[USC Troll]

I recently traded for an '07 1098 with 15.2k miles. It came with some service records, but nothing on valves and belts. The previous owner bought it from a friend who claimed the work was done at 12.5k but the dealer in San Antonio has no record of it. I pulled off the lower side cover and snapped a couple of pics. Thoughts on whether this belt is nearly new or almost dead?

 

[[email protected]]

Problem with most belts is internal not necessarily external. The outside can look just fine but the fibers holding things together can be pooched. Without records......it's a tough call.

 

[Proctologist]

"Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt" - Robert De Niro/Ronin

 

[Andrew848]

Change them. Compared to what CAN go wrong, it's by far your cheapest option.

 

[ducnial]

When there's doubt, change'em out..

 

[[email protected]]

I just realized that at 15.2K miles it's only just due for it's first belt change. As it's also due for a valve check, it's only a tad bit more to have the belts done at same time. The belts are $100 and only takes .5h more than the regular valve service to do. my 3rd belt change/valve adjust ran me $521 after taxes for the labour, 2 spark plugs and a few O-rings and seals. I supplied the belts.

 

[pat1098]

Yes the valve service will most likely involve removing the cams, so the belts will be off anyway. That is, if they need to change any closing shims. So replacing the belts shouldn't really cost any more in labour than getting the valve clearances adjusted.

And worth fitting the factory original belts in my view. Just the odd failure of non-original belts coming to light..

I still prefer to reset the tension on new belts after about 1,000 kms (600 mi), even though they have streamlined the maintenance intervals in an attempt to leave them for longer. They 'settle in' in a way which is not really safe to over-tension them to avoid.

The recommended tension of 110 Hz is actually a bit tight. Better to set them to 100 Hz and re-check them. Whenever I check them at the 'recommended interval' of 12,000 kms (7,500 mi) they are loose as.

So ideally you should set them to 100 Hz, re-check them at 1,000 kms, and again at 6,000 kms. Otherwise they spend half their life running too loose, which is bad for the belts and your cam timing. This way your belts should last longer, and your bike will run better.

And welcome to the forum, and the wonderful world of Ducati superbikes.

 

[Tuned]

I recently traded for an '07 1098 with 15.2k miles. It came with some service records, but nothing on valves and belts. The previous owner bought it from a friend who claimed the work was done at 12.5k but the dealer in San Antonio has no record of it. I pulled off the lower side cover and snapped a couple of pics. Thoughts on whether this belt is nearly new or almost dead?

Welcome to the forum!

You can actually tell if a belt is new or not by identifying the logo's/markings on the flat side of the belt. If they're worn off and the flat part of the belt looks melted (loose tension) then generally, the belts are substantially older then a few thousand miles.

Belts are very easy to replace if you have the right tools and education. Belt failures due to wear and loosening tension are common on machines which haven't been maintained well. A lot of owners claim service has been done on their machines because it's expensive and a lot of people won't buy a used bike without it being done. This unfortunately can lead to people lying, simply because they don't know better.

If this were my bike, I'd check the clearances, change the belts, do an oil change and put new hydraulic fluid in the machine, before even riding it. This way, you're guaranteed to have a good working bike until at least the next oil change.

 

[pat1098]

So remind me - why do I keep getting the feeling I'm being stalked.?

 

[219R]

So remind me - why do I keep getting the feeling I'm being stalked.?

Because every time you post, "tooned" comes on top of you to post a bunch of nothing? Pat, beware, you may be perceived as "competition" for the "Village Idiot" position,.... I can assure you the "award" is well out of reach of mere mortals!!!!..... just sayin..... :shrug:

 

[219R]

Belts are very easy to replace if you have the right tools and education. Belt failures due to wear and loosening tension are common on machines which haven't been maintained well. A lot of owners claim service has been done on their machines because it's expensive and a lot of people won't buy a used bike without it being done. This unfortunately can lead to people lying, simply because they don't know better.

^^^^ For example!!!!! I especially note the "lying" part!!!!!...... just sayin....:shrug:

 

[VJ020]

^Give the guy a break 219R. Tuned may sometimes provide incorrect information but his perspectives are valued nonetheless imo

 

[219R]

Oh, okay,..... sure thing.

 

[Andrew848]

Hey Bob.

 

[219R]

Hey Bob.

It is the Christmas Season... Santa is watching....

 

[Andrew848]

....shrug..

 

[pat1098]

^Give the guy a break 219R. Tuned may sometimes provide incorrect information but his perspectives are valued nonetheless imo

This cuts both ways VJ. There is only one current (banned) member who holds a runaway record for pissing off members on here.

And yes - he so frequently "provides incorrect information" it is plain dangerous. Not to mention the negative perspective on - well, practically everything!

You are right that Bob shouldn't let it bother him as much as it does, but I and many others have had to weather this idiot's attacks and personality flaws as well. Over and over and over again. On practically every thread.

So it's not just misinformation which is the problem. Members (like myself) coming here much less often, all because of one extremely opinionated member (who believes he has never been wrong in his life..) is an unfair consequence of this fool's 'contributions'.

Not a small or trivial matter. But not nice to be dealing with on Christmas Eve either.

Any number of us here who could suggest a New Year's resolution or two for Tye/Tuned! Like not spoiling this forum for so many members day in, day out.

 

[Red Enough]

Loony Tuned.

 

[[email protected]]

I like pumpkin pie......while changing the belts on a Ducati!!

 

[cul8er]

I like pumpkin pie......while changing the belts on a Ducati!!