1199 Lemon

So I am in contact with Ducati regarding buying my bike back due to numerous issues those of which include:

-new engine at 167 miles due to oil leak from front cylinder
-dealer didnt connect fuel quick disconnect properly after engine install, resulting in fuel going everywhere while riding on the highway, luckily the bike didnt catch fire.
-coolant leak from thermostat and coolant pooling on the rear of the crankcase
-coolant still pooling on the back of the crankcase
-will be going back once again for that coolant leak this saturday

All in all it has spent over 6 weeks at the dealer since I bought it mid December and it will be going back for the same issue for a third time this week. As I understand it I since the bike has spent over 30 days at the dealer within the first year of ownership it qualifies under the lemon law and now it will be going back for a third time for the same issue. So it shouldnt really an issue as to whether or not it qualifies but rather has anyone ever had any experience with Ducati buying a bike back and how long the process takes? This is my first Ducati and I was hoping for a better ownership experience than this, I mean my bike has spent over a fifth of its life being worked on due to all these problems. I am on the fence whether I want a new bike or would rather move to something else like an RSV4. I love the way this bike handles, the power, and it brings a smile to my face every time I walk up to it, but if I cant rely on it for longer trips then it becomes more of a showpiece than anything. And another thing that really has bugged me about Ducati is regarding the factory service manuals, why on earth would you bunch them all together to sell? Do they really think people are buying their entire range of bikes from 2012-2013 and need all of them? It just seems to be one thing after the other why I want to maybe step away from Ducati for awhile.

Sorry to rant there for a little bit but it is just a tad frustrating. I'm just curious about anyone's experience with the lemon law and if anyone has any direct experience regarding Ducati. thanks.

WV 1199 said:

So I am in contact with Ducati regarding buying my bike back due to numerous issues those of which include:

-new engine at 167 miles due to oil leak from front cylinder
-dealer didnt connect fuel quick disconnect properly after engine install, resulting in fuel going everywhere while riding on the highway, luckily the bike didnt catch fire.
-coolant leak from thermostat and coolant pooling on the rear of the crankcase
-coolant still pooling on the back of the crankcase
-will be going back once again for that coolant leak this saturday

All in all it has spent over 6 weeks at the dealer since I bought it mid December and it will be going back for the same issue for a third time this week. As I understand it I since the bike has spent over 30 days at the dealer within the first year of ownership it qualifies under the lemon law and now it will be going back for a third time for the same issue. So it shouldnt really an issue as to whether or not it qualifies but rather has anyone ever had any experience with Ducati buying a bike back and how long the process takes? This is my first Ducati and I was hoping for a better ownership experience than this, I mean my bike has spent over a fifth of its life being worked on due to all these problems. I am on the fence whether I want a new bike or would rather move to something else like an RSV4. I love the way this bike handles, the power, and it brings a smile to my face every time I walk up to it, but if I cant rely on it for longer trips then it becomes more of a showpiece than anything. And another thing that really has bugged me about Ducati is regarding the factory service manuals, why on earth would you bunch them all together to sell? Do they really think people are buying their entire range of bikes from 2012-2013 and need all of them? It just seems to be one thing after the other why I want to maybe step away from Ducati for awhile.

Sorry to rant there for a little bit but it is just a tad frustrating. I'm just curious about anyone's experience with the lemon law and if anyone has any direct experience regarding Ducati. thanks.

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I have heard of one other bike that had an oil leak, had his engine replaced, then had it again, engine replaced once more - now fine. I think for the most part the 1199 was an excellant first year bike, with very few general problems (that all bikes did experience). Use the search for "lemon" while waiting for responses. Also go here:

Ducati 848 stalling problems... should I go for the lemon law? - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum

I wouldn't let these issues keep you from owning this bike, it is insane, and has very little competition!

I love the bike which is why I'd much rather have them replace it with a 2013 then have it keep spending weeks up at the dealer only for it to come back and start leaking again. Honestly I figured there would be one or two small issues with it being a Ducati and a first year bike but this is a little crazy. I just hope that it can get resolved as quickly as possible.

Is there anyone here that happens to work at Ducati and could get me a phone number of someone to talk to besides the regular customer service people to get things moving?

Every state has it's own lemon laws. I know because I've researched my own state's laws due to issues with this bike. I'm not even close to wanting to get rid of it though. Just wanted information. It takes a significant history of problems in Washington.
Also had oil leak in front cylinder due to improper seating of sleeve preventing head from sealing properly. And got new motor. Now arguing over who's going to pay for my second 1000 km service. I'll pay it, but I don't think I should be responsible.

Regarding the coolant leak, did you ever experience coolant gushing out from under your bike near the radiator fan? Not saying the leak is in the radiator or caused by the fan, but that area is where the coolant drains from.

Did they attempt to replace the crankcases/heads? What have they tried in an attempt to fix this issue? Where is the thermostat on this bike?

