What should I service and can I do it myself ?

[flanagaj]

Hi,

Just purchased a yr 2000 duke 748 with 7,700 mile on the clock. It had a full service at 6000 miles but that was 2 years ago. Since the service it has done 1,700 miles in 2 years and has mostly been garaged. The Haynes manual states that a major service is due at 12,000 or 2 years, so in theory it is due a 12,000 mile service.

I cannot afford to pay the £650 that a workshop want for the service and wondered what should I get done and what are the jobs that a novice mechanic who has no experience with servicing engines can do ones self.

Thanks

Juckky

[Harv748]

Basically...every 2 years the belts need to be changed. Do this no matter what the mileage.

You can do this yourself, but unless you are VERY confident with engine mechanics...I would advise you take it somewhere and pay a pro. You also need to have the valve clearances checked and if necesary adjusted. Also worth getting your rockers checked at the same time.

You have many places to choose from, but as the bike is out of warranty, I would advise you take it to one of the better independant specialists, many of whom frequent this board.

Cornerspeed (Nelly), Moto-Rapido (Wilf), Baines Racing, Techmoto, Snells...to name but 5...take your pick. They will work outa little cheaper than the main dealers...but if they find a rocker or two needs replacing...gulp...hold onto your wallet!

Where abouts are you in the country?

The interval servicing (every 12 months) you can do yourself, with relative ease. Usual things like fluid changes, checking this and that...no real problem if you have a basic understanding and can handle a spanner or two.

[flanagaj]

I live in Dorset. I spoke to Moto Marelli in Salisbury and he does not do just belts, you have to have the interim service which costs + £200 as well and this covers all the things you can do yourself.

[AK]

If the bike is out of warranty, we find Snells at Alton very accomodating.

Are happy to do all or part of the service! - you can then do what you can - oil/filters, plugs etc - they can do the rest if you want.

...At least they have done this before now....

C:)

[Rob B]

Ask Lance at Fen Tiger at Blandford, he'll probably sort you out. At a minimum, I'd do the belts, the oil and filter antifreeze (possibly the brake & clutch fluids) and worry about the longevity of the battery if its been sat in a garage for ages.

Lance is in 01258 451021

Address : 6 VALE PARK
BLANDFORD-ST-MARY
DORSET
Postcode : DT11 9LT
Country : UK
Telephone : 01258 451021


Where in Dorset are you?

[Edited on 5-10-2005 by rob41b]

[flanagaj]

Funnily enough BLANDFORD FORUM. It's a small world

[Rob B]

See how much value this club is, that's gota be worth a cheque to Lizzy for the membership;)

Wnader down to Poole much? Drop in on the way past.

Rgds, Rob

[flanagaj]

Got the 748 just after the weekly Poole Quay ride finished :-(. Do you have a weekly meet ?

[m1keyp]

If it was serviced at 6000 and has only done 1700 mile in two years I would push it / carry it to have the belt changed.

If the belt go so does your wallet:( and of course the engine

[Rob B]

There's a meet this weekend at Popham but as M1keyp says, get those belts done. If you need any stronger views, looks at RedSPS story of pain when he rode his to destruction.


Rgds, Rob