Ducati has issued a recall for a number of models from 2009 and Streetfighters from 2010 for problems of fuel leakage from the fuel line at the injector. Please read the details below for specific models and years.
Manufacturer: Ducati North America
Models affected:
2009 Ducati 1098R
2009 Ducati 1198
2009 Ducati 1198S
2009 Ducati 848
2010 Ducati F1098 Streetfighter
2010 Ducati F1098 Streetfighter S
NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V170000
Potential Units Affected: 1549
Problem: Ducati is recalling 1,549 model year 2009 1198, 1198 S, 1098 R, 848 and model year 2010 F1098 Streetfighter and Streetfighter S motorcycles. These motorcycles may experience fuel leakage from the fuel line at the fuel injector connection. The plastic fitting between fuel injector and hose can warp or break which could possibly result in a potential hazard to the rider and possible damage to the motorcycle. Any damage to the fuel line may lead to an increased risk of fire or an unexpected loss of engine performance, the thereby increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the affected injector components free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2009. To locate your nearest authorized Ducati dealer, you may go to www.ducatiusa.com and select the “dealer locator” or you may call toll free at 800-231-6696.
todd says
test rode the Streetfighter S the other day. I wasn’t impressed. I also rode a 1999 750SS for comparison (it was sitting there so what the hey).
Sure the Streetfighter has lots of power. What it lacks is finesse. It was very difficult to modulate the bike through parking lots, around town, or through traffic. The throttle was either on or off and herkey-jerkey between the two. Trying to pull a nice line through a turn was difficult as well. Any little bit of input into the bars or seat – or turning my head slightly – would break the line. The throttle also would upset the chassis through turns. I was left dancing through corners at a much slower pace than I would have gone on my R75. I didn’t experience any fuel leaking.
The 750SS was a much nicer running bike. It doesn’t have as much power but it was easier to use more of it. I wouldn’t say it was lacking either – being more powerful than my BMW. The bike was also much more steady running through corners even though it doesn’t have the Ohlins suspension that the Streetfighter does. Coming out of turns I was able to pour the throttle on much earlier giving it more power than I would have felt comfortable doing on the Streetfighter.
You would think that after 10 years, Ducati could have improved things.
-todd
Dave says
todd,
where do you keep your pipe and slippers when you ride? Sounds like it just isn’t the right style of bike for you.