Desmo Valve Service - DVS

Desmo Valve Service - DVS The Premier Ducati Tuner for LA.DucatiOwnersClub, WERA Track Riders, & all who ride Ducati. Need Service? Attend a workshop. Want to be part of the Team?

We specialize in Valve adjustment and belt servicing but cover A-z (Ducati, Tuner, or Race Valve spec clearances available). New to Ducati and want to learn the basics & the inner workings of the DESMO motor? (Franchise Opportunities and Sponsorship available)

CONTACT US to witness the DVS experience.

07/28/2021

Ducati Maintenance Blog – 7/28/21 – Ducati Oil Change Basics

This is one of the essential maintenance skills of a Ducati owner.

As a guideline I service almost all customer bikes every 3,000 miles.

Up to the Panigale, filters can be Ducati OEM or K&N part number KN-153.
The oil I use is MOTUL 300V Factory Line, 10W40 or 10W50. I use the higher 50 viscosity on dry clutch bikes.

I buy oil and filters online. The crush washer I buy from the local Ducati dealer or online from Gotham Cycle.

With a warm engine, on the side stand, turn off and drain the oil and remove the filter. Careful, the filter is full of oil.

No matter how well organized and careful you are, there is always some spillage so be prepared with clean shop wipes and some oil absorbent pads.

To remove an overly tight filter I use a large pair of channel locks to loosen the filter, being careful not to mar the engine case with the channel locks.

Once thoroughly drained, for 30 minutes, torque on the drain plug with a new crush washer.

Then before spinning on the filter, fill the filter half full of oil. Also remove the large rubber o’ring from the top of the new filter and dip it in the old, drained oil.
Reinstall the o’ring in the filter. I use the cardboard filter box to support the filter while doing this. (Dipping the o’ring in the old oil provides a better seal.)

Before spinning the filter on, check the engine to make sure the old o’ring came out with the old filter, it should have. A small mirror and flashlight help to see this. Clean everything before installing the new filter.

Spin on the new filter and then torque it. I use an oil filter install torque of 16 lbs. Ft. I then use a band-wrench to snug it a bit tighter, to avoid a leaking filter.

Fill engine with oil to 80% of the sight glass making sure bike is vertical (may need an assistant for this).

Fire the bike, make sure the red oil light goes out, check for leaks, turn off the engine after about a minute. Recheck the oil level after 60 seconds, then top off to 80% as needed.

We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models.

Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

07/14/2021

Ducati Blog – 7/14/21 – Six Basic Needs of Ducati Riders

It is said by someone much wiser, that there are 6 basic human needs. They are different for each of us.

We are compelled to satisfy these needs with our actions.
The question is, “Why do you ride a Ducati?”

The Six Human Needs:
1. Comforts/Certainty/Stability
2. Instability/Variety/Uncertainty – results in personal growth
3. Significance
4. Love & Connection
5. Growth
6. Contribution

We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models.

Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

07/13/2021

Ducati Blog – 7/13/21 - Ducati Engine “Does not Start” Troubleshooting

1. Charge battery – install battery and battery tender, check battery voltage, battery needs to be healthy and use a VOM (Voltage, Ohm Meter) to read. Needs to be above 12 volts to get a healthy spark.
2. Key on – Determine what works, you should hear the fuel pump start when keyed on. Is the Kill switch set to RUN?
3. Do not crank engine – but check electrical functionality.
4. Remove spark plugs, inspect them, and record electrode condition. Are the spark plug wires in undamaged condition?
5. With a hand-engine turning tool installed, slowly rotate engine, don’t force it! – check for anything unusual, engine will not turn freely, due to incorrect timing belt placement, or low/no compression with thumb covering spark plug hole, etc.
6. If engine turns freely, go to 7.
7. Spin engine with starter.
8. Check for spark. With insulated pliers, ground the spark plug against cylinder head. If possible, check this is a darkened area. Should see a bluish-white spark. Do not crank the engine without first grounding the spark plugs, otherwise the ignitor could be damaged.
9. Perform a compression check.
10. Remove radiator and gas tank as needed. Be incredibly careful of spilled gasoline, and have an ABC rated fire extinguisher close at hand.
11. Re-Check all electrical connector and connections. Including kill switch.
12. Belt check – verify timing mark alignment, and belt condition for any unusual wear or mechanical damage to them.
13. Check valve clearances of opener and closing rockers, record each clearance.
14. Check diagnostics – OBD computer, if possible.
15. Check continuity and resistance with VOM, ignition flywheel sensors – check & record.
16. Check continuity and resistance with VOM ignitors – check & record.
17. Check continuity and resistance with VOM coils - check & record.
18. Record compression readings.
19. Fuel pressure/flow, check and record.
20. If everything checks out...
21. Reassemble.
22. Crank/start the engine.

