Right, first job now the bikes home is to change cambelts. Ive some on order, waiting for the postman. Heres some pics of the condition when i took the covers off :

The centre / crank pulleys:



The horizontal belt:



The vertical belt:



The bike had been standing for quite some time before i took it home, and no idea when belts last changed, but there didnt sem to be any major concerns or damage to them. However, there is a load of crap around the vertical cam pulley - not sure if its old rubber or oiley dirt (any way it will all be cleaned away nefore the new belts go on) :

I am QUESSING now, that someone have tighten too much those belt cover screws, then that rubber start to turn and it can hit to belt and grinding start. I noticed thiskind one time, when i turned those screws too much and then that rubber part started to turn and belt touched that rubber and started to make some noise.... I opened immdiatelly covers and find small part of rubber gone away already... As I say, this is quessing.....

It can be also so, as U say....

Also all pulley(and "lead rollers" bearings) must be roll easily without too much friction. I have seen many Ducatis, what have lost those bearings and then its again bad thing.....and very harmfull to belts.....

This might also be the right time to make an accurate ceck to the bearings and wonder if it's bettere to upgrade to roller/bearing alike newer desmodue

Changing belts, its really and easy project when you have the manual. Also go to Ducatitech.com and see the video.

or:

http://www.ducatisuite.com/valves.html

Thanks for the tips Guys. Upon closer inspection, its definitley a mixture of dirt and rubber, but i think its accumulated over quite some time.

I havent fitted the new belts yet, as the engine is coming out for a thorough clean degrease and bit of paint before checking and replacing any parts. I can see that the vertical belt has been rubbing on something (not by much), but cant see where yet - should be able to see where once its all clean.

wouldn't hurt to change the oil seals behind the cam pullies , probly should do the ones in the clutch too