Ducati Scrambler Classic -- Let the modding begin

[jhwalker]

Basically, the Scrambler has been perfect.

The ONLY mods that I am considering are:
engine and other low hanging components protection -- why? bike sits low, there is some 'spensive stuff hanging down there
more power -- why? just because. mo powr mo powr mo powr I think this is going to be a keeper, so it needs more power. No further thought required.
better exhaust -- why? To get that Ducati twin sound. Tetge is making me do it.
better suspension front and back -- why? Because part of my riding is on unimproved roads (almost like off-road) and I think I broke a tooth last week on a bump. Plus, I like to jump bikes. I would be terrified to jump this bike over anything. It is a great smooth pavement cruiser.

First I have to get that 1000 km service done. The jibba jabba about getting it done closer to San Miguel de Allende is smelling like just jibba jabba. So I think I will throw it into the back of a pickup, make the 380 km run to Guadalajara to the dealer, get it done, and drive back. I have been advised to not put "too many more kms" on it before the service. Whatever that means...

I really like this bike, and could ride it just the way it is. But... let the modding begin. It will be slower here due to the shipping and delivery...

[Tetge]

I saw my name, but, it was used in error as a weak excuse to do that which I highly recommend not doing, which is to modify a new Ducati, or, for that matter, any new machine. Of course, a minor modification to the stock exhaust that doesn't require a tune, and that allows a bit more exhaust note, is OK since it doesn't impact the engineering that the factory spent countless hours refining and perfecting to create a reliable street machine.

I will allow that modifications to suspension, if done properly, shouldn't hurt and upgrading tires and brake pads and installing braided lines and the like, also is harmless. Re-gearing is also OK. But, any major tweaks to the engine that require mods to the ECU, or a piggy back tuning tool, add layers of complication, are generally expensive, potentially stress the platform beyond it engineered limits, etc. And, the payoff for such engine mods, including down time while they are being made, is often minimal, due to the sound of one hand clapping phenomenon that I am well aware of. So, you end up with a faster than stock Ducati? That will only be revealed if you used the power. So basically, you will have to use the additional power to get satisfaction from making the mods. And, more power equals more speed. And more speed introduces it own set of considerations, as I have discovered with my new KTM.

So, I am not at all an accessory to, motivation for, or in agreement with mods to a brand new Ducati Scrambler. If it needs that much work to fit your requirements you should have got the water cooled top model of the hypermotard, with the totally adjustable suspension and supermoto type manners to handle bad roads and stuff. It would have had at least 100 water, and oil, cooled HP at the wheels. and an engineered design that called for and supported high performance riding. There is a reason that Ducati went to water cooling instead of simply hopping up the old tried and true air cooled engine. And, at the end of the day, it night not even have ended up costing any more, as it would have needed no mods other than a possible set of cans to let out some more exhaust note, which, would shame a Scrambler's best, since the bigger the Ducati twin, the more superb and evil the exhaust sounds.

So, this is my opinion, which I know is not at all in line with the thread starter's point of view.

But, I will observe this thread and hope for fully honest reports on how it all goes. It should be interesting.

[jhwalker]

You are only implicated in the exhaust. Or more precisely the noise from the exhaust since you have convinced me that the engine must be allowed to sing those marvelous Italian baritone notes.

Oh, and I just got a call back from the dealer who "can take care of the 1000 km warranty service" and he assured me that he can, but wanted me to know that Ducati will no longer honor my warranty -- -- which is where the conversation started.
James "Can you assure me that the factory warranty will remain in effect?"
Dealer "I am sure, but I will confirm".
Jeesh

[jhwalker]

"But, I will observe this thread and hope for fully honest reports on how it all goes. It should be interesting."

We may both be 100 years old before this crap gets done at the speed with which I am making progress.

[Tetge]

You are only implicated in the exhaust. Or more precisely the noise from the exhaust since you have convinced me that the engine must be allowed to sing those marvelous Italian baritone notes.

Oh, and I just got a call back from the dealer who "can take care of the 1000 km warranty service" and he assured me that he can, but wanted me to know that Ducati will no longer honor my warranty -- -- which is where the conversation started.
James "Can you assure me that the factory warranty will remain in effect?"
Dealer "I am sure, but I will confirm".
Jeesh

Warranty preservation is high on my list, dubious as it might be, so I paid the $350 for the 1000 km initial service even though it was basically an oil and filter change and cleaning a new chain and lubing it. I could have done it all for $50 (that Motorex oil is $20 a liter so oil changes cost more than usual). Because of extended service intervals, the next required service will be at 10000 km, and that will take more than the 1 year warranty for me to roll up. So, the dealer may never see my bike again. But, he has work to do in his back room all the time, and it is there that he makes most of his money due to his high labor charges, along with selling non discounted parts that can be picked up via the NET with a discounted price and free shipping and no 10% California sales tax. But, I consider preserving my warranty a good idea, as the KTM has a lot of sophisticated electronics and fixing them can be very expensive. I am hoping that if I do not get early failures, I may get lucky and get a good bike, as some bikes have tons of absolutely trouble free miles reported for them, and others are nothing but trouble. It is sort of luck of the draw it appears, which seems strange for a mass produced machine. But, the internet allows a lot of reporting, and that is what one sees.

