Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys

Bought my 08 S4RS 998 in December.

Last Friday, decided to throw the wife on the back and go for a drive out towards Esk for the arvo.
Got to Blacksoil, not far from  Two Wheel Tyres for those who know it, and went to stand on the rear brake
only to find there was nothing there.  Pulled over almost immediately only to discover that the entire rear brake
assembly had destroyed itself.  There was melted alloy everywhere.  The calipers were stuffed, as well as the disk
and the rear wheel is scored and looks a mess.  When I bought the bike, I got it with a 3 year Warranty from TeamMoto,
so I drove it back to Two Wheel for an assessment.  Not a good one either.  Everything is pretty bad.  Melted the speed
sensor and the brake line as well.  It's ugly.

Now before you say it, no I did not feel a thing.  Not so much as it pulling me up like the brakes were grabbing or anything.
Perhaps having a pillion may have disguised what was happening a bit, but I didn't notice anything at all until I put my foot
on the brake.  Anywho, rang TeamMoto about the warranty, and apparently it doesn't cover brakes at all.  The verdict from
Two Wheel Tyres, $3300, including $1789 for a new rear wheel.  The wheel is not unsafe so I can live with the fact it is ugly until I can do something about fixing it, but I want to repair the bike and at least get it back to ridable.  Does anyone
have any advice on where to buy parts cheap, including maybe that wheel.  I don't care if I have to go overseas.

I have a mate who owns a Lamborghini and found a crack in his wheel.  Lamborghini here in Brisbane quoted him $2600 for a new wheel.  He went to Lambo in the USA and got it delivered to his door for $680.  Is there an overseas shop that sells parts cheaper than we can get them here.  I don't mind waiting.  I love this bike and have waited my entire life to own a Ducati.  I just can't afford such a huge repair bill so soon after buying it in the first place.

Needless to say I am pretty upset with TeamMoto.  The 3 year warranty cost me $1275, doesn't cover brakes or wheels, and only $500 of suspension is covered, $1000 of transmisson and $2000 of engine.  I got royally screwed for it.

I would appreciate any help anyone can give me at this point.  I am pretty devastated.

Hi ,bad luck there would really like to know what caused that :-\

If your after secondhand parts Ebay is your best friend.New stuff try the sponsers on the right side of the page.
A quick  advanced worldwide seach will reveal the goods, i have bought lots of used and new spares through Ebay from the US,Germany,and Italy,and UK.
All with good results and reasonably fast post.

Rear brake caliper EUR 80
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IMPIANTO-FRENO-POSTERIORE-DUCATI-MONSTER-S2R-S4RS-ruck-Bremsanlage-Rear-brake-/160535540008?pt=Ricambi_e_Accessori_Moto&hash=item2560a9f128 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IMPIANTO-FRENO-POSTERIORE-DUCATI-MONSTER-S2R-S4RS-ruck-Bremsanlage-Rear-brake-/160535540008?pt=Ricambi_e_Accessori_Moto&hash=item2560a9f128)

Rear wheel
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ducati-Monster-S4RS-S4R-2007-Marchesini-Rear-Single-Sided-Wheel-Rim-17-x-5-50-/271068648140?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1cf352cc (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ducati-Monster-S4RS-S4R-2007-Marchesini-Rear-Single-Sided-Wheel-Rim-17-x-5-50-/271068648140?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1cf352cc)

Rear disc and axle
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DUCATI-OEM-MONSTER-S2R-S4R-S4RS-REAR-AXLE-BRAKE-ROTOR-ASSEMBLY-/261199709367?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd0b744b7 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DUCATI-OEM-MONSTER-S2R-S4R-S4RS-REAR-AXLE-BRAKE-ROTOR-ASSEMBLY-/261199709367?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd0b744b7)

Aftermarket disc
 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EBC-Pro-Lite-Rear-Brake-Disc-For-Ducati-2007-Monster-S4RS-998-Testastretta-MD627-/400406331995?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5d3a13c25b (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EBC-Pro-Lite-Rear-Brake-Disc-For-Ducati-2007-Monster-S4RS-998-Testastretta-MD627-/400406331995?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5d3a13c25b)

And a few other ebay stores ,if they don't list it message them

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Houston-Superbikes-Ducati-Aprilia?_rdc=1 (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Houston-Superbikes-Ducati-Aprilia?_rdc=1)

http://stores.ebay.com.au/trump-motors?_rdc=1 (http://stores.ebay.com.au/trump-motors?_rdc=1)

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Imperial-Sportbikes/USED-/_i.html?_fsub=597744219&_sid=12435389&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322 (http://stores.ebay.com.au/Imperial-Sportbikes/USED-/_i.html?_fsub=597744219&_sid=12435389&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322)

http://stores.ebay.com.au/ducatibrothersamerica?_rdc=1 (http://stores.ebay.com.au/ducatibrothersamerica?_rdc=1)

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/ducati_depot/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 (http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/ducati_depot/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686)

With the rear wheel how bad is it?
if it isn't scored or gouged, just respray it take it to your local bike crash repairer. :P

Rob

Board sponsors are worth checking in with for parts. Email them a list for quotes. Alot of goodwill there. Also the parts for sale and WTB sections are useful.
Yoyodyne is also a good source of brake parts if sponsors cant help you.

