Ducati Desmo service

[miked]

I would think there is someone on here that runs a Ducati and perhaps does there own service. I am contemplating a used Multistrada 950 and watched a few videos about the belts and valve checking and shimming etc. Would I be right in thinking that getting the covers off first is the hard bit and that the shimming is not much harder than doing a Lotus twincam. Interested in any opinions, thanks. It looks that way. I note the bit about the potential for dropping valves in if not at TDC.
Mike

[MartinH]

Mike
You are correct about removing covers being the hard part of anything to do with servicing a Ducati desmo engine. I run 2 Ducatis on which I do everything, there is nothing particularly complex about the mechanics of the bikes.
They look pretty (in my not very objective opinion) but the price you pay is the time it takes to access anything for servicing. I always use a piece of card to keep the fastner pattern as on my bikes there at least 3 different fastner sizes for different points on the fairings.

Martin

[mark030358]

You need a Street Fighter V4 Mike….

[miked]

Thanks Martin. Appreciated.
I like the multistrada v2 950. Need to have a test ride. Also try the BM 850 gs. Being a bit careful about bike weight these days Mark otherwise go for the big gs and or v4 duke.

[The Veg]

I have a ten year old big GS and I love it! Easy maintenance is one of the reasons. Been riding BMWs for twenty years.

[MartinH]

Mike

If you are thinking about bike weight try one of these. I ride these all over europe.

Black Monster S4 193 KGs dry I can fit a big tank bag and a tent and sleeping bag on the back
Red 1098 weighs 173 KGs dry. Just take a toothbrush and stay in hotels

Martin

[miked]

Thanks Martin and Mr Veg,
I had a go on a GS in the summer. Lovely ride but felt a bit intimidated by the size when stopped manouvering about. Riding position and weather protection great.
I run a Nine T scrambler. Love the look of the bike and boxer engine. I will have a look at the Monster.
With the old cold knees and age I am looking at an adventure style or sports touring but not 1200cc. The smaller GS850 looks an option too.

[The Veg]

Yeah, it really is a matter of personal fit. I'm long in the torso so I need a tall bike to keep my knees low enough so that my lumbar stays happy. But I'm also wide in the hips so I can't sit on a narrow seat (a la 850 GS). The 1200 fits both requirements nicely. I have no aspiration to conquer the unpaved world; my choice of the GS is totally about ergonomics and fit. Luckily it does sport-touring really well too! It's kind of the 'Swiss army knife' of motorbikes.

I am however really intrigued by the K1600GT. I wonder if the high-seat option combined with a peg-lowering kit and bar risers would work for me...Hrmmmmm...

[miked]

Looks a big comfortable bike. You will have to try one.
It is right about bodies, regardless of height the leg and torso length varies more than we give credit for. I am also short in the leg and long in the body. One of my main concerns about planting my feet on the ground.