Rocker wear
 

Thought it might be interesting to run a pole to see how many bikes have suffered damage to or had to replace rockers. If you vote yes or no can you put at what mileage, what oil you use, and how often you replace your oil and filter.

I've had 3 Ducati's with low mileage, been lucky so far.
Change oil and filter about every 2,500 miles.
Using mobil 1 fully synthetic car oil.

[Edited on 28-3-2005 by S.P]

MY 01 748, bought new.

Rockers first examined at 38400 miles.

1 opening rocker replaced; remainder all fine.

Oil used: Motul 300V fully-synth 15/50.
Earlier in it's life oil was only changed at stock 6000 mile intervals (and didn't seem to do to much harm TBH). However, have increased oil-changes to 3000 miles now the old girl's got a few miles under her belt! :P

also MY 01 996S - never needed any and checked 2nd & 3rd years services but I have only 7600 miles. Only ever used shell advanced, serviced every year.

[Edited on 28-3-2005 by ziggi]

Ditto my '01 996S. Just had 12,000 mile service (early as have only done 10,500) and didn't need any - probably will next time now that I've said that.

Y2K .. ALL rockers replaced over 3 services ...... I have 7 of them here a souvenirs ... always serviced correctly .. some are just made of chocolate ...:(

98 model 748... All rockers replaced at 12k service,full service history.Ducati Manchester are adamant that the problem is caused by revving the engine as soon as it starts,thats why theres so much variance in how long they last,let it warm up on tickover = longevity.
Why is there no way to reface rockers?

97- 748, just had all rockers replaced at 16K head rebuild.

Now v. anal about the startup process

Guys, it all depends on who does the servicing. Ducati's service shedules dont require the cams to be taken out. This is the only way to check for rocker wear. Most dealers wont take them out unless you specifically ask them to do so. Nelly for example always checks them. When i went into Chris Clarks a couple of years ago they had never heard of rocker problems!

As regards replacing rockers, you either get a good un or a bad un. Mine is treated well, never raced from cold, 300 miles oil changes etc buit it still needed 3 rockers last time.

That's keen...

:)