Tard... and I ain't talking 'bout the Hyper - Ducati.ms

MarksFriggin · Apr 8th, 2008, 7:11 pm

I've been waiting until the warm weather returns to get my trip meter fixed since my dealer didn't have the DDS update back in September when I had my 600 mile service done. At that time the tech told me that the flash update for the computer, when available, would fix the trip meter and also fix a stalling problem by richening up the idle mix.

I called my dealer today to ask if I could stop by to get the update done. He checked my VIN and tells me that my bike DOES NOT NEED the trip meter fix. Uhh, yes it does. "Not according to the Ducati computer system..." he tells me. Um, yes it does. "Well bring it in and we'll check to see if it needs the update." It needs the friggin update, why is that so hard to understand? The trip meter is useless, there's a fix for it, my bike needs it.

Then the guy tells me that he has a Hyper and he thought his needed the update as well because "...it's off by 5 miles per hour." What the hell? TRIP METER, not speedometer.

Then he tells me that I need the license plate bracket update and the hand guard update. That's fine but why the hell doesn't Ducati N.A. notifiy its customers about this stuff? No notifications at all.

I thought that I had picked a competent dealer last year when I made this purchase. Now I'm having second thoughts. Might be time to find a new dealer.

speedfreak · Apr 8th, 2008, 7:27 pm

Don't even get me started about about my local dealer in Des Moines where I just dropped my bike off at. TOTAL IDIOTS! My bike probably won't even run when I get it back.

AXE · Apr 8th, 2008, 7:34 pm

Maybe they need a service manual! He should have gotten one free with his Hyper too!

Out!

slowpoke · Apr 8th, 2008, 8:17 pm

Wait, license plate bracket and handguard update? WTF is this stuff? I've come to the conclusion that ALL Ducati dealers are clueless.

MarksFriggin · Apr 8th, 2008, 9:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Wait, license plate bracket and handguard update? WTF is this stuff? I've come to the conclusion that ALL Ducati dealers are clueless.

Yeah, but it seems like Ducati North America is clueless too. It would be nice if they notified their customers about these things. The hand guard update is to protect some exposed wires. License plate bracket is apparently prone to falling apart. Gotta love early production bikes.

speedfreak · Apr 8th, 2008, 9:45 pm

I took mine up to have the ecu put on and to see why it is running so bad. I told him I wanted the tps reset after the ecu gets put on and the tech just stared at me like a pig looking at a watch. He had no idea what I was talking about. Don't even get me started about balance the cylinders, set the CO, and the recalls. I might as well have been speaking a made up language. He actually had to write this stuff down so he wouldn't forget this new weird stuff I wanted done to my bike.

debby · Apr 9th, 2008, 8:25 am

My dealer actually called about the license plate bracket. But when I stopped by with the bike they couldn't find the part they assured me was in stock! So another one is making its way over from Italy via tuna boat. It should arrive in a few weeks or so

I had to tell them about the turn signal wiring thing. The service manager got on his computer and found the technical service bulletin about it. So that's supposed to be on the tuna boat as well.

I don't know what would happen if I asked about TPS reset etc. Probably the old "deer in headlights" look. I thought I'd try Boulder Motorsports when I'm ready to install the ecu and exhaust stuff.

Debby

dukepilot · Apr 9th, 2008, 10:39 am

Its disturbing to hear that the techs at these dealers are clueless about basic things such as resetting the TPS, fuel trim and balancing/synching the throttle bodies. In California, they may be further limited by CARB regulations that may result in substantial fines for "illegal" modifications.

I don't mind investing in the tools to do this stuff myself. At least I know its done correctly. If I screw it up, I try to learn how to correct it. This stuff is not hard to do and it could save you from unnecessary downtime and frustrating trips to the dealership.

zekiel · Apr 9th, 2008, 12:23 pm

So...Peter....how do you do it? Reset the TPS etc.

dukepilot · Apr 9th, 2008, 2:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by zekiel

So...Peter....how do you do it? Reset the TPS etc.

I purchased the VDSTS - Vehicle Diagonostic Scan Tool Software produced by Technoresearch. You can get it from CA Cycleworks, American Sportbike, or desmotimes. Actually, the software is free, what you are paying for is the cable and USB Serial Adapter. Simply load the software, connect the cable from your laptop to the diagnostic port next to the ECU, then go into Active Settings and reset the TPS. Simple as that.

To synch the throttle bodies you will need a carb synch tool, several are available, I like the Morgan Carbtune.

If you have the DP ECU, you can also adjust your fuel trim but you will need a gas tester to do this right. I'm using an inexpensive Gunson Gas Tester. You want to set the trim so that you have 4-6% CO from each cylinder. You will also need an adaptor for each headpipe. I had one made by Bridge Analytics. I also use the gas tester when adjusting the air bleeds. These should be .25 to .5 turns out. When adjusted properly, your idle should be at 1300 rpm with very little fluctuation.

Zekiel, if you're in the bay area, and need some help, let me know. I've worked on several HMs in the area and the owners of those bikes seem to be pleased with the results with the adjustments we made.