First Service Question

Itsn · Jan 14, 2016

First off, I know this question has been asked a number of times. I've searched and read the articles. I have the service manual (from this forum -- thank you!).

I got a couple quotes in San Francisco and around for anywhere between $430 and $570. My thought is I can spend that money a lot better.

Most of the operations are fairly straight forward and are routine maintenance, such as the oil change. HOWEVER, I am asking if people think there is value in having a trained tech look over the bike, and how much that service is worth.

Services such as (but not limited to):
Reading error codes/update software
Checking rubbing points, clearances of hoses
General overview
Softly cleaning motorcycle

Everything seems to be operating fine. If they were charging $250~ I would be OK with the service, but these are San Francisco prices. Is having someone look over the bike worth it? I don't know what gremlins the Panigale has, but I do know it's better to nip them in the bud if someone is looking for them.

If I do end up servicing it myself, I plan on taking some pictures and documenting it (along with receipts, in case I need to make a warranty claim). Ideally I could then turn it into a guide for anyone!

Ox Man · Jan 14, 2016

Do not take it to Ducati.....

I have a independent guy close to me who used to work for Ducati......he did it for $300 compared to Ducati's $450 quote.

You could do it yourself but if the bike ..... itself and needs warranty work because a official garage they may reject the claim.

They can be serviced by anyone who is able to stamp your service book ( Of course someone who has Duc experience is going to be needed for the bigger services)

I would let a bike mechanic do your log book services and do the intermediate oil changes yourself....

RD16RR · Jan 14, 2016

You'll find people in both camps - some will say do it all yourself, since there isn't much to do, and if in fact you are "skilled" enough (tools, time and attention) you would be fine doing it yourself - the other side of it is easy enough for the "non mechanically inclined" owner to pass off the details of routine maint. to the shop - dollar amount aside, knowing it's all done without much trouble other than drop off and pick-up is easy enough to deal with...no dirty oil to clean up & updates are checked and verified each visit, but even the home do-it-yourselfer can get those when 7500 miles rolls in

- oh don't forget getting the service light shut off (remember that it comes on at 622 miles (1000km) so if you bring it in at 600 miles be ready to make a return trip

Itsn · Jan 14, 2016

Ox Man said:
Do not take it to Ducati.....

I have a independent guy close to me who used to work for Ducati......he did it for $300 compared to Ducati's $450 quote.

You could do it yourself but if the bike ..... itself and needs warranty work because a official garage they may reject the claim.

They can be serviced by anyone who is able to stamp your service book ( Of course someone who has Duc experience is going to be needed for the bigger services)

I would let a bike mechanic do your log book services and do the intermediate oil changes yourself....

That's a good point. Really the only things I care about going wrong are: potential future claims (I've already had to make some on my Hyperstrada, luckily no issues with that) and missing a sign that something is not wearing correctly. Both good reasons to go to a shop, as long as they actually take the time to check those details.

RD16RR said:
You'll find people in both camps - some will say do it all yourself, since there isn't much to do, and if in fact you are "skilled" enough (tools, time and attention) you would be fine doing it yourself - the other side of it is easy enough for the "non mechanically inclined" owner to pass off the details of routine maint. to the shop - dollar amount aside, knowing it's all done without much trouble other than drop off and pick-up is easy enough to deal with...no dirty oil to clean up & updates are checked and verified each visit, but even the home do-it-yourselfer can get those when 7500 miles rolls in

- oh don't forget getting the service light shut off (remember that it comes on at 622 miles (1000km) so if you bring it in at 600 miles be ready to make a return trip

Yeah I understand both sides. Just trying to figure out where I can save money, and where I shouldn't skimp

. I'm pretty mechanically inclined (mech engineer), but not a Ducati/Motorcycle expert by any means. Just don't want to miss some 'warning sign' for a part life issue.

RD16RR · Jan 21, 2016

Itsn said:
That's a good point. Really the only things I care about going wrong are: potential future claims (I've already had to make some on my Hyperstrada, luckily no issues with that) and missing a sign that something is not wearing correctly. Both good reasons to go to a shop, as long as they actually take the time to check those details.

