My intro to the world of ducati...not a good one

[mdemers883]

Well, I bought a new 08 hypermotard. Around 190 miles I developed the stalling issue. Went to the dealer, no tech staff on hand on Sunday and Monday. So, not much help there. Drop the bike off at my next available time, which was a Wednesday. I get a voicemail on Friday saying that the o2 sensor was bad and they had that part in stock. They also broke a hose clamp during the process and said they would need to order it. So, I show up on Saturday to pick up the bike. Well, they said since I hadn't returned their call they hadn't installed anything. This is a new one to me. I always figured when you brought in a bike for warranty work, they would perform the work. I mean, if they messed up my brakes would they wait for my call back on that or send me home with no brakes. Rather common sense. So, now the plot thickens. They said they can't get the hose clamp in till September since Ducati takes the month of August off and they don't ship anything from Italy during that month (anybody ever heard of this?)They need to hold the bike longer sice they didn't install the o2 sensor...and all the ducati techs (except for one) are out at the races...and that remaining tech has the day off (Friday). I see the service dept is right on top of scheduling So, now (yesterday) they call me and say the problem is the ecm and they are ordering one for me and I'll have it in a week. Now, this is interesting. I thought it was the o2 sensor and how come they can get me a ecm in a week but the hose clamp takes weeks? So far, I'm quiet unimpressed by my whole experience.

[MarksFriggin]

Welcome to the world of Italian motorcycles.

It is true that Ducati takes the month of August off. Maybe the ECM is in stock here in the States.

Don't be surprised when the stalling returns about 2-3 weeks after they install the new ECU. That's what happened to me. Then they replaced the exhaust flapper valve, no fix.

The stalling seems to have been fixed after my most recent visit but they didn't actually find anything "wrong" with the bike. They just checked and made sure that everything was set to factory specs and it's been running okay ever since.

[jdubcee]

I've heard the same thing about the August issue. But I've order two parts this month and got them in about ten days. I'm glad I have several Ducati dealers near me because sounds like you need options.

[scooter]

My understanding is that it's not just Ducati. August is vacation month for Italy. So, it's Ducati as well as Ducati's suppliers. A couple of years ago I bought my first Duc in August and ordered a few accessories the day I picked up the bike. Don't remember exactly when they finally came in but I do remember it wasn't in August.

Parts are another matter, as is your dealer's strange scheduling practices. Sure, every bike shop I know of is closed Sunday and Monday but the ones I know have service departments that are cranking every other day of the week during riding season. Sadly, the parts dealers stock vary wildly from dealer to dealer. I too had a faulty ECU but the dealer had one in stock and fitted it immediately. As for hose clamps, I'm not sure what clamp you're talking about but it seems to me the dealer should be able to figure out something until the OEM replacement arrives.

[ak57]

Ducati factory closed every August i'm waiting for parts .
in my case the dealer provided another bike.
I would rather have to go through all of this, then to ride Japan