Afternoon All, As some of you will be aware, I have recently become the new owner of a 2011 Ducati 1198... All the servicing to date has been completed by Italia Moto in Lincoln. I am based around 40 minutes north of Lincoln in a little village going by the name of Burton-upon-Stather... Naturally, since taking delivery I have been pondering over how I am going to go about servicing the bike. I have heard good things about Italia Moto and they obviously know the bike from new so this seems the most logical option and from looking at previous invoices they don't seem to be eye wateringly expensive either. However, due to being human I am wondering what other peoples thoughts are on the best way to care for our pride and joys?? I have also stumbled across an Independent Specialist going by the name of Ducati John (www.ducati-john.co.uk) whom is roughly the same distance from me. It is my intention to get any servicing and general works completed during the low season as this will not impact on my riding time during the fair weather, will also coincide nicely with any tinkering I do during the winter months... I guess the main points I am considering for each option are as follows: - When do you all service? i.e based on mileage or every year regardless and perform the next service due in the schedule?? - Maintaining full Ducati service record with Italia Moto will be a plus when I come to change bike - Italia Moto offer collection/delivery service which means I can remove fairings etc... ready - Some claim Independent Specialists standards of work is superior to main dealer - Independent Specialists may save some £££'s (saving a few £££'s is always nice but not primary concern here) - Overall customer service experience and piece of mind knowing the bike is being properly maintained So what is the general feeling amongst you more experience owners?? Any recommendations and experiences that you've had with either garages I've mentioned or any others I've not mentioned and within a reasonable distance would be much appreciated too. Thanks in advice, Ben
Cornerspeed, highly recommended by everyone who uses them, I would imagine similar distance, based near Mansfield. Ducati John also has a very good reputation. Steve
Hi Ben, I've had about five years' experience of Italia Moto. I bought my bike from them, and they have maintained it from new. In my experience, Terry, the service manager is very knowledgeable and, along with the technicians, goes the extra mile to get things right. Also, there is always a welcome when I visit. I cannot recommend them too highly. I'm afraid I have no experience of Ducati John. Dave
Many thanks for your responses chaps. I think I will have a ride out to Itallia Moto next time I'm back and have a chat with the guys there and see what they have to say. I get the impression from they're website that they're not a pushy kind of dealer and are happy to recommend appropriate service schedules based on individual customers requirements and bike usage. I will also probably give Ducati John a call for a chat also and see what he has to say and offer.
I use independents louigi-Moto in Bristol for my servicing. I'm in the process of applying to Ducati for an out-of-warranty goodwill replacement of the instrument panel after mine failed on the SF. Its a straightforward component failure but not unreasonably Ducati require proof of service history and it seems they have no objection to respected independent workshops being used for servicing. My bike was already out of warrant when I bought it but the previous owner had had the bike dealer-serviced during its warranty period. I don't now what the official line is on in-warranty servicing but I would stick to main dealer servicing on new bike while it was in warranty but when the warranty expires there's no reason at all not to use an independent workshop. The main thing is that the correct service schedule is maintained.
I live in Lincs and i always use VDuo in Lincoln, i can recommend them... Adam the main man used to work at Italia moto and is fastidious,friendly,very knowledgeable and always provides a cup of tea,he will also pick your bike up from home for a service etc...he's looked after my 999S for the last 4 years ...no complaints. You will always pay more for work carried out at a franchised dealership in my experience,and the quality of workmanship varies IMO.
Yellowducmaniac, Thanks for your post and recommendation for V-duo, first I've heard of them but another one to put in to the mix for consideration I will also plan to call in here when I have a ride out to Lincoln to size things up next time home. Anyone else have any experience of V-duo?
Hi Gimlet, Thanks for your comment and views from a more experienced owner. I am starting to come around to the idea of using an Indy as the quality of the work performed for me is the number 1 priority. Option for collection during winter months coming in second, effect on resale value thirdly and cost of maintenance is the last for me. Any negative impact in residual values due to using Indy for maintaining rather than Ducati dealer?
Since writing my last post Ducati have dropped a bit of a bombshell regarding an out-of-warranty claim for a failed part I've been having with them, contrary to the expectations of the dealer who had made the application on my behalf. It would appear their attitude may have hardened towards independents. I haven't given up yet but hold my last thought until I know the final outcome. I let you know how it turns out.
Don't dismiss Cornerspeed, they are Ducati Approved and give a service second to none, I am told they do a collection service also. Cornerspeed I am not connected in any way, just a happy customer. Steve
Hi Birdie, I have noted your strong recommendation for Cornerspeed and have them on my list for consideration also. They are a little further than I would ideally like but having said that if I don't feel the others meet my specific needs and expectations / high standards then I will not hesitate going further afield... I'm definitely a believer that good customer relations and quality workmanship are worth their weight in Gold when it comes to trusting someone to look after our pride and joys. I'm also not very keen on spending my hard earned cash on outfits that don't provide a first class service and would consider cutting corners in any way shape or form! Strictly the bike isn't due a service until the back end of the year so have some time to take all your views and thoughts, all things in to consideration and make the right decision... Ben.
If I lived where you do I'd go to cornerspeed. It's only just over 1 hour and providing you can change your own oil you only need to do it every other year.
My bike is currently in with Ducati-john. I am collecting it on saturday. The chap is a friendly helpful person and will tailor your'e requirements specifically to suit you. I chose John from recommendations on here. Had I not taken it to John, nearest to me, I would have taken it to Cornerspeed, again, due to recommendations on here.
