Difficulty of DIY maintenance on MTS1200

[Dr. Greg]

Although I don't expect much sympathy here, I'm very frustrated with the difficulty of performing any DIY maintenance on the Multistrada 1200 (I'm speaking of 15K-mile service stuff).

I have done all the maintenance on every motorcycle I've ever owned (rebuilt '92 900SS 2V engine a few years ago); have a decently well-equipped shop and access to machine shop, etc.

I purchased the service manual DVD but it is terrible; the worst I've ever dealt with (missing steps, unclear photos and prose). I've hoped that there'll eventually be a "Haynes"-type manual for it but probably no demand.

Dealer wants to sell me a 3-year service contract for $2,000; Mrs. Greg said that's what I should do (guess she's heard me ranting in my shop one too many times ;-). I just don't like other people working on my bike (bad previous experiences).

Should have known that the 4V engine + electronics was out of my league, but the reality is frustrating.

Yes, of course I can change the oil, etc. I've had the air filter out (after my silt episode); maybe you recall my photos. But the next step was removing the airbox and that's where I hit the wall. And nobody could offer any help; unfortunately Mr. Sunshine had a poor memory.

My demands at work have eased up as I've gotten more seniority, and I have time to work on motorcycles; I actually find it therapeutic to perform maintenance. I even got a "manual" about the Testastretta valve adjustments; thought it might be useful. But I can't even get close to that part of the bike.

And...before I bought the bike...I even read comments as to how the MTS1200 was designed with "maintainability" in mind; I guess I have to learn how to parse the language a bit better.

I've always been attracted to the darned BMW GS boxer, but put off by the size. But every time I see those heads sticking out there, just begging to be worked on (yeah, I know, try working on the GS clutch ;-)

Well, just wanted to vent a little, I guess. If anyone knows of anyone who is doing their own MTS1200 15K-mile maintenance, please let me know.

Seriously considering selling the bike, in large part because of this. Very frustrating. I guess nobody buys a $20K bike then expects to wrench on it themselves. Oh, well...

--Doc

[minusone]

Fully understand where you are coming from, but I believe life is full of compromises and if that's what it takes to own and ride one of these machines then so be it. I still manage to do most simple maintenance on my bikes, however I gave up valve adjustments long ago and enjoy the riding time more. I have taken to marking components and bolts to verify work has actually been done when given to a dealer.

Removing accessories like crash bars, guards and lights reduces labor costs prior to a service.

[w0mb2t]

Unfortunately , or fortunate, ( depending on how u see it ) I don't have the time , confidence or inclination , and tools to delve too deep on the multi. I wouldn't feel too bad. Time to get yourself a side project !!

[Turkishexpress]

Understand the frustration. I'm the same way. If I can work on it I rather do it myself. Even when I take the bike in for warranty work etc, I have to watch the mech do the work so I can bother him from time to time telling him to do something a certain way. Doesn't make me very popular but who cares. In any case, I'll most likely let the dealer do the 15K service though.

[MTScott2]

I will take longer that most people when doing anything on the bike I like to read thru it first and refer to the manual if anything is in doubt , along the way while doing the work .

I will just let the TRUSTED dealer do it when the time comes , There will be a discussion of all the issues I have before the work is done and an Understanding of how much I know or don't know about the procedure,
I will let them know that I want the info of what needed work and what was just
checked and was seen as OK...

Let them know about stripped fasteners or such little things , strange noises or behaviours before hand ...
YUP they are going to charge you , you know it .
In the end well knowing it was done correctly , Is where you should get some satisfaction ....

Maybe if you take the MRS. with you and let her pay for the bill , and you never see how much they stung you for the service , that might be easier on your mental state , and you won't know exactly how bad they are putting it to you

[Bill A]

I prefer to do most of my own maintenance, mostly because I have a "while I'm there..." attitude that the service dept cannot afford to have.

For example, during an oil change, I thoroughly clean the skid plate (inside and out), and the underside of the engine. I lube various parts (chain, cables, side stand) while the oil is draining, etc.

But I will NOT be doing any valve adjustments on this bike. From what i have heard, it takes some practice and experience specifically with Ducatis to do a decent job. I'll the the experienced guy do mine.

