The Ducati Dealer Experience

M

mel<3

New member
Take a look at the current issue of Roadracing World. Nice article re; Ducati factory visit.

Also, I'm employed by a major European Auto manufacturer in the Service and Quality department (I'm a Field Service Engineer). Please believe me when I tell you every manufacturer would love to have more control over their dealer network. In the USA franchise laws limit this control. Some dealers are "good" others are little more than thieves. Although this reflects upon the general perception of the manufacturer, in reality the integrity of the dealer network and product quality of manufacturer are mostly separate issues.
 
Cecil,

I'm with you i don't trust dealers, i believe there's a lot of "padding" going on especially when it comes to service. The only reason I've been having the dealer do my services is because it's still under warranty and i don't want to give them an excuse if anything happens. After that I'm back to doing my own work.

BTW, (this info is for everyone) If you have UDF(united dairy farmers) stores/gas stations where you live get your oil there. They carry Mobil 1 full synthetic for $7 a quart, the exact same oil my dealer carries and sells for $13!
 
I have found the same thing here in NC at the dealer my bike came from. I was told immediately by the service manager that changing my own oil would void my warranty. Ridiculous. The bad dealers really hurt DNA.

I will complete my first service myself. First, I will have to purchase the VDST from Ferracci. Second, I need to put another 160 miles on the bike so that I reach 600 miles. Not yet sure if I will do the chain adjustment myself.

CH848
 
The service light can be reset with the VDST (Vehicle Diagnostic Software Tool). Can be purchased at either place below (Thanks Cecil):

http://www.ferracci.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=68

http://desmotimes.com/product915.htm

CH848
 
Cecil,

According to DMH, all that is needed at the 600 mile service is an oil change. Notwithstanding, many dealers offer, (and charge for), a full inspection, including cam belt adjustment, if needed. While this full inspection/service is not technically, "needed," many of us, (myself included), feel better having the dealer give our brand new $20,000 thousand dollar toy the, "once over," with a fine-toothed comb. No two machines are identical, and things can go wrong in the assembly process. Things can go out of adjustment. Things can break. It happens. Even to brand new machines. Especially high performance machines. Remember, performance always comes at the expense of reliability. That's a mechanical fact.

As for the belts, the Ducati L-twin is an interference engine. If valve timing is off, the piston will strike an open valve at TDC and destroy your engine. There is no margin for error. If you throw a cam belt, your motor is toast. And if you look at how the desmodromic valves are driven, you'll notice a relatively long belt which spins at high speed, under an exact tension. There's a whole lot that can go wrong. Your 1098 could have been assembled perfectly and still require cam belt adjustment after 600 miles. You can skip it, but why would you risk it?

As for your exhaust, a Full Termi racing exhaust installation is not just a matter of install and drive off. You did yours yourself and you say it's running fine. And you may be right. But unless you've got a dyno in your garage, (most of us don't), you won't be able to maximize performance. No two engines are the same, and we live in different environments. Have the dealer dyno your Termi install and you'll maximize your performance.

I can appreciate your skepticism. But, by and large, the Ducati dealerships I've dealt with try to provide detailed attention to high-performance engines. Obviously, some have better techs than others, but it's never been my impression that a dealership was just trying to soak me for an expensive service. Relax and enjoy your new bike. Nobody's trying to rip you off; they're offering you a service that they know, from prior experience, makes sense and is wanted by many Ducatisti.

Just my opinion.

Elton
 
Something else to think about is negotiating the first service at time of purchase. On both my bikes I negotiated first service to be included in the purchase price. Wasn't that difficult a negotiation either. Went pretty much like "I want the first service thrown in"....followed by "OK".....

Sure it can be disheartening to believe that the factory has just "thrown it together" or that your dealer is trying to make a pile of cash on erroneous BS....but with a good dealer (and that's probably most important) your bike will be tuned to the edge for a fair price. That's worth while in my opinion, and considering the first service is on them....I've not had to give these issues much thought. My dealer Rocks!!!....hope everyone else's does too!

I know I've said it before...but included in the price of the bikes were....

Full exhaust install with before and after dyno runs where the after is a dyno run/tune.

First service (comprehensive)

20% off of accessories and clothing

And as always... a personal relationship with the staff from ownership, management, sales, and techs. I've been able to call the lead mechanic at home several times with questions, and they've been answered as if I'm their neighbor or good buddy.

For the price of these motorcyles, I love the feeling of support and attentiveness that I receive from a well run business. They make money, I get a good deal and benefit from their experience....and there's no hidden agenda.

Delano Sports Center...Delano Minnesota
 
Basically you guys are stating that you trust your dealer more than Ducati North America, the OEM. That's your choice and your prerogative. But I totally disagree. IMHO dealerships who recommend services beyond those listed in the service manual, in absence of any tangible problems with the bike, are doing nothing but trying to separate you from your money.
 
I'm having difficulty with your logic. The dealer has hands on experience with your bike. DNA only sets policies. Any relationship your dealer has with your bike is going to be 'tangible'. You tell the dealer something like "My bike stalls." The dealer fixes it, the DNA policy doesn't. In our case, the dealer gets reimbursed from DNA. I truly doubt they are making a phony case just to separate DNA from the cost to fix your bike.
 
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