North Bay Independent Shop to Service Ducati?
- Thread starter asmetana
- Start date
Rumbo Sur
learning everyday
Not an independent, but perhaps the best in North Bay Marin? Marin Speed Shop in San Rafael.
They employ a Ducati certified Master mechanic who is up to date on most of the Testastretta tech and updates. (this is not a simple engine!)
Max was knowledgeable and through. He did a front cylinder head, cams, belts and a lot more on my Hyperstrada ... bike has never missed a beat.
22K miles.
Ducati's have lots of little tricks and weird traits that are only dealt with properly by very experienced mechanics. The Ducati training and certification
helps, IMO.
That said, the major service is not that big of a deal if it's done correctly. Some get the belt tension wrong and may miss minor tell tale signs of wear that can save expensive repairs later if caught.
Pricing: Dealers prices are HIGH .... but in my search I found several good independents (mostly in South Bay) to be very close in price after all said and done.
Not a cheap bike to own or maintain.
Good luck, let us know how you come out.
:ride
They employ a Ducati certified Master mechanic who is up to date on most of the Testastretta tech and updates. (this is not a simple engine!)
Max was knowledgeable and through. He did a front cylinder head, cams, belts and a lot more on my Hyperstrada ... bike has never missed a beat.
22K miles.
Ducati's have lots of little tricks and weird traits that are only dealt with properly by very experienced mechanics. The Ducati training and certification
helps, IMO.
That said, the major service is not that big of a deal if it's done correctly. Some get the belt tension wrong and may miss minor tell tale signs of wear that can save expensive repairs later if caught.
Pricing: Dealers prices are HIGH .... but in my search I found several good independents (mostly in South Bay) to be very close in price after all said and done.
Not a cheap bike to own or maintain.
Good luck, let us know how you come out.
:ride
Colorado Mike
I wrote that ------>
I used them a few years ago to do a valve adjustment/check on my old '06 R1. Afterwards while riding it back home, I noticed my left boot feels slippery look down and notice engine oil all over my boot and rear tire. I was pretty pissed. They took care of it of course and I know shit happens but that's unacceptable.
Thanks for the insights. I've been going to the dealer for the bigger maintenance and there's the reassurance that they'll stand behind their work. I was kind of hoping there might be some independent who was experienced who might be a little less expensive and more thoughtful. It seems like the last several dealership visits were starting to get a little less than meticulous--as in having to order $30 worth of Italian bodywork bolts/screws after the fact that I'm pretty sure were there when I brought the bike in; not enabling traction control or resetting the clock after disconnecting the battery, etc. Not necessarily bad work but not as thorough as I'd hope for the rates charged.