Are your KTMs, Ducatis etc expensive to service?

[mattian]

more expensive to get serviced than your more common Suzukis and Hondas, etc etc?

Recently I have been drooling over some reasonably priced Ducati's, more specifically, the relatively newer 696's .........beautiful bikes.:drool:
It got me thinking. my bike is a commuter bike, and I intend on owning it for a very long time as its my only form of transport.
In terms of reliability, and cost of parts/general serivicing would I be looking at a considerable expense on a Ducati? compared with my current Suzuki?

[Muppet]

Don't buy an imported Ducati, it will only end in tears.

[slowpoke]

Don't buy an imported Ducati, it will only end in tears.

I disagree, you just have to be realistic and go in with your eyes open, as you would with any purchase you can't physically touch/ride/see etc.

[AllanB]

NAH - those piece-o-shite new Ducatis only require servicing every 15,000kms. I mean WTF are they thinking of - they are meant to be upholding the Internet reputation for being expensive, temperamental machines only suitable for europhiles.

IMO you like it - buy it.

The only bike I have ever owned that burnt oil was a Suzuki ............

[nudemetalz]

My Guzzi is cheap as chips to maintain and keep going. Plus is as reliable as any other bike.

[LBD]

I dont consider my Duc expensive to maintain....and as for....
, temperamental machines only suitable for europhiles.... There were a few raised eyebrows when I completed my 15 000km in 17 days trouble free on my Duc last month, in all sorts of weather...wet, hail, hot and frosts.

[SMOKEU]

I went into a bike shop today and they said the only sprockets that are more expensive than for Hondas are for Ducatis.

[Blackflagged]

The AfterMarket make sprockets. So it must be a world wide conspiracy?

[Headbanger]

I dont consider my Duc expensive to maintain....and as for.... There were a few raised eyebrows when I completed my 15 000km in 17 days trouble free on my Duc last month, in all sorts of weather...wet, hail, hot and frosts.

Fuck me, I'm impressed.

And not because it was a Ducati either.

[Winston001]

Ducati have raised their game since the 1980s and early 90s. They had to in order to keep up with the reliability of the Jap bikes. My ST4 probably cost me a bit in servicing because I decided I was past servicing it myself and didn't remove the fairings to save the mechanic time. The short answer to your question is that modern Ducatis are lovely bikes and no problem to own. Haven't heard anything bad about KTM either.

[jasonzc]

maybe ring a duc dealer/workshop and ask?

[ynot slow]

Same thing for me,was looking at an ST2 with 34000km,rang a bike shop who sell them and had a good talk to the service manager re major services,he stated belts due at 40000km would entail approx $1000 along with the full service as per book,obviouslly any more parts meant price increases.

[Quasi]

My Duc, like all bikes i expect, costs a little to service , but its not over the top (must learn how to some of that basic stuff myself, i mean how difficult can it be to change the oil) BUT - what price can be put on the incredible pleasure i get from riding her.
have had jappas previously and will never go back. i have the 2005 model and have had totally trouble free riding from her. As said previously, Ducati lifted their game big time from the early days and i personally dont think the newer models are more susceptible to break down then any other modern bike

[2wheeldrifter]

I went into a bike shop today and they said the only sprockets that are more expensive than for Hondas are for Ducatis.

Hmmm front spockets for a ST4's, ST2 and S2R from dealer are, $23.60 for the ST's and 18.00 for the S2R.. is that fucking expensive or are you guys just tight? (that was over a year ago the last one I got)


Same thing for me,was looking at an ST2 with 34000km,rang a bike shop who sell them and had a good talk to the service manager re major services,he stated belts due at 40000km would entail approx $1000 along with the full service as per book,obviouslly any more parts meant price increases.

That must have including shims for the valves to be done in that price!

Having three of them, ST4'S, ST2 and S2R I have never ever had a problem,front spockets all changed to 14 tooth as all Ducati's 1st gear are tall, all mine were imports! all serviced dy the shop with papers etc. As Winston001 said remove all the fairings saves time and money. The last service on the ST2 at 15000k was just on $634.00, that was,
Oil/ oil filter/spark plugs/ brake-clutch fliuds changed/new belts/valves checked-still in spec/chain lubed-adjusted/ all bearings.. swing arm-head wheels etc all checked etc. and fairings still on... if you wondering why 15000 new belts, as I got the bike at 5000k's with new belts fitted, belts replacement is 10.000k on the newer ones it is 15000k.
So I can live with that, a mate took his Trumpit in for an oil change and check chain etc..... $168.00 so my service doesn't seem to bad to me.

If you want just a little dribble in your pants then buy a Japa.. or full blown wet the pants mess... buy Ducati

The grin factor of hearing your V-twin Ducati with good aftermarket pipes going down the road mmmmm sweetest sound on earth!

[SMOKEU]

Hmmm front spockets for a ST4's, ST2 and S2R from dealer are, $23.60 for the ST's and 18.00 for the S2R.. is that fucking expensive or are you guys just tight? (that was over a year ago the last one I got)



That's what I got told at Budget Motorcycle Spares.

