999 Screeching in 1st gear

[ducatihun]

Hi I'm thinking of buying a 2003 999 but if you open the throttle for a hill start for example, there is a shrill shrieking sound, can't hear it on a smooth start. Is that the clutch or something more sinister. I also have a ST4s that sometimes sounds a bit grindy on pulling off in 1st, a bit like sticky calipers. Wonder if anyone has an idea, also do you think it's wise to do a tour to Budapest on a 999?

[Ghost]

Defo clutch could be full of dust knackered basket and hub also a possibility. Nothing wrong with touring on it.
3 to 4 hundred a day is no hardship, only on the wallet for fuel.

[170]

I concur..clutch. When I got mine from Moto Rapido, they changed the clutch plates for me as they were slightly worn and doing the same. Wilf explained that because they have heavy clutches riders tend to 'drag the clutch' a little when pulling away which wears them and creates the 'screeching' noise.

[moto748]

I gave my clutch a good clean out at the weekend. All plates removed and cleaned with brake cleaner; the pressure plate, hub and basket wiped down as well as possible too. Although there wasn't a lot of dust in there; maybe half a teaspoonful came out in the cover, the difference it made was amazing! My 10k clutch feels like new! I also replaced the front friction plate, which looking a bit poorly, with another from a spare set I had.

This really needs doing regularly on Ducati dry clutches.

I'm sure you all know that, but I'm just saying...

[ducatihun]

Thanks guys, will ask/get them to clean it up prior to buying it.
Hope you all have a safe summer ridin'