07/12/2021

Ducati BLOG 7/12/2021 – Belt Tensioner Maintenance

The good news is that there really is not any belt tensioner maintenance.

And, for that matter, there really is not any idler pulley maintenance either.

But they do fail, and here is why and how.

Both the belt tensioner pully and the idler pulley have internal ball bearings. They typically have a lifetime of service up to and beyond 30,000 miles.

The belts have factory grey or black plastic covers, secured with 5mm Allen head cap screws. These covers are designed to keep road debris from getting between the rotating pulley and Kevlar reinforced timing belts.

What the cover do not prevent is moisture from entering into this area.

While new timing pulleys have ample grease packed into the ball bearings, over time this grease gets displaced and can allow moisture to corrode the ball bearing surfaces.

With this corrosion, the performance of this ball bearing is drastically reduced, even to the point of not spinning fast enough to keep up with the speed of the belts.

At this point the belt begins to skid over the surface of the pulley. This creates heat and even squealing as the belt is driven by the toothed pulleys and ultimately belt failure.

What can be done to prevent this?

When ever the bike is wet from rain or washing, run the bike engine, creating drying heat and allowing the excess moisture to spin off the bearing surfaces.
Never put away a wet bike that is cold!

Also, when replacing belts, always check that these belt pulleys spin freely.

We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models.

Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

06/28/2021

Ducati BLOG – Ducati Maintenance 6-28-21
Spring is here, we are turning the corner on the summer riding season.
After what seems like an eternity the world is opening up again.
Be ready to ride with fresh belts, plugs, oil change, and valve adjustment for your favorite Ducati.
We are offering free belts if you opt for the above mentioned service package.
Get ready for a stellar riding season.
And Go Jack Miller!! Factory MotoGP Rider!!
Desmo Valve Service (DVS) loves Ducati motorcycles and specializes in valve and belt service.
At DVS we specialize in older Ducati cam belt-driven models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, Sport Classics, ST3, ST4, and Monsters.
Call me, leave a voice mail so I can call you back.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 33six-7376.

09/29/2020

Ducati BLOG – Ducati Flame Thrower 9-29-20

I love my wife, but oh, you Ducati!

I have an old 900SS SP that was running terribly. So I ordered up a new set of Keihin 41mm FCR carbs and installed them. Started and idled great. I was very busy so I set her aside for two or three months.

Then when I got back to her she wouldn’t start. Traced this issue to ethanol melted fuel lines in the gas tank. They actually had melted into pieces. Fixed that with new fuel pump, filter, fuel lines, and a thorough cleaning inside the tank.

Then I turned on the ignition the fuel was pumping out the air vent. Fixed that! Now the motor wouldn’t turn over so I pulled the horizontal cylinder spark plug. Raw gas poured out, a lot of it, so I let it drain. The gas had caused a hydraulic lock not allowing the pistons to move.

Once drained, I wanted to spin the engine to push out any residual gas. But before I turned it over I pushed the loose spark plug into the boot and laid it near the spark plug opening so that it would be grounded, potential avoiding damage to the coil.

Turned on the key, hit the starter and to my astonishment some residual gasoline sprayed out of the spark plug hole, it instantly shot out a good ten feet right onto the Ducati banner that was hanging next to the outside door.

But now the spray wasn’t a spray, it was a yellow-orange flame that shot out! WOW, and just as quickly the flame burned out.
The spark plug had done its job nicely, igniting the pressurized gasoline spray... it was amazingly dangerous and spectacular all at the same time!! Unbelievable, and extremely dangerous...
And the Ducati flag... instantly vaporized by its namesake flamethrower.

And please, don’t tell my wife.

We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we are passionate for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, Sport Classics, ST3, ST4, and Monsters.

Call me, leave a voice mail if you have a Ducati tech question and I’ll call you back.

Price wise, we not the cheapest, but ask yourself, what corners do you want to cut to be cheapest? Great workmanship takes time and care.

