[mitra]

So after doing more than 700 miles and completed first service, I still have one major issue with my Icon (stock), which is very jerky/"unsmooth" engine response between 2000-3500 rpm (Worse towards the lower end), particularly in first and second gear. It makes commuting in cities rather unpleasant and forces me to run at it higher rpm and hence higher fuel consumption than necessary for a v-twin.

In order to describe what I mean, try running your bike at a constant speed in first or second gear between 2000-3500 rpm. The bike will stutter and feel like it's not being fueled properly despite constant throttle. It's a torque heavy bike, but will feel like a coughing dog below certain rpms. The effect is slightly minimized after engine has had enough time to warm up, but is still there after long rides as well.

Could those who have similar issues please post here as it would be interesting to know.
Could you also let us know how many miles you have done, and how long you have noticed this. Finally, let us know if this troubles you or not.

 

[PeteI]

So after doing more than 700 miles and completed first service, I still have one major issue with my Icon (stock), which is very jerky/"unsmooth" engine response between 2000-3500 rpm (Worse towards the lower end), particularly in first and second gear. It makes commuting in cities rather unpleasant and forces me to run at it higher rpm and hence higher fuel consumption than necessary for a v-twin.

In order to describe what I mean, try running your bike at a constant speed in first or second gear between 2000-3500 rpm. The bike will stutter and feel like it's not being fueled properly despite constant throttle. It's a torque heavy bike, but will feel like a coughing dog below certain rpms. The effect is slightly minimized after engine has had enough time to warm up, but is still there after long rides as well.

Could those who have similar issues please post here as it would be interesting to know.
Could you also let us know how many miles you have done, and how long you have noticed this. Finally, let us know if this troubles you or not.

great questions. anxious to hear what riders are saying. I am used to the utter smoothness of triumph having had 4 in the near past. I hope I am not let down.

 

[Personne]

It's a Ducati engine guys.

3000rpm is the bottom (2500 on low gears)
And seriously, under 2000rpm there is nothing else than hurting the engine.

From my past on a Monster 1100 if find the Scrambler sooo smooth on the low end

(once the engine warm and the first service done you'll never find me under 4000rpm)

 

[mitra]

So an engine that runs between roughly 1700 (guessing idle) - 8500 only has an effective range of 3500-8000 in your opinion. I've never had a Ducati before but have had plenty of engines with idle around 1300 and redline past 11000 and v-twins that have been smooth as silk from 1500 upwards, and happy to pull as well.
In fact, you could happily let the clutch out and it would pull you away in first rather well (though I wouldn't do so more than to prove a point).

what I'm trying to understand is if their is a fault here, or if this is a general characteristic and what the real usable range is (as the manual will not say so)

However, in 3rd gear the bike will tick over quite nicely around 2300+ without any real jerkyness. This can not be said for 1st or 2nd gear.

 

[Personne]

Idle should be around 1250rpm.

And yes, it's typical of a 2 valves Ducati engine.
And i wouldn't say this one is good, but the others are worst
It as something to do with the 11° admission/exhaust crossing, wich is a small value for a Ducati engine (ie better low end but less on top)

 

[JustKip]

I'd be interested in hearing from those with aftermarket exhaust, and the associated ECU flash. Any difference?

 

[Jerry Winder]

I'd be interested in hearing from those with aftermarket exhaust, and the associated ECU flash. Any difference?

Mines smooth as. I've not had any throttle problems or fuelling issues but, and although this wouldn't solve Mitra's problem, you do have to be smooth with the throttle which is a 1/6 turn throttle and hence very quick from nothing to flat chat.


Jerry

 

[Derek]

Low end snatchiness is mainly due to an overlean mixture because of the emissions regulations. Some bikes seem to be more prone to it than others. Many 1200 Multistrada owners complain of the same problem. My own one is OK, possibly because it has a full Termi system and ECU.
I haven't yet got my Classic so I don't know how it will be at slow speeds but I've ordered a Termi for it so it probably won't be an issue any way.
Many owners are having success in curing the low speed poor running by fitting Fat Ducs
They fool the ECU into running a richer mixture and are adjustable for best results.

 

[Derek]

Cancel that last bit. I just checked the Fat Duc compatibility list. They are not compatible with the Monster 796, nor any of the models that use the Seimens ECU, so won't work for the Scrambler

 

[Leo]

I go to work with my Icon and believe it or not, in my city, I can only make it around 40km/h. Sometimes in slow traffic, but sometimes I can make it 60km/h. However, I still think that the engine is smooth at whatever speed I make. The only problem with the low speed for me is the heat.

 

[greer]

Doug (husband) had exactly the same issue on his 2010 Bonneville, took care of it by adjusting the TPS, throttle position sensor. Sort of involved, required a special cable to connect to the ECU and a sharp buddy with a laptop, but fixed the issue in just a few seconds.... Anyhow, does such a thing exist for the Monster 796?


