Ducati’s valve nightmare

» After proudly banging on about the 37,500-mile valve service intervals of their new non-desmo engine, Ducati have been forced to recall hundreds of Multistrada V4s (including Bike’s long term test machine) because of a valve problem. Ducati have told customers there is an issue with a batch of valve guides which may wear prematurely. This is bad news, as valve guides hold the poppet valves precisely in line, and any wear can lead to power loss, rough running, poor starting, catalytic converter damage, detonation, and even valve breakage. Ducati have not revealed how many bikes are affected but only one supplier’s guides are defective so it’s thought most bikes will be ok. Owners of the affected bikes have already been contacted by Ducati and have been offered a courtesy bike while the engine is swapped, or – if they have yet to receive the bike – they’ve been given the option to have new guides fitted at a dealer or back at the factory.