My 999s needs a belt and valve clearance service this year (belts are 2yrs old and mileage has ticked into 13k). I'm thinking of doing the oil myself and taking the fairings off to cut down on costs a bit (I've got a second track bike that's also taking my cash this year). Anyone else do this? Does it save much? Also SPR racing a Ruddington, Nottingham is now my nearest workshop. Anyone used them? Thanks Simon
Haven't used SPR, have you tried Cornerspeed in Kirkby in Ashfield? I've been taking my bike to Neil for a few years, the guy really knows what he's doing with Ducatis. Top man.
Dont you need to drop the oil to do the belts and valves? Removing plastics must save some time so some money you'd expect.
The bikes a 2003 and always has been to an independent since I've had it (5yrs). Good question re dropping oil. I wouldn't expect that the oil should be dropped to do belts and clearances what with them being a the top end.... I pass SPR on route to work that's all. Normally I use V Duo at Lincoln but could save myself a 110 mile round trip,,,,
Sam and Pete at SPR are a good pair of blokes and know ducatis well. Tbh, taking the plastics off is minutes on the 999 and if they're in place they at least get a polish. IMO diy oil and filter saves little....you still have to buy the stuff, and whilst its draining I'm doing something else so no real effect on time. if you want to save time on a service, brake fluid change, coolant change, clutch strip and clean are things that save you time and £'s.
Good advice thanks Nelly. I have recently changed the fluids and clutch so would be nice to just get done what needs doing.... The expendable cash account seems to have got tighter this year! SPR is only 15 miles from me.
I do all mine bar belts & shims as I'm not brave enough. The beauty of the 999 is you can strip it down to service in no time. Issues as I see them: 1. Plug spanner needs filing down to fit in the cylinder. 2. Make sure you have a spare rubber ring and silicone for when you put the fuel pump back on. 3. Have a good option for taking oil filter off as its a propper PITA if you trash the filter. 4. Brake bleed kits are close to useless. Find someone in the medical profession and get hold of some O2 hoze & a bladder syringe for bleeding the hydraulic systems. Valve clearances should cost less for labour if done same time as belts.
Have a talk to them Peo...... Its old fashioned but still the best way Bear in mind it needs to be cold to do belts and valves so it'll need leaving with them.
I have called them and they're happy to do whatever. I'll trailer the bike on way to work and drop it in.... Cheers for the input.
On my 999s I do everything apart from my belts. But my mate has a belt tension testing device so all my service will be in house. Just not happy at being ripped off on the belt prices!!
