Dreaded Desmo service

[kreeess]

hey guys, my 1299 is coming up to its desmo service mi, does anyone have a suggested shop i can take it to? I've always done the oil change and other services on the bike since purchase but desmo is something thats a little more than i can tackle.

thank you in advance!

 

[sckego]

Advanced Cycle Service has been my go-to for Ducati service, had two Desmo services and a bunch of other work done there. I've also heard good things about Nichols, but I've never been there myself.

 

[DucatiHoney]

Our bikes have generally gone to Desmoto, but they're in SF. I don't know where Green Valley is, but that might be a hike for you.

 

[kreeess]

Advanced Cycle Service has been my go-to for Ducati service, had two Desmo services and a bunch of other work done there. I've also heard good things about Nichols, but I've never been there myself.

I’ve actually heard of both shops. I’ve also heard Nichols usually has a longer turnaround time. Nearest shop around me is Ace Motorsport which is in concord and I was quoted 2k for the Desmo just wanted to see what the going rate is

 

[kreeess]

Our bikes have generally gone to Desmoto, but they're in SF. I don't know where Green Valley is, but that might be a hike for you.

Honestly if the service is good and they’re not out to rip me a new one then it’s always worth the trip. I’ll check out Desmoto as well!

 

[budman]

I am right there too.

Not sure where I am going to go either.

 

[Arsey]

So it’s $2k to adjust valves on a twin?

 

[ScottRNelson]

It's worth the trip to take the bike to Advanced Cycle Services.

I used to go to Nichols when Jim Davis was there, but he split off and opened ACS. He's my all-time favorite motorcycle mechanic and I always enjoyed visiting his shop. Plus you can trust his work and that he won't do more than your bike needs, but he'll often do the small things that he notices need fixing without charging extra.

 

[berth]

So it’s $2k to adjust valves on a twin?

They import Italian Calendar Models to do the work.

$3K if you want to watch.

 

[sckego]

I’ve actually heard of both shops. I’ve also heard Nichols usually has a longer turnaround time. Nearest shop around me is Ace Motorsport which is in concord and I was quoted 2k for the Desmo just wanted to see what the going rate is

I seem to recall it being a bit under 1k for the Desmo service (valves and belts). Add in all the other stuff you typically do for a major service (oil, air filter, spark plugs, etc...) and I think it came up to a tad over a grand. Jim will probably give you a quote over the phone for it.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Honestly if the service is good and they’re not out to rip me a new one then it’s always worth the trip. I’ll check out Desmoto as well!

When I had a Duc they always treated me right.

 

[bikeama]

I am right there too.

Not sure where I am going to go either.

Let me know where you decide. I am 6-8 months out depending on how the summer goes. Just might sell and buy a new Ducati or BMW.

 

[budman]

I am going to Advanced. Bike headed to Jim on Saturday.

 

[kuksul08]

So it’s $2k to adjust valves on a twin?

that is insanity
Parts should be about $200 for belts, couple shims. A few hours labor. How that adds up to 2k...?

 

[budman]

Do you realize it takes 24 hours to peel shit off a Duc to get to the work? And another 24 to put it back??

 

[Maddevill]

Do you realize it takes 24 hours to peel shit off a Duc to get to the work? And another 24 to put it back??

That's why I love the old 2 valve air cooled motors. Super, super easy to service.

Mad

 

[menG]

I have a buddy that owns a couple Ducati’s. He saved a bunch of money and stripped the bike, hauled it to Nichols and got it done for a couple hundred. Just like budman said, it takes quite some time to strip everything to get to the engine.

 

[nakedape]

I seem to recall it being a bit under 1k for the Desmo service (valves and belts). Add in all the other stuff you typically do for a major service (oil, air filter, spark plugs, etc...) and I think it came up to a tad over a grand. Jim will probably give you a quote over the phone for it.

This. Opt for JUST the desmo service and it won't exceed $1200-1300 at a reputable shop. Most are flat rate and some techs can do it in 6 hours, but it's an honest 8 going slow and steady.

My shady dealer used up the extra time to clean the chain (WTF) and polish everything to a sparkling finish. $2300 Don't allow this. And ask for the clearances when they do it, as they are measuring anyway. Lesson learned!

 

[kreeess]

I am going to Advanced. Bike headed to Jim on Saturday.

if you dont mind me asking. how much were you quoted for the full desmo?

 

[Hooli]

Do you realize it takes 24 hours to peel shit off a Duc to get to the work? And another 24 to put it back??

It could take most of the day to strip the plastics off a 2013 MTS1200. laughing

That said, once my warranty expired @ Munroe (where I bought the bike), Jim @ ACS was my go-to.