Why I'd never buy a Ducati | Page 4 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Why I'd never buy a Ducati

You need a different Honda if that's the case. My old Magna was pretty much a dream to work on.
Ever tried taking the plastics off modern VFR? Speaking of which, what's the service cost of having a vtec VFR valves checked? ;)
 
Ever tried taking the plastics off modern VFR? Speaking of which, what's the service cost of having a vtec VFR valves checked? ;)
Yeah? I'll bite.

What's the service internal (valve checks) on the monster vs a VFR? Don't worry i already looked.

Monster 696 - 12k
VFR 800 - 24k
 
Yeah? I'll bite.

What's the service internal (valve checks) on the monster vs a VFR? Don't worry i already looked.

Monster 696 - 12k
VFR 800 - 24k

For you folks that think "desmo" is complicated, check out Honda's VTEC.
I'll stick with desmo.
... actually I'll stick with springer Ducatis, with RD "beehive" springs. 10,000 RPM no problem.
... actually I'm working on a 250 Monza (destroked, custom slipper piston, Carillo rod, big valves) that will rev to 11,000, maybe more, with RD springs. (I'd like to get rid if the 8mm valve stems, which is the biggest problem with valve float. The valves are too heavy. Did you know that 1966 Dodge 426 hemi has the same size valve as a Ducati 250 Monza? Think about that for a minute).

My 900SS has already been to the west coast and James Bay, going to the east coast in August and has travelled extensively in the US (it was bought new in Vermont in '93, I bought it out of Tacoma, WA). 55,xxx miles and going strong.

My brother circum-navigated Canada and the US, twice, on a CB360, one of the worst things EVER called a motorcycle, doing just tires and oil changes.
 
Last edited:
Yeah? I'll bite.

What's the service internal (valve checks) on the monster vs a VFR? Don't worry i already looked.

Monster 696 - 12k
VFR 800 - 24k
Yeah? I'll bite.

What's the service internal (valve checks) on the monster vs a VFR? Don't worry i already looked.

Monster 696 - 12k
VFR 800 - 24k
Your homework needs checking and how about sticking to comparable models.
VFR 800/1200 - 16,000miles
Multistrada 1200 - 18,000miles

Some smaller Ducs still have a 15,000mile service however most are now at 18,000miles.
Ducati Maintenance | Services and Maintenance
 
I have pulled cams to change shims under bucket, and changed lots of desmo shims (aircooled motors). I'll take desmo any day for simplicity.
I will admit tho. There is a learning curve and a bit of money spent on a few special tools to makes things go a lot easier. But the same can be said for Shim under bucket.
A crankshaft turning tool,a degree wheel and a closer shim holding tool (desmos do have springs ya know) make the job a breeze.i haven't shimmed anything in about 6 years tho and my hands shake a bit now at my age. I might have to get my grandkid to help put the collets in. Lol.
 
My friend regretted his Panigale purchase when the first full service was done. $2k+ for a full service was too much. It was 10% of his bike price.
 
My friend regretted his Panigale purchase when the first full service was done. $2k+ for a full service was too much. It was 10% of his bike price.
In before @Trials posting reprimanding him for not wrenching on his own bike. :geek:
 
I don't spend very much at bike dealerships, just parts,
any idiot can replace parts, right? :unsure:
 
Ever tried taking the plastics off modern VFR? Speaking of which, what's the service cost of having a vtec VFR valves checked? ;)
No, but I've never owned a Viffer, never mind a VTEC one. I have worked on a Goldwing, although it was a '78. My Weestrom and my Connie were both difficult to get at anything without having to remove lots of tupperware. Ducati's have two knocks for me, one of which was the completely stupid magazine ads they used to run; when I say I want to ride on my bike, I don't mean in a carnal way. The other was rumours of people selling their bikes after learning of the cost of the first service, but not actually getting it done.
 
You need a different Honda if that's the case. My old Magna was pretty much a dream to work on.

How can you compare a fully faired bike with a non-faired bike? I don't need to bet that my Hawk GT is even easier to work on than your Magna - I hope you never have to replace your clutch slave cylinder seal.
 
The 821 motors would be comparable to the Honda's 800 motor, and has an 18,000 mile / 30,000 km valve check interval. Plus, there's only half the valves to inspect/adjust.
Good find!
 
Yeah? I'll bite.

What's the service internal (valve checks) on the monster vs a VFR? Don't worry i already looked.

Monster 696 - 12k
VFR 800 - 24k
The difference between the two is the Monster will likely need service because of all the additional wear points and the propensity for rocker arms to wear. It's common for VFRs too hit 100K miles without adjustment.
The 821 motors would be comparable to the Honda's 800 motor, and has an 18,000 mile / 30,000 km valve check interval. Plus, there's only half the valves to inspect/adjust.
half the valves but almost double the wear points. Remember Desmo has 14 wear surfaces per valve vs 4 for other motors. That’s why you rarely need to service modern jap valves.
 
The difference between the two is the Monster will likely need service because of all the additional wear points and the propensity for rocker arms to wear. It's common for VFRs too hit 100K miles without adjustment.

half the valves but almost double the wear points. Remember Desmo has 14 wear surfaces per valve vs 4 for other motors. That’s why you rarely need to service modern jap valves.

If you're referring to rocker arms flaking, that's a thing of the past, like 20 years in the past.

As far as I can tell, valve adjustments for any manufacturer are only required during the first or maybe second inspections, after which everything has worn in and the valves stay pretty much in spec. Now when you DO need to adjust the valves on a VFR, I've heard from someone with first hand experience doing them that it's a pain in the ass, which translates to $$$.
 
Good find!
Only had to look under my seat! Believe me, after owning my 998 with 10,000km valve inspections (or 2 years for belt replacements), I wanted to make sure my next Ducati had higher service intervals. Glad to see they were able to increase service intervals on the newer models.
 
Well I do know that on my Ducati 939 Supersport the Desmo service is at 30,000 km S. Which I think is reasonable. So far the bike has been reliable. There have been a few recalls all handled by the Dealer with no issues on parts supply etc. My previous bikes were Kawisakis and were extremely reliable I will say. But I dont know how to explain it. The Ducati has a soul the Japanese bikes just seem more robotic. Just like their their cars. They may be reliable but just not the same.
 

Back
Top Bottom