GEAR SENSOR! -failure and fix

Yesterday I was about to go driving. Bike idled 10seconds and then stalled. Big red box in dash was indicating "GEAR SENSOR!"-failure and the bike did not start anymore. I put the bike into rear stand and shifted gears back and forth. Sometimes a number very briefly visited dash and then fault message again. Called to my dealer and they immediately ordered a new sensor from Italy. Since it was late afternoon, it arrives on Thursday.

But today it was raining and I'm on holiday. So I jacked 1299 up and removed shifter, clutch slave and sprocket cover. There was the sensor:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-j_oKL3tntveGdSVTdpQVJ1RjQ

I already have downloaded spare parts catalogue and saw that there is a magnet in shifter drum (is this correct term?) and outside the engine case is a magnet sensor reading gear from magnet position. After removing sensor I saw something on the case. Wiped it with my finger and found a piece of metal. Maybe 10mm long and 0,5mm diameter. You see, there is a small gap in between sensor and engine case. Why? I don't know but unwanted piece of metal found it's way there and messed up gear position information to the sensor. Unbelievable.

So if you ever have this error. First blow pressurized air into the gap between sensor and engine case. You can do it without removing any part from the motorcycle. I put some sealant into there.

Wow, I assume this fixed it and you are good to go then?
If so, then thanks for tip on what to look out for.

Yes, works perfectly again. Since magnetism, any metal chips will stay in the gap. And apparently, if chip is big enough, it will mess up sensor information. I guess Ducati designed the gap to prevent heat from case to sensor. But did not think one in a million chance metals getting into there.

But I read that mine is not the only bike which has had this error code. I bet that in most cases sensor is actually working, but there is unwanted metal chips. And decided to make a writing if this ever occurs to someone else.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-j_oKL3tntvQ1RudXF1RlFTT2s

Decided to try to fit Keli Fuxing rearsets. Well, a lot of work. Chinese 100€ rearsets do not fit without modifications. Good thing is that I was able to also modify linkage ratio for shorter shift. At the moment I'm not sure if I keep them or go back to OEM.

Have the same issues as u and was searching forums to understand what is the problem.
this issue has been bugging me for 2 years and even after repeated visit to local dealer they didnt even mentioned this magnet sensor. Im now hoping this is the issue causing the gear indicator issues on my bike and will be removing the sensor to check. Wish me luck