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597 Posts
So, as I came around the last sweeper, one which is normally taken around 150kph + I came onto the straight. WOT, up through the gears, I noticed 220kph on the last gear change, again WOT. Thats when i started to shake my ass around a bit thinking momentarily Termi's a bit hot today. All of a sudden it was like a blowtorch burning my ass, not them teeny little one ones but the big MF's the builders use. I turned my head slightly and saw flames, well... you think Dovi is good on the brakes, I was on fire! No way was I jumping ship, I'm the guy who never gives up. All the time whilst braking I was burning, it was days later I noticed the zip tie on the fork and laughed out loud. When finally I came to a stop the flames all came upwards lighting up the fuel cap, that was the moment I thought I could very possibly die here so I jumped off breaking the left mirror as the bike hit the ground. Straight away I was back to the bike, I turned off the ignition cutting the fuel flow and started in vain to put out the fire with my hands. My hands were burning and the flames were laughing and dancing that fkn' fire dance knowing I had zero chance of putting it out. From nowhere a car had stopped behind me and a guy approached with a dry powder extinguisher (sent by the Ducati God no less), seconds later the fire was out, Bob was saved. Police and Fire Dept arrived some time later when I was waiting for recovery. Police here are cool, they don't chase you or try to stop you, the officer had to ask my plate number for the report as mine must have burned off in the fire. >
High five to CY Police. I got 2nd degree burns to my ass and inner thighs, my boots got burned as did my leathers. Folks always ask me why I always wear full gear when its 30+c, I tell them its because you never know how your rides going to end. Looking forward to getting it all fixed up and back on the road/track riding again.
WHY?
Well, I've had seven days to research this and I'm not the first 749/999 to burst into flames. Common denominator IS plastic 'Quick Disconnectors'. These are positioned directly under the tank and on top of the engine where heat cycles have over time degraded them. I have to assume those on my bike were originals therefor 12 yo, I'm p*ssed I never knew about this as its not much money for an easy fix and piece of mind. Now I have huge expense as the only insurance cover available in this country for motorcycles is 'Third Party Only" sucks right. So my advice is..... if you have plastic QD's change them regularly! Personally ill change mine from now forward every 12-18 month, once bitten... Big thanks to Jussi and Tally for all of the background help over on the 749/999 FB Forum. Ride Safe.
WHY?
Well, I've had seven days to research this and I'm not the first 749/999 to burst into flames. Common denominator IS plastic 'Quick Disconnectors'. These are positioned directly under the tank and on top of the engine where heat cycles have over time degraded them. I have to assume those on my bike were originals therefor 12 yo, I'm p*ssed I never knew about this as its not much money for an easy fix and piece of mind. Now I have huge expense as the only insurance cover available in this country for motorcycles is 'Third Party Only" sucks right. So my advice is..... if you have plastic QD's change them regularly! Personally ill change mine from now forward every 12-18 month, once bitten... Big thanks to Jussi and Tally for all of the background help over on the 749/999 FB Forum. Ride Safe.
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