| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
I was SO HAPPY after I got the "77" connector fixed and verified the battery was now charging...started packing up the ol' Uly for a 300-mile ride to Taos and back for Thursday. I was gonna finally get up into the northern NM mountains! I know so many great roads (both paved and dirt) up there... Up bright and early this morning (er, as early as my "celebration" last night allowed) and it looked like a beautiful day. Chance of showers, but that just cools it down, and they never last long. Yowza! At the 43-mile mark I passed through the old mining town of Madrid (now resurrected as kind of a new-age hangout ...actually kinda cool). And right after that is an EPIC few miles of curves; some of my favorites. And I had CLEAR ROAD ahead of me. And the Uly carved through 'em all just as good as ever...except that the bars are now bent. I'm surprised that just falling off my loading ramp would bend the bars. Actually the triple clamp looks a little tweaked, too (e.g. dashboard is misaligned when riding straight ahead). Oh well, get home and loosen everything in the front end and retighten after making sure all is correct. Then remove bars and try to straighten (take to department machine shop if I can't do it, "Dave" can definitely handle it). By the way, when it fell off the loading ramp it wrapped my light bar right round the fork brace, kind of a nice curve to it now:  At 47.8 miles (GPS) it all came to an end. The engine quit just like I hit the kill switch. "Blasted BAS," I thought, and reset it. It acts up occasionally. No good. As I coasted to a stop I thought, "no, no...NOT AGAIN...NOT AGAIN!!! Battery was fine, and cranked the engine strongly, but no start. The CEL did its flashing after ignition on, indicating a code awaited me. Great. Get out the iPhone. Of course I hadn't yet gotten my towing service arranged, so guess who I call? Yep, Mrs. Greg to the rescue! Except there was no cell service (welcome to New Mexico and AT&T...we have you covered, except when you need us). So I ended up walking about a quarter mile to a NMDOT maintenance yard and used their phone. Mrs. Greg certainly knew the drill by now, and promised to leave as quickly as possible. This time my son Jeff would accompany her, and she'd bring the car + trailer (air conditioning and easier loading, even though the trailer lights don't currently work). She'd be there in about an hour and a half. At least it wasn't as hot as before:  And it was partly cloudy with a nice breeze. A fine day in which to wait by the side of the road. Since I wasn't loaded for camping, I didn't have my folding chair with me (I better add that to my "day ride" list). While I was waiting there, THREE cars stopped to check my situation. ALL were "old hippies," driving clapped-out cars of various types. Now I'm sure you guys know this, but the folks driving nice cars/trucks won't give you the time of day; it's the "lower strata" of society that actually cares about their fellow man. I've seen it time and again. Kids that do fundraising door-to-door dread going through the rich neighborhoods. The last guy that stopped was the best. His name was "Jeff" (hey, just like my son) and he was driving a late-70s Lincoln Continental. After he understood that help was on the way, he wondered if I were riding a KTM? Pretty good guess, but no...it was the orange that inspired him. Some buddy of his just got a KTM 990, so he knew about KTM's. And after THAT, he asked if I'd like a beer? "You betcha!!" Hey, it was almost 11:00 in the morning... This one's for YOU, Jeff!  And it was even a pretty good beer...  Finally Jeff took off, spinning a nice brody (brodie?) in his Lincoln as he drove across the dirt shoulder to turn around. A good man. And the NM tasted darned good. Between it and an H.P. Lovecraft story I was reading on the iPhone I managed to pass the time fairly enjoyably, considering my situation. Mrs. Greg and Jeff (the other Jeff) arrived and we loaded the Uly w/o dropping it (Uly used to be a "him," but now he's an "it"). The 50-mile trip back home was easier than the truck (and more economical, my 2002 VW Golf TDI diesel gets 50 mpg on its own, 35 mpg pulling the trailer).  So where do I go from here? Fellas---as you can imagine---I've just about had it with the Uly. I'll use the jumper and get the error code out tonight, but honestly...I just don't think I can trust this thing for the kind of multi-day (hell, single-day) trips I like to take. Yes, I DO have a 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 on order (had several amazing test rides, even though I dropped it on the first one), but something tells me it's not gonna be here till the end of the summer at the earliest. Dealer doesn't seem to be too interested in keeping me apprised on its status. I need another bike, and quickly. THIS summer and fall are special for me: I've arranged to have more time off (largely gone now; back to work next Tuesday) during the summer and actually some time off in the Fall! I am tied to the academic schedule, and I can NEVER take a vacation in the Fall. But the Uly has let me down, and really screwed up my summer. No Homecoming, no camping trips, no day rides...nothing. Blasted thing. I haven't test-ridden the F800GS, but its suspension is non-adjustable, and that would be hard to take. You may remember I rode the R1200GS and pretty much liked it, but it's TOO DARN BIG for my modest stature. Not really interested in a KTM 990, but I could buy one off the showroom floor tomorrow, and owners say they're a blast to ride. But the engine is completely enclosed, and---as a mechanical engineer---I always like to have the engine at least partially visible. And maintenance is non-trivial, but I'm pretty good at maintenance. I just don't know. Not interested in a Strom or a Tiger. Guys, I still love riding the Uly, but... ...when it died again this morning I simply could NOT believe it. Neither could Mrs. Greg. --Doc | ||
