[oleary]

Just got a call from my dealer. The pick-up of my new V4 will be delayed AGAIN.

Quote, "It includes new radiator ducting and a second coolant expansion bottle amongst other small improvements."

I ordered the bike last October. I specifically asked for the full Akrapovic which I knew would delay it a bit.

First was the software recall for the Akra system, then the gas cap/fuel vent order recall.

So all get that fixed and guess what, this morning we have another one.

This very loyal Ducati dealer is somewhat pissed.

 

[dflowerz]

Sorry to hear that. Very frustrating for sure! I still have not decided whether or not I will purchase a V4s, but I may just wait until the small problems get ironed out. Normally I have no problem buying a new model, but this one is a bit different.

 

[oleary]

If I didn't have Stage 4 cancer I would wait for the 2019's.

It is BLINDINGLY clear to me this bike was rushed out the door without adequate testing.

For the price I definitely WOULD NOT do this again - and I already own 4 Ducatis.

 

[Tommyboy]

It is odd that they are having such significant problems with the V4, but I guess that's what happens when you bring your first MotoGP bike to the masses. Sorry to hear you're stuck waiting still. Did they indicate a new expected delivery date?

 

[oleary]

No, and this the third time they have delayed delivery. One of the delays was the Akra up map.

I have purchased a lot of motorcycles in my life but Ducati has managed to turn this into a truly soul-crushing experience.

 

[Bikeman]

While its very disappointing that you've had to wait so long to take delivery, its probably better you don't get your hands on it until all these recalls have been addressed on it anyways. Last thing you want is to have the bike and start experiencing serious issues with it.

 

[oleary]

Words cannot describe my frustration.

Delivery is now next Thursday, ....

.... because we must now install a few bits of plastic that will allow some folks to sit in front of Starbucks wearing their flip-flops and shorts with the engine running - indefinitely.

All of which I will promptly remove the minute I get the bike home.

The problem is simple, Ducati has tried to make a MotoGP bike into a Starbucks Cruiser.

And it ain't workin' - much to NO-ONE'S surprise.

Clearly, there is not a single human being in the whole Volkswagen/Audi/Ducati organization who understands the basic Laws of Thermodynamics.

Ducati seems to think that they can tweak the software and wave around a few bits of plastic and all the heat generated by 226 horsepower "magically go away".

As soon as I get the bike home I will replace all the "Ducati performance software" with David at Rexxers stuff.

And then I will remove the little black plastic flappy valves, cheap black plastic cylinder covers and all the other crap that Ducati thinks will allow this bike to sit at a stoplight idling forever without catching the Starbucks Princesses' panties on fire.

 

[oleary]

So, in addition to a few cheap bits of black plastic, some little flappy valves and another expansion tank we have new "upgraded" software.

This software kills the two rear cylinders when you are stopped or riding with part throttle.

The purpose of this is to "reduce heat" and "improve fuel economy".

Am I the only one on the planet who thinks this is f**king ludicrous?

I did not buy this bike so I could ride around on two cylinders and I sure as **** did not buy this bike for "fuel economy".

I asked that both of these "upgrades" not be installed. I was told we do not have a choice.

Words not describe my frustration with Ducati.

 

[simplythebest]

Words cannot describe my frustration.

Delivery is now next Thursday, ....

.... because we must now install a few bits of plastic that will allow some folks to sit in front of Starbucks wearing their flip-flops and shorts with the engine running - indefinitely.

All of which I will promptly remove the minute I get the bike home.

The problem is simple, Ducati has tried to make a MotoGP bike into a Starbucks Cruiser.

And it ain't workin' - much to NO-ONE'S surprise.

Clearly, there is not a single human being in the whole Volkswagen/Audi/Ducati organization who understands the basic Laws of Thermodynamics.

Ducati seems to think that they can tweak the software and wave around a few bits of plastic and all the heat generated by 226 horsepower "magically go away".

As soon as I get the bike home I will replace all the "Ducati performance software" with David at Rexxers stuff.

