Fast bikes with slow parts

[Pinocchio]

I've been waiting 9 weeks for a Multistrada tank bolt. I have never had to wait this this long for an OE Ducati part. Granted, it's a special bolt that only fits the 04-07 MTS 1000/620s; but since it was the best-selling Ducati model in its first year of production, they ought to have a few spare bolts. Been waiting 7 weeks for a bikini fairing, too. 4 weeks for a replacement Monster tank. 2 weeks for a couple of front end bearings and seals that I could have bought locally.

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about this. I mean, are Ducati owners expected to keep their own parts inventories, or get another one to ride while they're waiting for parts?

[TresGatos]

Go to Lowes, that's what I do. As long as it works,
who's gonna notice a bolt?

[Jester]

Yeah I waited probably a month for a carbon fender and never saw anything.  Eventually I got a good deal on a used one from another customers bike, so I got lucky.  The whole reason I was going to get it from them was to keep the business local with AMS, but safe to say I should have gone with shift-tech and had it within a few days.

Its pretty ridiculous how many stories I've heard of people waiting for weeks/months to get their items.  The bikes are sex, but the service/parts times can be horrible.  You might try other Duc shops in the nation and just have it shipped.

[muskrat]

The fastest growing brand in the past 5 years and no inventory control.   

[hadesducati848]

yes i believe we are supposed to stock our own parts oh and also buy another ducati as a spare. luckily my GF bought a 696 the same time i got my 848 cause the 2nd day i had my bike i got a bolt stuck in my rear tire, it took over a week for them to get a replacement tire, then like 4 months later my radiator went out that took almost 3 weeks to get. then in the end of march my bike was hit in a parking lot, i just got my bike back from the shop 3 days ago... the main hold up was the engine gasket set, i swear if it wasnt for my gfs monster giving my my biking fix on a daily basis i would have burned down a certain ducati dealership.

[webspoke]

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about this. I mean, are Ducati owners expected to keep their own parts inventories, or get another one to ride while they're waiting for parts?

I think that is the ticket, and take both of them down for work at the same time.  That reminds me, I should probably pick up a spare radiator for my 848 

[Pinocchio]

Go to Lowes, that's what I do. As long as it works,
who's gonna notice a bolt?

Neither Lowes nor Homer Depot had a 7mm (WTF ) hex socket shoulder bolt, or a 7mm bolt of any description. So I finally found a 7mm hex head bolt (at Turner's, bless them!) and a nylon sleeve to slip over it to protect the big expensive rubber frame pad it goes through, and to keep the tank from shifting shift side to side on the pad. It works, but I still notice it, whenever I close my eyes. I know I could source a shoulder bolt, but there's usually a minimum order of a box at fastener companies. The bearings would be easier to find, not sure about the seals. But why should I have to source substitute hardware when there are three Ducati shops within 50 miles?

Another Ducati rumor mill post attributed the slowness of the Ducati parts system to cash-strapped local dealers who are slow to order. If it's going to put them in a financial bind, why not charge the customer up front for the order? My least favorite local shop did that in the past, and though service might take them six months, they never made me wait longer than a week for a Ducati part. Granted, that was before DNA supposedly stopped warehousing parts inventory, and the parts began coming directly from Italy. Is that story a dealer fabrication to keep up the appearance of financial well-being, or is Ducati really so incompetent at managing a JIT delivery system within their network of supply?

Or is it a little of both?

[fastwin]

Turner's hardware, right? That's a rocking little, old school hardware store!!

Seems like all Ducati parts arrive on the slow boat from China. Had fun waiting on my stock 916 SPS cams a couple of years ago.

[muskrat]

or is Ducati really so incompetent at managing a JIT delivery system within their network of supply?

JIT?  you're kidding right?   
As much as I love the kool aid waiting 3 months to get my bike repaired would have me shopping another brand - in any world this is unacceptable!  I'm fortunate that the only problem I had was my little ole 620 at another shop that took 3 months (not the one in Dallas BTW) but DNA corrected the issue after I raised living hell.....surprised right?
I hope it gets better or the fastest growing brand will be the slowest shortly to come. 

[Pinocchio]

Here's the bolt.



How do I specify this thing? Is it a "15Mx20 panhead socket shoulder screw with 7Mx1.5px10 thread and 15x10mm shoulder"? I still have the washer, with a slight die grinder furrow in it.

[junior varsity]

why don't you dumbasses give me a call Tu-Sa 10-6/10-5, and I'll make sure its in your hands as fast as humanly possible.

[junior varsity]

Turner's hardware, right? That's a rocking little, old school hardware store!!

Seems like all Ducati parts arrive on the slow boat from China. Had fun waiting on my stock 916 SPS cams a couple of years ago.

thats because everybody cringed everytime they had to look at the work order...

[junior varsity]

The fastest growing brand in the past 5 years and no inventory control.   

negative nancy, reporting for duty. (big surprise!)

[ID_DUC_MON]

My fault for owning an out of production bike that had seen an uncaring owner, I do love working on my bike but I sure would like riding it more. I have ridden it a total of ONE DAY this season. The rest of the time I sit and wait on stuff to come from Italy. Guido needs to row his damn canoe FASTER! I can understand not wanting to ship nickle and dime stuff, but no parts in the US, really?  I have 100 times the miles on my wife's Yamaha this season than I do on my Duc 

[junior varsity]

What are you lacking?

Call me tomorrow 214-466-6540. I'll get Mario and Luigi in gear, and you'll get the parts you need. Apparel, a bit of a different story right now, since that's 3rd party (Dainese), but I should be able to track down most any part.