Is the M696 safe to ride?

[ducatiz]

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.

probably a good plan

[Kev M]

It would seem to me that IF this is a concern, a quick glance at the swingarm in the upper guide area would put your fears to rest before each ride, or at the beginning of the day...

[Howie]

Not sure I know what the chain guide is...

Ducati refers to it as a "chain sliding shoe". 

You can find it here:
http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
Download for your year.

[jsanford]

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

+1  One wonders if they took a link out of the chain or otherwise adjusted the tension.

Even good dealerships make a mistake.  It happens.  Or, it could be an assembly error out of Italy. DAHIK that can happen, too.

[gage]

Mine is safety wired on - The bolts are small but you can buy them already drilled

[ManaloEA]

It would seem to me that IF this is a concern, a quick glance at the swingarm in the upper guide area would put your fears to rest before each ride, or at the beginning of the day...

True. Now I know where to look. 

[ManaloEA]

Ducati refers to it as a "chain sliding shoe". 

You can find it here:
http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
Download for your year.

Got it. Thx.

Here's the pics of the sliding shoes.

Left side


Right side

[Raux]

if the dealer did all the work on your bike and you haven't taken ANYTHING off the bike... dealer f*cked up. You don't even have the swingarm protector under the chain.

[ManaloEA]

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.

Before I ride, I do a walk around and visually inspect it while the engine is warming. Never thought to look at things so closely, though. I like what Kev M said, about taking a quick glance at the swing arm. I'll try to do that as part of my walk around.

That being said, I agree that things SHOULD NOT just fall off. But, maybe this basic assumption is incorrect.

[ManaloEA]

Mine is safety wired on - The bolts are small but you can buy them already drilled

Do most dealers carry that sort of item? Sounds like it couldn't hurt to have them.

[ManaloEA]

if the dealer did all the work on your bike and you haven't taken ANYTHING off the bike... dealer f*cked up. You don't even have the swingarm protector under the chain.

Correct, the dealer has done all the work. The extent of my modifications are Zip tying an EZPass transponder on the handlebar riser, and screwing on a RAM mount on the handlebar.

I will ask the dealer about the swing arm protector and see what they say. Thx. 

[gage]

Do most dealers carry that sort of item? Sounds like it couldn't hurt to have them.

The ones that are supporting racing programs should have them or know how to get them

I have not had mine out in a long time but I think it is M6 x 1.25? You should confirm that

I drilled mine but here is a website that I found.

http://www.drilledheadbolts.com/METRIC-GRADE-88-COURSE-THREAD_c85.htm

[Howie]

Got it. Thx.

Nope. 

Go here:
http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
Enter 2011 696 (not ABS)
Go to page 74.  Look for 1.
1 is the "chain sliding shoe".
You posted  11, which is the "sliding shoe".

[tiger_one]

I feel that the 14T sprocket is TOO small to allow proper chain clearance with the rubber protector on the swingarm.  I didn't think twice about getting a new rear sprocket 3 teeth bigger than stock and also ordered a 110T chain at the same time.  No problems.

I hope the dealer guys did not remove the rubber protector trying to give the chain more room.  Big NO NO in my book.

The plate along with the two screws properly loctited, should not ever come loose.

[ManaloEA]

Nope. 

Go here:
http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
Enter 2011 696 (not ABS)
Go to page 74.  Look for 1.
1 is the "chain sliding shoe".
You posted  11, which is the "sliding shoe".

The piece, #1, is not there. Just the swing arm... (unless I am missing something)