Fork strips are the main reason for the labour charg in the big service, there is no point just pouring out the old oil and putting new in. the old oil sits in the bottom of the cartridge and valves, thats the bit that needs to be cleaned.
The fork job that makes the 12k service more expensive than the 6k ...
Note settings!
Remove and strip forks (completely)
safety clean all the parts
brake clean all the parts
air line clean all the parts
Fit new seals, dust covers (always worth doing on ohlins superleaky seals, option on the showa's)
re-assemble
set air gap
refit and put original settings back.
anything less is not worth bothering with - if a jobs worth doing...
One thing to note: Most Ducati dealers dont have the kit to do ohlins forks. Ducati DO NOT recommend servicing Ohlins forks (even on the 12k service) and dont supply the seals or tools to do it so check your dealer can do it! most prices do not make any allowance for the fact that they are not going to touch the forks!
In reality, if the bike has done less than 7/8 k (normal riding) and is less than 4 years old, its up to you if you need want it done, i dont really feel that you need it unless you are on the track.
A good 2 year service option is the 6k service + a belt change (no extra labour is charged to fit the belts as part of the 6k service is to check them anyway) so its just the price of the parts. Thats a good, sensible service option.
The rule : discuss the service you bikes needs with someone who knows what they talking about and dont just look in the Ducati book and read you the manual. If they take the time to discuss what your bike needs, they'll take the time to do the service right.
My 2 p's worth.!
