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I am gradually sorting out problems with my 906..I have had 17" wheels put on without any issues and the electrical problem I had (engine missing when indicators turned on, or off, brake applied etc) has been fixed with a relay to the ignition -or somewhere... a friend fixed this for me..
Next problem - the clutch was making metallic grinding noises when taking off in first gear..moves through the gears OK and idles OK - the usual rattling noise in neutral.
I have pulled out the clutch discs and while they don't look too bad - although I have never looked at clutch discs before - maybe they are worn??!! I plan to replace them, and the springs. I can't seem to easily find replacements for them, although I think I have found a place in Queensland which might have something. There might also be a basket there - I will call them and see what they offer. I thought I should also replace the pressure plate as well, while I was there, but I am not sure where/how to find one of these.
Any advice welcome
Regards
PS The ride I had after the electrical problem was fixed made me think this is a fantastic bike to ride!

thats right. there is nothing like a 906 when its pumping properly. good luck and enjoy! and happy new year!

The metallic noises might be clutch "groan" when pulling out from a stop. This is a normal condition happens on many Ducs with the dry clutch. It's usually caused by dust in the clutch cover. If you are referring to the "jangle" noise that sounds like a handful of nails in a coffee can, then get used to it. That's the sound a dry clutch Duc makes. Enjoy it!!!

If you are referring to the "jangle" noise that sounds like a handful of nails in a coffee can, then get used to it. That's the sound a dry clutch Duc makes. Enjoy it!!!

actually it is the sound of improperly clearanced tangs or plate stack,due to wear of the housing or the plates or more likely both It is not normal just very common especially with aluminium plates as in Barnett clutch packs

Does it mean your clutch is about to destroy itself,maybe yes more likely no
Does it mean you need to get used to it,no not at all...means you need to fix it if you are so inclined

The "jangle" noise is only there when in neutral and doesn't worry me at all. The "groaning" noise worries me and only seems to be present when I take off from a standstill - and is much worse if greater strain on the take off -ie if starting up a hill. It seemed to get worse the longer it was being ridden, but again only noticeable when taking off in first gear.
I have measured the friction plates and really only one of them was less than the suggested 0.11 inch. I still plan to replace them...
I have purchased a socket to take off the nut holding the clutch drum in place - I need to work out a device to hold the clutch while I undo the nut...or I might just try replacing the discs and see how it goes...
Again, any advice welcome
Tahnks for the responses.
Best wishes for the New Year
Regards

I need to work out a device to hold the clutch while I undo the nut

There`re different alternatives.

I`ve just bought this one a month ago:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-D ... ccessories

Then there`s also this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ducati-clutch-Tool- ... 19c1f54094

G.

You don't need to pull the basket to replace the clutch. If the basket is boogered up or has ridges in the basket fingers, they can be cleaned up with a file/grinder.

Bainesy wrote:{groaning}...only noticeable when taking off in first gear.

Mine does this too - and I have found that the best way to launch a 906 in a dignified way is to let the clutch out very very slowly with the bike at idle, or only *just* above idle. This results in least groaning.

Having the clutch get "grabby" seems to be very hard on the chain (It's when mine snapped) when getting the bike rolling.

My technique is to pull away very gently, and once3 the bike is on the move I feel free to give it plenty of right-wrist.

The noise of the clutch was greatly reduced after I removed the plates (being very careful to keep them oriented correctly and in the correct order) and blasted them with a compressed air gun. This is an easy job - that even a guy like me (I have 8 thumbs and 2 fingers) can do it in a couple of hours.

Just to be complete:
I replaced the discs with a new set; left the basket/housing and didn't touch this, although I have ordered a tool to hold the clutch just in case I need to play with it again later...
The clutch now works fantastically!!! No noise on take off, a little "jangle" only with the clutch in...the sound of the bike on the open road is magic!! Just have to wait for the next problem to arise
Thanks for all the advice
Regards

Bainesy wrote:...I think I have found a place in Queensland which might have something. ...

I'm in Queensland too. Where did you locate the clutch discs from? Thanks.

This guy stocks the Barnett aluminium discs down your way
brad@bikeboy.org
2B King Street, Oakleigh
Victoria 3166

But, fitting the aluminium discs, there is the need of an aluminium basket to avoid bad wear of the clutch.
Ciao

Hi Bainsey , i gotta be in wellington next week ( dunno why I think your in welly ) but if you want I'll bring you my clutch tool as I can easily make another , and if your not in welly I could just courier it