Ducati = high maintenance - rumour or truth?

[Pumba]

no matter what you ride,,,its gonna cost ya

Not arguing with that, there is a reason the service and parts departments know me at Colemans.

[Masterchop]

I found it was the little things on my 998 that used to break, like the spring on the seat pivot,

And what do you weigh?

[megageoff76]

Every 20k is the big one. Thats when you do belts, valve clearences etc. The 20K services usually cost just over $1000.

Is it the cost of the belts that is the the expensive part?

It seems kind of expensive for a belt replacement and a valve check. I wouldn't have thought it would take more than two to three hours, epecially of its a 2 valve model. Or is there a whole lot of other things that need to be checked as well?

People generally associate Ducatis with high maitenance costs, dealers wouldn't charge an inflated cost to meet this expectation, would they?
The customer get the bill and its fairly large, but just puts this down to what Ducatis cost.

[Dooly]

I think the Ducati servicing paranoia, if called that, can probably be attributed to the old shitters from years gone by.
Modern ones are fine, if not the same or better than Jappas.
I service my own bikes, so cost except for parts is'nt really an issue for me.

My neighbour has a mint 82 Ducati Darma, thats always giving probs, but its always only electrics.
And then only finicky things.

[Drew]

The factory belts are expensive, but there is an aftermarket option available I'm told.

The reliability is surprisingly good with the newer ones, I've raped the hell out of my race bike and it still runs great.

The S4R is a WICKED piece of kit, our sponsor Kerry at www.ktlbikes.co.nz has a black one at the moment that I was gonna buy, but decided I dont need another bike, give him a yell.

[Quasievil]

Post 1998 Ducatis have better electrics
I had the 2004 999, and it gave me know probs, service was about $250 for a standard one, the 20,000km service needs new belts and that will cost about $1000 so yup thats expensive but sweet motor and reliable as hell

[2wheeldrifter]

Just had mine serviced with Hamilton motorcycles, had the bike for about year and it was due for the 20,000km service.
Cost me $606.00, 2xBelts,Oil,oil filter,Brake/clutch fluid changed,Chain lubed and tensioned,Values checked-(all in spec) All bearings etc checked. Bike washed as part of your service, no cost. I never removed any fairings. I thought that was pretty good overall, and friendly guys. There would of been a air filter in that service, but I have a K&N.

The bike has been nothing but pure pleasure with that big grinin sound effect from the V-Twin. Have placed Staintune pipes and SFI unit with the air box been modded for more air. There's mods have been on for 3 months and with no problems. The pipes and SFI unit have made a huge diff in throttle response, in much the same feel as the ST4s, these mods have made it far more lively with great sounds from pipes and alittle from the air box.

So for me I love it and the cost??????? I can handle that for such a Bike!

[johan]

Browse this site for mods and parts just to get and idea of what's available:

http://www.e-securedsite.com/motowhe...LIAN/index.cfm

http://www.motowheels.com

[megageoff76]

Cost me $606.00, 2xBelts,Oil,oil filter,Brake/clutch fluid changed,Chain lubed and tensioned,Values checked-(all in spec) All bearings etc checked

Thats more like it, by why pay to have someone to adjust your chain/check the bearings and change oil/fluids? I mean thats stuff you can do yourself or get a mate to help you with one weekend.

So the actual cost of the service on absolutely neccessary stuff - just doing belts and valves would be a far more realistic price.

[2wheeldrifter]

Thats more like it, by why pay to have someone to adjust your chain/check the bearings and change oil/fluids? I mean thats stuff you can do yourself or get a mate to help you with one weekend.

So the actual cost of the service on absolutely neccessary stuff - just doing belts and valves would be a far more realistic price.

Yeah your right, but I was happy for a once over from some pro's, otherwise yes I would do all those little things myself. Guess just piece of mind.

[Pumba]

Reading through this so far there doesnt seem to be to much negitaive coments, dam, might have to go test one after all.

[megageoff76]

Yeah your right, but I was happy for a once over from some pro's, otherwise yes I would do all those little things myself. Guess just piece of mind.

Oh I see. And I wasn't trying to have a dig at ya mate, its just that I am looking at getting a Ducati at some stage, and am really interested in the costs involved in running one. Im particularly interested what costs im looking at if i was just to get the 'must haves' checked.

Basically, im a cheap bastard and want to know whats the least ill have to pay a dealer to keep it running fine. The little stuff like oil etc, I will take care of myself.

[2wheeldrifter]

Oh I see. And I wasn't trying to have a dig at ya mate, its just that I am looking at getting a Ducati at some stage, and am really interested in the costs involved in running one. Im particularly interested what costs im looking at if i was just to get the 'must haves' checked.

Basically, im a cheap bastard and want to know whats the least ill have to pay a dealer to keep it running fine. The little stuff like oil etc, I will take care of myself.

Hey no worries here mate, I get your meaning. The belts were $100.00 each, You can get cheaper one's.... think around the $65 - $75.00 if you look around. The valves if needed shim's etc is maybe were the cost is. You would save a fair bit without the little things in that cost and having all the fairings off.

[Drew]

Oh I see. And I wasn't trying to have a dig at ya mate, its just that I am looking at getting a Ducati at some stage, and am really interested in the costs involved in running one. Im particularly interested what costs im looking at if i was just to get the 'must haves' checked.

Basically, im a cheap bastard and want to know whats the least ill have to pay a dealer to keep it running fine. The little stuff like oil etc, I will take care of myself.

Bro, I can do more than just the simple stuff on one for ya. Belts are well inside my abilities, as are checking the valve clearances. So get off your chuff and go buy it!!!

[megageoff76]

Cheers Drew, but what happens should it lunch itself...i dont recall an MTA certificate hanging in your garage!

The lady says im allowed a new bike, so it just a matter of finding a goodie at a good price. As I said, im a cheap bastard.