Triumph Speed RR versus Ducati Panigale V2?

[p6x]

On 3/31/2022 at 10:45 AM, LowRyter said:

So far as Desmo service as mentioned above, the adjustment interval is 15k miles on the V2 and 18k miles for the 11 Degree engine.  If you're a DIY guy, there is a service that leases a Desmo maintenance kit, you can keep the kit for a few weeks, use that tools, purchase the consumables and get video instructions.  

I'll also share that the Duc branded parts, like timing belts and spark plugs are exorbitant but generic and discount parts are available- so shop around and you may find that a Duc isn't much more difficult than any 4 cyl sportbike to maintain with the same labor hours.  I was told the biggest trick is making sure not drop the valve into the engine when making the adjustment.  And each valve has two shim, closing & opening.  So a Duc twin was the same number of adjustments as 4 cyl conventional bike 

In my case, Don's shop did the 18k service.   Besides being a Guzzi dealer, he used to be the head wrench at the Duc shop here.  Next time, I'll work with him for the service and get some hands-on training,  just another 14k miles to go.

The labor bill was something like $600, which was all the 18k mile maintenance list, including desmo, servicing the forks and additionally replacing the drive chain.

I was qualified but I feel I am too old to do demanding technical work. I am most likely going to be out of practice. Besides, it is unwise to do any kind of expert work on a complicated piece of equipment without being supervised. Even with step by step instructions a mistake can have catastrophic consequences. I don't doubt my ability, but rather my resilience now that my physical endurance is limited. But mainly, I am not properly equipped to carry out anything heavy. Since last year, I have purchased a few accessories and tools, including a workshop stand, but as long as I don't have a dedicated space in the garage, it is useless.

 

[Lucky Phil]

On 4/1/2022 at 2:45 AM, LowRyter said:

So far as Desmo service as mentioned above, the adjustment interval is 15k miles on the V2 and 18k miles for the 11 Degree engine.  If you're a DIY guy, there is a service that leases a Desmo maintenance kit, you can keep the kit for a few weeks, use that tools, purchase the consumables and get video instructions.  

I'll also share that the Duc branded parts, like timing belts and spark plugs are exorbitant but generic and discount parts are available- so shop around and you may find that a Duc isn't much more difficult than any 4 cyl sportbike to maintain with the same labor hours.  I was told the biggest trick is making sure not drop the valve into the engine when making the adjustment.  And each valve has two shim, closing & opening.  So a Duc twin was the same number of adjustments as 4 cyl conventional bike 

In my case, Don's shop did the 18k service.   Besides being a Guzzi dealer, he used to be the head wrench at the Duc shop here.  Next time, I'll work with him for the service and get some hands-on training,  just another 14k miles to go.

The labor bill was something like $600, which was all the 18k mile maintenance list, including desmo, servicing the forks and additionally replacing the drive chain.

You don't need to worry about this as the piston is at TDC when you do the clearances and the valve can only drop a few more mm than opening and it hits the piston.

Ciao

[p6x]

@PJPR01

Forgot to tell you; Rennsport changed the boots that isolate the spark plugs from the cylinder heads. This was one of the reason why I had an oil drip. The guy told me that with time, exposed to thermal shocks, they lose their sealing ability.

I asked them if it was possible to do it while I wait, and they said no problem. Brought the car, they took it on the elevator, put a chair right by the action, so I could directly look at what was happening. Two guys did it. Took the exhaust off, replaced the boots, and voilà....

I liked they let me witness what they were doing, not trying to tell me for safety or whatsoever.

Now you understand why I was willing, and still am, to do 50 miles to Sealy. I felt at a friend's shop.

I will see what happens with the Einar's diagnostic on Wednesday.

[PJPR01]

Always good to have a backup place just in case…I like redundancy in terms of where to go for service in case one disappears.  Of course a 50 mile drive in the 911 is a pleasure in itself…I just did a 500 mile round trip to Dallas and back in my 911…good to let it breathe on the open road a bit at full speed!

[footgoose]

3 hours ago, p6x said:

@PJPR01

Forgot to tell you; Rennsport changed the boots that isolate the spark plugs from the cylinder heads. This was one of the reason why I had an oil drip. The guy told me that with time, exposed to thermal shocks, they lose their sealing ability.

I asked them if it was possible to do it while I wait, and they said no problem. Brought the car, they took it on the elevator, put a chair right by the action, so I could directly look at what was happening. Two guys did it. Took the exhaust off, replaced the boots, and voilà....

I liked they let me witness what they were doing, not trying to tell me for safety or whatsoever.