[stryder]

Originally Posted by Dr. Greg

Although I don't expect much sympathy here, I'm very frustrated with the difficulty of performing any DIY maintenance on the Multistrada 1200 (I'm speaking of 15K-mile service stuff).

I have done all the maintenance on every motorcycle I've ever owned (rebuilt '92 900SS 2V engine a few years ago); have a decently well-equipped shop and access to machine shop, etc.

I purchased the service manual DVD but it is terrible; the worst I've ever dealt with (missing steps, unclear photos and prose). I've hoped that there'll eventually be a "Haynes"-type manual for it but probably no demand.

Dealer wants to sell me a 3-year service contract for $2,000; Mrs. Greg said that's what I should do (guess she's heard me ranting in my shop one too many times ;-). I just don't like other people working on my bike (bad previous experiences).

Should have known that the 4V engine + electronics was out of my league, but the reality is frustrating.

Yes, of course I can change the oil, etc. I've had the air filter out (after my silt episode); maybe you recall my photos. But the next step was removing the airbox and that's where I hit the wall. And nobody could offer any help; unfortunately Mr. Sunshine had a poor memory.

My demands at work have eased up as I've gotten more seniority, and I have time to work on motorcycles; I actually find it therapeutic to perform maintenance. I even got a "manual" about the Testastretta valve adjustments; thought it might be useful. But I can't even get close to that part of the bike.

And...before I bought the bike...I even read comments as to how the MTS1200 was designed with "maintainability" in mind; I guess I have to learn how to parse the language a bit better.

I've always been attracted to the darned BMW GS boxer, but put off by the size. But every time I see those heads sticking out there, just begging to be worked on (yeah, I know, try working on the GS clutch ;-)

Well, just wanted to vent a little, I guess. If anyone knows of anyone who is doing their own MTS1200 15K-mile maintenance, please let me know.

Seriously considering selling the bike, in large part because of this. Very frustrating. I guess nobody buys a $20K bike then expects to wrench on it themselves. Oh, well...

--Doc

Stick around. Share what you know. That's what owner support forums like this are about. It takes time to build an experiential base of information re best home maintenance methods. All manufacturers have for decades been trying to make vehicles less servicable for home mechanic types so dealers can make more money. Fortunaletly, there's an aftermarket that wants to sell you work at home tools and owners who think like you. Stick around. The bikes only been out for 2 years. The "Halls of Wisdom" were not built overnight.

[djgarrett21]

So is the Airbox removal still your main hangup?

I know many here say that they recommend the dealer do the major service and such but I'm like you and a DIY guy (always a good excuse to buy more tools) and I don't trust dealers to work on my bikes either as I've had bad experiences as well. So I plan to do my own 15k service and I plan on taking my sweet time. I'm sure I have much less experience working on bikes than yourself and many here but from what I have read, it is totally doable.

While the bike is parked for winter I'm going to need to access the airbox and at that time I plan to see if I can figure out how to remove it. If I'm successful I plan on writing up a little "how to". I'm still a ways off from my major service though as I currently have 5k miles on the bike.

[Rat Patrol]

Recently our Ducati club put on a maintenance class. Valve adjustment was the main topic and the club President performed the service for a member while the rest of us watched and learned. Actually getting to see it done removed a lot of the mystery. Timing was great at 7600 miles as the valve keepers were shot (poor engineering on 08 model). I own a 65 Hemi Plymouth Super Stocker so I am used to setting valves, just not desmos. If you do it yourself, after checking clearances, you will have to buy some shims. Very informative even if you decide to have the dealer service your bike.

[djgarrett21]

Originally Posted by Rat Patrol

Recently our Ducati club put on a maintenance class. Valve adjustment was the main topic and the club President performed the service for a member while the rest of us watched and learned. Actually getting to see it done removed a lot of the mystery. Timing was great at 7600 miles as the valve keepers were shot (poor engineering on 08 model). I own a 65 Hemi Plymouth Super Stocker so I am used to setting valves, just not desmos. If you do it yourself, after checking clearances, you will have to buy some shims. Very informative even if you decide to have the dealer service your bike.

Which model bike did they perform the adjustment on? After what you learned in the class, do you feel like you could properly do it yoruself? TIA.