Valve Guide Replacing

[Tedonlin150]

Hi, I've been reading about how crappy the valve guides are in Ducatis. Are these something that can be replaced by an average to above average home mechanic or is the procedure a lot more involved? I will be taking the jugs off of mine soon to replace the bottom gaskets anyway so i thought it might be a good opportunity to get everything in good working order. And while its all apart is there anything else i should look for while i'm in there? I'll be doing the gaskets, checking the valve lash/clearance and possibly valve guides like i said.
Thanks

[Duck-Stew]

Your 2001 M600 has 8mm valve guides.  They should go 100K w/o an issue. 

When Ducati went to the 7mm valve guides on the 2V bikes, they used a guide material that goes soft over time.  If you had a bike w/those guides...then yes you should take the heads to a shop and get them replaced (any cylinder head shop worth their salt can do it...no need to go to a Duc dealer if you can R&R your own heads).

But, this is a non-issue for you.

[Tedonlin150]

OK good to hear thanks. What year did they go to the 7mm guides?

[Duck-Stew]

2003 with the DS1000 engines but the 620's and 800's were still 8mm.  In 2007 all 2V engines went to 7mm valves.

[NorDog]

2003 with the DS1000 engines but the 620's and 800's were still 8mm.  In 2007 all 2V engines went to 7mm valves.

Does this mean the current bikes are running these guides as well?

[Duck-Stew]

All 2V engines from 2007 & up are running 7mm valves and guides.  To my knowledge, they're still having problems with them although it may be lessening now.

[Raux]

yeah that's why Desmo M is replacing my guides with a much harder material.

[OT]

yeah that's why Desmo M is replacing my guides with a much harder material.

I've heard that Black Diamond is good...