Ducati Monster Forum

Ok, I'm trying to negotiate a 'tech session' with Stuart Rust for a 4v job. Please let me know how much you'd like to contribute and which part of the week would be better for you. Thanks!
Steve

Thanks for organizing.

I'm available any day, & will contribute whatever the normal cost of adjusting the valves on the PS would cost [thumbsup]

This would be really interesting. I assume this would consist of Stuart doing a complete valve check and adjustment on your bike, but talking us through it and showing us what he's doing?

I'd definitely chip in on the tech session part of his fee. I'd like to find out what the basic set of required tools is and what kind of shim kit you need. When doing jap bike valve jobs, I've made all my measurements, removed and measured shims, and gone to the shop to purchase the exact shims I need. It would be nice if our local shops would sell individual shims instead of just a whole assortment tray.  Maybe they do, I just don't know.

I would hope he can also describe the differences between the demo bike engine and others (e.g., 2V and 1098). Weekends are better for me.

Would you mind PMing me Stuart's info?

Thx ;D

Ahh for L' Slur, a special price!!!

A good price.  Only $300 to watch.

 [roll] [roll]

cdc

+1 I'd be interested if 2v will be covered.  [thumbsup]

Bump!

That is the idea I had in mind.

I just sent him an email starting the "negotiations"...

So far it seems like we have around 5 DFWMrs interested. I'd like to get an idea on price before I ask for a head count.

This is sortof fun.
Steve

I'd be more than interested in learning about the required tool set, specs, and of course watch the service done.

btw, your local dealer will sell you individual shims, to get an OEM shim set costs over 5k, so I doubt that's something you'd want to do, again, the new collets would not allow you to use OEM openers on 4v

Ok, sorry for the pause in process, this is not a dead issue. I'm still trying to get something set up with Stuart.
So far there are a few options. I think he will limit the crowd to 6. I don't know for sure if he will work on someone's bike or just do a 'class' with spare heads he has laying around (2v and 4v) he said he will not do a class with client's 4v because there wouldn't be enough room for people to see. So if he does use someone's bike, it will be a 2v.

He was out of town for a little while, and I'm getting my fence materials together and planning my wife's birthday. Just a tad busy.
We are getting closer to a 'tech session' of some sort though.
Steve

how many valves on PS??

2v

I know.....

and the title is.....

However, it could be the bike we use for class.  [thumbsup]

2V *per cylinder*  -but 4V per bike!  ;D

...so I think it does count!  :-\   ???

To get the concept of checking the lash of the valves -a 2V is easier:
The parts are a little bigger, and there is a little more room to work...
but in the end it is really the same thing.

On the 4v bikes the intakes and exhaust valves are set side-by-side.
There are twice as many to check/adjust but it is done esentially the same.

So when is this going to happen? If this does is there any chance at bringing the relevant bike and doing our own work with an expert to walk us through? Maybe lay out a tool list and parts needed. or is it better to just watch and do it later on your own time?

Kirk

OK, UPDATE!!!

I finally got a hold of Stuart on the phone. Emailing back and forth would've taken a month.

Here's what we came up with.

If you're interested in learning about valve checks Stuart will put on a "class" for about 3 hours for $50 a person.
He will have some 2v and 4v heads to tinker with. This way there will be some hands on with the proper equipment and a mentor. Besides, he said it wouldn't be benificial to do it on someones bike because there isn't much room for everyone to 'see' what's going on. He said he has done a 'tech session' before as outlined above and it worked pretty well.

Max of 6 people (me +5)
I'm thinking Saturday Jan 31 from 0900 to 1200.
His shop is in Mansfield.

Now who's with me?!?!?!
So far I think we have:
DLS
Ronr
Caffeine Junkee
cdc
Myself

Steve

Cool, thanks for organizing. I'm still in.  [thumbsup]

Afer I get a group together, and Stuart and I make a solid day and time, I'll pm the address out to those interested (as per Stuart's request).

