I'm thinking about getting a Ducati 750ss, 800ss or 900ss for my next bike (when I've got my full licence) - this is because it's a simple, understressed 2 valves per cylinder desmodronic engine and should therefore have longer service intervals and cheaper services than say 748,749, 851, 916, 999 etc.
However the thing is that I am a full time motorcyclist - I ride a minimum of 60km every day and a few long trips each month.
My question is how much does it cost to keep these beasties on the road when you clock up 20,000 - 30,000 km a year?
I can't afford to buy 2 bikes unless I go for an older model of Ducati and I really like the shape of the post 1998 ss bikes (I know some people will tell me to get a commuter and a Ducati).
So what are the service intervals and how much are the standard services?
So what are the service intervals and how much are the standard services?
Have attached a pic of the servicing page out of the Haynes manual for '91-96 2-valve machines, not sure about the later models but I suspect they'll be similar. Cam belts and Valve clearances are the regular and important servicing items as you might imagine. I owned a '94 600 for awhile, great little machine, loved it.
There'll be lots of opinions on the style of the newer Terblanche designed 2v super-sports but I personally just never warmed to them, the fuel-injection apparently makes a big difference, and I've heard lots of good feedback about the 800 and 1000ds donks, but I'd be buying a 91-96 model if I was in the market for one.
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Have attached a pic of the servicing page out of the Haynes manual for '91-96 2-valve machines, not sure about the later models but I suspect they'll be similar. Cam belts and Valve clearances are the regular and important servicing items as you might imagine.
Have checked the 91 -05 Haynes manual for the Super Sport and the servicing intervals are exactly the same as Deeknow's pic. Most of the regular servicing items are pretty standard (fluids etc). Cam Belts set me back about $200 minus the labour.
The valve clearances tend to be more expensive than Jap bikes, but on the other hand, there are only 4 valves total vs a 4 cylinders 16 valves. Haldanes quoted me about 500 to do a 30,000km service but they also said they'd be refloating carb's, and tuning, so it may not be so bad.
Oil changes should still be done no less than every 4000km, so says Dave McDonald the Ducati god.
'I always have coffee when I watch radar, everyone knows that' - Lord Dark Helmet - www.stepup.mil.nz
I have just brought a Duc 7500SS which was my first bike in 30 years. Have had it for 7 months now and I will say this, they are the “Best bikes in the World!”
As a commuter! I can’t imagine using my Ducati for this, although the SS models would most likely be OK. Monsters maybe, and ST’s yes. BUT Not a 916 etc..
Mine just does not like around town stuff at ALL. Fast open roads, corners, sweepers harrrr….. and open throttle is where she likes to be…
Most of the maintance can be done if have a reasonable background of experience.
I’d suggest you take a trip to a good book store and read up about the Beautiful machines. There is a lot of ongoing work to do keeping them up to scratch, and parts can be very expensive. Cost to buy up to 50% plus more than a like bike/year Japo.
I like everything about these models, but they are a literal pain to ride in town and at low speeds. Awesome on the open road! The newer 800SS is my pick! But, yeah, you'll need a commuter as well!
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Originally Posted by McJim
Desmodronic servicings
but they also said they'd be refloating carb's, and tuning, so it may not be so bad.
might just borrow the wife's RG150 for commuting and save the mileage!
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