Ducati 1199 Panigale

[flyinlow]

Lookin' good!

http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1111_ducati_unveils_details_on_three_1199_panigale_models/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/DucatiMotorHolding?blend=7&ob=5

[carlson_mn]

Does Ducati make bikes that you can work on yourself nowadays or are they still reserved for those who can afford a mechanic?

[flyinlow]

This new one uses chain driven cams, no more belts to replace every couple of years. Not sure on the valve adjustment intervals, those still might be 7500 miles.

[carlson_mn]

nice

[Ultra_Magnus]

This new one uses chain driven cams, no more belts to replace every couple of years. Not sure on the valve adjustment intervals, those still might be 7500 miles.

my brothers 2010 streetfighter needs its belt harmonics checked every 7500 miles..not sure what the belts are for exactly tho..

[flyinlow]

The belts drive the cams, most other bikes have chains. The new Ducati will have chain driven cams.

The belt harmonics are actually how you check to see if you have set the tension on the belts correctly. You can use almost any frequency monitor, there's software you can get for a pc that can use the pc's microphone to check the harmonics. I think the proper frequency is 105 Hz. According to their service manual, belts should be replaced every 6000/7500 (depends on model) miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. Valve adjustments are typically every 6000 or 7500 depending on which model Ducati you have. The new Multistrada I believe is now 15000 miles for valve adjustments.

[Elk]

Ducati adjustment intervals keep getting longer.  Also, after the first adjustment the engines are typically pretty stable.

The bike looks to be amazing.

[Deplorable, thank you!]

Chain driven gear---gear driven cams...but yes replacing the belt drive is a good thing ....IMO

 Ducati is now going after what all the japanese manufacturers did years ago, claim longer service intervals (knowing the bikes will run that long, even if at less than peak performance) in an effort to sell the consumer on the bike is "cheaper" to operate, therfore the initial sales price can be higher....