Installing a Rim Rock (SkutrNet) Servo Buddy on the Ducati SuperSport 939

The exhaust valve servo mechanism on my Ducati SuperSport 939 threw a check engine light for the second time in 6 months. So rather than cleaning and lubing it again, (and as it turned out, this wasn't going to solve the problem!), I decided to go with a servo eliminator. I chose the Rim Rock (formerly SkutrNet) Servo Buddy. Here's the story about why I did it, how I got it done, and how it worked out in the end.
LINKS…
Rim Rock (SkutrNet) servo eliminators: rimrockmc.com/...
CREDITS…
Thanks to Evan Splash for the theme music, Drive It Now, provided by Tunetank at: tunetank.com/t...
Thanks to Nuclear Wave for the background music, In Drive, provided by Tunetank at: tunetank.com/t...

[@rich2766]

Brilliant Stace. Clear, concise and honest. Not only liked your video, but subscribed.

[@staceonwheels]

Thank you, snd welcome! Do you have a SuperSport too?

[@rich2766]

Hi Stace, just bought a Monster 821 Stripe on Monday, but it's a shared bike. My girlfriend has a Kawasaki ER6F (Ninja 650) 0and I've got a VFR800-Vtec. Was hoping to find a bike maintenance video by someone other than a hairy bummed bloke so she can see other girls working on their bikes. Think we have an issue with the EXUP and looking to delete. Unsure of pulling the end can and removing the butterfly (so the computer is non the wiser) or stripping the servo and associated gubbins out and using a servo delete plug. Plus, I used to live in Oz years back so you brought back memories. We both enjoyed your video. Hope Beau is keeping well. 👍

[@staceonwheels]

@rich2766 so great to hear all that! For the SuperSport at least, most leave the exhaust valve in there as the default position is open. Still feels annoying just knowing it's there, but there seems to be no consequence. I'm keen to hear what you end up doing, tho.

[@santiagomoreno696]

I love these type of videos, I recently installed an exhaust servo eliminator on my Multistrada 950, greetings from Colombia.

[@staceonwheels]

Thank you. I like it too when I can find specific how-to videos about my bikes/cars.

[@cv7900]

Hi Stace, I found this video because i want to do the same to my 950 SS. I usually skip through most parts of these videos and head straight to the parts that i need. But you explain things in such a calm and soothing demeaned that i watched it from beginning to end without one fast forward feeling the need to skip anything. Thanks for the instructions, they will definitely come in handy,when my servo buddy shows up. You’ve got a new subscriber.

[@staceonwheels]

That is brilliant to hear! Thanks for sharing that, and really hope this helps your install turn out easily. You might want to think about adding some heat shield around the buddy (not stuck right on it tho, I don't think) while the fairing is off. Not sure how I'll do that yet, but wish I had thought of it at the time!

[@giuseppegrillo2986]

Complimenti sei veramente brava👏

[@migueldsouza9695]

Hi Stace, thanks for taking the time to record this. I have a 939 HS and have already done the conversion, but wanted to see how others were getting on with it. BTW - the barrels are only soldered on, so chances are it worked loose rather than snapped off. Also, consider titanium bolts as they are much better than SS, and don't cost that much more unless you are changing 100's of them!

[@staceonwheels]

Thanks and I love your idea of titanium bolts. They're on my shopping list.

[@johnhall4445]

Very interesting and informative video about this bike. Keep them coming! Maybe because I’ve had three Ducatis in the past, this one looks like a good one to test, Thanks for the info!

[@staceonwheels]

The only Ducati I had before this one was a Scrambler sixty2 and before that only dirtbikes, so the SS is my only real street bike experience. But I love it!! I'll do a long term owner review video soon so that might also help you decide. Thanks for the encouragement John.

[@TheBirkin7]

Great video Stace. thanks for posting :)

[@staceonwheels]

Thanks 😁 Are you planning to do a servo eliminator on yours too?

[@rickster5120]

My servo buddy arrived today so I'll be doing this tonight ..so this is mint

[@staceonwheels]

The one thing I wished I'd done was wrap some heat sheild around the servo buddy. Not sure if it's essential but would have been peace of mind. Might still do it some day. Have fun installing yours!

[@rickster5120]

Went at it today...all went well...turned on and off and 3rd time light was gone ..delighted with outcome..thanks for your video

[@staceonwheels]

That's brilliant! I reckon I've noticed the bike feeling a bit more crisp in the lower mid range, wonder if you'll notice anything too...?

