Stuck ignition lock (MTS 950)

[Jim Nazium]

I have a 2017 MTS 950 with ~ 9000 miles.  Twice now, I've had this problem: I put the key into the ignition and it won't turn to the right to the 'on' position. It will turn freely to the left, to the 'lock' position, but not to the right. Needless to say I can't start the bike when this happens. Both times, after putting the key in and out several times, it suddenly freed up and worked normally. The first time I shrugged it off, thought maybe some dirt got in there. This time I went straight to the dealer and left the bike there, hoping they can fix it.

Anyone ever have this problem or heard of it?  Also posted on ducati.ms

[Murf46]

That's a new one!

[Wassers]

That's bad luck Jim Nazium.    I've not heard of this problem before. A quick search on another Ducati forum confirms only a couple of other owners have seen this problem before, but neither ended up with a proper fix apart from a recommendation to use lubrication (graphite in one example).

If I was in your shoes I'd be asking the dealer to take a look and probably leave it with them for a while - if you are not using your bike much at the moment.

[neilb]

I hope you get some joy from the dealer with this one, Jim.

[Conman]

I don't want to tech you to suck eggs or anything, but you haven't got pressure from the steering that's stopping the steering lock pin from pulling out? 

Try pushing down on the back of the seat so the bike rocks onto the back wheel (on the centrestand of course) and lets the handlebars rotate a bit.
On the side stand try jiggling the handlebars while unlocking the ignition.

Once again apologies if I'm talking down to you 

[Multistrider]

Hi there, I’ve had my Multi 950 for a year and not used it much. I am currently on a Europe tour to Corsica and Sardinia. On the way I stayed at Grenoble, I dropped the wife and panniers in front of the hotel and restarted the bike to park the bike in the garage. But the ignition key was blocked and wouldn’t fire up the dash screen. After a call out to Ducati Assistance we eventuslly found the switch working, very delicately I needed to insert the key and carefully click the key clockwise and for the next 2 days it worked, this lunch time I noticed a small stone in the key well. It had certainly come out from the ignition barrel. I suggest you get a compressed air line on the job. The ignition switch is a natural well to catch this sort of road material. It’s fine now and hopefully able to enjoy this holiday

[neilb]

Thanks for the info, Multistrider, useful to know just in case. Ah, Corsica, what a wonderful place. I spent a week on the island two years ago and enjoyed some fabulous riding in the mountains and along the winding coast roads. Heaven!

[Murf46]

Good tip thanks