I'm experiencing coolant leaks too and my 1199 has been in the shop for over a month total. Its currently in the shop again for the same problem - coolant gushing out from under the bike.

From what I have read about the Lemon Law, the bike needs to have the same problem 3 times with it being unrepairable. The problem needs to be described as one that reduces the vehicles value, or inhibits the vehicle from being used.

Good luck man. I wish you the best, hopefully they just get you a new one.

Unfortunately for you, WV doesn't have a lemon law for motorcycles. Ducati has to abide by the warranty, still, and hopefully they're understanding to your predicament (like giving you a loaner of some sort).

Regardless of the lack of a lemon law for motorbikes in WV, I'd still recommend contacting a lemon law lawyer, who might know of a loophole or a way to expedite a solution to your problem.

MikeLee7 said:

Regarding the coolant leak, did you ever experience coolant gushing out from under your bike near the radiator fan? Not saying the leak is in the radiator or caused by the fan, but that area is where the coolant drains from.

Did they attempt to replace the crankcases/heads? What have they tried in an attempt to fix this issue? Where is the thermostat on this bike?

I'm experiencing coolant leaks too and my 1199 has been in the shop for over a month total. Its currently in the shop again for the same problem - coolant gushing out from under the bike.

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The thermostat housing is burred in the center of the bike under the airbox housing between the throttle bodies. Ducati calls it a "Squirter Unit" lol. Mine was deformed and had a slow leak. Took 4 trips to the dealer before it was fixed.

Who did you buy the bike from ?

In Cali, I don't think Lemon law applies to bikes either, its like SOL situation for new bike owners as far as Lemon is concerned, its very limited. May want to research Moss-Magnuson warranty act and Sale of Goods Act 1979 which covers consumer goods and services. If the bike is so defective, its no different than paying for something and that thing that you paid for never materialized. You buy a motorcycle it is commonly expected that the bike will get you from point A to point B reliably and for a reasonable life, say at least ~50 thousand miles with average commuter riding and with proper maintenance and replacement of all wear parts. For Ducatis there are additional reasonable expectations, like knowing that you are receiving, for your hard earned money, a chick magnet. Hope this helps. Disclaimer: I'm no attorney, but took some law classes. In the end, I believe that if you express that you did not get what you paid for or are still paying for on reasonable common ground with the seller, I am sure that any honest businessperson will help you out to get you what you paid them for. I never had a problem as a consumer with this in mind. It's usually those that have unreasonable expectations when they buy something that make it impossible for the business to satisfy the customer within the scope of what is reasonable to expect on the item purchased and for the seller to stay afloat.
The one time I felt really bonafide ripped off, was when I was a kid and bought a 16 dollar wireless mic. That damn thing had a cheap adjustment externally accessible but circuit board mounted ferrite tuning pot for tuning frequency that broke easily with the included plastic tuning tool. The shop told me I was SOL. I was just a kid and saved like hell those 16 dollars for that cute microphone with the yellow windscreen, and for that POS mic that most adults would have broken just the same, I felt like I was taken advantage of for my own ignorance. I've since seen and broken many the same ferrite adjustment pots working on those adjustments as a professional. Money gone, the mic never worked, not once. tears just thinking about it. And now, hey, what's 16 bucks decades later? That experience inspired me to ALWAYS do fair business, service others , at the very least, to reasonable and agreed expectations and get what you paid for in return- karma.

Contact an attorney. Free consultations are available mostly anywhere. I'd only do this after Ducati/your dealer gives you the shaft. If I was you I would expect a new bike from the dealer as this is unacceptable. Like others have said your state may not have a MC Lemon Law. Some states there are many different possibilities that could result in a lemon: 3 of the same issue, them having it in the shop for 30 or more days, the list goes on.

I wish you the best of luck. I would never have the patience for any of that ..... Hell, I'm going on my 4th day without my bike and am losing my mind.
I'm not sure I'd even enjoy owning this bike anymore If I had those problems.

Thanks for all the input, I have written a letter to DNA, as I was told to do per Ducati stating what I want done. So as of right now I am in limbo waiting to hear back from them, I'm just trying to enjoy the bike as much as possible and keeping an eye on the coolant levels, but every time I get off the bike there is the white streaks of coolant on the back of the crankcase running down on the back sides of the exhaust and the pool of it on the engine.

If its leaking coolant you need to leave it with the dealer to resolve, and document everything. I am not sure why you are riding it with those maladies. They have to at least abide by the warranty. Imagine your bike can overheat any moment if its got a coolant leak. Worse, all the damage that's done in the leaks wake if leak becomes catastrophic.

