Temperature Related Engine Trouble - RESOLVED(?)
-Bike Info-
I'm posting about my '05 S2R. I've had the bike since September and put about 4,300 miles on it. For those not familiar with this model, it has the 803 cc air/oil cooled two-valve fuel injected motor. The bike is in stock trim except for removal of some stickers, reflectors, and the evaporative filter. This bike serves as daily transportation to and from work (7 miles each way) during the week, with longer rides on some weekends (Typically ~100 miles about 2-3 weekends/month).
-Rider Info-
25 years old. I've been riding for a little more than 1 year - first on my father-in-law's 2000 HD Sportster 883 and now on my Monster. I have an engineering background, so I understand engine basics. I would have Ducati's shop manual for the S2R, but it has not been released (as of a month ago). In any case I have no fear of working on my bike and plan to do most of my own maintenance, including valve checks.
-Location-
Palmdale, CA; ~20 miles south of Willow Springs International Raceway. Part of the Mojave desert.
-The Problem-
The power delivery of the engine becomes very choppy/jerky when the weather is warm. When I ride home from work, the engine will run just fine when I first start the bike. As I put my gear on, it will warm up for ~2 minutes at 1250 RPM (set by the 'choke lever'). Within the first mile or two, the engine will start to sporadically lurch (power cuts in and out) when under load (while accelerating). This gets progressively worse as I ride: next lurching while I am holding speed and eventually affecting the bike as it idles. This behavior is not limited to low RPM conditions, as it will continue to occur past 5k on the tach. I used to only experience this occasionally, so I thought it might be a bad tank of gas, but as the weather has warmed it is happening consistently. I never have any trouble on my way to work, leaving around 6:00 am.
The answer to this problem should be 'take it to the dealer', since the bike is still under warranty. However, the nearest dealer (in Glendale) is separated from me by ~50 miles, ~1,000 ft of elevation and 15o F of temperature and they have not been able to replicate my problem. The last time I took the bike in it was lurching as I left home and as I hit the Angeles Forest Highway, but was back to normal as I descended into town and approached the dealership. Talk about frustrating!
On my ride home from the dealer today, I tried keeping the engine running at or above 6k for a stretch of open road, and the stumbling seemed less severe. Also, the stuttering power was accompanied by a single *pop* as I pulled away from one stop sign.
I think that covers it. Sorry for the lengthy post, but I'm trying to be thorough. I am really looking forward to my first track day in a couple of weeks (Streets of Willow) to improve my riding skills, but this engine problem really takes away from my concentration and confidence when I ride. I'm new to motorcycling, but looking to learn all I can. Let me know if any pictures or additional information would be helpful.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mongoose
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