Belts are one of the many jobs that need doing on my new steed. Anyone got any experience of these? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-c...p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0 And how much of a ballache is fitting them yourself? No proprietary Ducati tools required? Whilst I’m at it - my pillion seat is currently black and needs to go back to red (with the rest of the bike). Any tips? Or just try to find a red one?
I worked for Gates for 15 years in the hydraulics division. Great until old man Gates croaked and the penny pinchers moved in. I still buy Gates belts for my cars though.
OE Ducati belts are made by Gates. As a punter, Gates will not sell you a “Ducati” belt. What you see in your link is probably the same spec belt for another automotive application like a Renault car. People have been chasing alternatives to the expensive OE belts for years and this is one that often crops up. Quite a few people on this forum change their own belts and yes, you do need special tools. My free time is worth more to me than what my dealer charges and I have more confidence in their work than mine. Andy
I’ve used Gates, Dayco and Flennor made belts for nigh on 20 years. Zero problem. Would I go back to using ones that I can purchase at a Ducati dealer? No, not unless I can not find an alternative out there. Replacing belts is not difficult and there’s no real need for any special tools if you have a reasonable tool kit at home. Look online for instructional guides on how to do it.
same as a renault 5, the dimensions are printed on the belt and half the price for the same gates belt
Is that listed in the Gates catalogue for a Ducati, or does it have the same part number as the one that Ducati supply?
It's listed for a Renault Clio. Part#: 5192XS Dirt cheap, and I used them in my 916 without issue for a couple of years. Switched to CA Cycleworks belts because there is more evidence those belts are stronger, plus Chris Kelly is a top bloke. The only specialty tools I need when changing are an engine turning tool, the Carbon Drive app for measuring tension, offset 24/22mm spanner, and a 12mm swivel head spanner for tightening the fuji nuts on the tensioner.
Thing is, they don't all cost the same... Gates are very cheap, CA quite a bit more, OEM ridiculous $$.
Maybe it is the same belt, or perhaps it's a coincidence the dimensions are the same, and it's cheaper for a reason. I'm tight but not so much on brakes, tyres or cambelts.
