S2R valve problems!!!

[madderdaddy]

I just bought a 2006 s2r 800 1000 miles on it and didn't do much research on the reliability because i figured a duc is a duc and  was getting an awesome deal on this bike anyways. I only hear great things... Now that i bought one I'm beginning to read more and more about guys having problems with their valve guides around the 6000 mile checkup. please tell me about this and your experiences on this. Should i find another if the valves are going to be giving me problems so soon???

[DarkStaR]

You probably see more people posting with problems because people with out problems got better things to do...like ride.  [moto]

Where are you seeing all these posts of valve problems?

[Popeye the Sailor]

You probably see more people posting with problems because people with out problems got better things to do...like ride.  [moto]

+1

In other news, research, then buying leaves less worry. More at 11.

[madderdaddy]

Ive read about 4 or 5 forums between here and ducati.ms and other parts of the web on valve problems and some people are saying that its a common problem and others are not. just wanted to get other peoples input.

[aaronb]

i think the issues are with the 1000ds, not the 800.  at least i have never heard of issues with the 800. 

[bluemoco]

Valve guides on my '04 M800 were a problem on the rear (vertical) cylinder at 6000 miles.  It was a costly repair, in part because I ordered a mild porting job and some MBP collets at that time, too.  ["As long as the heads are off....." ]

I really have no info on how 'common' this problem is.  Frankly, I wouldn't sweat it 'til you find a problem with the valve guides on your bike. 

[XJBaylor]

I have not heard of that problem with the S2R and I did a lot of research before buying mine. Good news though, no problems when I had my 6k service.

[psycledelic]

No problems with my S2R800. 

Just put on your gear and ride it like you stole it!

[Jarvicious]

I have an 05 800 and I'm almost to 19k with no issues, and I ride the living piss out of it   You already bought it right?  I say stop being a hypochondriac (from one to another) and ride her.  I'm not saying you should ignore little clicks or weird mechanical issues, but dollars to donuts you're going to love it either way. 

[herm]

i was told no problem at my 6k service (s2r1000)
however, i just found out at 10k that at least one of mine is bad. did it happen between 6-10k? dont know...

[monster2b]

I've got an 06 800 with 9300 miles on it and zero problems.  I would like to upgrade to a Hyper, but the fact that I have no issues and get 60 mpg and the bike is plenty fast enough for me means I'm keeping it.  Good luck with your new bike.

[Capt baz]

my '05 s2r 800(purchased new) has 18k+ miles & never one problem on the entire bike.

[psycledelic]

No problems with my S2R800.  I should have added that I am at 18000 miles with no issues. 

[booger]

Well if you wanted rock-solid reliability you should have gotten a Honda which is not completely 100% rock-solid but it's as close as you can get. Even Hondas have issues. With that said you bought probably one of the most reliable engines Ducati has produced. The 800s are pretty good. Not many issues with them. The valve guides may or may not give you trouble. The only thing you can do is be sure to use the best fuel available, change your oil on time with good motorcycle oil, keep the valvetrain maintenance on schedule and ride it.
I have the 800 approaching 6k with no visible symptoms of bad valve guides. The 6k service will determine the condition of the valvetrain, but right now it runs fine.

[Airborne]

Does anyone have a picture of a messed up valve guide? How can one diagnose as to weather they're shot?