Yeah I understand both sides. Just trying to figure out where I can save money, and where I shouldn't skimp . I'm pretty mechanically inclined (mech engineer), but not a Ducati/Motorcycle expert by any means. Just don't want to miss some 'warning sign' for a part life issue.

even the shops can miss those signs...the electronic updates, or TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) are the string keeping everyone attached to the dealer network - frankly, i don't understand, other than not having a competent shop, why wouldn't you want to use your dealer...they are the ones trained, have the parts, and are dialed in on your needs....seems more than counter intuitive, it just sounds stupid to me

Chaotic · Jan 21, 2016

RD16RR said:
why wouldn't you want to use your dealer...

Because it is a ....... ripoff.

An oil change can be done by yourself for $40-$50.
Anybody can adjust the chain if needed, only takes a few minutes.
Anybody can grab some wrenches and check bolts/nuts to make sure nothing is loose.
Anybody can clean their bike.

The ONLY thing they do worth a .... is get rid of the service warning. And I have always thought they build those things in there as a way to force people to bring their bike into the dealership and get money out of them.

If somebody wanted to charge $80-$90 for a first service, so be it. But $200, $300, $400???? .... that.

RD16RR · Jan 21, 2016

Chaotic said:
Because it is a ....... ripoff.

An oil change can be done by yourself for $40-$50.
Anybody can adjust the chain if needed, only takes a few minutes.
Anybody can grab some wrenches and check bolts/nuts to make sure nothing is loose.
Anybody can clean their bike.

The ONLY thing they do worth a .... is get rid of the service warning. And I have always thought they build those things in there as a way to force people to bring their bike into the dealership and get money out of them.

If somebody wanted to charge $80-$90 for a first service, so be it. But $200, $300, $400???? .... that.

...seriously....i realize what you describe as "completely accurate"...beyond a shadow of a doubt your statements ring TRUE....however: for those that are mechanically challenged, the dealer is a safe place to be....it just makes good reasonable sense to bring your spiffy new Ducati to your dealer (given they are steeped in Ducati knowledge) versus bringing it to Sears (if you catch my drift here)

while i also agree that you must get back to the dealer to shut the lights off is certainly a way to draw you back to the shop...in all seriousness we need the dealers to survive as well.....and while not everyone brings them back, the dealer needs us as well as we need them......Honda put this in place better than anyone did when they first arrived on the scene...heck all mfgr's do it and need it as well.....Honda just did it the best..."you never needed them"

topolino · Jan 21, 2016

RD16RR said:
...seriously....i realize what you describe as "completely accurate"...beyond a shadow of a doubt your statements ring TRUE....however: for those that are mechanically challenged, the dealer is a safe place to be....it just makes good reasonable sense to bring your spiffy new Ducati to your dealer (given they are steeped in Ducati knowledge) versus bringing it to Sears (if you catch my drift here)

while i also agree that you must get back to the dealer to shut the lights off is certainly a way to draw you back to the shop...in all seriousness we need the dealers to survive as well.....and while not everyone brings them back, the dealer needs us as well as we need them......Honda put this in place better than anyone did when they first arrived on the scene...heck all mfgr's do it and need it as well.....Honda just did it the best..."you never needed them"

I think you are missing the point somewhat. Yes for those that are not mechanically minded a dealer may well seem your best option, but you can if so inclined, take it to any competent and knowledgeable mechanic, providing he can stamp your service booklet. I use a local guy for the "paperwork" side and do much of the work on the bike myself. Any major servicing I entrust to him. He has over 25 years experience of the marque and I actually trust him more than my own dealer. Use who you choose at the end of the day, as it's your money, but be aware that a dealer is not necessarily your best choice and will ALWAYS be dearer.

Notec · Jan 21, 2016

Keep in mind that they could refuse warranty repairs for a bike that is under warranty and not serviced by the dealer and per the maintenance schedule. We can argue the legality of this action all we want but the truth is it has and will continue to happen.

