Any Ducati specialists in South West area ?
Discussion
I need to get the belts changed on my Duke this year. I was planning to do it myself, but now find I would need a Ducati tension checking tool (typical 
). Anyway, I've always used Riders in Bridgwater in the past - and I've been happy with their work - but they are main dealers, which means main dealer prices. So, anyone oyut there know of any good, sensibly priced specialists in the South West, say somewhere between Bristol and Exeter ?
). Anyway, I've always used Riders in Bridgwater in the past - and I've been happy with their work - but they are main dealers, which means main dealer prices. So, anyone oyut there know of any good, sensibly priced specialists in the South West, say somewhere between Bristol and Exeter ?yellowvette said:
I need to get the belts changed on my Duke this year. I was planning to do it myself, but now find I would need a Ducati tension checking tool (typical
I can't help you I'm afraid but I might be able to make you feel a little bit better about having to pay someone to do a job you could do yourself.
My understading is that although the belts are relativley easy to change and are neglible in cost - the real time taken comes after they are fitted to ensure the valve timing and clearances are all spot on. I've watched guys do this in the past and it's a very time consuming job.
There is a very good place in Crediton - it used to be 'italian motorcycles' or 'Westcountry Ducati' or something - and wasn't great and fell apart - but it was bought out by new people (who I know) who have turned it around - I can't remember what they are called off the top of my head but my ex husband is a mechanic there - if that is any good geographically - I'll find out and info....
A
A
Update... just spoken to my ex husband - and they are now called Dynomap - they are Italian Specialists and have very recently re-located to Marsh Barton - just round corner from Bodge MC.
When you phone - make sure 'Budd' works on your bike and say hi
01392 495001
Very highly recommended - has worked as a spanner on a number of race bikes - and my bikes!! and I can vouch for his integrity.
www.italian-motorcycle.co.uk/contact.php
When you phone - make sure 'Budd' works on your bike and say hi
01392 495001 Very highly recommended - has worked as a spanner on a number of race bikes - and my bikes!! and I can vouch for his integrity.
www.italian-motorcycle.co.uk/contact.php
) I had the misfortune to be completely screwed by 2-4 italia in Ringwood so steer clear of them. Can't say any more as it is going to court, except to say do make sure you check a dealer before you leap. Just as you are doing on this forum. It is too late after the fact as I have found out to my considerable cost!
I have now taken this advice, (as you are doing) from people who have experience, (racers) and I am now using a company called Moto Louigi, just out side Bristol towards Shepton Mallet. They are wonderful!
www.louigimoto.co.uk
A small business specialising in all things Ducati! Not only did they do an outstanding job, but the hourly rate was very reasonable. They also have an in house race engine builder Chris. Rich the owner teaches racing at track days and Deano the mechanic is a racer! Lots of knowledge and real enthusiasm. My bike was totally rebuilt, down to the last nut and bolt and is now better than it was new - honest!
Go use them, it will be light on the wallet and tops for quality too.
I have now taken this advice, (as you are doing) from people who have experience, (racers) and I am now using a company called Moto Louigi, just out side Bristol towards Shepton Mallet. They are wonderful!
www.louigimoto.co.uk
A small business specialising in all things Ducati! Not only did they do an outstanding job, but the hourly rate was very reasonable. They also have an in house race engine builder Chris. Rich the owner teaches racing at track days and Deano the mechanic is a racer! Lots of knowledge and real enthusiasm. My bike was totally rebuilt, down to the last nut and bolt and is now better than it was new - honest!
Go use them, it will be light on the wallet and tops for quality too.
Thanks for the info guys. Interested in Louigi Moto particularly as they are closer than Exeter or any other independants I've heard of. I'm not aware of any Duke specialists in Wellington though, I'll have to dig deeper as they are closer again.
I asked my local main dealer - Riders of Bridgwater - for service prices, it's quite frightening. Fortunately I am competent with a spanner, so for just a belt change, nothing else, labour was quoted as £120 so not too bad. Full engine service over £400 + VAT, and for a full main service (and I do mean a full service here)- £615 + VAT
. I was planning to get the belts and do the rest myself 
. I'll definately check in with Louigi Moto though, see what they charge. Thanks again everyone - superb info and just what PH is all about. 