Now you understand why I was willing, and still am, to do 50 miles to Sealy. I felt at a friend's shop.

I will see what happens with the Einar's diagnostic on Wednesday.

easy decision.

and, What are these 911 things you speak of? photos please

[LowRyter]

At least I have an advantage with my Corvette.  I can change plugs and wires in about an hour.

[p6x]

6 hours ago, footgoose said:

easy decision.

and, What are these 911 things you speak of? photos please

I do not have any photo, I did not take any. If I had known they would have let me watch the intervention, I would have taken my camera with me.

I cannot even give you a glimpse, as apparently the exhaust pipes are in the way, plus, I can't really get underneath the car.

But since you asked, I will take my camera with me on Wednesday. If Einar gives me the opportunity, I will try. Don't expect it to happen though. I can tell from the way they are setup they don't allow customers in the shop. Which is fine with me in a way. No PPE.

[p6x]

4 hours ago, LowRyter said:

At least I have an advantage with my Corvette.  I can change plugs and wires in about an hour.

Indeed. On a 911, there is not much that you can do topside.

[p6x]

9 hours ago, PJPR01 said:

Always good to have a backup place just in case…I like redundancy in terms of where to go for service in case one disappears.  Of course a 50 mile drive in the 911 is a pleasure in itself…I just did a 500 mile round trip to Dallas and back in my 911…good to let it breathe on the open road a bit at full speed!

I respect posted speed limits, but mimic speed according to traffic as I think police would not single a car out of many. I maybe wrong.

The real pleasure is to drive top down. I actually got a good face tan going to Brenham on Friday.

[docc]

4 minutes ago, p6x said:

I respect posted speed limits, but mimic speed according to traffic as I think police would not single a car out of many. I maybe wrong.

The real pleasure is to drive top down. I actually got a good face tan going to Brenham on Friday.

Officer, in a traffic stop: "The reason I have stopped you is that you were traveling in excess of the posted speed limit."

Driver, in the traffic stop, "Officer, I was going the same speed as the rest of the traffic."

Officer (preparing the signature form), "Have you ever gone fishing? You can't catch them all . . . "

[p6x]

14 minutes ago, docc said:

Officer, in a traffic stop: "The reason I have stopped you is that you were traveling in excess of the posted speed limit."

Driver, in the traffic stop, "Officer, I was going the same speed as the rest of the traffic."

Officer (preparing the signature form), "Have you ever gone fishing? You can't catch them all . . . "

I have no hard evidence to support my claim, but I have seen cars going way above the speed limit without any reaction from hidden prowlers. I was told that Houston police is very forgiving, and they will get you if you really exaggerate.

Apparently, ten to fifteen miles above posted limit does not attract much reaction on highways. The same is not true where I live, with max speed of 30 mph, and plenty of sore offenders being stopped by Spring Valley police.

[LowRyter]

17 minutes ago, p6x said:

I have no hard evidence to support my claim, but I have seen cars going way above the speed limit without any reaction from hidden prowlers. I was told that Houston police is very forgiving, and they will get you if you really exaggerate.

Apparently, ten to fifteen miles above posted limit does not attract much reaction on highways. The same is not true where I live, with max speed of 30 mph, and plenty of sore offenders being stopped by Spring Valley police.

I'd say there is quite a difference speeding in traffic and around pedestrians vs the highway.

[footgoose]

1 hour ago, p6x said:

I do not have any photo, I did not take any. If I had known they would have let me watch the intervention, I would have taken my camera with me.

I cannot even give you a glimpse, as apparently the exhaust pipes are in the way, plus, I can't really get underneath the car.

But since you asked, I will take my camera with me on Wednesday. If Einar gives me the opportunity, I will try. Don't expect it to happen though. I can tell from the way they are setup they don't allow customers in the shop. Which is fine with me in a way. No PPE.

sorry to be coy, never seems to work for me. I don't care about the work, I want to SEE YOUR 911!! .....in all it's glory! please, of course

[PJPR01]

14 hours ago, p6x said:

I respect posted speed limits, but mimic speed according to traffic as I think police would not single a car out of many. I maybe wrong.

 

A good quality Radar detector (Beltronics, Escort, Valentine) highly recommended and allows more driving enjoyment.  Why drive in a school of fish, and gamble on getting a ticket, much better to be in control of one's own destiny and the radar detector allows that.  So many spots in Texas with wide open places, no traffic, plenty of room to let the horses run free!  

Enjoy!

[p6x]

15 hours ago, footgoose said:

sorry to be coy, never seems to work for me. I don't care about the work, I want to SEE YOUR 911!! .....in all it's glory! please, of course