2011 796 General Maintenance Cost

[tihsho]

So I've been wanting to get a bike for a while, for years, and now I'm finally going through my certification course. I've been pricing bikes out and going from dealer to dealer and set my heart on a 2011 Ducati 796. Why? This bike litterally felt amazing as soon as I sat on it. Yes, I am a new rider looking at getting a Ducati, yes I know they are strong bikes and yes I know there is a 686. Why the 796? The ride height is amazing. It's not as high as the 696 and aesthetically I like the look more; from the single sided swing arm, exhaust, just the changes between the two have me set on the 796.

The main thing I'm trying to find out from owners for my research is the general maintenance that goes along with these bikes. I've been reading and have read a ton about valve replacements/adjustments on the older Monsters and they seem like a PITA. Don't get the wrong idea, I don't mind spending the coin, I just want to make sure that the dealer is just being honest is all. Supposedly the newer Monsters don't need as much valve work and the main thing to be done is an oil change. But then again, that could be dealer schpeal and completely false.

I'll keep searching in the meanwhile, but I just wanted a perspective from you new (2011) Monster owners.

Thanks

Tihsho

[2wheelyankee]

I have a 2011 M796 and just crossed the 700 mile mark. I did the 600 mile maintenance myself which was pretty easy. Now I have the idiot maintenance light on all the time.

I agree with the stance and the feel of this bike. After 25 years of riding street bikes, I broke down and got my first duc. I knew the reputation of ducs with respect to maintenance and knew I would be frustrated after the purchase but knew the ride would offset it.

I pushed my Japanese bikes pretty far. My 86 Ninja had over 70K miles on it. Only a couple of valve jobs. No major repairs, just standard maintenance. My GSXR had over 30K miles on it and not one valve job (doesn't mean it didn't need one). My VTX had 12K miles on it and no repairs or early maintenance.

I am seeing injection/valve issues already at 700 miles. The workshop manuals are sub-par compared to others. I will be having my first experience with warranty/service very soon.

I don't regret my purchase, but I am not sure I see the quality people talk about in an Italian made bike. I do understand the uniqueness of these bikes due to the low volume production.

Jury is still out on whether I'll stay with a duc, but I have bought matching gear so I will keep it a while.

Thanks,
Jim

[WakeDude]

600 mile service can be done yourself, if you don't mind the little wrench on the dash. 7,500 mile service is much more involved and depending on what they charge for service hour at your local shop, you are looking at $500-$800. Tires are the biggest expense as you go through them pretty quickly if you ride the bike hard... Think $300 every 3,500 miles if you stay with stock rubber.

Now to give you some insight on actual maintenance.... My Multi just turned over 24,000 miles and I had not had a valve service since 12,000 miles. I had checked the clearances at 18,000 miles and they were still within spec. At 23,500 I got my service done and the bike only needed one shim and fork seals. My tech advised me that I could go another 12,000 miles, which is twice the recommended distance Ducati states, and I might not even need shims replaced. He said once the valves stretch and every seats into place you will need to do less and less maintenance.

There are a few Multi's on Multistrada.net that have well over 100k miles, so the L-twin air-cooled engine is somewhat bulletproof.

***One sidenote I might make is that you get some great insurance and frame sliders. If this is your first bike there will be a drop or crash within that first year, and Ducati replacement parts are very expensive.

Apart from that, get the bike of your dreams(within reason), and have a blast!

-Alex

[giantdefy]

I did my own 600 mile service, its just a oil change, check chain, bolts, make sure everything works. My local dealer in Sacramento offered to reset the warning light for free, but I ended up going to different dealer that charged me $10.

the thing that cost the most is having the valves checked, but is no different from any other manufacture. Honda charged me $800 to have my valves adjusted on my CBR. I bought a service manual for my M796. I plan on checking the valves myself.

[giantdefy]

I did my own 600 mile service, its just a oil change, check chain, bolts, make sure everything works. My local dealer in Sacramento offered to reset the warning light for free, but I ended up going to different dealer that charged me $10.

the thing that cost the most is having the valves checked, but is no different from any other manufacture. Honda charged me $800 to have my valves adjusted on my CBR. I bought a service manual for my M796. I plan on checking the valves myself.

[tihsho]

That I can live with. Making sure I'm not going to be spending a few K per service was my main concern. I know parts are not cheap, and yeah I know more often then not new riders do have their accidents...

[Lunch]

I'm taking my bike in tomorrow for the 600 mile service.

So far everyone has quoted me between $180 and $250 for this first service. I'll let you know if there are any surprises.

You will love this bike.

[Lunch]

No surprises. Pretty much an oil change with an inspection of the bikes integrity.

600 Mile first service:

Change oil, filter, and crush washer
Clean, lube, and adjust chain
Check and replace brake and clutch fluids
Check tire pressure and wear
Check brake pads
Check nuts and bolts throughout bike to ensure tightness
Check and adjust flexible cables
Check coolant levels and coolant system for leaks
Check torque on engine to frame mounting bolts
Check and retighten body bolts
Check entire motorcycle to ensure rider safety
Verify bikes onboard software is up to date

Ran me $174 total including 1.25 hours labor.

[SkerdNekid]

I have just over 2000 miles on my 796 and I love the bike so far. My 600 mile servive at the stealership was $185. A couple hundred miles later, the chain started squeeking and just needed lube and they did that for free under the warranty. I have to wonder if they even chacked that during the 600 mile service. All is well since that happened, no issues.

Man, it got cold here quick in Cincinnati. I miss Los Angeles.

[oleary]

Originally Posted by 2wheelyankee

I have a 2011 M796 and just crossed the 700 mile mark.

I am seeing injection/valve issues already at 700 miles. Thanks,
Jim

Injection/valve issues at 700 miles?

What issues, may I ask?

Jerry
2008 S4Rs Tricolore (30k+ and no issues)
2011 MTS S Touring (12k+ and no issues)