New rider, same old questions?

[PhoenixS4R]

Hey guys, nice forum site.  The motorcycle bug hit me, so I decided in all my wisdom to get a nice, slow, around town bike to have some fun with. 


Then I went to the Ducati dealership.


Walked away with an 05 S4R.   


Couple questions if you gents/ladies have the time.

1. The bike hates to idle, i'm constantly messing with idle control in street traffic after I get off the freeway till the bike gets back up to about 180 degrees, is this normal?  It has been cold in cali lately, so I'm hoping this is the reason.

2. Whats the deal with clip ons? I understand what they are, but my interest sparked research as this is a fun bike, and on high ways, my 6'3" frame seems slightly tall, and whenever I tuck I feel like a douche. Suggestions?

3. After changing the oil at 3k, I noticed that the crush washer from the drain plug was missing. I look at the plug and the engine case in case it was stuck on, and couldn't find it.  I replaced the oil w/o it and everything seems alright.... but I'd like to have some available for the next oil change.  Can anyone give me dimensions for it?


Thanks!

[Turf]

#3 call your nearest dealer and buy a bunch they're like 89 cents.

#2 Clip ons aren't everyones tastes, i'm sure there will be 'monkey make the beast with two backsing a coconut' references to follow. Bike feels entirely different with them, I like the feel better. Can't ever say they made me feel douchey though 

#1 does the bike have a power commander or pipes? What is the idle speed? Big duc's aren't fond of idling when not up to temp but once you get going it shouldn't be an issue.

BTW Welcome, odd bunch around here but mostly helpful

You'll need to bring beer and bacon to appease this crowd 

[ducducgooseme]

+1  are you on stock pipes, stock air box?  If not, get a pcIII and have it mapped for the bike.

oh, and post up some pics...she doesnt exist without them

[DucHead]

Welcome aboard!!

Start using the "search button," this place if full of good information!   

[PhoenixS4R]

How could I forget a picture?



I've already chopped the tail, this was the dealer pic.

As for the stalling issue, the bike is stock other then a Akrapovic slip on. I noticed that their site said these were designed for a later model S4R/S4RS, could this be the issue?


I noticed to this was in the wrong forum category, sorry 

[muskrat]

congrats, now get rid of those reflectors and mirrors and go with CRG's 

[PhoenixS4R]

congrats, now get rid of those reflectors and mirrors and go with CRG's 

Forgot to mention the reflectors came off before we left the dealer, hahaha.

Thanks for the recommendation on mirrors.

[stopintime]

I'm not an expert, but I can't see why you shouldn't be able to fix the idle issues. Someone else will have to tell you how though Maybe your unusual exhaust plays a part, but probably not major

I'm 6'4" and just LOVE my bike after the clip on mod. Get a cup of coffee and do a search for Swatt clip ons.

[muskrat]

do the 14 tooth mod on the front and she will pur like a kitten around town and should I mention she loves wheelies too? 

[duc996]

Just curious...what happened to the CF on the side of the pipes?It's missing.

[junior varsity]

You can get the crush washers from the dealership. They are incredibly cheap. I suggest buying 10 or so and leaving them in the tool kit for oil changes over the next several riding seasons.

[PhoenixS4R]

Just curious...what happened to the CF on the side of the pipes?It's missing.

I'm guessing the original owner didn't like them, which is extremely disapointing since I want them on there.

Anyone wanna sell me some?

[scott_araujo]

You just bought the bike.  It should run smoothly, new or used.

A set of pipes alone shouldn't usually cause problems running unless you also have air box mods.  Putting more air in there can make things run lean.

From the pic it looks like you have the stock air box.  Remove the seat and tilt the tank up.  If the top of the air box is there and doesn't have big holes cut into it, open it up.  Do you have a yellow or white paper element (stock)?  Or is it cotton/gauze filled with oil (modified)? Also, look for the fuse block.  Is there a Power Commander box mounted near it?

If your air intake is modified in any way you'll likely need a Power Commander or similar device set up properly to compensate and keep the bike from running lean. 

If the box is not cut and you have a stock air filter the bike should run smoothly when warm.  I would take it back to the dealer and tell him you want TPS reset and thottle body synch.  I'm not sure these are adjustable on this model bike but if they are you should also ask for idle speed set and idle CO set.  I think on an '05 4v these might get set automatically by the stepper motor and oxygen sensor.  Someone with more 4v knowledge want to comment?

Scott