Dealer Service evaluation

[Dochunt]

On a whim I took my M796 to Cross County Motorcycle Dealership in Metuchen NJ this morning to see if they could install the 14T front sprocket.
I didn't have high hopes and was prepared to leave the bike there for a few days.
But to my surprise even thou they are busy with a BMW recall they were willing to take care of it right there and then and install the Bar riser I had.
Scott at the service counter was very helpful and got my bike in right away.
I was all done in 90 mins, they even cleaned and lubed the chain without asking.
I watched them do the job and they were very careful and diligent.
I was home before the rain hit.
A much better experience then I expected.

PS. The bike rides much better for me with the 14T and the bars higher by 1.5 inch.

[Kev M]

Good to hear!

[mdgore]

Good techs/shops are hard to find.  I usually stick with them. I even followed one technician around to the various shops that hired him, but then he went too far away.  My stalking impulses end after 50 miles.

[Dochunt]

You are right.
I have been debating which one to go to for a while now.
I'll keep using these guys for now and see how things are next time.

[kopfjäger]

Pop in from time to time when you don't need any work done. Bottle of good scotch works wonders. 

[Dochunt]

I think I will.
I am a Single Malt man myself.

[Curmudgeon]

PS. The bike rides much better for me with the 14T and the bars higher by 1.5 inch.

Just as long as they used the 14T specific to the 796 as bad things happen if you use the 696/1100 version which has a different offset. Part #?

Nice to have a sixth gear now, right? 

[Dochunt]

I ordered the part from MonsterParts myself.
It made a huge difference in riding.
I don't have to keep shifting in and out of gears to keep the bike in the sweet spot.
Thanks for the advice again.

[Curmudgeon]

Glad you like it. Such a simple thing. The bikes would come this way if Ducati didn't have to deal with the Euro 3 drive-by sound test. No WAY the bike would pull red line with stock gearing. 

Monsterparts uses the Drive Systems sprocket. You can reuse your 15T when you need a new chain and rear sproket. You can fit a larger rear then. 

[Dochunt]

Yes it is much more rev-happy now.
I kept the 15T and will do that rear sprocket change when I need a new chain.
How long should a well cared for chain last on the 796?
I have put 1k miles on in 6 weeks.

[Curmudgeon]

The dealers and techs here can tell you best. I'd guess the stock Regina 525 is good for at least 15,000 - 20,000 miles if you keep it clean and lube every 300 - 400 miles. Super easy to do when warm after a ride using the Ducati single-sided swing arm stand.

FWIW, I'm using DuPont Chain Saver which you can find at some Walmarts. Doesn't fling and stays clean too. Popular here I believe. http://www.walmart.com/ip/DuPont-Teflon-Chain-Saver-11-oz/16672659

[Dochunt]

Awesome, Thanks.
Next step for me is to get the suspension set up done, I may have to get the front suspension oil changed since they are not adjustable and I weight 220 lbs.

[Barney]

I've been going to metuchen for several years now for various honda/ducati stuff - it's a really nice shop and the guys are good too. I took my 1100 there for the first valve job at 7500 miles - I was happy with the work they did, but they certainly aren't cheap.  also, for what it's worth, I had the bike at ECS for belts and a look over, all 4 valves were out of whack with only a little over 5000 miles on it since the first time they were done.  I'm sure that probably has more to do with me womping on it for those 5000 miles than anything else, but the guys seemed surprised.  Guess it's time to learn to do valves myself...

Not sure where in NJ you are, but it's good to have options, and ECS comes highly recommended too, though it is potentially a hike.

also, let's ride. that's all 

[Curmudgeon]

Awesome, Thanks.
Next step for me is to get the suspension set up done, I may have to get the front suspension oil changed since they are not adjustable and I weight 220 lbs.

The 796 fork isn't considered too bad stock. If anything, you might need a slightly stiffer spring. 10W Redline Fork Fluid might be smoother. I'm doing that at my next service probably.

When I rode the demo prior to purchase, the stock rear Sachs wasn't doing much and seemed dead, so I swapped that out for a cheap Ohlins ordered from Ohlins in NC for my weight. My dealer, an Ohlins tech, only needed to back off the damping one click after setting the sag for him at 190 lbs. FWIW, I'm 175 lbs and my 796 is perfectly balanced now. Want to ride to VA? 

[1.21GW]

I've been going to metuchen for several years now for various honda/ducati stuff - it's a really nice shop and the guys are good too. I took my 1100 there for the first valve job at 7500 miles - I was happy with the work they did, but they certainly aren't cheap.  also, for what it's worth, I had the bike at ECS for belts and a look over, all 4 valves were out of whack with only a little over 5000 miles on it since the first time they were done.  I'm sure that probably has more to do with me womping on it for those 5000 miles than anything else, but the guys seemed surprised.  Guess it's time to learn to do valves myself...

Not sure where in NJ you are, but it's good to have options, and ECS comes highly recommended too, though it is potentially a hike.

also, let's ride. that's all  

I second this recommendation of ECS.  Also, I second the hike factor---pain in the ass, but if you have the time the ride offers some twisty routes.

I just was recommended CCM on advrider as I was looking for a place in the NY area that sold Klim.  So I'm planning to swing by next time I ride into Jerz.  Glad to hear another positive recommendation about them.  Good dealers and techs are indeed hard to find and I've learned that they are worth paying higher labor rates.  Thanks for sharing, Dochunt.



Also: maybe we should move this thread to local NYMMC sub-board in order to reach a more germane audience?