Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm a certified Ducati tech ... I can tell you maintenance can all be done on your own. Ducs are almost as user friendly to putter around with as Harleys or old Airhead Beemers - especially the 2-valve models. People just get scared of the desmo, but they shouldn't. Parts are pricy, but I would imagine on par w/ harley or bmw (though I have no direct comparison atm.)

But just like Harley and BMW the name commands top dollar, so if you take it to a shop 9 out of 10 chance they are going to soak you on the labor.

TechBMW wrote: But just like Harley and BMW the name commands top dollar, so if you take it to a shop 9 out of 10 chance they are going to soak you on the labor.

Yep. I have one and I agree. Budget it in or learn to do it yourself. It's part of owning a duck, just like tamborine-sounding clutches on the bigger ones.