Hi any suggestions for servicing an 848EVO in the North of England? Main dealers and many Ducati specialists seem to charge a fortune, there's no way I'm spending £800+ on belts and valves checking etc. In fact I'd even consider a days ride to somewhere further afield if they do a good job at sensible prices. Cheers in advance.
You can ask a dealer to taylor a service to your needs and wallet size. Also most now offer a Winter service package at reduced rates. So how about you call a few or Google for independents details.
Cheers. I've googled independents and only Ducati John popped up (who I've some experience of) , and I've called two dealers, one quote was just about ok. Just looking for some feedback on less obvious places that will do a decent job. Ducati Leeds was circa £850, although £50 of that is an air filter I know it doesn't need, £360 in labour on reduced rates. I'd rather them start low if the bike was 20k I might consider it but I'm not willing to spend silly money on it although I know it won't be cheap to run.
The problem with Ducati servicing at a main dealer is, instead of labour being charged at how long the individual mechanic takes to do the job it is now a set time for each job that has been determined by Ducati previously. This is so they can give you an exact quote for the work needed without any variables caused by how long it will take at an hourly rate. But it's stacked against you. The set time scales for each job is set at a lot longer than the mechanic will actually take and I've noticed this has led to larger bills. Andy Thornburn who worked for DMC Ducati Preston has set up his own business 'Speed Parlour' in Clitheroe. He's got decades of experience and is well respected. I've started to send my bikes there for servicing and maintenance. I'm very happy with the personal approach and my bills are nearly half of that of a main dealer.
John Cellier in Leeds.For the last 13 or 14 years. I've also used Ducati Leeds when they have any special offers on.
Dr Tepi at Doncaster motorcycles knows his way around a Ducati and charges £35 per hour. They might not have a fancy Italian logo or name but they score highly for value and reliability in my book. Supply your own belts from Exige and do the oil change yourself and a major service shouldn't cost more than £500.
http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/independent-workshop-map.46916/#post-845906 thread & map of member recommended indies.
Cheers for the replies. What should I REALLY be getting done at 4 years and 9k miles? To be fair to Leeds they quoted me for belts, valve clearances, air, oil and brake fluid change and coolant change. About half the bill was parts, £50 quid for two spark plugs! They did say they wouldn't replace if not needed. Oil seemed fairly cheap.
