Is the M696 safe to ride?

[ManaloEA]

I was out on an afternoon ride today, and as I was pulling into my development, I heard a mild grinding noise. Then as I coasted into my driveway to a stop, I heard a clanking sound. I saw a part laying on the ground just below my kickstand mount. After some inspection of the part and looking around, I figured out it was the front sprocket retaining plate. Also, there seems to be some gouging of the swingarm by the chain. This is probably the mild grinding sound I heard.

I just purchased the bike less than 2 months ago, and it only has 1300 miles. When I purchased the bike, the dealer installed a 14 tooth sprocket, and I have not done any service / customizations. Is it safe to continue riding the bike? or should I wait for the dealer to inspect it?

[Howie]

I would not ride without the retaining plate installed.  If there is no damage besides light gouging on the swing arm and there is no damage to the retaining plate and you have the fasteners to properly reinstall the plate, fine.  Otherwise, have the dealer come and pick up the bike.  They put the sprocket on so they are responsible.

[ManaloEA]

Thanks. I will notify the dealer... unfortunately, they are not open until Tuesday. 

[ungeheuer]

Hmmm... thats the second one I've heard about

You might find this interesting reading >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43390.0

[WTSDS]

>>You might find this interesting reading >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43390.0

Interesting reading indeed. 7 pages of postings and yet no further reports from the OP after he took the 'bike to the dealer ? ? ? ?

Was there any further discussion ?

My old clunker uses same system, as does my '72 Honda, unless the two screws come loose ( from not using a threadlock compound ) there's no reason a 'bike that new should have any great wear on the retaining plate.

[ManaloEA]

Hmmm... thats the second one I've heard about

You might find this interesting reading >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43390.0

Thanks for the link. I am reading it now... seems wierd that this guy had the "factory" 15t sprocket, whereas mine had human intervention and was changed out by the dealer, and both came loose. Now he did have more miles on his, and had his bike for over a year. Good thing mine is only two months old and still under warranty. Plus the swing arm does not have as much damage as his. Looks like I caught the problem earlier than he did. Now that I think about it, when I started out on my ride, I heard a clink sound on the road, but didn't think anything about it because I assumed it was some clunker cage dropping parts all over the highway.    Luckily, this was on my return leg and was less than 20 miles out.

unless the two screws come loose ( from not using a threadlock compound ) there's no reason a 'bike that new should have any great wear on the retaining plate.

I was thinking the same thing. Upon reviewing the HTML shop manual, that plate is not moving in relation to anything. It just rotates along with the drive sprocket. It seems that there should be no reason for both set screws to back out, assuming they have Loctite. The retaining plate is not damaged. The only marks are on the finish where the screw heads pull against the plate. Otherwise it is in great condition.

[ungeheuer]

>>You might find this interesting reading >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43390.0

Interesting reading indeed. 7 pages of postings and yet no further reports from the OP after he took the 'bike to the dealer ? ? ? ?

Yeah, pity the OP over there didnt bother to get back with a follow up.

[ManaloEA]

Just got done reading the entire linked thread. Something that was posted that seems a bit disturbing:

+1. Before every ride. Its not just checking tire pressure, but its looking at the parts of the bike that shouldn't wear, etc. Its incredibly important. I make the wife do it too so she is more familiar with the motorcycle.

In order to check the sprocket retainer, one has to remove the cover plate and check the torque on the screws... to what extent does a person have to check their vehicle every time before they ride? Do I have to frame out the bike and re-torque everything? I am curious how many people check these retainer screws every time?

[Raux]

this sounds like a dealer install error. AND a loose chain on top of it.

[bikepilot]

Just got done reading the entire linked thread. Something that was posted that seems a bit disturbing:
In order to check the sprocket retainer, one has to remove the cover plate and check the torque on the screws... to what extent does a person have to check their vehicle every time before they ride? Do I have to frame out the bike and re-torque everything? I am curious how many people check these retainer screws every time?

I ride every day year round.  I check stuff over at oil changes, but usually don't take anything apart unless something is broken or its needed for a scheduled service.  If a bike is put together correctly stuff doesn't just fall off. They don't often come put together correctly from a dealer or manufacture.  I also usually give the bike quick glance over once or twice a week - just a minute or two to verify correct oil level, chain slack and that nothing is way out of whack.

[ManaloEA]

Took some pictures this morning.

This angle shows the place where the retainer ring should be. It was difficult to see and maneuver the camera around the stock cans. Did not want to remove the cover plate because it would look like I was tampering with it.


I found this interesting, in this photo it looks like there is a lot of rust around the sprocket. Same picture as above, slightly different angle.


Gouging from chain on swing arm.


And another.

[Howie]

Where is the chain guide?

[ducatiz]

take the drive sprocket cover off, it's just 3 screws, not structural

[ManaloEA]

Where is the chain guide?

Not sure I know what the chain guide is... but here is a picture of the retaining ring for the front sprocket. This is what I (luckily) found under the kickstand.

[ManaloEA]

take the drive sprocket cover off, it's just 3 screws, not structural

Just got off the phone with Ducati Roadside Assistance, they are going to cover the towing back to the dealer under warranty. I will have to work with the dealer on the specifics of the repair under warranty, but DRA advised not to touch anything until after the dealer looks at it, so that there is no question that this should be fixed under warranty.