Christchurch Ducati Service?

[Ducky848]

I have ducati which needs the engine belts done ASAP. Normally I would go to Casbolts but the EQ rules that out. Tried to take it into Duane's bikes and skis but bailed after being told I had an 'attitude' for insisting a 996 (yr2000) does actually exist and no, its not an ST4.

Anyone have any suggestions on where I could get this work done, properly, in post EQ ChCh?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I have ducati which needs the engine belts done ASAP. Normally I would go to Casbolts but the EQ rules that out. Tried to take it into Duane's bikes and skis but bailed after being told I had an 'attitude' for insisting a 996 (yr2000) does actually exist and no, its not an ST4.

Anyone have any suggestions on where I could get this work done, properly, in post EQ ChCh?

ST4 is the 916 motor and the ST4s is the 996 Motor

[oneofsix]

so how did the discussion turn to an attitude problem?

[imdying]

Bad news mate, Duane is a pretty good guy, so if you've managed to piss him off, people are going to be reluctant to want to recommend you to their own guys. Just do it yourself.

[et al]

Motorcycle Imports Direct mention a mechanic in their ads - see http://www.mid.co.nz/default.asp?id=230
Worth a try?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

MotoXtreme inDunedin may even have the belts on his shelf http://www.MotoXtrem.co.nz

[onearmedbandit]

Duane knows his shit about Ducati's, no disputing that, and a quick online check confirms that the 996 was produced from 1999-2002, so I'm wondering if there is something further to this.

Was it Duane you spoke to?

[imdying]

so I'm wondering if there is something further to this

Maybe he's just stressed out and tired from digging shit flavoured silt from out of his front room? No idea, but could be...

[Ducky848]

Duane knows his shit about Ducati's, no disputing that, and a quick online check confirms that the 996 was produced from 1999-2002, so I'm wondering if there is something further to this.

Absolutely, Duane knows his shit. I've had work done by Duane many years ago on my two stroke race bikes, he was great.

My lastest experience really threw me. I had prebooked a service yesterday by phone and called in with the bike this morning. Some parts needed to come from up North but one of the younger guys told me my bike didnt exist - there is no '00 996 it must be an ST4? The thing was sitting outside on a trailer and quite frankly I was slightly concerned the chap couldnt tell the difference. Turns out the guy was confused and thought it was a 916?...I asked him if did in fact know how to work on them - tongue in cheek.
Duane at that point jumped in and was quite aggressive about my attitude...shit, rather than get into an argument about what I thought, I bailed.

In hindsight I prolly could have stood there and tried to sort it out, but quite frankly I was rattled and decided I just didnt want to be there.

I'm not really out to make a meal of the situation now. I just want my bike serviced.

[imdying]

A lot of people are a bit short of temper in this town at the moment... maybe take it back tomorrow with a crate of piss? I'm not a Duke owner, but as I understand it, should I become one, he's the man I want fixing it... if that's the case, might be worth (re)building the bridge?

[onearmedbandit]

Good response mate and it sounds like you handled the situation well. Sorry I can't think of anyone to recommend.

[Ducky848]

A lot of people are a bit short of temper in this town at the moment... maybe take it back tomorrow with a crate of piss? I'm not a Duke owner, but as I understand it, should I become one, he's the man I want fixing it... if that's the case, might be worth (re)building the bridge?

You are right about ppl's short temper and it does take two to have a disagreement.

But,

The bridge is burnt and I sure as hell won't be mending it.

[JMemonic]

Not that I recommend them but I got this about Casbolts the other day

Casbolts Motorcycles are currently in the process of relocating temporarily to new premises. They have set up an office offsite and can be contacted on their usual numbers 3664401 and 3664402, email Casbolts@xtra.co.nz. Please note they are available to come and assess your motorcycle for insurance purposes and they will have their new showroom operating by end of next week.

[johan]

You might want to look at EXACTFIT belts.
That's what I'm running on my track bike.

Ordered from Brad Black @ bikeboy, Melbourne.

Ducati OEM belts are quite a lot of money for some reason.

I use a tuner app on my Android to tension them, it's not rocket science.

[Ducky848]

Not that I recommend them but I got this about Casbolts the other day

Cheers, I was contacted by them this afternoon. Their workshop will be operational in around 2 weeks.
I've ordered a Haynes manual and if, after reviewing it I feel up to it will consider doing the work myself.