[@rickster5120]

Not sure if any difference riding ..but certainly louder now 😆

[@staceonwheels]

Nice!! I wear ear plugs so don't notice much change in sound. Our bikes sound great anyway.

[@eikehedemann2335]

Great and helpful Video! I have also again problems with the valve and it is now disconnected. I‘m not sure, but does the valve also has some effects on the Sound design? Is the „popping noise“ still the same without the valve?

[@staceonwheels]

Yes the valve is just for noise restriction at certain rpm. But the popping is still there, after the valve servo motor delete!

[@loopie007]

Hi Stace, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but... When you pull the cable off the cat, you should check the manual/forums to ensure you leave it in the open position. Then run some safety wire through the cable mech. to lock it in position and ensure it doesn't turn while you are riding. Second observation. When using a wrench of any type, please do everything you can to ensure you are pulling the wrench to you and not pushing it away. If the wrench slips, you will tear up fingers, knuckles, etc. Pulling is much safer; we don't want to see you get hurt.

[@staceonwheels]

Thanks for your advice. From the forums, I understood the spring keeps the valve in the open position by default.

[@Marius1418]

what was the reason of removing it and buying the servo buddy did you want to get read of check engine light?

[@staceonwheels]

Exactly.

[@rickster5120]

Did you get a spluttering jumpy reaction and limp mode when it got stuck...I'm driven nuts by mine , love to know if this would fix mine, thanks in advance

[@staceonwheels]

Really the only symptom I got, both the first time when the cable stuck and second time when the cable broke, was the CEL. I didn't notice any really change in sound or performance. Same when the cable stuck on both my friends' SuperSports too. If I understand it right, the exhaust valve only operates to affect noise at certain revs or speed. Yours might be sticking closed... but I've never heard of spluttering or limp mode in relation to the exhaust valve. Have you looked under there, operated your key on, and watched what the servo motor and cable are doing? Your issue seems much more dire, but the exhaust valve issue seems so common that it's inevitable on most bikes..

[@rickster5120]

@@staceonwheels I had mechanic do something with it b4...since then he's changed MAP sensor ..but problem still there...rides perfect for 10 minutes then the limp mode antics start ...I've feeling its the TPS but Ducati Dublin said you can't fix sensor..you have to change entire Throttle which theg quoted at €2000..so was scanning You Tube to see if anyone had similar problems..was hoping yours was the problem..as u can imagine

[@staceonwheels]

Yeah that absolutely sucks. Have you thought about the fuel being bad, or the temp sensor reading wrong as the bike warms up? If it is the TPS then you might get lucky finding a wrecked SS and get the whole throttle from that?

[@rickster5120]

​@@staceonwheels looking at 2nd hand throttle bodies on E Bay etc..crazy that Ducati don't sell Tps only ..

[@staceonwheels]

Agreed. Good luck finding one, and I hope that it fixes the problem.

[@rickster5120]

Did light go off by itself or did u have to get it cleared

[@staceonwheels]

The answer is at the end of the video ;-) But yes, the light went off by itself after a few engine stop/starts.

[@herpderp1662]

Didnt even bother. Just drilled the 2 screws out of the plate and removed it. No sense adding and relying on electronics when you can just remove the issue entirely.

[@staceonwheels]

I like the sound of an easy fix, but... where exactly did you drill the 2 screws out of? Does your CEL stay off then?

[@herpderp1662]

@@staceonwheels havent had an issue yet. But, take your muffler off where its attached to the cat, or midpipe. Inside you can see the circular valve flap with a rod through it and 2 screws. Screws that ducati decided to tack weld. Close the valve by hand at the spring, drill it from the opening where your muffler was, suck out the debris. Poof, done. If your bikes tuned, it doesnt give a shit if your valves open or not. A stock bike would likely throw a code.

[@staceonwheels]

That's simple and brilliant. Thanks!

[@EricTostes]

What is the function of this exhaust valve? Can I just ficed it opened?

[@herpderp1662]

@@EricTostes its emissions and noise regulation. Has no real impact on the engine at all. Its unpowered position is open, so it doesnt fail in the closed position. You can cut the cable, remove the servo, drill the flap like i did, or get a dongle that bypasses control. Different methods, same skinned cat.