And then I will remove the little black plastic flappy valves, cheap black plastic cylinder covers and all the other crap that Ducati thinks will allow this bike to sit at a stoplight idling forever without catching the Starbucks Princesses' panties on fire.

Would really appreciate it if you could post with pictures on how to remove all these bits.
All of us who are not very good with their hands, but will use the bike for what it was designed for will really be happy!

thanks!

 

[oleary]

Would really appreciate it if you could post with pictures on how to remove all these bits.
All of us who are not very good with their hands, but will use the bike for what it was designed for will really be happy!

thanks!

Will do, .... if I ever get the damned thing home.

 

[oleary]

Question, if I may

Would you accept delivery of this bike if it came with non-optional software that kills the two rear cylinders much of the time?

Because that's what happened to me. When I ordered the bike six months ago all of the cylinders worked all of the time - now they don't.

 

[oleary]

Running on two cylinders

So, I have advised my dealer that I will accept delivery this Thursday of my 2018 V4S with full Akrapovic IF it runs on all cylinders all the time.

You know, kinda like the bike I ordered six months ago. 🙄

 

[Duckaty]

Hope they can just sneak you the V4 without the dumb software that kills two cylinders even if it seems to be a new requirement. Wonder if another ducati dealer can remove the "upgrades".

 

[oleary]

Hope they can just sneak you the V4 without the dumb software that kills two cylinders even if it seems to be a new requirement. Wonder if another ducati dealer can remove the "upgrades".

I was told these "upgrades" are mandatory and since the Volkswagen diesel disaster Audi will not longer let dealers do stuff like this.

Funny thing is - Mercedes, Porsche, BMW and AUDI (Ducati's owner) all have some variant of the "kill the engine at stoplights thing".

But all you gotta do is go in the menu and tun the damned thing off - like my wife's Audi - which is sitting in our garage as we speak. 🙄

 

[Duckaty]

I knew it was in cars, didn't think the "feature" would extend to motorcycles as well...Don't think Ducati would add in a switch to turn it off either.

 

[tyr]

Certainly let us know how things go today.

 

[race7117]

My Bike has been sitting for the last 2 and half weeks, Dealer has done nothing. They say they are waiting for all the recall parts before they touch it. Looks like it's going to take a day and a half for everything and still no confirmation of when it will be ready. No Phone calls, no updates.........really not liking this and wondering if taking delivery is worth it.

 

[oleary]

So, ... the Lady Gabriella is home

Got home late last night, rode the bike 387 km today.

I will offer a much more complete analysis later but I would like give you a few clips from emails sent to friends:

“Motorized crack cocaine” (text to my service manager at lunch)

I have flown/driven/ridden high performance machines all my life, but ….

…. this the most intensely emotional machine I ever experienced.

Now, … I have never done crack cocaine but it’s gotta be something like this.

I don't think I have ever felt more that I received better "value for money".

Etc, etc.

 

[oleary]

My Bike has been sitting for the last 2 and half weeks, Dealer has done nothing. They say they are waiting for all the recall parts before they touch it. Looks like it's going to take a day and a half for everything and still no confirmation of when it will be ready. No Phone calls, no updates.........really not liking this and wondering if taking delivery is worth it.

Dude, I feel your pain, please see my comments in another posts.

I am 70 years old with Stage 4 prostate cancer. We still run in the top 5 of the A group. We run a 848>1040 (spare bike) and our 1199S as our main track bike - and now we have the V4.

Bin racing for 57 years.

Your call - but Mary Mother of Christ this girl is FAST.

 

[oleary]

It is odd that they are having such significant problems with the V4, but I guess that's what happens when you bring your first MotoGP bike to the masses. Sorry to hear you're stuck waiting still. Did they indicate a new expected delivery date?

of

Most of us are not having problems with the V4.

Americans, as represented by the chief guy at Ducati North America, has decreed that all of his customers should be able to ride a 226 horsepower super bike in their panties. ��