RD16RR · Jan 21, 2016

topolino said:
I think you are missing the point somewhat. Yes for those that are not mechanically minded a dealer may well seem your best option, but you can if so inclined, take it to any competent and knowledgeable mechanic, providing he can stamp your service booklet. I use a local guy for the "paperwork" side and do much of the work on the bike myself. Any major servicing I entrust to him. He has over 25 years experience of the marque and I actually trust him more than my own dealer. Use who you choose at the end of the day, as it's your money, but be aware that a dealer is not necessarily your best choice and will ALWAYS be dearer.

...not really....i'm not....as you point out "if so inclined"...then why not...freedom of choice i would say....my choice would be a competent dealer, while yours may be a competent mechanic...we have plenty of them in our New York area....i completely understand people using them...i simply choose the dealer and prefer it....yes "the other guy" is usually cheaper, but i want my dealer in business the next time i want to buy a bike - just my choice

Charliem90 · Jan 21, 2016

Notec said:
Keep in mind that they could refuse warranty repairs for a bike that is under warranty and not serviced by the dealer and per the maintenance schedule. We can argue the legality of this action all we want but the truth is it has and will continue to happen.

As long as the maintenance schedule is followed and done properly, anyone can do service. A dealer doing the service is not required to maintain the warranty.

Sure, a dealer can certainly try to shovel that load. But a form letter from your lawyer should quickly persuade them should they choose to stick to that silliness.

topolino · Jan 21, 2016

RD16RR said:
...not really....i'm not....as you point out "if so inclined"...then why not...freedom of choice i would say....my choice would be a competent dealer, while yours may be a competent mechanic...we have plenty of them in our New York area....i completely understand people using them...i simply choose the dealer and prefer it....yes "the other guy" is usually cheaper, but i want my dealer in business the next time i want to buy a bike - just my choice

Your right of course. Freedom of choice ultimately. However, I don't believe dealers are in danger of going out of business any time soon, since there will always be a steady stream of individuals that either can't, don't want to, or haven't the time to work on the bike themselves. Even competent mechanically minded owners, may well concede that there are some jobs that are probably best left to a dealer ie cam timing, valve shimming, blueprinting, fork revalving etc etc., so no one is immune to the captive nature of the business, especially when they pull the 'force majeure' warranty card out the hat.

With respect to the rather simplistic first service requirements, I think the bone of contention here, is not the principle of using and supporting your own dealer, as I am sure most are not averse to the idea, but the fact that the $400-500 fee being quoted is nothing short of a joke, considering the work that is actually performed. If that is of no concern to an owner, and they don't mind their trousers being pulled down, that's fine.

My dealer can simply reset my service light and I'll get the the local specialists to stamp my booklet, to show the first service requirements have been carried by in accordance with Ducati's requirements. Following a change in EU legislation, my warranty has never been compromised as a result, and I have used these specialists for several years. (Carl Harrison Motorycle Services - Welcome). Their service booklet stamps have actually helped clinch the sale of some of the previous bikes I've owned, such is their reputation. Best of all, their work is of a significantly higher standard than my own official dealer and they only carry out what is necessary, not what the service schedule tells the dealer to blindly follow. Must be some element of sense in this, as none of my previous Ducatis have missed a beat in the several years I have entrusted them with the work, and as a consequence, I'm only charged real world prices, as an added benefit.

topolino · Jan 21, 2016

Charliem90 said:
As long as the maintenance schedule is followed and done properly, anyone can do service. A dealer doing the service is not required to maintain the warranty.

Sure, a dealer can certainly try to shovel that load. But a form letter from your lawyer should quickly persuade them should they choose to stick to that silliness.

It's a shame most people are seemingly unaware of this caveat and who's dealers will convince them otherwise.

RD16RR · Jan 21, 2016

topolino said:
Your right of course. Freedom of choice ultimately. However, I don't believe dealers are in danger of going out of business any time soon, since there will always be a steady stream of individuals that either can't, don't want to, or haven't the time to work on the bike themselves. Even competent mechanically minded owners, may well concede that there are some jobs that are probably best left to a dealer ie cam timing, valve shimming, blueprinting, fork revalving etc etc., so no one is immune to the captive nature of the business, especially when they pull the 'force majeure' warranty card out the hat.

