[29636]

Hey all,

I will soon pick up my very first Ducati, a sexy red 749, and I had a question about belts and the need to replace them ASAP.

The bike only has 2k miles and although the true replacement is not until a few thousand miles more would it be worth pushing up the regular servicing because the bike has been sitting, only doing a handful of miles each year?

As soon as I pick 'er up and get some photos I'll post.

Thanks,
socal_garnica

 

[SimJen]

Use the search function!
Belts should be done without fail every 2 years even if you have done no miles.
The belts on Ducati's have very tight runs that puts lots of stress on them, replacement is easy enough and cheaper than a top end rebuild!

 

[29636]

I did a bit of searching but most of them seemed to talk about bikes actively being ridden. This bike has basically been sitting which I am unsure is a good thing or a bad thing. That was more of the question.

Based on the "Two years" comment your vote is for "yes, get it done".

Thanks for the reply - I was worried my first post would go unanswered!

 

[cburnham31]

I have an 06 999 with only 1200 miles. I just got it back from the dealer the other day and they said it was a good thing I wanted to change the belts at such low miles because they could see stress and dry rot on the old belts. Belts on Ducatis are more of a yearly thing not mileage. It only cost me $500 to have a full service including belt replacement at the ducati dealer. Verses paying about $3000 to have the top end rebuilt. Just be safe and have the belts replaced.

 

[Spudd]

Welcome to Ducati ownership. Learning to change your own belts is a must and quite easy. Search the forum; buy the required manuals for your bike and enjoy the peace of mind self mtx brings.

Check out Desmotimes for belts, books, etc.

 

[nick.kister]

change them...

 

[1fast750ss]

Lt. Snyder at Desmotimes or Chris at Ca-Cycleworks will take care of you. You don't need to overspend for belts nowadays on the stock units when you can get the Exactfit belts.

Here is a link. Good luck and have fun with that bike. Give me a holler when you want to start working on the chassis & suspension development.

Cycleworks ExactFit Timing Belt(each) for Ducati 999/749/998, 07+S4R, S4Rs | Timing Belts | Maintenance | Products | ca-cycleworks.com

 

[29636]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and good advice! Still haven't picked it up but soon, maybe Saturday but likely next week.

 

[Adam West]

I had the same question. 2005 Ducati 749 dark, 1400 miles. Looking to make the Batcycle, to go with my batmobile. Bike is cherry, no mods. Will post photos when finished. Have the UD replicas batman leathers to go with it. Wow, Ducati requires ALOt of service. I used to have two GSXR 750's.

 

[M1st1098]

my 2008 1098 might needs new belts. Whats the best way to do? I found this:

Cycleworks ExactFit Timing Belt(each) for 1198/1098/848 | Timing Belts | Maintenance | Products | ca-cycleworks.com

Looks like I needed 2 right?

Hey nick, I think you guys had the belts too. Can you pm me price? I'm gonna learn how to replacing timing this weekend from Ducati Rider Clue event so I'm ready

I have found this:

http://www.ducati.org/forums/how-tos/27172-see-how-set-belt-tension-no-tools.html

 

[bstar360]

I have an 06 999 with only 1200 miles. I just got it back from the dealer the other day and they said it was a good thing I wanted to change the belts at such low miles because they could see stress and dry rot on the old belts. Belts on Ducatis are more of a yearly thing not mileage. It only cost me $500 to have a full service including belt replacement at the ducati dealer. Verses paying about $3000 to have the top end rebuilt. Just be safe and have the belts replaced.

Don't think belts are a yearly thing.
For the 1098's Ducati says replace at 24 months or 24000 Ks, 15000 Miles.
Old mechanic told me he has seen 60000 on the belts.
I won't be going that long but no need to go overboard either.

 

[M1st1098]

easiest way is to open up the cover and check....

 

[29636]

Just to complete this thread I ended up taking my bike to the *local* Ducati service shop about 60 miles away shortly after posting this. Because the bike was very new to me and I was unsure about belts I kept the RPMs below about 5k and just cruised. The guy ended up changing the belt and checking the valves.

When I went to pick the bike up the guy told me I was lucky to make it to the shop without issue. While that might have been hyperbole he did show me the belt and it had almost no grip on it. He also said the belt was so lose he could nearly completely twist it while installed. The valves on the other hand was perfect and he said there was zero carbon build up.

He told me to change the oil every 2500 miles and check the belts once a year. I should expect to change the belts in about 7500 miles.

His final message was to go out and enjoy the bike! Nice...

 

[SimJen]

Just goes to show, its always worth doing belts on a Ducati when you first buy it, no matter its history!
Preventative maintenance always pays off.
Sounds like you just caught it, well done.
Thanks for posting the outcome too!

 

[wolfzgangvr6]

Just goes to show, its always worth doing belts on a Ducati when you first buy it, no matter its history!
Preventative maintenance always pays off.
Sounds like you just caught it, well done.
Thanks for posting the outcome too!

Sorry for bringing back the dead... But i just purchased a 2004 Ms4r with 7500 original miles. Its been due for a belt change and valve adjustment 5 times over. And current owner bought from an auction (with no knowledge of maint hist). It probably sat before he got it, and it sat for 8 months after... Im going to pull the covers tomorrow (however it idles and runs excellent), just to inspect them. Do you guys have any insight on purchasing the crankshaft "special" tool? I have tons of allen and torx sockets for the job (vw enthusiast), but want to know what i may need special tool wise, and where to get them.

 

[SimJen]

Belts replacement involves nothing special. nice thin open end wrenches help though. You don't need a crankshaft turning tool, put bike on paddock stand and put it in second gear and run wheel to turn over engine!