Steve

I don't really "need" the tech session,
but if you need a body to fill a slot (I can't believe I actually just typed that...  ;D )
I'd be willing to show up for general comedic input, probably be able to supply beer, etc...

Hell, it's like three blocks from my house... even if the class is full maybe I'll crash the party "tech-session" anyway!  
[laugh]  [beer]  

Er, I'll keep you in mind, I think...:-\

Steve

I'm in.

me too.

Earlier post modified. Thanks for the reminder.

Steve

I'm in if someone drops out.

Drats!! I'll still be tanning and hunting wild monkeys on 31 January. If it changes though, I'm still interested.

Ok, looks like we have:
Bullethead
cdc
Tresgatos (so far instead of Ronr)
DLS
CaffeineJunkee
and I

RichD, thanks for the offer!

I'll confirm with Stuart then pm the address to those above.
Steve

If there is another drop out, I will go.

No problem, just keep an eye on the thread.
Steve

this is going to really cool for some peeps  [thumbsup]

New Date:

February 7th [thumbsup]

Cool, I think I can make that one!

Again, count me in! I've been wanting to know how to do this for months now. The tool list is crucial. I would like to film the session so that I can go back and reference it when I'm doing my valves. I will be in for this for sure.

Bump.

TECH SESSION IS STILL ON.

Unfortunately, due to a death in the family, I may not be able to attend this tech session. I'll know more Friday.

I think there were a total of seven interested parties but without me that makes 6. Stuart is fine with either 5 or 6.
I hope it all goes well.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me at sdlrodeo@yahoo.com or call me at 972-567-6375.
Steve

Sorry to hear that Steve. Will be thinking about ya. :(

As for the tech session, I'll be out so there's another opening for one who is interested.

I hate to say this but why don't you push the date back a bit more so you can make it? You organized it and none of us would have had this opportunity had you not organized it so its not likely that anyone is desperate to do this. Feel free to tell me to shut up if I am being dumb

Kirk

Good point--if our tech is willing, I see no reason to not push it back.

Sad to hear about your loss, Steve. Let us know if there's anything we can do.

I'm OK to push the Tech Session. Let us know what works for you [thumbsup]

Thank you all for the kind words.

I'll call Stuart on Monday and see about postponing the session. For now though, it is still on.

Also, I've left cdc in charge in my absense so feel free to contact him (as well as I) with questions.

Thanks for understanding.
Steve

I've discussed this with Steve and Stuart and polled those who were on the list of people who have an interest in this and the new date is on Saturday, Feb.28 from 9AM to 12Noon.  I believe the fee for this was set @ $50 per person.  The list includes:

Steve Lee
RonR
cdc
George
Kirk
Jason

The list is limited to 6 as a condition that Stuart set.  I suppose that another tech session can be arranged at a future date if this one goes well and there is enough interest from both sides to do it.  I don't guarantee it but we can certainly look into it later.

It would be nice to have those on the list above confirm their interest and send in their fee.  At that point, if anyone backs out, their fee is refundable only if somebody else takes their place and pays their own fee. 

Steve sends his regards to everyone for sending their best wishes and understanding and offering to reschedule to allow him to participate.  He is tied up at the moment but should be able to respond himself and take over next week. I think we should send in our fees to Steve by next week to confirm that we are attending.

Please post up your intentions.

Still interested in this, and the 28th works for me. Are we able to pay our fee at the door, or is there a pay pal set up?

While I appreciate the thought, I'd rather everyone just paid at the door. The way this has been postponed, I'd rather not accept anyone's money at all, just give it to Stuart when you are there for the class.

A big thank you to cdc for helping out in my absense and to those who agreed to wait for me. I appreciate your understanding.
I'll check in when I can, but I'll be back next week.

I look forward to finally doing this soon.
Steve

Add me to the stand-by list in case someone drops out [thumbsup]

Hey, take a look back down the thread! I believe I was like the first to commit to this. Paaleeez don't leave outside the room.

Ooops, my bad. I see the original thread was deleted or deactivated so I guess I won't be attending.