So, if you are seeking to preserve the warranty, you have to be careful about mods, as they might attempt to void the warranty for even an aftermarket exhaust if you had an engine failure. Of course, if you really modify the engine, they certainly would void the warranty, and if you install a piggy back tuner, they would possible not fix electrical issues, etc. My stance is that they try to void warranties when ever they can, and this goes for all products.

All that said, I voided the warranty immediately with my new 5.0, but, I had more faith in Ford, than I do in KTM.

[jhwalker]

The Ducati warranty is 2 years, unlimited mileage. Emissions-related stuff is 5 years. Original parts are 2 years, unlimited miles.
They carve out light bulbs, fork seals (ha ha), and battery for less than 2 years.
Some folks are putting a ton of miles on these bikes and reporting out the couple of suspect areas. The swing arm connection is turning out to be suspect.

I so far have been lucky and have none of the chicken crap issues some have reported, and most report them immediately. I am optimistic (as always).

I will carefully consider each mod, but then I will do them anyway. It is my M.O. I am waiting for more of the leading edge experimenters to publish out what they are finding. I have not found the right exhaust for me yet. . Some look great, sound crappy, some the opposite. I will keep looking.

[Tetge]

I understand that you intend to mod. But, in that case, why be concerned about maintaining the warranty? May as well take it to the local mechanic and let him do the servicing, if he is reputed to be good. It actually should not void the warranty if he does all the required actions properly and it is documented, unless he lacks the proper tools to do everything. As an example, no one has cracked the latest code for the KTM ECU, so beginning with the 2012 690 Duke's it was no longer possible to flash the ECU. This meant that only piggy backs could be used. The Power Commander V, is considered the best of that lot, and costs $399 at least. But, it is not simple to install, and it is best adjusted by a tuner, on a dyno, who really knows their stuff. And, of course, every tuner claims to know their stuff and claim that they create individualized maps. But, how does one know? In any case, it is not inexpensive, and, if you get a hack tuner, it might end up causing very expensive engine failure. And, all for a bit more power, that, in my case at least, is not really necessary to thoroughly scare myself.

But, then again, I am a coward by nature and not a real risk taking maniac. For instance, jumping a motorcycle has never caught my fancy as I am of that old, you are not accelerating while in the air, school. I also attempt to avoid wheelies, and, when at the drag strip I prefer no spinning of tires. We shall not even speak of what I think about drifting, sliding, going sideways, or flat tracking. Thrill seekers always seem drawn toward the very things that I run from, and, for this reason, I never can understand their behavior.

So, as I stated, I will keep my eye on this thread, having seen it on its way with my deposit of vast, and reasonable, undeniable, reason.

[jhwalker]

I think that this 1000 km service is the only mandatory "take it to the dealer" service. I want to get that first 2500 km on it, and make sure the engine sounds good before tinkering with the things that will make it just a touch more peppy. Of course that is when I will be able to finally rev it. I believe that I mentioned before that it warns the rider at 8900 rpm, and then all hell breaks loose with the gauges at 12,000 rpm. I think 8900 will be my max. But I think the sweet spot so far been 4500-6000 hmmm... and I have only revved it to 6000. I am sure that is just a coinkeydinky .

[Brakelate]

Whoa Whoa Whoa here Cowboys.

I need some quick, clarification. After all that I just read, I am a little confused as to what you are saying;

Ducati Is Not currently honoring your warranty due to an issue like the slight over due initial service?

OR;

They are just notifying you that, should you Mod the bike in any way, the whole warranty will be voided type of thing?


*Remember, I blew the fork seals on my brand new Hayabusa - the top of the Suzuki "food chain" in 2008 and they refused to repair or replace them.
Then again, I had subjected the bike to a "Frank Ride", due to Tetge's influence and utter insistence. And, it had been admittedly subjected to some, uh
rather high speed wheelies. Most of which were absolutely not initiated by myself as the rider. It repeatedly lifted the front wheel, the first night at Famoso, as an example.
But, I thought it was chicken shit of them not to have covered it, with such proclaimed high quality components (Black Carbon Diamond whatever it's called coated fork tubes, upside down, fully adjustable whiz-bam stuff). AND, the bike obviously had it in it's nature do loft the front wheel when ridden "accordingly", as I would argue, as it was designed and intended.

Suzuki, not as Chicken Shit as AV Ford, who voided my '01 Mustang Cobra's entire Platinum Premium Extended Service Plan (warranty) based soley on the addition of a DROP IN K&N filter! Which was claimed to have been fouling out the MAF due to "over oiling". That was all absolutely debunked, when K&N engineers SUBMERGED an MAF sensor IN OIL and it still worked, as intended.

So much for a "More Focused Thread".

[jhwalker]

So far all is cool. They are just asking me to get the 1000 km initial service and checkover done by a real Ducati dealer. Not my friend...

Regarding warranty with Ford, I would drive Piggie into Vista, roll bar in place, top down, those M/T bias ply tires on the back, skinnies on the front, the exhaust --- and they would laugh like hell, and I would let the service writer take it around the block, telling him to watch the corners with those tires. Warranty intact. Oh yes, and the burnout rubber not cleaned.