How much over 6000 miles for 6000 mile service is acceptable?

[darkattackdog]

I am over 6000 miles for my 6000 mile service. I have a 2003 Monster Dark i.e. I am actually at 6800 miles. I have just changed the oil and oil filter. Do I need to get in asap for the valve adjustment and belt change or can I hold off a bit longer. Money's tight. But I'd rather not ride than screw anything up.

thanks.

[He Man]

man, id totally change those belts, especially if they ahvent been changed out before. they should be repalced every 2 years, some people stretch them out to 3 years, but if those are still stock, your pushing 5 years and thats just not safe.

valves, eh, not as much of a big deal, your performance suffers a bit. but i wouldnt be paranoid, get it in when you can. but its fine if you go over 6000. you can check them yoursevles, and if they are within spec you dont need adjustments.

[darkattackdog]

I've done some work on other bikes, but not more than an oil change on my Ducati?
Is it difficult to change belts on a Monster?

thanks,
Julie

[uclabiker06]

Nothing is difficult if you know how.  There is a video of the belt change so watch it and then you can decide for yourself if you think its difficult or not.   http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1011.0

[darkattackdog]

How good is the DesmoTimes manual for explaining belt change?

[uclabiker06]

If your even thinking about getting that book then get it.  It does a good job at explaining belt installation but it also explains the valve procedure among many other things. 

[darkattackdog]

Couple of questions until I get the DesmoTimes book: 

First Question:

It's my understanding that three things need to be lined up before belt removal and before installion:  1) The little dot on the vertical cylinder cam gear should line up with a nub on the cover mount; 2) The crank gear has a dot that should line up with a tick mark on the engine case, and 3)  the horizontal cam gear should align with a raised nub on the rubber cover mount.

So my first question is, what is the site window on the left side of the engine for (the one opposite the oil site window)?  Does that need to line up with something as well?

Second Question:

How in the hell do you free the hex bolts that adjust the belt tension without stripping them?
I cannot get them loose.  Who makes a good allen socket wrench?

Many thanks.