Are they having a laugh!

The monster is over due it's first 12 month service so I thought before I sell it I should get it done.

My nearest Ducati service centre is Daytona's in Ruislip (boo hiss I hear you all cry!) but I rang them anyway and get quoted about £170.

I always ring around so I aslo called Ducati Aylesbury who quoted me £349 but I'm told by the bloke on the phone that includes the valve clearances.

I ask why do the valve clearances need doing? The bike is only 14 months old and has only done 3256 miles (5240kms). The reply is that the valve clearances get done at EVERY Ducati service....well that's news to me!

I then checked my service book and it says quite clearly valve clearances are checked every 10,000 kms!

I called Daytona's back and told them what had just been said and they said what a load of rubbish, the valve clearances don't need doing on this occassion.

Going by the amount of miles I do each year they won't need doing for another 12 months.

So are Ducati Aylesbury trying to pull a fast one here?

I've just been quoted near as damm it £400 for annual service for my S4R!! only year old and only 1000 miles since the first service!! told them to stick it and they've just done an oil/filter and check over job.....and stamped the book accordingly mentioning the low mileage as the reason.

[NattyBoy]

£170 sounds a bit cheap!...I got charged that for my first service on my S4R (which is basically a check over and Oil and fuel filter change. I would say that OYB's quote is about the right money for a 12 monther...which doesnt mean I agree with it by the way

I think a valve clearance check is std practice...although they almost certainly wont need doing

Nat

What I'm angry about is being told that the valve clearances have to be done every service when quite clearly that's rubbish.

OYB didnt ask what my current mileage is, whereas Daytona's did and they can clearly see that the valve clearances don't need doing for another 3,000 miles which is about 12 months for me as I don't ride my bike very much.

Having gone through the monster service book I think £170 sounds about right for checking and replacing some of the fluids, replacing filters etc, checking spark plugs, bolts etc, its nothing major and certainly doesnt warrant £349!

I hate using Dealers for anything becasue as far as I'm concerned they're all out to scam you even more so when you're a woman! I look forward to when the warranty has finished and I can go back to using my little back street guy in Harrow who seems to be about the only honest mechanic out there!

Anyway the bike's booked in Wednesday at Daytona's, I shall report back once I've collected it, then we can see if £170 is cheap and cheerful or value for money!

Originally Posted by queen_gpants

I hate using Dealers for anything becasue as far as I'm concerned they're all out to scam you even more so when you're a woman!

Sorry but i had to comment, i am also of the girly persuasion but i have never been scammed by either a car or bike dealer, to think that they still prey on us, is a very un-nerving thought....i find that dealers scam people who are too silly not to phone around and get quotes for work...or who don't do a little bit of reasearch and find out what work needs doing!!

As you said you found out about the valves/milage and then happily told OYB to b@gger off and stick their quote! Well done it may make them realise that we do know what we're talking about!!

i agree with Collie...if you phone around you can get treated well...there is no dealer loyalty now..go for the best price/quote..even if you have to ride 50-60 miles to get it

Celeste,

Who is the "little back street guy in Harrow" you mentioned there? I need to get my 24 month service and I am trying to avoid Ducati dealer as they are VERY expensive and the warranty is period is over anyway.

Could you please PM me or post here his phone number and/or address?

Thank you

His name is Bill Bailey also known as Roebotech.

He was recommended to me by Dark Monster as apparently quite a few people on here use him.

He's the best mechanic I've found in the 4 years I've been riding. A really nice down to earth guy who talks straight and doesnt charge the earth.

He's got a small workshop round the back of a parade of shops, nothing flash but he knows his stuff and that's the main thing

I think he charges £35 an hour labour and NO VAT.

Tel: 0208 422 5800

Mobile: 07931 390689

Rear of TNT motorcycles (the bike may have changed names)
314 Eastcote Lane
South Harrow

Try JHP coventry or SPR Racing..........there in the midlands but damn there good....

Hey Dunc,

Thats a good pitch youve put. Got my monster which im keeping for a long time....good to hear your history and mileage/servicing on your monster.

Ive had issues already with my chain/sprockets and ive only done 4k miles....scott oiler is on the agenda....sprockets and chain yet to be decided, if you have a recommendation, please let me know.

Rear bulb........effin pain in the arse....led conversion is on its way.

Same same on the oil and filters...........shouldnt be an issue......if your bored an have nothing to do....change your oil and filter........

Clutch and brakes, bleed them if you fall out with the mrs and your summoned to the garage.....nothing wrong with nice clean un-inhabited/water contaminated fluid.......

Like your style dunc and your advice...


Will.