[PhilaDucati848]

I just bought my bike on the 30th of May From a private seller. I took it into the shop to get the chain tighten. While waiting and filling out paper work the Mechanic ask me have I had the timing belt changed. The bike is a 2009 848 w/ 3500 Miles. I Bought at 2700 I been riding alot. I'm aware of the valve inspection/adjustment frequency of 7,500 miles. Some forums say 2 Years. But the guy says that I should change it every 3 years or i could have major damage. This is my first Ducati and I dont want to go wrong. Its a $450 repair. What should I do? Is this a way of getting misc. money out of me as I have little knowledge?

 

[W17]

If the belt has not been changed I would change it .
Most good mechanics would do the same .

 

[zodom]

I agree with 17. Cheap insurance compared to a 4k engine. $450 seems expensive now but that will save you headache and more money. Do it to be safe


Sent from my iPad using Ducati.org Forum

 

[anguilla1980]

I wouldn't worry about it, personally. The material and construction of newer belts like in the 848 just doesn't age as badly as older belts. Long as the engine didn't sit for years at 2,700 until you bought it so the belts could form to a shape, you are good.

My $.02 from a former 2009 848 owner.

I'm glad I have a chain now in the 899 that can go for 15,000 easy tho

 

[Neo-996]

I have a '99 - 996 with 20k miles , had one service. Runs great , good power and acceleration.
I'm not trying to avoid it but how do you know if it really needs the work ?

Ducati......of Corse

 

[tye1138]

If ya don't know the machine, I'd have someone go through it. You don't want to risk a unforeseen issue from popping up.

So yea, I'd do a valve check and replace the belts, this will be the zero mark for you and in another 15k miles change the belts again.

 

[Proctologist]

I agree with 92GTA and Neo-996, wouldn't worry about it too much.

I'd serve the bike as per mileage rather than calendar scheduling.. just my $0.02 cents

 

[white_duc89]

As you can see, there's alot of mixed views. Me, personally, I'm a stickler about maintenance on my bike and over the nearly 21,000 miles I've put on have had absolutely zero problems at all with the bike. I say go for it and just get them done and have that piece of mind that goes along with it.

 

[Tchase]

If you owned it from the start it makes the decision easier, you don't know what was done prior, what was not done, and where it was stored.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

 

[Rocket man]

When you are on an empty highway, doing double the speed limit in the pre-dawn hours, are you able to not have some degree of anxiety about those rubber timing belts that are older than two years? New belts also buy peace of mind.