I bet there'll be another one scheduled, Red.

Start the thread for "Tech Session #2" and go from there...

Great idea! I wonder if I could setup my video cam and stream it!

D@mn, this will not work out after all for me.  :P

This leaves a spot open for the next in line.  ;D

RichD, step up.

I'll go if nobody else wants/needs the spot.
I spoke to Stu (on Saturday I think) about me at least popping by at the end for a beer.

Anyone??  Red??

I thought you said you were originally on the list Red. By the way, sorry for the confusion and repeated postponements of this class.
I think I deleted that other post a while back because all the activity was going on in this one. Again, terribly sorry about that. All I have to go on is my last posts in this thread. I hope no one who is really interested in learning this maintenance process for personal use is left out. I know when I spoke to Stuart a while ago, he said he has done classes with transmission as well.
Maybe next time we can set up a fork/transmission service tech session. But hey, let's get this first one out of the way shall we?
Steve

Steve,

Scott had given up his place to accomodate Jason.  He has asked to be counted in should anyone not be able to make it.  I understand that you prefer not receive everyone's fee but if you did, then anyone who backs off after paying their fee would have to recover their fee from anyone they chose to replace them.

As it stands now, the list is quite fluid and changes enough to where we don't know if there will be enough for it to be worth Stuart's time.  Did he require a minimum?  I still expect to make it but personal family matters are brewing which may require me to be out of town on the 28th.  I won't know until the end of next week.  I am however willing to pay my fee upfront and find someone to replace me should I have to back out.

cdc

I sent a PM to Red asking him if he wants "in" ...?
-or anyone else?
I'll be able to fill a spot if needed, and I'm sure I could learn something, but I've done valves on these before...
If anyone wants/needs to do this post-up.
Either way I'll probably be there with beer   [beer]  [drink]



P.S. I am up for the transmission "class" if one is given in the future.   [thumbsup]

cdc, man, I sure do appreciate the idea behind collecting fees upfront, I just don't want to be responsible for that since I haven't done this before. If enough people show up and it turns out well great, if it works out that not enough people show I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. The way this session goes will be a determining factor on how the next one goes. Plus, if I'm the only one who shows, then 'more for me' as they say.

I think it would be a good idea to have all those expecting to go PM me or email me.

Again, sorry for the mix ups so far. I really do think this will be beneficial for sure!
Steve

Steve, I too thought I was on the list but then looked at this thread and it had changed so that is why I posted. Yes, Rich did in fact pm me about the spot and if it's open then I'm in for sure.
Thanks,
RED

Bump.

I just PMed everyone that showed interest on this thread. If I forgot someone, please forgive me. Please let me know if you are interested in attending via this thread or PM. Thanks,
Steve

I'm still in!

Ok, here is what I have so far for the tech session on Feb 28 0900-1200.
All names that have responded are listed with current status. Again, sorry to have to do this 47 times.

CaffineJunkee-No
Bryant8-No
TresGatos-No
Red-Yes
BulletHead-Yes
A13bpilot-Yes
cdc-Yes
sdlrodeo-Yes
RonR-Yes
DLS-Waiting list

Any changes let me know.
Steve

I responded two posts up. I still want to attend.

My mistake. I just went with the PMs I got. Previous post updated and here is the list:

CaffineJunkee-No
Bryant8-No
TresGatos-No

Red-Yes
BulletHead-Yes
A13bpilot-Yes
cdc-Yes
sdlrodeo-Yes
RonR-Yes

DLS-Waiting list

I think that should cover it.
Steve

Barring any unforseen Catastrophies this will finally happen on Saturday! I'm getting excited.

If anyone needs contact info, PM me.

Steve

It's marked on my calendar. What time? Where? What to bring? Cams allowed?

if you need another body, I'll step in.  I'm interested.

Time: 9:00AM
Where: Stuarts
What to bring: Nothing.
Cams?: If that is "code" for beer, sure!...  [beer]

I am good with the time and the what to bring I need some clarity on the where. 

