Handlebar Clamp Weak Too?! - Ducati.ms

typhon · Jan 21st, 2009, 1:00 am

I removed my DP handlebar bag. Boy am I glad that I did! Look what I found

I have read a lot of posts that stated that the handlebars were weak. I guess maybe the clamp should be added to the list. Anybody else have a problem with this?

GHEZZI · Jan 21st, 2009, 4:31 am

Just a simple case of wrong tightening sequence, it's that simple.

When you get the new clamp, put it on the kitchen table and then get down to table height and see how it doesn't sit flat on the table.

If there is a centre pop mark or arrow on one side, that will generally indicate the forward side (between bars and instruments).

If you push down on that side so the under surface is flat on the table, the rear side will have approx 3mm of clearance from the table.

If you tighten the rear first the clamp will be cock eyed and possibly brake.

Consult your dealer.

bullet3z · Jan 21st, 2009, 9:09 am

I would hope that the dealer would cover that under warranty.

Have you ever removed the clamp yourself? When the bikes are shipped over in the boxes are the handle bars attached to the clamp?

MongoWERA · Jan 21st, 2009, 9:20 am

Why would the warranty cover user errors? Someone over tightened it and didn't balance out how they tightened it.

josephvman · Jan 21st, 2009, 9:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoWERA

Why would the warranty cover user errors? Someone over tightened it and didn't balance out how they tightened it.

The OP didn't say he ever touched the clamp. The warranty covers manufacturing errors all the time. My brand new Hyper had a bolt head snapped off on one of the rear exhaust side covers.

MongoWERA · Jan 21st, 2009, 10:02 am

In this case it's most likely a dealer error if he didn't touch it in which case yeah they should cover it. But I can't see a dealer not noticing they did that one. Weird.

Caidly · Jan 21st, 2009, 10:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoWERA

Why would the warranty cover user errors? Someone over tightened it and didn't balance out how they tightened it.

Because the over-tightener may have been an employee of Ducati (either factory or dealership) and not necessarily the end-user.

bullet3z · Jan 21st, 2009, 11:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoWERA

Why would the warranty cover user errors? Someone over tightened it and didn't balance out how they tightened it.

That is why I asked him if he ever removed the upper clamp himself.

If the handle bars are put on at the dealership then it is the dealers fault. If the bars are clamped down at the factory before shipment then it is the factory's fault. Either way these 2 reasons in my mind should be covered under warranty.

MongoWERA · Jan 21st, 2009, 11:07 am

I'm about 90% sure they're not up and in the stock position in the crate so I'm leaning towards dealer or the OP. I didn't catch at first that he might not have tightened them himself.

Caidly · Jan 21st, 2009, 11:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoWERA

I'm about 90% sure they're not up and in the stock position in the crate so I'm leaning towards dealer or the OP. I didn't catch at first that he might not have tightened them himself.

Sean- did your 2009 season start yet? LRRS is starting a MW Production Twins class in hopes CCS and WERA will pick up on it. Have you heard anything about this?

EDIT- Sry, should have been a PM.