| Towpro |
I just spend 700 miles with a guy who was riding an F800gs. He had no dirt experience, but after a couple miles I could not shake him on stone/dirt roads. He has a ton of on road experience, and at times I was beating the he$4 out of the Uly to keep up with him in the twisties. but like you said, the suspension would probably bother me. The first thing he did was change the seat (he is a shorter person) but he said the stock seat felt like riding a dirt bike. It don't look like a 2up bike either. | ||
| Rwven |
Negra Modelo! He must have really took a shine to you Doc! | ||
| Mad_doctor |
Hey Dr.Greg, I am truly sorry to hear about your luck. I have had pretty good luck with my uly, she is an 08 XT, but, there is a duc dealer in Winchester VA. Where one of my customers are located. It's called the Duc pond. They have a multistrada on the floor, (last time I knew). They are great people, and will treat you right. I hate to see you change colors, but I understand, it can get pretty darned frustrating. Best of luck, Tim | ||
| Rwven |
Shame about your trip though, it's probably some stupid little thing wrong with it too. But believe me, I understand how they add up after awhile... | ||
| Buellerxt |
Dr.Greg quote: " Now I'm sure you guys know this, but the folks driving nice cars/trucks won't give you the time of day; it's the "lower strata" of society that actually cares about their fellow man. I've seen it time and again. Kids that do fundraising door-to-door dread going through the rich neighborhoods".Unquote What an ignorant a** comment! I hope you keep to the subject matter in class and keep this kind of stereotypical crap to yourself. Wow! Drive a nice car and you don't care about your fellow man! What garbage. That is stupid, in spades, Greg! On another note, sorry to hear about your continuing Uly problems. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
Jesus, Doc you gotta be as frustrated as I was when I found out my prom date was wearing a chastity belt. Man. Give some thought to a Triumph Scrambler. Mine seems to be bullet proof. | ||
| Florida_lime |
I can feel your Pain, Doc. My Uly sits in the garage most of the time now, only because I can't trust it to even make the 25 mile trip to work. I keep working on it, and have got through the skip spark BS with Etennuly's temporary cure, but still need to trace out another running problem. Also, the Ducati shop I work at (part-time, in sales) delivered a white 1200 last weekend that was ordered about the same time that you ordered yours, so hang in there !  | ||
| Redbuell_really_gives_you_wings |
Commiserations Doc. I thought youd have taken your own advice by now and moved up to a late model Uly. Im dreading the day i make a call similar to yours due to lack of trust. My Buell jackets would look funny while riding a harley. Hope you nut it out once and for all soon! And i too have noticed the type of people who assist others in times of need. | ||
| Desert_uly |
My problem with this is the guys on some off the wall Ducati web site are soon going to get all of the Dr Greg stories and we will be left with "fan runs too much" and "no tread on tires after 2000 miles" stories. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Doc, I think with being stranded twice in a week's time and sitting out on the roadside in the heat, a Ducati Multistrats would be looking mighty nice right about now! I've had good luck with my Uly but once it starts letting me down and leaving me stranded, I'll be moving on. I still have the original 77 connector on my 2006 Keep us posted! | ||
| Rotorhead |
DOC, Maybe you should get one of those SPOT trackers to back up the wonderful AT&T coverage. Sorry to hear she is treating you bad. Sit, think, drink and repeat as needed and the answer to your problems will come. Although it is really crappy timing. | ||
| Bosh |
I don't know... If you're looking for super reliability, well personally... I wouldn't be looking at another first year bike with more electronic gizmos and doo-dads than you can shake a stick at. The Ducati 1200 already has some fueling issues that are fairly well documented. I think I'd either fix the 12X or get something used to get me through the summer and see what develops with the ducky. I know how it is though when you get that new bike bug, and that MS1200 is one sweet ride. | ||
| Bosh |
P.S. You've already seen what kind of service you are going to get from your local Ducati dealer. | ||
| Bdrag |
Dr_greg Thank you Dr. You have just made my mind up for me. I am heading to Colorado in a few weeks. Trailer to there from DFW area. A/C in the summer is nice and the wear on rear tires is bad for me so I hate using up a tire just gettin there and back. Your story has made me decide to haul BOTH my 2004 VStrom 1000 and the Buell. I was gonna do a belt and take just the Uly in my pick up but now I will just take the trailer with both bikes and take the Strom on our ride from Salida to Moab and back. I bought the Uly because it was a deal. I hope like hell it will not have or give me any reasons to not feel confident in it. Thats why I am still dragging it along for DAY rides from my buddies place. The strom has 55,000 plus HARD miles and looks like its gonna get a few more. The ONLY thing the Strom has ever done bad to me is its got an irritating issue with an intermittent low idle stall out and die issue its had from day 6 months. HAhahaaa. I just keep a phillips in the tank bag and ride. If it acts up I idle it up to 2000 rpm and after a gas stop or a day or whatever changes it I will idle it back down when it fixes itself. So sorry to hear about the Uly and completly understand the frustration. I hope my Uly will convence me eventually that its the trip bike I want it to be.... BDRAG | ||