Kirk

PM Sent.

I might stop in at the Italian carshow after the session with Stuart. It's on my way home (arond 820 and 20) Anyone else?
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19717.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19717.0)
Steve

Is anyone going to film this? I am going to bring a still camera but I currently don't have anything worth a crap to film with.

Kirk

I wasn't planning on filming, a few pics maybe as notes, but bring what you want. Just kindly ask Stuart.
Steve

Red-Yes
BulletHead-Yes
A13bpilot-Yes
cdc-Yes
sdlrodeo-Yes
RonR-Yes

Svoloch- Waiting List

Everyone still "in"?

Bump and thanks for the refresher DLS.
Steve

Still in

I'm waiting on Rich to bring the goods. Should I bring some ice?

If you find you won't be able to attend, please give me a call at 972-567-6375 so we aren't waiting for you. I'm planning on leaving Flower Mound no later than 0745 which should put me there about 0845 (or earlier).

Supposed to be 42 in the AM. 49 in the afternoon.
I'll be on two.
Steve

I'll see y'all in the morning! After the class I'm leaving for Hobbs,NM via the 13b powered airplane. I will bring after party favors ( read Foster's).  Y'all Enjoy!

That was awesome! Thanks again all who made this possible. Count me in for the next one.

Kirk

Thanks to all that said they'd come and did so. It was a great learning experience for sure. I feel that I'll be able to tackle the valve job on my ST4s now without problems. I don't know about the TPS and throttlebody sync yet, but It didn't look too bad when Stuart did it on cdc's bike.

I worked almost exclusively on the 851 head (748,916,996) but Stuart had a 2v head, and a super corsa testastretta head from a wsbk 999 (he's making a quasi-supermono!). That thing was cool. Some major unobtainium there.

He also gave us a decent breakdown of a lot of the tools involved in working on our beloved Ducs, both factory and shop-made.

Great guy, Great time, Great company,

Looking forward to possibly setting up another. Next time it may be (gearbox, forks, split cases????)
We'll see.
Steve

Thanks Steve for putting this thing all together. I learned a great deal with hands on application. To me that 's a great way to learn how to do stuff on a bike. You just have to dive in and get it done. Stewart was a wealth of information. What a great guy to do this for us. I also really do appreciate Stewart showing us his bikes he has in restoration. How can you call it work when you are having so much fun doing what he does. Lucky fellow.

I'd be in for something like this on a regular basis. Thanks Jason for the Faastaas that was aprappo for Stewarts shop.

Here's a couple of pics.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3318400400_776f8a8d49.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3317573341_ae5159cb94.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3318437778_1c00e7d377.jpg)

Thanks Steve for setting this up.  Great job by Stuart.  He had three generations of heads laid out for us all to mess with, so pretty cool seeing how they've changed over the years.  After looking at drawings and photos of desmo valve trains, there's no substitute for real hardware.  Takes away all the mystery.  I'm definitely interested in another session!

Sounds like a really cool time. Wish I could have made this. Stuart is a great guy with a huge reputation. He's forgotten more about Ducatis than most people will ever know. A monstrous loss to the AMS tech team. But I completely understand the need for change. [thumbsup] Have never regretted any of mine.

looks like this was a good session....  so is stuart still working on regular maintenance on peoples bikes?  because i've left a couple messages now, but have yet to hear back from him...

Took my bike in to him last night.

I talked to him today and he is going to do my 6K mile service on my 999 over spring break. He mentioned that he is willing and able to do work for any interested.

Has Stuart mentioned whether or not he can work on non-Ducati brands... something along the lines of a Guzzi, for example  ;D

Great job organizing this whole thing in the first place, just wish I could have made it  [bang]

He has in his shop Triumphs and Ducatis but I think he would work on your Guzzi. Have to call him to find out.

maybe he just didn't like my tone in my voice mails, then....i've been trying for a couple weeks now.  i guess i'll try one more time before i give up and go with ams

third time is a charm i guess; i'll be taking it in next week.