So my "new" ST2 has 30k miles on it, and don't know when the last service has been. Or let's say that, I prefer to do a good basic service anyway, as I have had engines (on cars) fail due to timing belt even if it "has been changed" in the last couple of years... So, I tried to do a little searching here and ducati.ms, but didn't find any basic service thread on the ST2/desmodue, meaning what to check, change and what special tools are necessary. Just after reading briefly the forums and workshop manual, I should at least: change the belts (exact fit or what was on this forum ) change the oil and filter check the valve clearances change the air filter change the spark plugs Additional things I count on doing: changing the wires (exact start) changing the front tire install the bar raisers which came with the comfort kit install the temp/volt meter as soon as I find a good place for the display Never done any of these on a bike, so my question is, am I missing something? Do I need special tools? I saw on youtube (so it must be right ), that the belt tension can be checked with the 5/6mm allen key test. Especially as I will be doing the belts every couple of years anyway to be sure. Also so the thread on oils, so I guess any basic motorcycle oil in full synthetic should be ok, around 5-10 to 40-50W. Ofcourse, If I missed a thread during the search, sorry for that and I would be grateful for any link or advice. BTW. Should I create a personal thread for my bike, or a thread with photos on how I did the service? If it starts up and works afterwards I mean
Ah, yes Not a mechanic, but I do like to learn to repair things, that's why I now have a Duc I take my time to be 100% sure that I know what I'm doing, which makes me extremly slow, but normally a 100% success rate. Last month just repaired the wife's car after a timing belt failure. Took of the head, changed and lapped the valves, and redid the belts with a new waterpump and tensioners. And this is the second OHC valvejob I've done, the other one was the DOHC 2.0 Turbo of a Laguna (again after belt failure). As a project, I rebuilt the engine on my old Renault 11 1.4 turbo, which also means very old engine construction dating from the sixties, with pushrods and valve adjusting... So no mechanic, but I could say I know some of the basics by now.
You can set the tension accurately with a smart phone, Android or iPhone using the gates carbon drive App and a cheap £5 microphone plugged into your phone. I presume you have seen the video's from CCW? www.exactUK.com - DucatiTech Instructional Video's
+1 for the guitar tuning app and setting belt tension. I've done it successfully three or four times on the 4s. 110Hz for new belts, 90 for mid life tune up, if below that. 110 is an A string on a guitar. Belt change is within the capability of anyone who has done the same on a car. As regards the valve clearance check, that is also within the same range, but changing shims is tricky if any adjustment is necessary. There are lots of videos on YouTube. The rest is all easy. Good luck!
