M695 - a coupkle of service questions

17-05-2013, 10:29 AM

M695 on a 58 plate. Bought by me end May 2011. When I got the bike with a mere 300 miles on it, it had the full service done including belts by Manchester Ducati.
2 years later, but with only 3000 miles, do I really need to fork out for new belts and a full service?

Secondly, do I need a special tool to adjust my rear shock? it is fine one-up, but a bit soft with a pillion.

As always, advise is appreciated.

Cheers

J.P · 17-05-2013, 10:41 AM

The material that the belts are made from deteriorates after about 2 years so you have to get it changed regardless of mileage.

slob · 17-05-2013, 10:49 AM

As J.P says the belts should be changed every two years. Also if the bike isn't being used they can develop a 'set', that is they take on the shape they're in stretched over the rollers, which may weaken certain points once you start running the engine again. The reality is your shims are unlikely to need changing. If it were mine, I'd change the oil too.
The rear shock can be adjusted with a C-spanner
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?
I also marked the tops of the adjuster ring with different coloured magic-marker to make it easier to count the turns

utopia · 17-05-2013, 02:06 PM

After such low mileage, you may get away with the belts for a bit longer, but it just isn't worth the risk.
They're pretty easy to change yourself if you're reasonably handy.
Check the Ducatitech videos for a good guide.

Adjusting rear preload for a pillion can be a right pain, particularly as then you have to adjust it back again, and the temptation is not to bother or to leave it on some halfway setting which isn't ideal for either.
Chances are you'll skin many knuckles and chew the adjuster ring with the c-spanner too.
Best mod I made to my suspension was to fit a Nitron shock with remote preload which can now be adjusted by hand in seconds if I'm carrying a pillion (or lots of luggage).
With careful initial set-up, I now have constant static sag, with or without a pillion.
Hagon also do a cheaper shock with remote adjuster (I have one of those on my Dominator), but the Nitron is far better quality and worth the extra, in my opinion.

17-05-2013, 10:29 AM	#1
richiebhoy Guest Posts: n/a	M695 - a coupkle of service questions M695 on a 58 plate. Bought by me end May 2011. When I got the bike with a mere 300 miles on it, it had the full service done including belts by Manchester Ducati. 2 years later, but with only 3000 miles, do I really need to fork out for new belts and a full service? Secondly, do I need a special tool to adjust my rear shock? it is fine one-up, but a bit soft with a pillion. As always, advise is appreciated. Cheers

17-05-2013, 10:41 AM	#2
J.P No more Monster... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Bike: Other Not a Ducati Posts: 4,326	The material that the belts are made from deteriorates after about 2 years so you have to get it changed regardless of mileage. __________________ J.JP ------------------------------- My Mum says, there's no such thing as Monsters.

17-05-2013, 10:49 AM	#3
slob . Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: East London Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 9,736	As J.P says the belts should be changed every two years. Also if the bike isn't being used they can develop a 'set', that is they take on the shape they're in stretched over the rollers, which may weaken certain points once you start running the engine again. The reality is your shims are unlikely to need changing. If it were mine, I'd change the oil too. The rear shock can be adjusted with a C-spanner http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php? I also marked the tops of the adjuster ring with different coloured magic-marker to make it easier to count the turns Last edited by slob; 17-05-2013 at 05:05 PM..

17-05-2013, 02:06 PM	#4
utopia No turn left unstoned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: leicester Bike: M750 Posts: 4,561	After such low mileage, you may get away with the belts for a bit longer, but it just isn't worth the risk. They're pretty easy to change yourself if you're reasonably handy. Check the Ducatitech videos for a good guide. Adjusting rear preload for a pillion can be a right pain, particularly as then you have to adjust it back again, and the temptation is not to bother or to leave it on some halfway setting which isn't ideal for either. Chances are you'll skin many knuckles and chew the adjuster ring with the c-spanner too. Best mod I made to my suspension was to fit a Nitron shock with remote preload which can now be adjusted by hand in seconds if I'm carrying a pillion (or lots of luggage). With careful initial set-up, I now have constant static sag, with or without a pillion. Hagon also do a cheaper shock with remote adjuster (I have one of those on my Dominator), but the Nitron is far better quality and worth the extra, in my opinion.