>> Edited by yellowvette on Friday 10th February 09:48
I asked my local main dealer - Riders of Bridgwater - for service prices, it's quite frightening. Fortunately I am competent with a spanner, so for just a belt change, nothing else, labour was quoted as £120 so not too bad. Full engine service over £400 + VAT, and for a full main service (and I do mean a full service here)- £615 + VAT
. I was planning to get the belts and do the rest myself . I'll definately check in with Louigi Moto though, see what they charge. Thanks again everyone - superb info and just what PH is all about. >> Edited by yellowvette on Friday 10th February 09:48
No probs... good luck with it...
I know most people don't recommend their ex husbands in a positive sense but in this case I do... and he's spannered for several BSB riders too.
I rode down from Guildford for him to work on my 748 because I trusted him more than any of the other monkeys - but it looks like you've got a good selection of places to try now.
I know most people don't recommend their ex husbands in a positive sense but in this case I do... and he's spannered for several BSB riders too.
I rode down from Guildford for him to work on my 748 because I trusted him more than any of the other monkeys - but it looks like you've got a good selection of places to try now.
Hi Kitty,
I 'd be happy to go to Dynomap, but I think I've pushed my luck on the belts time-wise so the closer the better
I'll definately pop-in there for a look when I'm down that way again.
Louigi Moto is close to a friend of mine's spray shop so I'll have somewhere to go during the service. I've just found some prices from them on Ducati Trader - if these are current then they are a real saving. Compare the prices to what I was quoted by the main dealer : www.ducatitrader.co.uk/louigi/advert.htm
I 'd be happy to go to Dynomap, but I think I've pushed my luck on the belts time-wise so the closer the better
I'll definately pop-in there for a look when I'm down that way again.
Louigi Moto is close to a friend of mine's spray shop so I'll have somewhere to go during the service. I've just found some prices from them on Ducati Trader - if these are current then they are a real saving. Compare the prices to what I was quoted by the main dealer : www.ducatitrader.co.uk/louigi/advert.htm
Ducati Winchester or Moto Rapido or Dr Desmo or whichever name they now trade under are a good bunch. I know Steve the main man there and he is sooooooooooooo knowledgable. He rebuilt a custom Monster I own when it failed to go round a bend like my SP (Ouch that hurt) and did a really good job. They also put new head bolts in the same bike when one snapped (Ouch that was expensive).
In short they are a really competent bunch but as they are now top drawer pucka Ducati dealership may be a little dearer because of the overheads than your smaller back street specialist. But having said that I know they treat their customers like friends and the quality and knowledge is tops.
You take your choice and pays your money......
In short they are a really competent bunch but as they are now top drawer pucka Ducati dealership may be a little dearer because of the overheads than your smaller back street specialist. But having said that I know they treat their customers like friends and the quality and knowledge is tops.
You take your choice and pays your money......
9 month old 999 ? Nice - but how does it affect warranty to have services done at an independant ?
Louigi Moto have also now been recommended to me by a guy on the Ducati Owners Club GB at the Classic Motorcycle Show in Shepton Mallet recently - so I'm going to call them when I'm ready to get it done, as they are definately the closest.
Louigi Moto have also now been recommended to me by a guy on the Ducati Owners Club GB at the Classic Motorcycle Show in Shepton Mallet recently - so I'm going to call them when I'm ready to get it done, as they are definately the closest.
Since last posting Moto Louigi have dyno'd my 955 and I must say that they are a real nice bunch. They do seem to treat your bike like it was their own and Rich the main guy there does not charge like some others do - don't get me wrong they are no "charity" but for instance I suggested an oil change after the dyno work was done, and he came back and said it did not need on - he had the opportunity to simply agree with me and charge me and make some money but no, it did not need one so it did not get one! Nice! And especially as I was seen off by a previous dealer, it does go down very well. A conscientious dealer!
They also have a treasure trove of new and second-hand goodies! So don't be shy and ask what they have got as none of it is out on show.
Top guys
They also have a treasure trove of new and second-hand goodies! So don't be shy and ask what they have got as none of it is out on show.
Top guys
I know this is an old thread, but I've just had the Duke serviced and sorted by the guys at Louigi Moto. Turns out one of the mechanics lives very close to me and they did a free pick-up and return in their van. Lovely job done of the bike. I'm well impressed and would recommend them to any one thinking of giving them a try 
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