Ducati Monster Forum

I'm not one to complain about what things cost. They just cost what they cost. But I also don't want to pay for something I don't need.

I'm coming up on my 1 year service with 2300 miles. My shop said the service would cost $400. I asked what it included and they said that since it wasn't due for the valve adjustment yet, it was basically just getting the oil change, some inspections, and some minor adjustments. Really? $400.

Has anyone paid their local dealer for a simple oil change? I'd like to know what that part alone would cost.

Thanks.

What is a one year service??  Did you have a 600 mile service?  And what shop is this?

I'd just change the oil myself.  Note than an oil change, even a DIY, can cost $.  Synthetic oil and a filter will run you about $50.  A non-synthetic oil (aka dino oil) change will cost less -- probably closer to $25-$30 in materials.  I'd go with synthetic.

How handy are you?  Can you inspect your brake pads for wear, check your chain tension and determine if your tires are ok? 

Check out Nichols if you don't want to do the oil change yourself:
http://motorcycle.nicholsmfg.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=89 (http://motorcycle.nicholsmfg.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=89)


Sounds like your dealer is ripping you off, especially since there is no specific "1-year service".

Why not organize a wrench day, learn how to change your own oil and inspect your bike yourself?

I did get the 600 mile service. I'd rather not call out the shop by name. I really like this shop. I'm just not sure I should fork over $400 for the service. The parts total you listed is about $100 (rounding generously) which means there is about 3 hours of labor assuming $100/hr. Not sure what the hourly rate for Ducati labor actually is.

The owner's manual says that at 1 year or 7500 miles, I should have the following tasks performed...
1) change oil and filter
2) check/adjust valve clearances
3) check tension of timing belts
4) check and clean air filter

What bugs me is the shop is saying that because I'm not at 7500 miles, I don't need the valve adjustment. Everybody else in the world uses the first of the miles/months to determine maintenance. Plus, I highly suspect that the $400 is the normal price and normally includes the valve adjustment. If I really don't need one yet, ok. The service should be highly discounted. At least that's my take on it.

You can go get the service if you want, but it doesn't seem like there is a need.  

You're probably due for an oil change (I do 'em more frequently than 3k because I do a lot of City stop n' go riding) based on time, but you could wait another 1000 miles (or 4000) w/o a problem.  

You likely don't need your timing belt tension checked, though it's not a bad idea to be extra superduper safe.  I'm just not sure I'd pay someone to do it when it doesn't need it and I don't think the manual calls for it.  Replace the belts at two years and you're fine.  Belts are one of those things that deteriorate with time, so you either want 12k (or I guess your bike is 15k) or 2 years, whichever is sooner.

Valve adjustments are mileage-based, not based on time.  You don't need them checked at 2300 miles. Wait til  7.5k or until you want to tackle them yourself.

Cleaning an air filter and changing your oil is definitely a DIY thing.  But if you take 'em in, both of those together shouldn't run you more than 1 hr of shop time.  Checking belt tension is another .5 hour at most.  

$100/hr is about right.

The only thing I'd check is whether you need a 1 year service in order to keeep your warranty.  I don't think that's required.

We could just have a wrench day. Or if you're that bored ride down here and I can show you those things (AKA drink beer while I yell at you while you do work-it's how I teach).

I'd do it by mileage myself-as far as I'm concerned you're not even due for an oil change yet.



Also-ride that thing more.  [moto]

Which Monster do you have?

He has a 696.

100% per the owner's manual:

Oil and filter change
Check brake and clutch fluid levels
Check and adjust the brake and clutch control cables ( ??? )
Check/lube throttle/choke cables
Check tire pressure and wear
Check brake pads, renew if necessary
Check chain tension, alignment and lube
Check lights and signals
Check engine mount bolts
Check sidestand
Check front and rear axle nuts
Check external fuel hoses
Check forks and shock for leaks
Check front sprocket retaining bolts
General lube and greasing
Check and recharge battery
Road test
General cleaning

Lame-I'll do it for half the price they want  ;D

Full disclosure: MrIncredible's last monster caught fire...probably right after he serviced it ;D

FYI it was right after a well-known shop serviced it.  They later fixed the problem at no cost.

I do this before every ride.   [laugh]

fixed  [roll]