Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Cam belts - cautionary tale

[JPM]

Originally posted by beancounter
Not many cars rev to 11000 rpm and make 120 bhp per litre. (SPS)

Or a lot more

Honda's VTEC engines in the Type R's or S2000 rev up to about 9K if pushed and make over 100BHP/Litre the S2000 makes something like 120BHP/Litre I think? But I think that motor uses a chain rather than a belt

[beancounter]

Jon, I did say "not many"............

[Herb]

I can understand that bikes need servicing at shorter intervals. In part it is the unacceptable weight penalty of extra oil, self adjusting valves, auto tensioners etc that mean a bike service interval has to be shorter. I would question how short though? 6K for a kevlar belt is short IMO.

With advances in technology the car industry is moving to the point where you will not need to service your car at all. The engine will in effect be a sealed unit that you throw away after 15 years or 150 000 miles.

Bike service intervals seem to get shorter and shorter. People are prepared to accept things on a bike that you would not accept with a car. I moan that the wifes car cost £125 to service after 10000 miles.

[Henners]

Personally I think the way to go is run the engine at least every week. That way the belts shoud stop in a different position each time preventing the stretching seen in the photo. Some folk change their belts every 12 months/6,000 miles (R engines require it) others take Ducati at their word and do it every 24 months/12,000 miles. You pays yer money etc.

[rockhopper]

On a V twin its likley that the engine will only stop in one of two positions.

[Henners]

Doesn't matter Paul - the belt doesn't match the engine cycle.

[Mark]

Blimey, how out of shape are those!

Bet you're pleased you've not used the R much since you bought her!

[Guido]

I know of a case in the past week where a set of 200mile old Kevlars disintegrated leaving hte bike with a hefty rebuild requirement so rest assured there are 'duffers' out there and no end of changing them will avoid that.

As long as you're abiding by the OEM's directions, you'll be covered.

[Delooney]

If you dont' ride her much, instead of starting her up each weekend (now were talking rocker problems) just stick her in gear push her forward a few feet and hey presto belts in a new position and rockers saved !

Delooney

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Ever seen a truck or car tyre develop a flat spot after the vehicle has sat for a long time? you drive the vehicle and you can feel the thumping for a while , then what happens the tyre blows up or after a little bit of heat build up it goes back to being round;-- what does the work shop manual say?Some belts unexpainedly fail;--belt tension is very important,how long does the belt stay square after starting the engine? I dont believe any of it! I do believe it is important to idle the engine untill you have enough oil in the heads before you apply high revs,failure to do this results in premature rocker failure BUT disconnecting the side stand switch and idling the bike hammers out the clutch;--carnt win! the whole thing is worthless conjecture
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