Sarah


p.s. I believe this is the outfit Doug used:
TTP :: Triumph Twin EFI Tunes

 

[PeterK]

It became clear after just a few minutes of my first test ride that these bikes need to be ridden
It's best to be accelerating or decelerating and that way you won't find any lumpy bits! I imagine that smooth only comes with a four cylinder engine but I can't advise as I've only ridden them when when my own bikes are being serviced.
It's called character, enjoy
P

 

[Smifff]

Pesonne and Peter K are correct,

This engine doesn't work especially well below 4,000 rpm, 4,000 to 8,000 is great, ride it accordingly and you'll love it. Maybe even as low as 3,500 but that would be about it, 2,300 is too low.

If you want it to run smoothly and pull from lower revs you're unlikely to ever be happy with it, it's just not that engine.

The fact it behaves more smoothly in higher gears is due to "mechanical advantage". Plenty of info on that online.

 

[littleowl]

So after doing more than 700 miles and completed first service, I still have one major issue with my Icon (stock), which is very jerky/"unsmooth" engine response between 2000-3500 rpm (Worse towards the lower end), particularly in first and second gear. It makes commuting in cities rather unpleasant and forces me to run at it higher rpm and hence higher fuel consumption than necessary for a v-twin.

In order to describe what I mean, try running your bike at a constant speed in first or second gear between 2000-3500 rpm. The bike will stutter and feel like it's not being fueled properly despite constant throttle. It's a torque heavy bike, but will feel like a coughing dog below certain rpms. The effect is slightly minimized after engine has had enough time to warm up, but is still there after long rides as well.

Could those who have similar issues please post here as it would be interesting to know.
Could you also let us know how many miles you have done, and how long you have noticed this. Finally, let us know if this troubles you or not.

I'm having exactly the same problem, I've done about 350 miles so far. It's worse when cold but doesn't get a huge lot better when warmed up. I can't get the revs up too high down my lane which is a narrow single track farm lane with loads of blind bends, but it makes no difference if I keep it in 1st or 2nd it lurches and jumps to the end of the lane no matter what I do! Even when out on the open road I cannot find any place where it is totally smooth except for the dual carriageways.

I'm hoping there will be something that can fix or improve this down the line :| as I love the bike otherwise

 

[silverluxe]

I hope that as time goes on someone will get the software to map the ECU at home and figure out how to change the factory fuel map to smooth things out for 1st and 2nd gear. And then of course provide the map to the rest of us so we can flash our own ECUs. It's probably completely related to meeting environmental requirements. the 'RACE' map is probably a lot better.

My habit is to ride around at 1500 RPM on my other bikes, so it might be weird to get used to riding the Ducati above 3000 RPM when I'm just bumming around town.

 

[Tonnes83]

Low end snatchiness is mainly due to an overlean mixture because of the emissions regulations. Some bikes seem to be more prone to it than others. Many 1200 Multistrada owners complain of the same problem. My own one is OK, possibly because it has a full Termi system and ECU.
I haven't yet got my Classic so I don't know how it will be at slow speeds but I've ordered a Termi for it so it probably won't be an issue any way.
Many owners are having success in curing the low speed poor running by fitting Fat Ducs
They fool the ECU into running a richer mixture and are adjustable for best results.

I did notice this problem while I was test riding the Icon.
Talked to the dealer, and with the new Termi there is also a new mapping (not in compliance with the emission regulations in Europe). With the new exhaust and mapping, the Icon will respond better with lower rpm.

Just a few more weeks before I can ride on it, will keep you posted...

 

[Jerry Winder]

I did notice this problem while I was test riding the Icon.
Talked to the dealer, and with the new Termi there is also a new mapping (not in compliance with the emission regulations in Europe). With the new exhaust and mapping, the Icon will respond better with lower rpm.

Just a few more weeks before I can ride on it, will keep you posted...

It is smoother with the Termi remap, mines as smooth as.

Jerry

 

[JustKip]

My habit is to ride around at 1500 RPM on my other bikes, so it might be weird to get used to riding the Ducati above 3000 RPM when I'm just bumming around town.

With all due respect, sir; There are almost no commercially available motorcycles designed to run at such low RPMs. Not even V-twin cruisers, or thumpers

 

[netrunner]

With all due respect, sir; There are almost no commercially available motorcycles designed to run at such low RPMs. Not even V-twin cruisers, or thumpers

I love the friendliness and respectful nature of this forum. I've been on others where people are insulting, rude and profane in their responses. Let's keep on making this forum a positive experience for all.

 

[silverluxe]

That's just how I like to ride. I was generalizing 1500 RPM, but I am usually under 3500 RPM in all of my normal riding. Up into 5th gear as soon as possible. They need to make a production diesel motorcycle for me.

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to adapt

The TW200 I'm replacing with the Scrambler had to have its neck wrung to 8000+ RPM just to keep up with traffic.