Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Reliability and Service Costs

[748IOM]

Old issue I know but one I always think about.

I've always been used to having Jap bikes and never given the whole putting mileage on them a second thought but sometimes reading this forum it makes me more concious of putting miles on my 748.

I got it at 6500 and now I'm nearing 9000, I've covered this since I think it was July when I got it.

I was wondering what the general service costs are between my 2001 748 and an equivalent Jap bike.

Similarly the service intervals, I notice that the belts are something that people talk about a lot and yet I've never had to bother about such things on a Jap bike??

Thanks

[dave996]

I'm guessing your next service will be the 12k, this is quite a major service I believe.
It can be anything from £400-£500 upto £1000+. My 996 12k service was £780 but I think I had my trousers ripped down on that one.
Personally next time I will not be going to a dealer, I shall use a specialist as I think they can be much cheaper as long as nothing major is wrong with the bike.

[Nigel C]

£481 for a 12000mls at a independent specialist for my 748 with no problems .

[Harv748]

Its a bit of an urban myth in my opinion...I mean, yes the servicing is a more expensive when its needed...thats just dealers taking the **** out of so called rich Ducati owners.

As Dave says, I never take mine to a main 'dealer' anymore...it always goes to an independant specialist...approx 25% cheaper and better service/care all round.

As for the servcing schedule, providing you have the main points done on the 24 months (12K mile) service...I think everything else can be done at home. Get the belts/valve clearances/alternator nut/fuel set-up...done by a pro...and then the rest do yourself.

This equates to one big service every 2 years (say £400-600 depending on what you have done)...the rest do yourself for pennies throughout the year.

Now if you take it in and they say you need new rockers...thats another story and something that you would need to address when/if it ever occured.

[hogfisch]

Not wanting to scare you but I have just paid £1,200 for my 18k mile service. Granted, the engine needed 2 new rockers and a new clutch basket / plates. Luckily the labour was covered on Barter Card, so actually paid out for parts (600 quid).

Still, it made my eyes water a bit!

[748IOM]

Out of interest why do they cost so much more to service (apart from Rockers which I understand about).

I assume the Rockers don't play a part in the 999/749 series?

But the belts is something I don't get, do Jap bikes use belts? If so why do they not seem to be as much of an issue and if Jap bikes don't use them, then why do Ducati?

Thanks again

[chris.p]

When did you last see a jap bike stripped of its front forks for a check over & new oil???



Chris.

[bradders]

just had my 12k done, new clutch plates and basket needed plus a couple of small bits, £670 at Motorapido. The only things not doen was fluid changes, I had all sussies rebuilt fairly recenmtly and need to chnage my brake m/cylinder anyway.

as an aside, I did not have my 996 serviced last year, just did a 'home job' of changing oil/filter every 6m and tighten bolts etc....then had it done at 2 years with belts...seemed fine to me as £700 over 2 years isnt that bad

oh and I covered about 4500 miles in two years

[748IOM]

Originally posted by chris.p
When did you last see a jap bike stripped of its front forks for a check over & new oil???
Chris.

Fair point but that's really why I'm asking, what's the difference? Is more work done because it has to be as in it doesn't last as well? or because Ducati specify it needs more work done than other Manufacturers because they believe it will give a better service?

Similarly I still don't understand the belt situation? Why the belts aren't an issue on Jap bikes?

I love my Duke I'm just trying to understand the differences really.

Bradders: You seriously need to cover more miles than 4500 in two years!!! I used to do 9K a year on my Jap bikes, and that's on the Isle of Man!!!

[chris.p]

With regards to the belts I will let Nelly or Shazam give you the Techie lowdown on them, but just to say, They are critical to your ducati`s health




Chris.