Hi all, I'm going to be needing to my 18k desmo service soon. I've just been quoted around a grand, so I'm shopping around for a good deal. I'm based in the South West, but don't mind taking the bike elsewhere if it saves some money. Recommendations please! Thanks in advance! Nik
My 2015 DVT 18k service was done by Snells in Alton in May 2018. It cost £885. So your quote is about right 2.1/2 years later. You'd probably get a better price at a smaller independent, though they may not have the ability to reset the service alert on the dash.
£1k at a dealer will be before any shims are relace Where ever you eventually decide to go, judging by recent posts on here, Desmo service quotes don’t seem to include the costs of replacing shims if required, just checking the gaps. Andy
I must admit, it's the sort of cost that's making me thinking I could put down the same sort of money for a deposit on a new(er) bike. Especially given the failed fuel sensor and heated grips. Doesn't bode well for longer term ownership!
You could, if good with spanners do all the other stuff yourself. Its easily diy. Just pay for them to do valves? If you're decent with spanners the valve clearances aren't that much of a dark art. Belts even less. If you're not so hot with spanners you've gotta spend some quids. I think some, with big wallets just move from PCP to PCP, is that an option?
I'm actually more than happy to do oil and filters and belts myself. The main thing for me is maintaining the service history, as the Desmo service is a big one. I knew it was coming from when I got the bike three years ago.
You're dead right bout grips and fuel sensor. Although tbh the newer heated grips are better. Fuel sensor will always be a joke.
My heated grips packed up and so my first project during the first lockdown was to fit a pair of Oxford Hot Grips. Easy enough to and I routed them straight from the battery as they have an automatic shut down sensor which works. Cheaper (of course!) than Ducatis and much hotter too. Recommended. Not had a recent fuel sender failure as a new type was fitted under warranty in 2015.
I might do the fuel sensor myself, as the labour charge is an hour (£80), and although I know it'll take me more than an hour, but I'd sooner spend the £80 on something more fun!
I decided I was going to keep mine so wasnt so bothered about a dealer stamp for valves. I paid £350 (in 2017) for a clearance check and 15000m later (in 2018), £650 for changing a check/couple of shims. If its a keeper research doing them clearances yourself I reckon.
I definitely don't have the patience to do the valve clearances - I'd happily pay for those, but I can definitely do belts and filters myself. I'm actually debating getting the sump guard and a few other bits and pieces powder coated, so perhaps now might be a good time anyway.
Sounds like problem solved. Get independant place to do clearances only. You do other stuff. Lots of £s saved. Chicken dinner
I did most of the stuff myself other than the valve clearances and a change of sparks that I supplied. Only two valves needed a change of shims. Overall cost 500 euro plus another 250 for chain and sprockets set.
