Battery acid on my engine - (bad, DNA, bad) - Page 49 - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

johnypebs · 02-25-2004, 09:34 AM

Since we're on the subject, when I was swapping tanks this week I noticed that my (new last July) battery is a GS. Poo. It hasn't leaked yet but since it barely turns the engine, and sometimes doesn't turn it atall, I think I'll have a word with Harry in Glasgow about a new one.

02-25-2004, 09:35 AM

...and clearly, an excellent example poor leadership and ineffective corporate decision-making.....all the way down to the poor Dealer, who's got more headaches than it's worth I'm sure!!!

It'll be a very long time before I ever consider Ducatti as my main ride again.

aldo_cella · 02-25-2004, 06:21 PM

OK, thirty-six pages and the "sky is falling"! I go down and pull the dreaded GS from my '02 S4 and no leaks. Only 1100 miles and the old style vents. What do I do now? I still have my two-stroke rz to ride, but I want to ride the DUC.

hsijgers · 02-26-2004, 02:16 AM

Take it to the dealer and demand a new battery. Don't wait.

I checked once. No leak.

I checked again later. No leak.

I brought it in for 6K service. Leak. >

Sooner or later, there's a good chance the GS will leak. As long as it's on the bike, you're gambling...

tempdragon13 · 02-26-2004, 04:26 AM

I brought my S4R home last night....opened her up and TADA! The YUASA!!!

chris · 02-26-2004, 06:07 AM

Hi Ted,

Yamaha had the same problem with the new R6s with the same GS battery as Ducati uses. Guess what? Some US Comsumers had to take their yahama dealers to court to get the problem fixed.

So... don't buy Yamaha either.

Cheers,
Chris

Quote:

...and clearly, an excellent example poor leadership and ineffective corporate decision-making.....all the way down to the poor Dealer, who's got more headaches than it's worth I'm sure!!!

It'll be a very long time before I ever consider Ducatti as my main ride again.

johnypebs · 02-27-2004, 04:11 AM

Monkey boy,
I got a new battery under warranty today from Ducati Glasgow, it's the very same type GS I was replacing (modified with higher vent holes). My problem was not spillage but lack of power, even with constant charging from an Oximiser. I did point out this thread and all the (nearly 20,000) posts in it hoping for a Yuasa, but was told "We just fit what they (Ducati) send us." they also said they've never had to replace this type of battery for leaking acid. I didn't argue over it since I've known the guys at the shop for years and don't want to fall out with them. Besides , they couldn't magic me a Yuasa they didn't have so i'm stuck with another GS for now. I'll let you know how I get on with it, keep in touch yourself.

maxpower · 02-27-2004, 04:20 AM

Johnny Pebs - I was afraid that that might be the case, as I figured they would replace like with like. I have only seen messages in this thread in relation to DNA - so they "kinda" know, but assumed Ducati isn't dealing with it the same way DNA was. I also hoped it really was a heating issue with the battery and their placement and lack of venting - since I don't get to ride in weather much over 60 F I hoped the leaking would never happen.

I won't be on the bike this week - and due to a bike show this weekend, I didn't think it was the best time to get the dealers undivided attention - I have to wait until next weekend to find out what they can do for me.

Good luck with your battery numero dos

02-27-2004, 04:29 AM

Yes Chris,

Funny you mentioned the R6...I had a, shall we say, less than fruitfull dialogue with the CEO of DNA last summer following my battery damage after only 550 miles. At the time I took delivery (first S4R in So. Cal. if I'm not mistaken) I specifically requested that the battery be replaced immediately, blah, blah blah....Anyway, I also informed Mr. Locke of similar problems with other recent models from other maufacturers. Unfortunately, he wasn't aware of these other similar situations. Oh well, so much for leaders who don't know much about their products...I know! It's not unusual. No wonder :-/

S4Wolf · 02-27-2004, 05:45 AM

Hi all, I have been messing around far too much in life lately, but did finally check the battery to see what the dealership put in as a replacement at the 300 mile service. It is a Yuasa.

My dealership said not to worry about paying for it and it was under warranty. I had yanked the GS battery about 10 months ago, so far it still has not leaked and I have it sitting on it's side like in the bike.

Now to get the work done on my Yamaha and my car. *LOL*