New owner, maintenance question - Ducati.ms

kitten · Apr 1st, 2009, 8:46 am

I just bought a hm and am trying to decide if I should purchase the maintenance plan that my dealer offers. It covers all required service for the first 3 years and comes with a one set of replacement tires and battery. The plan is $1599. I believe this to be a great deal based on their normal cost. What are your opinions on maintenance plans. According to the owners manual it says mileage and/or time period which ever comes first...is this the case or do the dealers go strictly by mileage to determine maintenance intervals. Thanks in advance for your help!

ACEDUC · Apr 1st, 2009, 9:19 am

Guess it all depends on where you are and how many months out of the year you can ride. I have a car a truck and the Hyper so it is not my main means of transportation so I wouldn't put enough miles on it to make it worth 1600 bucks.

MongoWERA · Apr 1st, 2009, 9:21 am

They'll follow the manual - miles or time whichever is first.

josephvman · Apr 1st, 2009, 9:43 am

I think if your mileage would hit 2 timing belt changes in the three years then that plan is a huge bargain. If you'd do one timing belt change then it's probably about a break-even. Does it include warranty coverage for the third year, or just maintenance? Will they give you a pro-rated refund on the balance if you decide not to keep the bike for the three years?

minusone · Apr 1st, 2009, 3:14 pm

In such uncertain times, I would be wary of paying for anything in advance.

kitten · Apr 1st, 2009, 3:56 pm

It does not include warranty work in the third year. According to there break out, all the maintenance they provide would be about 4k plus another $500 in tires and battery. I believe the package is transferable to a new owner. It does include the two timing belt replacements, all normal maint., fork oil and valve clearance.

I think it's a good deal considering the first three service alone cost more than the whole package. I've just never had to purchase a maintenance plan so I wasn't sure if there was something I should be looking for.

Thanks again!

pops65 · Apr 1st, 2009, 5:43 pm

Where is this available? I'm almost ready for my second service in 20 months so this would be a good deal for me.

kitten · Apr 1st, 2009, 5:56 pm

I'm in Denver. I don't know how the deal works if you don't buy the new bike there...I was an offer they gave me when I bought the bike yesterday.

Monstaman · Apr 1st, 2009, 10:56 pm

I would say if you can't spanner it yourself and you will be doing the miles then it is worth it by the sounds of it.

josephvman · Apr 3rd, 2009, 10:04 am

Make sure the dealership is solid and doesn't look like they're going under. If any worries, charge in on an AMEX and you might have some recourse if they were to fold after you buy the plan.

Also, remember that the service is only as good as the technician who's doing it. Free service isn't worth it if it's not done right, so I'd get some references on the service department before you jump in.