That's an expensive day out!

But can I ask why they says brakes are not covered?
Are they not part of the bike? Or is it a limited warranty due it being a secondhand bike.
I would be asking again why it is not covered before going out and sourcing all the parts required for a repair.

And yes board sponsors would be a place to start along with Robs very extensive list.

True. Worth checking the fine print of a copy of your warranty. I imagine discs and pads not being covered. Even new cars with extended gold class warranties have that clause. On the other hand, my wife's car has had items rejected under warranty (you beaut, gold class, extended type), but when I went down to the dealership and talked to them they covered the items. Wifes pads and discs were shagged, the discs were covered, pads werent. Rear calipers were stuffed and were covered. Depends on the details. Its worth pursuing if you have your facts right and are confident you understand your warranty. Its all in the fine print. Not covering pads is understandable, but the failure on your bike almost sounds dangerous.

If you discover the details definitely rule you out ... this is the course of action I would be pursuing with the dealer or the authorities.

Extended warranty or not - a dangerous failure within 6 months should be remedied by a 'reputable' dealership (unless they can prove you were at fault).

Exactly. The brake system is integral to the bike and should not fail like that. Go in hard on the warranty issue, insist, do not take "no" for an answer. You paid for the cover in good faith. Irrespective of the fine print, you have statutory warranty by virtue of purchasing from a dealership. If they don't come to the party, state in writing that you intend to take the issue up with Fair Trading, who will probably back your claim, given that it is a safety issue more than anything. You were probably sold a defective bike. Good luck and keep us posted.

I have been around bikes all my life.  Honestly, I don't believe this was just a case of brake pads wearing out.  The disks aren't even really scored.  The entire caliper including pistons etc are all completely destroyed.  I wasn't riding fast.  I had my wife on the back for a casual afternoon ride.  We hadn't even gotten out of town properly into a 100 zone, although I did do 100 for a bit along Warrego Highway.  Also, if I was silly enough to let the brake pads run out, surely there would have been an odd feeling or at least a noise when they got to metal to metal.  I know I have stuffed up and done that with a car before years ago, and you could certainly hear the metal to metal noise.  When I read the warranty, it does say things like $2000 max for engine and transmission.  $1000 for electrical, $500 for suspension, but I just thought they were putting on limit on those things, and all other things were just naturally covered.  My own stupid fault for trusting a big company like that I guess.  You find the bike of your dreams, then sit down with the dealer and he starts selling you all this shit and you are so wrapped up in the bike, and he is always in such a hurry to get to the next customer, that you don't get the chance to properly read things like you should.

I don't really expect them to fix my wheel, but I would have liked them to come to the party on the calipers and disk, and the brake line and soeed sensor that has been wrecked.

To Rob S - Thanks for all those links mate.  I will go check them all out right now.

If anyone has any more, please let me know.  Thanks again

Brian

Mate... That sucks.

I've had poor experiences with two large bike shops (the one you mentioned and another located somewhere in Lutwyche, possibly on the main frekin road). I know about 10 people that won't go near the shop you mentioned but do know a guy (just one) that swears by them. Oh well. That frekin extended warranty sound like a massive load of pig $hit. Usually the warranties are done via third parties so it should be no skin off their nose to get the thing through as long as it meets the actual warranter's requirements. Have you tried to find out if it is provided by a third party? Maybe you could attempt to contact the third party directly. If it is offered by Team Moto, maybe it is just a gamble move by them. Looks like they have pretty good odds for themselves too. Charging a premium of a third of their maximum possible payout, you'd have better odds of getting a payout from the casino.

Is the rear wheel buggered or can it be stripped and polished? Mat from Mats metal polishing behind the old Midtown Kawasaki Bowen Hills did a great job on my old ZX12R years ago. Dunno if he's still there but may be worth trying.

+1 for eBay (second hand) and/or board sponsors. Especially with the strong Aussie dollar at the moment.

Thanks Rowdy - Will try that guy.  The wheel is usable and safe.  It may need a balance but it is safe.

The warranty is through TeamMoto - It is the one at Virginia so I call them TeamMotoVagina because just now I think they
are a pack of c%$s. 

To be honest, they are being reasonable, but until they actually come through I am staying on the sceptical side.  This is where we are at now.  They say to fix it, and bring all the busted parts to them for inspection, and they will decide how much of my repair they are going to pitch in for.  They are trying to play the good guy.  "Brakes aren't really covered but we wont leave you in the lurch because we are good guys"  kind of BS.  Making out like they are doing me a favour by giving me anything at all.

Anyway, I should be back on 2 wheels (or 1 1/2 at least) by the weekend after next, which is already longer than I like to be away from my second dream girl (I married the first one).

