Servicing @ 20,000... more ???s

[brad black]

we didn't recommend skipping stuff that would cause failures.  i'm not actually that much of a make the beast with two backswit.

[dragonworld.]

we didn't recommend skipping stuff that would cause failures.  i'm not actually that much of a make the beast with two backswit.

Wasnt in any way insinuating that mate!! If that had been happening at the Ole M1 it would have potentially reared its ugly head long ago. 

It is more a comment/observation on how a fuel filter (Using that as an example ) will last 10k on one vehicle and yet 20k or more on another if different manufacture?

[748s]

............................ The bike is a 2003 model. Of course, there is zero interest from the dealer, other than acknowledgement that "They all do that, and anyway, you should ride it more.  ...........................................

I got a round about accusation of "you use it to much" when the bottom rusted out of my 748 tank.
I'm still looking for that  usage level that stops rust.

Not sure if this has been posted here
http://www.eti-fuelcel.com/
If you can't find a tank at the wreckers, this place could be an alternative to OEM tanks.

[loony888]

we didn't recommend skipping stuff that would cause failures.  i'm not actually that much of a make the beast with two backswit.

i'm not insinuating that either by the way, but if you tell a customer "oh you don't need to do that" and that customers bike fails, whether it's because of what you suggested or not, surely there are going to be "make the beast with two backswits" that will think it is your fault. why leave yourself open to the aggravation that could lead anywhere?
meh, what do i care, it's not my problem, i use bevan.

paul.

[Yellow Meanie]

Valves are adjusted using shims on ducatis, and this means that a DIY approach would need to purchase a shim kit - lots of money where you only use a small amount or shims, ie the ones that you need to ensure your valve clearances are in spec.

Where could I find said shim kit, oh wise one?


Or, could I be able to find a specialist shop to supply only the shims I need?

[bigiain]

Where could I find said shim kit, oh wise one?

http://www.emsduc.com/

Or, could I be able to find a specialist shop to supply only the shims I need?

Gowanlochs here in Sydney are happy for me to turn up with my shims and swap them over for ones I select out of their cupboardful of them...

big

[Yellow Meanie]

Thanks Big.

$300 US isn't exactly cost effective for something I'll check every 10K.
I might have to get chummy with the blokes at the local shop

[nuggethead]

Paul,

I also checked out new tank/used fuel tank prices. Was quoted $4000 for a new tank. Think it was Gowanlochs who have cheaper replica tanks or try Eurobrit in Melbourne who i think had second tank for a reasonable price.

Dissapointed to hear others have experienced tank problems. I would follow up on that one for sure - even use some of the quotes from in here to back up your claims.

And on the service...

Sourced belts n bits (OEM) for 20k service from Zagame in melbourne - received next day - cheaper than other nth sydney suppliers.
Bought an Anderson bike stand with the cash i've saved on service labour - well worth the investment.
Bled brakes myself - that was an easy one.
Will change belts, oil, oil filter, plugs, air filter today
Will adjust chain, suspension and do a general check over for loose bits.

Just need to consider valve adjustment and fork oil change.

I think I've come out on top - only time will tell.

Nuggethead

[loony888]

Paul,

I also checked out new tank/used fuel tank prices. Was quoted $4000 for a new tank. Think it was Gowanlochs who have cheaper replica tanks or try Eurobrit in Melbourne who i think had second tank for a reasonable price.

Dissapointed to hear others have experienced tank problems. I would follow up on that one for sure - even use some of the quotes from in here to back up your claims.

And on the service...

Sourced belts n bits (OEM) for 20k service from Zagame in melbourne - received next day - cheaper than other nth sydney suppliers.
Bought an Anderson bike stand with the cash i've saved on service labour - well worth the investment.
Bled brakes myself - that was an easy one.
Will change belts, oil, oil filter, plugs, air filter today
Will adjust chain, suspension and do a general check over for loose bits.

Just need to consider valve adjustment and fork oil change.

I think I've come out on top - only time will tell.

Nuggethead

yep! that's the way to do it, no question. i do exactly the same things with the exception of fitting belts, cause they have to be loosened to do the valves anyway it's just as easy for my mechanic to pull em off and replace em.

for anyone who has the basics as far as mechanical ability goes, just start small and do what you can, once you get familiar with the bike it will get easier and you will want to do more. there's always someone here who has done it and stuffed it so you will always find someone who understands what you may have done wrong or can offer good advice before you begin, as for the valves, unless you fully understand what the changes you make may affect, and know what you're doing it's best (in my mind anyway) to leave it to an experienced mechanic, you have to see one to set up the injection on most bikes anyway and it's a LOT cheaper than replacing cams, valves, guides and rockers if you shim it too tight and bind everything up!

once you have your workshop set up to do what you're comfortable with you can spend your saved cash on BLING!!!!


paul.

[ducmeister]

When it comes to servicing vehicles I'm all for building a rapport as someone has already suggested.  I'm still trying to work through that with the bike as I don't do a lot of k's but the cars are a different story.  I get my cars serviced by a local guy (call me a lazy bum if you like) who knows me by name and knows my mechanical inclination.  He produces excellent quality work but is prepared to let some unnecessary things slide (by agreement) because he knows that I keep in touch with my cars and will know the warning signs if something is about to go pear shaped. 
The benefits are numerous, he gets a loyal customer who is prepared to pay for a decent job and I get quality work at a reasonable price along with occasional loans of tooling, etc, etc.
Now if I could just find someone closer than OAKLEIGH  to service the bike ...  Sorry Brad.  It's just too far.

[ducsport]

I got a round about accusation of "you use it to much" when the bottom rusted out of my 748 tank.
I'm still looking for that  usage level that stops rust.

Not sure if this has been posted here
http://www.eti-fuelcel.com/
If you can't find a tank at the wreckers, this place could be an alternative to OEM tanks.

Thanks 748s, had a look at their products. Very nice, and seem to be high quality too. Wonder what they would charge for one in raw carbon finish...the ultimate carbong bling? Other than carbon wheels of course Vince.....

[heatherp]

Now if I could just find someone closer than OAKLEIGH  to service the bike ...  Sorry Brad.  It's just too far.

And you live how far away?? 

[ducmeister]

And you live how far away?? 

  OK then, well, some people live so far away that they are due for another service by the time they get home.   [moto]

[heatherp]

OK then, well, some people live so far away that they are due for another service by the time they get home.   [moto]

Speaking of which  - nah should really do this in the appropriate thread.  See Melb meet up thread. 

[madalf71]

Howdy Ducmiester.
If you need a lift to and fro give me an email.
Just about to set up my bike trailer as well.
Only other place close to us is Eurobrit.
Heather we hear you......
Cherrio.
Madalf.