Ducati Monster Forum

Hey all. So I've been riding for a few years now but just recently started doing my own maintenance. I'm feeling really timid about doing the valve check and changing the belts, and I'm well overdue for my 12,000 mile service. So an odd request: Would any one be interested in teaching me? Obviously, you'd be compensated for your time. I keep my bike in my painting studio in Bushwick so it's a good place to work, and I'm a real quick study. PM if you're interested or keep it public in case others are into it and we can make it a whole class. Thanks!

it's funny, but i was thinking about asking something along these lines too... cept for me, i wont need it for a while... got about 5000 miles before i need to.  i was going to ask if anyone was going to do a valve check/belts anytime soon, and if i could bring over a case of beer and help them out just so i could see first hand how they did it.

ha! maybe between our combined knowledge and a case of beer we could figure it out on my bike? [beer] ...that's probably a really bad idea

 :P Ive taught 3 people so far.  ;D

What kinda motor do you have?

02' 620ie. Piece o' cake compared to yours, right?

i've got to do my valves soon.  but i'm going for a ride this/next week down to NC so probably after that.  i did my belts 200 miles ago but its easy enough to show quickly.  i have a 750 and the hardest part of a belt change was getting the covers off.  on the 620, it should be easier without an oil cooler in the way.

You should consider joining DESMO  http://www.desmoducati.org (http://www.desmoducati.org)  no dues, just click the Yahoo groups join now button.  There may be room at the Oil Spill, which will start you on the road to DIY. 

cool, let me know when you guys happen to do a valve job and if you guys are up for it, i'll bring over the beer  [beer]

and i've joined desmo already :D  but i figured that no one was going to do a valve check a the oil spill

That would be awesome! I might try to catch up with you and do the belts myself. For the valves, just so I'm prepared, do I need to buy an entire shim kit?

The oil spill looks cool but it does seem a little hectic to learn a valve adjust there. Do any of you guys go on the Ear Bar rides? Love that place

I agree The Spill is not the place to learn a valve adjustment, but it is a good place to get your feet wet and meet some local folks.  We also have a few official rides, an official track day and the annual BBQ and Christmas Party where you have the opportunity to win some great prizes.

You might want to check out Bar Matchless on Monday nights as well.  Good folk, good beer and GP/superbike races during the season.

i should clarify my prev post.  i've never done a valve adjustment.  timing belt was easy enough that i plan to give it a shot myself soon.   i wasn't planning on buying shims ahead of time but if you did, it would reduce the down time on your bike. 

Maybe i should just take the plunge and try it myself. My only hesitation is that, with everything else i've worked on, I really have no frame of reference for when I get it right. I'm probably doing a fine job, but I have no real way of knowing. It makes for a nervous rider  :-\ So, maybe HE MAN will offer his tutelage? ;D

Regardless, have an awesome ride down to NC! are you taking 81? And keep in touch about checking the valves, maybe you, me, and Thought can figure it out together.

Sure, just give me a TPL.

I am in TN right now, going to BLAST back in NYC tomorrow. its 0114 right now. Gotta wake up at 6am for the ride back. Obviously cant sleep.

I was thinking of buying LT Synder's book on DIY Ducati maintenance. Check out his site, http://www.desmotimes.com/ (http://www.desmotimes.com/)

did you wind up seeing that shuttle launch?

and cool, lets set something up... i wont be able to stop by for the first two weekend in may (gf is in town) but i'll be free after that

You're gf doesn't want to learn a valve check??? dude, get rid of her.

Is she coming in town next weekend or the weekend after?

Next weekend would work for me if it's cool with He Man?

That ride through Eastern TN is dope!

arriving may 6th, so the weekend after... so if you guys are up for next weekend, i can def do it :)

Thanks.  No, i'm not taking 81.  I'm going down to Philly, DC, OBX, and coming back via Virginia Beach.  Loaded up the bike and gonna head out tomorrow.  Had to jerry-rig a luggage rack to fit everything as my girl is riding pillon.  Will be back next weekend, so I would love to come if you guys want to try and figure it out together.

Since He-Man is on this thread, i want to ask something.  How did you load up all your gear for your trip?  Did you use a luggage rack?  If so, which or pics? thanks

ill be home tomorrow so ill show you a pic. but i did  2 saddle bags + 1 tail bag. I have a ventura rack that holds it all together.


have fun tomorrow! i am on my way up, expect it to be make the beast with two backsing RAINING NUTS AND BOLTS.... Id say delay your departure for 1 day...

if i delay my trip one day, i'd be in thunderstorms an extra day coming back.  o well.  camping is gonna be a pregnant dog but hopefully there isn't too much wind.

what's happening with this? i'm back from my road trip and after adding another 1500 miles, i would like to check my valves soon.  anyone free this weekend?  or even tomorrow?

PM me.

if you guys meet up, i'd be up to swing by too

yeah are you guys meeting up? right now my bike is stuck in my studio, the freight elevator's dead  [bang] but i'd meet up anyways

I am installing MBP collets on a DS1000 motor later this week. They are a PITA to install and I don't have the space for this many people as of now. You'd all probably be confused why i'm cussing half the time (they are annoying to install)