With respect to the rather simplistic first service requirements, I think the bone of contention here, is not the principle of using and supporting your own dealer, as I am sure most are not averse to the idea, but the fact that the $400-500 fee being quoted is nothing short of a joke, considering the work that is actually performed. If that is of no concern to an owner, and they don't mind their trousers being pulled down, that's fine.

My dealer can simply reset my service light and I'll get the the local specialists to stamp my booklet, to show the first service requirements have been carried by in accordance with Ducati's requirements. Following a change in EU legislation, my warranty has never been compromised as a result, and I have used these specialists for several years. (Carl Harrison Motorycle Services - Welcome). Their service booklet stamps have actually helped clinch the sale of some of the previous bikes I've owned, such is their reputation. Best of all, their work is of a significantly higher standard than my own official dealer and they only carry out what is necessary, not what the service schedule tells the dealer to blindly follow. Must be some element of sense in this, as none of my previous Ducatis have missed a beat in the several years I have entrusted them with the work, and as a consequence, I'm only charged real world prices, as an added benefit.

...i like your candidness, sense of humor, and realistic view, so therefore i have thanked you accordingly

i leave the decision process to the individual....i can only lead them to the water (so to speak)...and there are so many ways to skin this cat....aside from your "trousers being pulled down"..i think anyone can be safe if they do a little homework on their respective dealer/shop mechanics (except a 'force majeure' of a different kind) the 15yr old oil change specialist....

i must admit i enjoyed your post up above....and thank you again !

Ox Man · Jan 21, 2016

Chaotic · Jan 21, 2016

Notec said:
Keep in mind that they could refuse warranty repairs for a bike that is under warranty and not serviced by the dealer and per the maintenance schedule. We can argue the legality of this action all we want but the truth is it has and will continue to happen.

The legality of that is that it is NOT legal. If someone "allows" a dealer to refuse warranty repairs because they bike wasn't serviced by the dealer, then it is because that person doesn't know what they are doing and/or just doesn't feel like pursuing it.

Because a dealer CANNOT refuse warranty claims/repairs simply because they didn't service your bike.

(referring to the USA, I can't speak for other places)

Notec · Jan 22, 2016

Sorry for the confusion. By "they," I meant Ducati NA. This has been an ongoing issue for many generations of superbikes. I believe Ducati NA also has the requirement that I have stated above listed on their website and in the warranty literature for the vehicle.

Charliem90 · Jan 22, 2016

Notec said:
Sorry for the confusion. By "they," I meant Ducati NA. This has been an ongoing issue for many generations of superbikes. I believe Ducati NA also has the requirement that I have stated above listed on their website and in the warranty literature for the vehicle.

No, they don't. Ducati NA site does not state anything of that nature. The separate warranty document I received for my 1199 does not state this. The 1199 owners manual doesn't state it. It even says (page 27 under 'Owners warranty responsibility') "...but Ducati North America, Inc. cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance."

Ducati can be faulted or criticized (rightly or wrongly) for some things they do but they shouldn't be accused of plainly illegal business practices. You should stop.

Mr C · Jan 22, 2016

My 7500 mile service will be due soon. Bike is out of warranty so its not going to the dealer!
When its due its 15000 mile service I will take it to an independent Ducati specialist as that's more in depth and a bit beyond me so I'm happy to pay a man with more knowledge to get stuck in.

RD16RR · Jan 22, 2016

...not for anything...but the dealer network is in fact there to support you, even when other "specialists" are no longer there.....

3
2
1...

First Service Question

Help Support Ducati Forum:

Itsn

Ox Man

RD16RR

Itsn

RD16RR

Chaotic

RD16RR

topolino

Notec

RD16RR

Charliem90

topolino

topolino

RD16RR

Ox Man

Chaotic

Notec

Charliem90

Mr C

RD16RR

Similar threads

Register CTA

Recent Discussions