[2wheeldrifter]

That's what I got told at Budget Motorcycle Spares.

Ok.. Does pay to ring around, and the same as with the model of the bike,and if genuine or aftermarket etc... is open to alot more info needed really I guess.

Wasn't having as go at you, have no idea what is a Japa front sprocket is worth, for 600 to 1000cc bike? I have no idea.

[slowpoke]

I went into a bike shop today and they said the only sprockets that are more expensive than for Hondas are for Ducatis.

Certainly on the single side swingarm jobbies like the 748-998 they're expensive, because they aren't like your average sprocket as the cush drive rubbers are fitted to/through the sprocket rather than into the wheel. Get the right sprocket carrier though and you can change the rear sprocket without having to remove the wheel. You get what you pay for I guess.

[JMemonic]

Don't buy an imported Ducati, it will only end in tears.

Where did you hear that? And I was wondering where I could buy a non imported Ducati as they are all made in Italy, it does not matter what model you look at.

There are some models that are made for Japanese market like the M400 but on the whole they all carry similar parts.

Recently Ducati increased major service interval on a range of their bikes and it not that dissimilar to some Japanese brands. I have always enjoyed comments from riders of other brands saying to me oh why did you buy that it costs a lot to service yadda yadda then comparing service intervals and seeing they are not that different at worst I have 6 valve shims to replace, on a 4 valve per cylinder 4 cylinder bike well that potentially 16 shims. You can imagine there are other comparisons that can be made along those lines but it really is counter productive and a waste of time.

Get the bike you like and enjoy it, screw the knockers an brand loyalist idiots that clam my bike is better than yours because .......

[DMNTD]

more expensive to get serviced than your more common Suzukis and Hondas, etc etc?

Recently I have been drooling over some reasonably priced Ducati's, more specifically, the relatively newer 696's .........beautiful bikes.:drool:
It got me thinking. my bike is a commuter bike, and I intend on owning it for a very long time as its my only form of transport.
In terms of reliability, and cost of parts/general serivicing would I be looking at a considerable expense on a Ducati? compared with my current Suzuki?

The cost of ownership is higher especially with the KTM's Superdukes I've owned. Ironically my Duc (1098S) wasn't bad at all.
Expect to pay +10% for parts....whoopy shit :yes:

The costs are usually well out weighed by the pure please of riding such machines though! :love:

Re sprockets...if buying after market products, they costs exactly the same from my experiences.

The Duc 696+ is a superb well handling fun machine but in saying that I would personally have a 'shitter' to commute on as well as.

[AllanB]

[QUOTE=JMemonic;1129714566]Recently Ducati increased major service interval on a range of their bikes and it not that dissimilar to some Japanese brands. QUOTE]


Better than most.

Suzuki still stick to 6,000 kms - however I suspect this may be a NZ thing ..... must check the net.

Honda dealers will tell you 6,000 but if you check your service book and ask the importer it is actually 12,000 .......

You like it buy it.

I would not hesitate to buy a new Ducati.

[CookMySock]

The grin factor of hearing your V-twin Ducati with good aftermarket pipes going down the road mmmmm sweetest sound on earth!hrm the cheapo 650 hyo will do similar with its' unbaffled shorty screaming demon pipe. Gotta love loud vtwins ay.

Steve

[miSTa]

Where did you hear that? And I was wondering where I could buy a non imported Ducati as they are all made in Italy, it does not matter what model you look at.
That was the first thought that came into my head as well!


Just as there's so many many ill-informed people out there perpetuating the myths of Ducati ownership, be kinda dull otherwise. :rolleyes:

After nearly three years and 50,000km of Ducati ownership, my bike has been cheaper to keep on the road than some of the Japanese bikes I've had. I look forward to another 50,000km of worry free ownership.

[NighthawkNZ]

so far my ST4s has been cheaper to run and service than me old VTR ???

[Insanity_rules]

My 2 cents, the two Ducatis I've owned have been about the same price to service has many of the Jappa's I've owned, been as reliable and a shit load more fun to own. First one was a jap import and he second (current) is a euro import and never had parts problems. Totally hooked on them!

[JMemonic]

Suzuki still stick to 6,000 kms - however I suspect this may be a NZ thing ..... must check the net.

Honda dealers will tell you 6,000 but if you check your service book and ask the importer it is actually 12,000 .......

You like it buy it.

I personally try and do oil and filter at 5000, although the manual says 10,000 on a Shell fully synthetic oil which has never been available here.

And I agree you like it, buy it don't settle for almost if you can afford what you rally want.



Just as there's so many many ill-informed people out there perpetuating the myths of Ducati ownership, be kinda dull otherwise. :rolleyes:


Oh aint that the truth, I cant seem to find another bike in the current market I could replace the ST with, all the line up of sorts tourers are tourers and really seem to me to be unsuitable as a dual role bike.