+1 on AH's comment. I hate to go all "American" on you and, believe me, our litigious society drives me crazy at times, but I think at this point I would lawyer up. Sometimes just the fact that you have counsel involved will prompt a resolution and I think you have been more than patient at this point. I was driving up to New England for Thanksgiving one year to visit friends and I got rear ended in Connecticut by someone with Mass plates. I was actually parked at a gas station and walking into the store when the driver hit me so there was no question of fault. It was drivable so I finished my trip and when I got back took it to a local body shop that specializes in German autos. They fixed everything, but the driver's insurance company refused to pay because the "invoice was too high" and the shop kept after me to pay them directly and sort it out on my own since they just wanted to get paid and get the car off their lot. Then the car rental place started calling saying the insurance company wouldn't authorize any more days of car rental since my car was done, but I wasn't going to pay the invoice myself and then try to get the money back from the driver's insurance company since I figured I'd never see it. I called the insurance guy and tried to reason with him and told them that if they don't pay the invoice and take back my rental they are leaving me in a really bad situation. It didn't work so on the next call I told him that at this point I'd have to involve a lawyer. Long story short, one of my buddies is a patent attorney so even though he isn't even close to qualified to deal with a case like this I got him on the horn anyway and he fired off a letter or two. When the insurance company called me to discuss it I told them I had hired counsel and everything had to go through my attorney. The body shop got paid that week.

Not saying I like the system, but I'll be damned if I am going to be the one screwed by it.

Good luck!

As far as documentation goes, I have copies of all the warranty work that was done on the bike since day 1. I have taken pictures of everything as it happens showing that it is still leaking and these pictures have been used by the dealer to get the work done. I don't feel as though the dealer is dragging their feet or trying to screw me, in fact that have been very good at getting the bike in to get it worked on and picking it up and dropping it off quickly, it just seems like this leak is tough to solve and I really dont want another engine to be thrown in again. I mean putting a new component in a bike and trying to get all the wires and what not back the way they were from the factory is difficult and retorquing bolts over and over decreases their lifespan.

The reason I'm still riding it now is that the dealer cant pick it up till this saturday since their trailer is being worked on and the leak is small enough I keep track of what is left in the overflow tank and constantly watching my temps. But with the state of my rear tire I'm fine with them keeping it until I get a new one because I dont want to shell out a bunch of money for a new tire only to get a new bike in a month. I will be looking for a local attorney to see what can be done as well if I dont see any movement by Ducati by the end of the week.

Capt CF said:

+1 on AH's comment. I hate to go all "American" on you and, believe me, our litigious society drives me crazy at times, but I think at this point I would lawyer up. Sometimes just the fact that you have counsel involved will prompt a resolution and I think you have been more than patient at this point. I was driving up to New England for Thanksgiving one year to visit friends and I got rear ended in Connecticut by someone with Mass plates. I was actually parked at a gas station and walking into the store when the driver hit me so there was no question of fault. It was drivable so I finished my trip and when I got back took it to a local body shop that specializes in German autos. They fixed everything, but the driver's insurance company refused to pay because the "invoice was too high" and the shop kept after me to pay them directly and sort it out on my own since they just wanted to get paid and get the car off their lot. Then the car rental place started calling saying the insurance company wouldn't authorize any more days of car rental since my car was done, but I wasn't going to pay the invoice myself and then try to get the money back from the driver's insurance company since I figured I'd never see it. I called the insurance guy and tried to reason with him and told them that if they don't pay the invoice and take back my rental they are leaving me in a really bad situation. It didn't work so on the next call I told him that at this point I'd have to involve a lawyer. Long story short, one of my buddies is a patent attorney so even though he isn't even close to qualified to deal with a case like this I got him on the horn anyway and he fired off a letter or two. When the insurance company called me to discuss it I told them I had hired counsel and everything had to go through my attorney. The body shop got paid that week.

Not saying I like the system, but I'll be damned if I am going to be the one screwed by it.

Good luck!

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I kinda lost you where you said "long story short", not exactly sure what you meant by that

I feel bad for our fellow superbiker. I appears he loves to ride and these issues is keeping him from being to ride as much as he likes to. That wouldn't be good press for Ducati. I would tell Ducati about all the free publicity they are losing out on when you keep a committed rider from being able to ride, especially when many riders ride very little and keep their bikes stuffed away for special occasions. I'd like to ride more myself and when another of my vehicles are paid off, I will get a second superbike so that even if one is in the shop, I will have the second one to tool around in.

heck, call out the dealer here , why not if they are not addressing it.

Also riding it could also be a hazard not only to you, but to other riders. Imagine if you dump oil or coolant thinking you can ride it home, unknowingly leaving stuff on the groud for your fellow riders. Leave it at the dealer and get a loaner

craigslistbuyermn said:

heck, call out the dealer here , why not if they are not addressing it.

Also riding it could also be a hazard not only to you, but to other riders. Imagine if you dump oil or coolant thinking you can ride it home, unknowingly leaving stuff on the groud for your fellow riders. Leave it at the dealer and get a loaner

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Could not have said it any better.

ShiftTechCarbon said:

Could not have said it any better.

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This guy seems happy enough with the bike to carry on riding it with the coolant leak and has worn a tyre out but won't buy a new one because he might get a new bike, wish we had a law like that here would make cheap biking