I do appreciate all the feedback from you guys.

this is generally caused by the piston in the master cylinder not being able to return fully, blocking the compensating port and not allowing the fluid the flow back out of the master into the reservoir as it gets hot.  this happens when there is no freeplay at the pedal.

usually caused by the fitment of rear sets or adjusting the pedal position without understanding the implications/requirement of freeplay at the lever.

less commonly caused by the nut on the pushrod coming loose, stop switch moving, etc.

has there been any attention to the rear brake pedal recently?

Brad I only bought it in December and haven't done anything other than wash it and fit a tank bag bud.

is there a stat warranty in qld?

i think you're going to be in a position of how far do you want to take it, which sucks.  the used vehicle warranties should be renamed, as they imply a new vehicle warranty, but are nothing like it as you've found out.

Its a bit pissweak if you ask me, but hey, it could have been worse I guess.

Will just keep trying to find a wheel at the right price, although the one Rob posted was pretty bloody
cheap compared to the new one, or I will just work on the old one myself and plug away at it and hopefully
be able to repair it myself, although the damage is extensive.

That happened to me once Brad.........fiddling around with my front brake lever, end result was no freeplay in the lever. It only took a couple of kilometers for the fluid to heat up then expand. Next thing i know, doing 80k's with traffic behind me, my front brake comes on hard on its own accord, so much so that it brought the rear wheel up. Lesson learnt that night, I leave that area to the experts.

Sabre, I managed to pick up a good wheel from ebay a few years back when I needed one.  I got the owner to email me photos of the wheel before I bid and asked him a heap of questions.  Bit scary but better than spending $2000 on a new one.

Brian the thing with mine is that I felt nothing.  At least if it locked up or something there would be a reason in my mind.  I still just can't believe that it happened without me feeling anything at all.  I have 30 years experience on bikes.  Surely the brakes can't be on over a period of time to melt everything like that without me feeling anything at all.  It just makes no sense.  You're right though, I wont be doing anything myself.

Thanks Heath.

Sorry to hear about all the dramas mate. Glad no one got hurt though.

I wonder why you didn't smell anything?

Granted I have a keen sense of smell and sure I ride with an open face helmet, but I'm wondering why if the rear was melting away, you or the pillion didn't smell that.

BTW, no condemnation here, just an honest question.

Whatever the case, I hope you get it sorted soon. It sucks not being able to ride.

GK

Could have been due to a rear brake issue I had a coupla years ago.

A build up of crud in the caliper had stopped the piston from retracting and it was pressing the pad onto the rotor. I was lucky to have discovered it early.

Wrote about it here -

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=46781.msg849359#msg849359 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=46781.msg849359#msg849359)

GK thiis is the thing that has been bothering me the most.  I still don't get how this happened with no sign at all.  I do wear a full face and that may have stopped the smell and these days they are designed to keep noise out, and let's face it, the Termis aren't the quietest thing in the world, but to this day I still don't understand how the hell I didn't pick up any sign at all.

WTSDS - Sounds very much like it could be a similar problem.

The situation now is get it fixed at my expense, take the busted parts back to TeamMotoVagina and they will decide how much of it will be covered by warranty.  Guess I just cross my fingers and hope.

this happens to quite a lot of people and many only know about when people start screaming "your bike's on fire" at them.

we had a bimota sb6 that came back from nt years ago when we were the improter with an angry owner and "it's no faster than my mates vfr" (the horror).  dyno'd it, yes, down on power.  finally worked out it was the rear brake dragging.  don't know why it didn't end up like this.

So you're saying "Sometimes shit just happens" Brad?  LOL

generally in this instance it's "shit happens after someone who doesn't know what they're doing played with it".

i don't think i've personally seen a bike with this issue that hasn't been pedal freeplay related, and on one or two occaisons where it hasn't been error by the person who played with it (professional or not).  in which case it's been a loose lock nut allowing the rod to move.

I bought the bike in December and have put 2500km on it and it hasn't been touched so if it was an error by someone,
it must have been a while ago mate.

At this point I just want the bloody thing back.  Would love an Anzac Day ride.

I can commiserate with you

A couple of track days ago I noticed the R6 seemed slow , well slower than usual for me   [laugh]
I was being passed by ever one then the bike felt like it was having a slow motion engine seize  [puke]  until
it just stopped stalled in the middle of the track with the back wheel immovable .

Turns out the inside of my boot was catching on the rear brake boomerang shaped bracket,
seems the previous owner for some reason reversed the bracket and turned it up side down so the edge of my boot held it on.
Heated up so much that the fluid must of boiled until it grabbed on to the rotor and wouldn't let go .

Embarrassing pick up at the end of the session (  [roll] Thanks for deleting the video Paul  [thumbsup]) but unlike you no damage done cooled off and let off.

At least you didn't bin the bike.
Good luck  [thumbsup]

Thanks bud.  I know it could have been worse.

Got it back.  Not happy, but will keep you updated from here.

New brakes don't work.  They reckon there was an issue with bleeding the brakes.  Anyone got any tips?

Just an update.  I will give Team Moto a (very little) bit of credit where it is due.  They are going to split the bill with me, because they are just 'good blokes'.  I still feel robbed because the warranty isn't worth a pinch of shit, but at least I got something out of it.