it's completely painless and takes five minutes.

 

[Tuned]

As far as I know it's not something that can be fixed..

I'm pretty sure this issue is across all of the later Ducati superbikes, as people have the same issues with their 848/1098/1198's.

I'm also pretty sure the problem is the slave cylinder. Replacing the slave with a larger piston one is a prerequisite for any Ducati, as the stock clutch pull can wear you out quickly when riding in stop/go traffic.

 

[Mrfantastical]

I'm pretty sure this issue is across all of the later Ducati superbikes, as people have the same issues with their 848/1098/1198's.

I'm also pretty sure the problem is the slave cylinder. Replacing the slave with a larger piston one is a prerequisite for any Ducati, as the stock clutch pull can wear you out quickly when riding in stop/go traffic.

I replaced out my slave with a yoyodine overthruster. The pull was much better, but I still get the "bubble" occasionally.