This is Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

09/29/2020

Ducati BLOG – Did you know... Ducati Fun Fact 9-27-20
Ducati Fun Fact
Did you know that on Ducati motorcycles that the 20-toothed cam timing belt pulleys are all the same regardless of the year and model. They made the same pulleys for years and years without altering the design. That is why the pulley timing dot means everything on a Desmodue or Desmoquatro but not on a Testastretta.
We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.
Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.
Price-wise we not the cheapest, but what corners do you want to cut to be cheapest? Great workmanship takes a little more time and effort.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

05/27/2020

Ducati BLOG – Buy a Ducati 5-27-20
Purchasing an older used Ducati can be scary.
However, it can be done relatively painlessly.
When I evaluated a older Ducati I check a handful of key things.
1) Buy an “S” model rather a base model
2) Buy a “Numbered” edition, if possible
3) Ideally, 10-15k miles with clean title
4) Buy looks, it has to look great with nice paint
5) It needs to start and idle well, no oil leaks whatsoever
6) It needs to have been well maintained with no damage
7) It needs to match your intended riding style
Do this and you are on your way!
Owning a Ducati does require a commitment.
We can help you enjoy your Ducati.
Reach out if you have questions regarding maintenance, or troubleshooting.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

05/12/2020

Ducati BLOG – Maintenance 5-12-20
How is your Ducati running and performing? Great I hope!
A couple of big things not to overlook with Ducati engines are:
1) Regular valve service
2) Timing Belt replacement
Keeping these items up to date actually increases the value of your Ducati, and gives you peace of mind.
Owning a Ducati does require a commitment.
We can help you enjoy your Ducati.
Reach out it you have questions regarding maintenance, or troubleshooting.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376. We’re on FB.

04/30/2020

Ducati BLOG – Springtime! Take 2! 4-30-20
Now is the time to duct off that Ducati... its ride time with the great So Cal weather. Traffic is light these days too.
Now to is time to look over your ride. Do a safety check... everything working?
And how about a maintenance check... tire pressure? oil level? fluids topped off? fresh gas in the tank? battery fully charged?
How are your skills?
What’s your plan? A long-distance ride to a neighboring state? A morning local cruise for coffee?
Who will you ride with?
The possibilities are limitless.
Just be safe! And enjoy!
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.
Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376. We’re on FB.

02/23/2020

Ducati BLOG – Why Do a Valve Adjustment? 2-23-20
Let me list the reasons and benefits.
When the service is performed properly and thoroughly, that means the technician can provide a completed spreadsheet on every valve clearance measured including what shims were replaced and resultant new measurement...
• Before and After performance - The engine runs crisper, more responsive to throttle inputs, the bike starts immediately
• In doing a valve service, the technician should normally note any other immediate service needs, i.e. missing or incorrect fasteners, leaks, worn or loose components, etc.
• It is an opportunity to maintain other normal hard to reach items such as spark plugs, battery, maintenance icon on the dash, air filter, timing belts, carb or ECU adjustments, some stuff that not normally DIY
• It is an opportunity to clean the engine area, and with a clean engine, any leaks are more apparent
• You can update your bikes maintenance log
• Honor warrantee maintenance requirements
• Have peace of mind
• Reliability
We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.
At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.
Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.
Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

02/17/2020

Ducati BLOG – The Perfect Day 2-17-20

The Perfect Day starts prior to that day...

For me it is a day where I do not have a preset schedule, a day that I can plan what I do that day.

Here are some ideas for what could make up a perfect day:

- No work-related commitments, flexibility to do what you what

- Wake to a relaxed mind-set, no media for at least 45 minutes

- Have coffee and plan your day, still no media

- Plan an activity, ride or walk, or just cruise, maybe with a friend

- Have some breakfast

- Go and do in a relaxing manner

- Enjoy and be grateful for your perfect day

- Plan and repeat

We love Ducati motorcycles and specialize in valve and belt service.

At DVS we have passion for older Ducati models, 888, 851, 907, 900SS, 916, 996, 748, 998, 999, 749, 848,1098, 1198, MS1000, Sport Classic, ST3, ST4, Monsters and Multis.

Leave me a text if you have a tech question or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Bob at Desmo Valve Service (714) 336-7376.

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Fullerton, CA
92835

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Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17143367376

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