Richmond Superbike 7500 Mile Service Review (Pic Heavy)

[JimmyTheDriver]

I recently brought my 2007 Monster S4R in for the 7500 mile service and I couldn't be happier. The bike already ran great, now it's just insane. From what I gather, they go the extra mile and did a number of things I requested that most shops would have likely said no to. The owner and staff were great and I will definitely head the 1.5 hours back to Richmond for more work. 

They threw in a dyno run and the A/F was spot on, like 124 to the wheels if I remember correctly. I'll have to find the sheet.

Anyway, they take pictures during the process.  Here is what they sent me...

[DRKWNG]

Nice.  That's pretty good service.

[ducati culture]

Awesome.....   Reasonably priced?

[JimmyTheDriver]

I suppose.  I don't really know what people pay for the same service.  I got full 7.5k service on S4R (which they do more than some others I have read about), dyno run, front/rear tire change, and sag adjustment (suspension) for $1221. Price included all parts and labor except for tires.

-Jim

[MongoReturns]

That seems like a more than fair deal, considering it looks like they took your whole bike apart (clutch too?!?!).  Just getting my belts changed and valves checked (no adj needed as far as I can tell) was nearly $600 at Battley's.  I even had the fairings off for them, and brought the belts.

And apparently they destroyed my $300 battery somehow; home now with a dead duck.  Next time off to Richmond.

[xsephirot]

That seems like a more than fair deal, considering it looks like they took your whole bike apart (clutch too?!?!).  Just getting my belts changed and valves checked (no adj needed as far as I can tell) was nearly $600 at Battley's.  I even had the fairings off for them, and brought the belts.

And apparently they destroyed my $300 battery somehow; home now with a dead duck.  Next time off to Richmond.

That's weird cause Battley's did mines in sept and they did a pretty good job. I was talking to Jeff at Monsterparts and they charge only like half of that. Sure wish I lived in a more rural area.

[MongoReturns]

That's weird cause Battley's did mines in sept and they did a pretty good job. I was talking to Jeff at Monsterparts and they charge only like half of that. Sure wish I lived in a more rural area.

Yes, $95/hr for 5 hrs and some parts I didn't need adds up.  I assume they spent an hour trying to wrestle my expanded tank back on.

It is unfortunate, but if labor there was free for the rest of my life I wouldn't go back.

[ducati culture]

It is unfortunate, but if labor there was free for the rest of my life I wouldn't go back.

DAMN! 

[twolanefun]

Seems reasonable, glad you are happy that is the important thing. I'll still go to DucPond, good to stick with who you know/trust. The SS900 I picked up earlier this year or late last year I forget, had been serviced by them. Seemed to have done a good job. The guy I bought it from was happy with their work, except for the part where they dropped the bike during service and caused some minor damage, an honest mistake that can happen to anyone. I believe Donnie knows those guys as well and gets along fine with them. - Gene

[JimmyTheDriver]

Yes, $95/hr for 5 hrs and some parts I didn't need adds up.  I assume they spent an hour trying to wrestle my expanded tank back on.

It is unfortunate, but if labor there was free for the rest of my life I wouldn't go back.

I would NEVER go back to Battley.  I bought my bike there and they convinced me there was no such thing as a red key (I was new to Ducati),

Now I have a bike, I bought BRAND NEW, without a red key.  Duc Pond in Winchester is the best dealer on earth.  Richmond Superbike also did a bang up job on my bike and I would go back there in a heartbeat.

-Jim

[tocino]

I would NEVER go back to Battley.  I bought my bike there and they convinced me there was no such thing as a red key (I was new to Ducati),

Now I have a bike, I bought BRAND NEW, without a red key.  Duc Pond in Winchester is the best dealer on earth.  Richmond Superbike also did a bang up job on my bike and I would go back there in a heartbeat.

-Jim

I would contact the boss of whoever sold you the bike, and if that fails contact Ducati North America. You will be in trouble if the bike needs servicing and it goes without saying that no one will buy that bike from you. You need that red key. What year was the bike? Model?

[twolanefun]

I would NEVER go back to Battley.  I bought my bike there and they convinced me there was no such thing as a red key (I was new to Ducati),

Now I have a bike, I bought BRAND NEW, without a red key.  Duc Pond in Winchester is the best dealer on earth.  Richmond Superbike also did a bang up job on my bike and I would go back there in a heartbeat.

-Jim

Well what year is the bike, they eliminated the Red Key back in 07'/08'. Your right about Duc Pond. I have no experience with Battleys and my Ducs. Back when I had a BMW in the late 80s, early 90s they did a good job. Devin Battley is a stand up guy, so if there is a problem you should let him know. - Gene

[JimmyTheDriver]

Its a 2007 Monster S4R.  I was handed 2 black keys.  A year or more later, I got this from them via email.  Do I need to get nasty?  I honestly had no idea of the impact it could have.  I lingered around here reading posts, but never realized how screwed I could actually be.  I now live a few hundred miles from them.

Purchased the bike in 2010 brand new.  

"From my recollection, Ducati started to do away with the Red Key in 2007. I was told your S4R didn't come with the Red Key. I will have to check on this for you. I know we owe you a Code Card."

[twolanefun]

I would confirm that your bike needs a red key and if so, yeah I would get their attention, it is a serious problem. - Gene

[tocino]

From the svc bulletin I'd contact Tom or Sam and see what it takes to get the key & card from the dealer in Fla that has it ()
I would assume there's be no problem getting it.