ok, so we are planning a trip to Italy over Easter. The Italian Jobbie. It will be around 10 days and 4 k miles. Camping providing it don't pee down at which point we will put our masculine pride behind us and find a B&B. Dilemma my 2012 1200 currently has 3850 miles on her. I have booked in for service end March. But Service due at 7500 miles. I reckon if I did no more riding on it between now and then it would have 8k plus on by the time we came back (maybe 8500). Or 9k if I decided to use it between now and then Back Tyre also has only 1k miles left on it so will need changing before trip. Io know I am the only one who can decide but interested in everyone's opinion. Trip will cost a packet anyway so not keen on just throwing money unnecessarily at my dilemma.So do I Just use it between now and then and take it for service as planned in March with what ever miles it has on ( downside is my desmo service is in theory a bit closer as I would not want to have another service at 12k which is when it would be due another oil change. So I would end up with Desmo at 12k As above but change oil myself when I get back and then take for 15k desmo service as normal Screw it, just keep the miles down between now and then and take it late for a service when we get back at say 8 - 8.5k miles buy the oil and filter, use bike between now and trip and change oil just b4 we go myself and nip it in for tyre as well. Then get bike serviced at say 8 or 9k when I get back Chilax and stop worrying Oh decisions decisions, what would you do?
I had my first annual service done at 8,200 miles and the dealer had no problems with this (Ducati Aylesbury). I suggest you discuss with your local dealer, as it would be important to make sure you don't invalidate the warranty. Maybe they could do an oil/filter change before you go and then the proper 7,500 mile service when you get back. Regarding tyres, I've always put a new set of tyres on before a tour if there was any chance of getting anywhere near the wear limits before the getting home. I also change as a pair even if the front still appears to have plenty of live left. In my view it's not worth taking any chances with tyres.
The 7,500 miles prescribed for servicing is a maximum, not a minimum. You can have a service done any time you like, including below the 7,500 mark. If you do have this service done early, the next service will be due 7,500 miles after this service (and it will thus be at a bit less than 15,000 miles overall, obviously). But why push your luck? Especially if you have to renew the tyres anyway and if you intend to use the bike hard on long continental tours.
i agree, just get the service done and get your Desmo service done at 15k, if you need another oil done before the desmo just get it done. I know it's money but maintenance is the cheapest int he long run. FWW I changed my oil at 4k myself (but left the filter) and got the service done at 7,500 because I was going to mugello and was worried that I would be over mileage when I got back (I wasn't), I can't imagine how difficult it would be to sell a Ducati with late oil services-I know I would walk away and find another.
I went for Michelin PR4's, they are as good as the scorpions in the dry and awesome in the wet - highly recommended although everYone has their own opinions on tyres
We too are planning some big tours this year (two up + top box and panniers) and the current tyres are just about shot. I have a MTS1200S skyhook. I was going to fit a set of pirelli Angel GT, but am now thinking the Michelin PR4 would be better.....But do I fit standard or the GT version (bearing in mind that most of my riding is two up with luggage, apart from my solo trip to the TT every year). Are the GT version going to be OK if I am riding solo with no luggage? I am by no means skinny and weigh a good 95kg in my birthday suit. I hate trying to choose tyres, I need a set for my 999 next. Deaks
Dont overlook the Z8's , really good tyre. Though you'll be fine with any of the common manufacturer fitments. Modern tyres will out perform most mortals ability on the road.
I went for the std version on mine without any problems (also 2 up with luggage), I don't think you will have a problem with either but I went for std as the edges of the tyre are a softer compound that I thought might suit the Multi although I am sure other will have different views.
You have the same dilemma I had last year, I had 6500 on the clock just before my Lakes and Mountains European trip (4500 miles) I change my own oil filter and oil just before I went Cost my £60 ish. When I got back I had 11k+ on the clocks Phoned the dealer and told him. I'd like to bring it in for a late 7500 service explaining to him that I changed the oil with the Shell AdvancedIII and the filter. He said that was fine and to bring it in so he can do the rest of the checks / updates and he will stamp my book. As for tyres I put a new pair of Angel GT's on for my trip I still had well over 3k left on them after I got back even though I was 2 up and the panniers top box were well over weight. Although it did rain 50% of the time so I suspect lower friction and speeds my have helped.
