Timing Belt: Replace at 24 month? - Ducati.ms

HYPERR · Apr 22nd, 2010, 10:09 am

Next month will be the 2 year anniversary of the purchase of my 2008 Hypermotard. Since this is my first Ducati, please excuse my ignorance.

I have a little over 4000 miles on my Hyper. Yes I realize it's very low but I do have 4 bikes so I have an excuse.

According to the owner's manual, the tension does not need to be checked until 7,500 miles regardless of the age.

However, it looks like it states it must be replaced at 15,000 miles or 24 month, whichever occurs first.

Is this correct? I need to replace the belts after only 24 month and 4,000 miles? Or do I wait until it has 15,000 miles?

Tard · Apr 22nd, 2010, 5:31 pm

Your not alone in this dilemma and there are several threads here concerning belt change and when. Do a search.

If you wait until 15K miles your bike will be about 12 years old based how much you ride it.

This scenario is not uncommon though with owners of multiple bikes or those with little time to ride.

It's unlikely they really need changing because miles is more significant to belt wear, than time.
I guess it's what you can afford and what your comfortable living with.

I would do them over the next 12 months to give myself peace of mind, but that's me.
They're pretty easy to do yourself if your confident.

Here's some vids from ducatitech

In this one he uses sound frequency to adjust tension which I think is bit spanky.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXUgtytXI9o

In this one he uses the 5mm allen key method. That's what I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vzPZ84ZRjU

HYPERR · Apr 22nd, 2010, 8:45 pm

Thank you very much Tard!

Watching the video, it looks pretty straight forward.

GMP · Apr 22nd, 2010, 9:12 pm

Check that tension ASAP even if you don't replace, you might find it scary loose! 7500 miles is a joke, new belts stretch fast and should be checked at about 1000 miles on a new bike or afer replacement.

HYPERR · Apr 23rd, 2010, 8:19 pm

Thanks GMP I will do that. I was planning to take the covers off to check the condition of the belts.

Ironically in the manual, it says you don't have to check the tension until 7,500 miles regardless of time......yet they want you to change it at 24 month no matter what.

Tard · Apr 24th, 2010, 2:01 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMP

Check that tension ASAP even if you don't replace, you might find it scary loose! 7500 miles is a joke, new belts stretch fast and should be checked at about 1000 miles on a new bike or afer replacement.

Good advice

CAlexio · Apr 24th, 2010, 11:39 am

my 749r 2006 has 10000 miles now, and even though I haven't reached the prescribed mileage, I don't dare even start it until I have gotten the belts changed.... maybe I'm being overly cautious, but 4 year old belts on a bike that has been sitting is too risky for me

freezer16801 · Apr 24th, 2010, 3:22 pm

good link, now does anyone have a link for 2 valve valve adjustment video? I am going to get the manual from desmotimes and rent the tools to do most of the 7500 myself. I will need a shop for the indicator and to set fuel trim for when I install stacks.

MTScott2 · Apr 24th, 2010, 4:18 pm

I'm in the same boat and phoned the dealer to ask the same question.
They said that since I'm not hitting the rev limiter every day not to worry until much later..
I also asked about the extended warrantee . and decided it was too expensive ...
Taking a chance on Ducati's history and reliability...
I will give the belts a visual tho..
I believe belts will stretch some when new then I think that is about it for the stretch factor...

Let us know if you find any wear ar something out of the ordinary....

Tard · Apr 27th, 2010, 2:49 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexio

my 749r 2006 has 10000 miles now, and even though I haven't reached the prescribed mileage, I don't dare even start it until I have gotten the belts changed.... maybe I'm being overly cautious, but 4 year old belts on a bike that has been sitting is too risky for me

I like that attitude mate, although a little on the obsessive side

Start that puppy!
My 749S ROCKED! One of my favorite bikes of all time to go fast on.
Just got too damn old to fit on it nicely

I'd change them, tension them, and go for a flog... on the bike of course

Quote:

Originally Posted by freezer16801

good link, now does anyone have a link for 2 valve valve adjustment video? I am going to get the manual from desmotimes and rent the tools to do most of the 7500 myself. I will need a shop for the indicator and to set fuel trim for when I install stacks.

Those links I posted were for the 2 valves, single and dual spark, hmmm... I want what your on

All good fun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott2

I'm in the same boat and phoned the dealer to ask the same question.
They said that since I'm not hitting the rev limiter every day not to worry until much later..
I also asked about the extended warrantee . and decided it was too expensive ...
Taking a chance on Ducati's history and reliability...
I will give the belts a visual tho..
I believe belts will stretch some when new then I think that is about it for the stretch factor...

Let us know if you find any wear ar something out of the ordinary....

Hey Scotty, That's pretty good advice from a stealer who wants your $$$.
Stick with those guys, they seem genuine

Extended warranty is actually good value IMHO but you need to read the fine print also ... and then check shit after your dealer has touched your bike.

At the end of the day, Duc's with their Desmo belt driven valves are the beez kneez.

Just school yourselves in what ya dealing with, have faith in the age old proven technology... and ride!