Ottawa (Canada) just lost its only Ducati franchise

[Episteme]

The Ottawa Goodtime Centre, the only dealership within a 2 hour radius, seemingly ended its relationship with Ducati (or vice versa… who knows for sure when a relationship ends). I drove to the shop to inquire about a fuel level sensor, and noticed that there were no more Ducatis on the showroom floor, or their website for that matter, and the huge Ducati sign on their shop just came down.

I’ve done considerable work on my bike myself, but am still intimidated by engine stuff like timing belts and valve adjustments. The engine is a bit of an enigma to me.  Now, I'd to go to Montreal for that stuff… a 2 ½ hour drive! Not bloody likely.

I just ordered LT’s book – and will order a set of valve spacers and timing belts next payday – and will try to step gently into the engine this winter… but, does anyone know of a good mechanic in the Ottawa area for when I inevitably screw it up?

[the_Journeyman]

That's a shame!  However, changing the belts & checking valve clearances/changing shims if necessary isn't terribly difficult.  I taught myself using LT's book as well.  Do purchase you a good set of tools.  I have metric sockets, open & box end wrenches and allen wrenches.  Also a torque wrench is needed for proper tightening of covers, caliper bolts, axle pinch bolts etc.

JM

[PizzaMonster]

Wow!

Thanks for the update....I think......  Frankly,  I'm shocked!  They are/were a great dealership.  That leaves a HUGE hole in the Ontario dealer network.  There will be NO Ontario dealer east of Toronto now and I already know the one in Oakville sucks.  Hopefully someone else will pick up the slack.

I bought my bike from them and got excellent service.  I was in there just last month speaking with the owner.  He was talking up the new Monster 1100 and sounded quite enthused about seeing it at the dealer meeting. 

They did just take on the BMW line.  I wonder if there was some sort of conflict?  Doesn't seem to make sense as they have always been multi-line also carrying a full line of Kawasaki and Trumph.  How sad.  Like the previous poster,  I do my own minor stuff but prefer to defer to the experts for things like valve adjustments.

[myssrhl]

Well they may have had to clear Ducati out to make room on their floor plan financing for BMW inventory...

I have done that yet with tractor brands not bikes..

Oh.. 2v adjustment no big deal... just get a pad a pencil and do the math..

[PizzaMonster]

Hey Episteme...Let's not give up just yet...

I figured I'd send a note to DNA asking for the next closest dealer to me.  I thought their answer might give me a clue as to what is going on.  It seems that officially they are still a dealer.  It also doesn't sound like Ducati is terminating them but that it might be the other way around.  Obviously still a bit of 'negotiation' going on here between the dealership and Ducati.  I hope it all comes to a good ending for us.

Here is some of the reply I received today from DNA:



Thank you for contacting Ducati North America.

Our records indicate that Ottawa Goodtime Center is currently still an Authorized Ducati Dealership.  Should Ottawa Goodtime Center decide to terminate their Dealership, you will have to transport your bike to another Authorized Ducati Dealership.  At this time, Ducati North America has no further information regarding this matter.........


I suppose the easiest thing to do would be to ask Bryan or Jason what's happening but I live almost 4 hours away. 

Stay tuned.....and pass the popcorn..

[MostroS2R]

Just called OGTC and spoke to the service manager, looks like they're losing Ducati once again.
This sucks, closest dealer will now be Monette in MTL.