Radiator Hoses, Wheel Bearings S4R

[akmnstr]

I'm doing a 24K valve adjustment on my 2004 S4R and checked out what other maintenance is due and see that the bike also needs new cooling system hoses and wheel bearings.  I'm hoping to find higher quality and less expensive after market alternatives for these items.  Any good suggestions?

[ducpainter]

Many use Saamco hoses, but they're not 'cheap', They are silicone and come in red or blue.

I saw some knock offs on ebay that were fairly reasonable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUCATI-MONSTER-S4-S4R-2001-2008-2007-2006-05-SILICONE-RADIATOR-COOLANT-HOSE-RED-/150756068196?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2319c30b64&vxp=mtr

[akmnstr]

Thanks for the tips.  I checked out both Samco and the ebay source.  I have often purchased obscure stuff on ebay and have rarely been disappointed but in this case, I am not going to take the chance.

[Speeddog]

What document is saying that the hoses and wheel bearings need to be *replaced* at 24k?

[akmnstr]

It is in the Desmo Times (Snyder's) book.  I just cross checked in the Ducati Manual.  No replacement intervals are given in the Duc manual. 

[lazylightnin717]

FWIW there was a member on the board that tried the off-brand hoses and was very happy with them. I'm not really sure what could be screwed up with 'em anyways. They're only hoses 

[thought]

I wish they made eBay hoses for the sf... There are a lot more hoses needed for it so they dont and samco ones are like 600 ish.

But yeah... I can't really see any reason to not get eBay hoses at all.

[akmnstr]

Thanks guys,  I'm feeling better about the ebay hoses.  The fellow selling them has great feedback, but no one gives feedback after 5,000 miles. 

Any thoughts on clamps.  The OEM clamps I have are rusty and look like crap.  A set of Samco clamps go for $59.  Hardware store clamps are super cheap.  A few years ago I saw a tool, in a MC mag., that one could use to make your own clamps out of SS wire.  I've been looking for that but can't find it. 

Any thoughts on wheel bearings?  Seems we should get way more than 20K from a set of OEM bearings.  Is Snyder being anal by recommending changing them at 20K?

[ducpainter]

LT has his ideas.

My 00 996 has original hoses and bearings.

Seems fine to me.

I'd spend the money on a suspension (front and rear) service instead.

[Speeddog]

I've not seen any hose failures due to age/mileage.
I've seen the supply hose that goes to the pump get ravaged by a tipover or the like.
Much like dp, my '02 S4 hoses are just fine, >50k miles on 'em.

I've seen wheel bearings go bad, earliest one at 25k miles, but usually >35k miles.
But the roads aren't particularly bad here.

[BK_856er]

Choose your clamps carefully.  Silicone hoses can be softer/thicker than OE type.  Typical worm type clamps can cut into the silicone.  It's good practice to put new clamps on any new hose.  MW also carries the "corsa" brand of hose.  Not sure if it's the same as the chinese ebay product.

BK

[Qomomoko]

OP, what didyou decide on at the end? how did it look and what clamps?

[ducpainter]

OP, what didyou decide on at the end? how did it look and what clamps?

AK monster hasn't been active for two years. You might want to pm, or email him, if his email is public.