After nearly three years and 50,000km of Ducati ownership, my bike has been cheaper to keep on the road than some of the Japanese bikes I've had. I look forward to another 50,000km of worry free ownership.

Lol and that 50,000 is too easy to get to.

[cheshirecat]

My 94 VFR has done over 100,000. Use it for everything, commute, hols, taking the dog etc. Been very cheap to run - no shimms needed for the last 60,000 and of course no cam chain. It's frequently sprayed with Bells 6 in 1 over the last 50,000km. Don't really suffer from lack of performance/cornering in the company of Dukes and Blades well certainly in real world (NZ back country road) limits. The only real performance limiter is my envelope. I don't think these numbers exceptional, the only real diference from my point of view is the absence of cam chains to deal with.

Bikes these days seem to like being ridden. I think it's more how they are ridden/ warmed up/ cleaned etc.

[Hitcher]

My Shiver has 20,000km service intervals and the frame doesn't need to be dismantled to get at the spark plugs, of which there are but two. Filter, oil, and a diagnostic computer. Couldn't be simpler really.

[AllanB]

Actually reading this most new bikes really only have a major service at 20 -24,000 kms (valve gear & plugs) and the rest is oil & filters.

Personally I do my oil/filter every 6,000 or annually.

Ducati recommend Shell oils I believe.

[EJK]

When you can't afford it, you can't afford it.
When you can afford it, you CAN afford it.

[miSTa]

Oh aint that the truth, I cant seem to find another bike in the current market I could replace the ST with, all the line up of sorts tourers are tourers and really seem to me to be unsuitable as a dual role bike.
You noticed the same thing too? There is nothing currently available I'd replace my ST with either (and the ST is far from perfect).



Lol and that 50,000 is too easy to get to.
Yeah it is, just too easy. The collection of used belts and tyres at the back of the garage is getting rather large! :blink:

[DesmoDAZ]

Howdy,
Just my 25cents worth,
I home service about 25 friends and associates Ducaties and various othe brands.
I have had 3 Ducaties myself and currently own an 02 ST4s and an Aprilia SXV550, my sons share a KTM 50sx.
The Ducati's I look after are maimly early 90s to the latest 1098s.
I really dont see too much real engine wear due to good service intervals.
The belts are good for 20 to 25,000km with an adjustment at 10,000ks this is also good to check the tenisoner bearings at the same time. If the bike has been sitting for more than 14 to 16 months I would suggest a belt change for peice of mind.
The later 2 & 4 valve heads once bedded in at around 12,000km are really trouble free now days.

Best No1 service point is change the oil and filter and clean the internal mesh filter as often as you can afford, some guys I deal with have no issue with full fluid changes ever 1500km and I dont let my 996 engine go any further than 2000km, My SXV gets 10w60 full synthetic every track day, about 125km. it's the best engine insurance you can buy. The dry clutch models are kind to oil as there is no clutch friction plate material poulting the life blood, My 79 w123 merc gets all the good old oil and has just clicked over 700,000km with out so much as the head off.

No2 best service point (some may argue this ids the No1, more so for dirt or adventure bikes) change or clean the air filter , use good quality filter oil or spray oil on the good hi flow jobbies, also clean the airbox and runners while your in there, I'll do this after every ride in summer, well any ride over 150km and perhaps every 4th ride in winter.

Chains and sprockets last soooo much longer if they are not only lubed after every ride once again so 150 to 300km but also cleaned as well, watch those fingers around chains and sprockets. Everyone has their favourite lube and I tend to use a clean cloth that has been moistened with a little kerosine, moistened not dripping and finish with Maxima wax. On long wet rides as a tour you really should carry some lube to dress the chain every so often, and really try to keep the chain adjusted to the bikes specs. A really good set of sprockets and a modern x ring chain for the litre size bikes costs shite loads so it pays to make then last, we all know the v twins love to eat chains and sprockets.

The euros are using better and better electrics now days and aside fron the odd rectifier and shoddy conector problems things have got so much better.

What else is there on a weekly/ monthly basis? lube all pivot points, flush brake and clutch fluid twice a year, change brake pads when necessary, fork oil every 15000km, remove swing arm and grease all pivots 20,000km, wheel bearing repack, steering head bearing repack and torque 15,000km.

Keep the beasts clean and dry as much as possible, dont be shy with a good silicone spray and enjoy them.
As for the imported Ducati problem, I think it has been said but really they are all imported, the Jap imports as far as I have found have the very same parts listings and run the same power and engine and chassis specs as a fresh one from Italy. It will surly depend on how well they have been cared for from day one. Where are Honda, Suzuki, Kaw & Yam imported from??
Cheers

[jim.cox]

A lot of the myths of expensive Ducati servicing comes from the older beveldrive models.

Their design stems from the 1950 and they weren't designed for cheap mass production and easy servicing the way the new belt driven rubber Ducs are.

A modern Ducati is as reliable, and probably cheaper to service, than a Japper