DIY service or not?

[jonzi]

My bike is probably a keeper.

It's due a service. So should I do it my self?

How hard is it to do belts and shims?

Would I need any special tools?

Is doing the shims on a Ducati any different to doing it on another make? Not that I have done it on any other make, but I do have a Triumph that should also be serviced. So if I learn on one can I transfer my newly found skills to another?

Changing the belts is relatively straightforward...
Checking valve clearance not that difficult.
You then make a decision on whether to do the shims if the clearances are outside of their specified limits.
Have a read at: http://www.ducatisuite.com/maintenance.html
Different variant but principles and process are the same

[steeevvvooo]

I did belts and checked clearances on my S2R but ran out of skill/confidence on the shims. Next time I do it I'll ask/bribe someone to show me as by all accounts it's not hard, just that I was worried I'd F it up

Fluids, plugs and filters should be no problem for you I assume so makes sense to learn the shims if it's a keeper.

As an aside, obviously a non dealer history would put some off but if seller had documented proof of services they had done with receipts for parts etc, and I trusted the seller knew what they were doing, I wouldn't run away from a bike. Always good to have a pro look over it occasionally too if you are going down the home service route long term imo

[slob]

to be fair, you were 95% of the way there with the shims Steve

[jonzi]

With the shims, can I buy just the size I need, if I need any?

[slob]

PM on its way, but in short: yes

[jerry]

yes yes yes ,, i do my 4v and 2 v bikes its all fairly easy if you have patience ,,and good mechical brain,, save £thousands over the years

Originally Posted by jonzi

With the shims, can I buy just the size I need, if I need any?

If it's a keeper and if you're thinking about another Ducati with a similar family of motor then a box of shims is only £100

I've measured my shims but not changed any yet, that'll be a job for this winter when I can walk away and come back to it as I think the M750 will need doing by then.

[Dukedesmo]

Originally Posted by jerry

yes yes yes ,, i do my 4v and 2 v bikes its all fairly easy if you have patience ,,and good mechical brain,, save £thousands over the years

I'll second this, plus I enjoy doing it and it gives me something bike-related to do in the winter...

[slob]

Sadly the 1000DS uses different shims to the 750. 1000/1100 & 4V use 7mm stem valves, other 2V have 8mm stems. I haven't checked what 696/796 use yet.
The downside of Desmo is opening and closing shims are different so you need two boxes.

edit: looking at the part #s and available sizes, i'm fairly sure 696/796 have 7mm valve stems

0727.92.060 - 6mm closer - M900sie'01 / M600'01 / s2r'05
840.1.077.1B - 4mm closer - M1000'05
840.1.077.2B - 4mm closer - M696'12 / M796'12