| Ejbeert |
patience grass-hopper | ||
| Itileman |
Dr. G - have been following your problems with some trepidation. Will be taking my 09 XT for a ten day ride in the back country of Montana and it will be mostly dirt. If it survives this trip (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50 3890), I'll feel a whole lot better about it. Only problem I've had in the past was a failed coil that left me stranded in Chugwater, WY, last July after riding in CO for a week. Now, it appears that the BAS is acting up as it stalled twice 100 miles from home after a 1k mile weekend ride. At the dealers now for a diagnosis. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
My suggestion: Take a step back away from the high tech stuff and get a KLR650. | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Doc, My '06 Uly started acting up. Main components, engine/trans no problems, but the electrical gremlins can be a frustrating nightmare. Most of the electrical problems in my case where due to wires being rubbed through. Either the main harness, plug wires, fuel pump wires. My user analysis is that the wiring specs. may look good on paper, but in reality they ignored the curves/bends resulting in wires being routed extremely tight. Over time the wire insulation wears off and causes malfunctions. I brought a time tested Honda St1300. I moved on, just let it go. Bob | ||
| Jim_williams |
Bosh, that is exactly why I'm waiting for the 2011 Multistrada. Doc, I saw a 1200 MTS on the floor at the Ducati dealer in San Diego, Ca on India st just last week. The bikes are out there. Maybe, you can get your deposit back and do a fly/ride? | ||
| Sleez |
bdrag, i just put over 4800 miles going to homecoming and back two up on an 08 X, not one problem with the bike. unless you are having problems, quit worrying and ride. if you don't want any excitement, take a bus! | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
As it has already been stated. The wiring harness on these things is somewhat of a weak point to an extent. Ive had no issues with them with normal everyday riding, BUT I have had a HUGE amount of issues after bikes have been dropped (even just minor lowsides). I would check your harness up by the triple trees (by the bend). Wiggle the harness while trying to start it, you may be very surprised with what you find. | ||
| Nadz |
Doc, you spin a good yarn. Your non-riding tales are better than most trip reports! It's when things go wrong that people's character shows, and it's good to hear there are still Good Samaritans out there. Sorry I can't comiserate, but I've never had a problem (/jinx). If it makes you feel better- we had to fix almost every Harley on my most recent trip. Everything from an oil line in the parking lot to a full-engine teardown for gaskets. H-D's break a lot, but there's parts everywhere and they're easy to fix. | ||
| Jphish |
Geez Doc - I dont know anyone who takes more meticulous care of their Uly (Even change fork oil as per schedule!) and this is what happens. Had 2 "trip stopper" malfunctions in first 5K with my 08'X - bought the 06' Tiger as 'spare' - Uly has since run flawlessly (well... almost) for last 20+K with only 1 minor problem. I think it's the threat of replacement that makes 'em behave - maybe the Uly doesnt yet know you've ordered a 'Duc'? - once it arrives Uly will run like a deer...er, make that a Road Runner. I can understand your frustration - you've been the paragon of patience with this thing. TTFN, j | ||
| Mnrider |
I did not know there was a "lower strata" of society. | ||
| Ronmold |
C'mon Mn, you know the "lower strata" those of us that live outside of D.C.! | ||
| Pso |
2 times stranded on the road and once almost, all due to electrical problems. Cannot depend on bike for 1K trips, no teven sure of it for 26 mile commute anymore. I am also looking for alternative bike. I thought Lucas was bad on my old MG. | ||
| Mnrider |
Yea we're just the fly over states. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Doc, You seem to be a victim of the "Self Fulfilling Prophecy :A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true, by the very terms of the prophecy itself, due to positive feedback between belief and behavior." You are so sure that your bike is going to have a problem that your worry causes it to happen. You may be indirectly sabotaging your fixes by not looking far enough during the troubleshooting phase of the fix. OK, you have a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering for gosh sakes. I've only got a masters degree in Engineering but many years of experience in trouble shooting mechanical systems. You know these bikes better than most since you have practically dismantled them down to their components. The bike cranks strongly so it is either a matter of SPARK or FUEL, or at least those are the most obvious culprits. Either one of those shouldn't be too hard to track down. Before you go to the trouble of pulling that fuel pump, first make sure the power wire to the pump hasn't unplugged itself. Good luck and most of all, hang in there. You'll probably kick yourself when you find out the root cause. Let us know because we are all interested. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I don't know about the lower strata of society but I do believe there is good and evil out there. I also believe that people are getting way too caught up in accumulating unnecessary stuff, society in general is regressing and that over population is at hand. |
