Service Query

[ZiggyCol]

So here's a question for you. My Dec 2018 MS950 was last serviced in Feb 2020 (official Ducati dealer) and since then, due to COVID and other reasons, I've done all of 300 miles! Annual service now due again. Current mileage is 3500 - I know I'm not riding enough, believe me I wish I was!
Bike is stored in a well ventilated garage under a cover. Battery has been on trickle charge when necessary and bike started occasionally and warmed through. 2 year warranty has expired so that's not an issue.
Do I get it serviced or not? It seems an unnecessary expense but at the same time I'm pretty pedantic about maintenance. Is there any downside to leaving it for another 12 months until it (hopefully) accumulates some use and mileage?

[Julian]

My opinion is yes,  you must serviced the bike because it depends on what came first: how much km you have done - mileage or how much time has passed since the last service - 1 year for you.
For sure the dealer will say the above. But because the warranty has expired you will decide if you want the service or not.

[Wassers]

I agree with Julian - I would get the bike serviced.

Also a missed service may impact resale value when its time to change your bike.

[David S]

Service is cheap, compared to a breakdown/repair,

[ZiggyCol]

Thanks for your replies. I was more or less expecting views that recommended getting the service done - that's the obvious answer, and I'm pretty sure the dealer will concur - why would he not and turn down business? I'm just finding it difficult to reconcile forking out for a service when the bike is sitting there effectively having just been serviced. Fully synthetic oil has a very good shelf life (up to 5 years) so it's easy to persuade myself that even the most required service item (oil/filter) are still more than ok.
I'm not really concerned about effect on resale value as this is a keeper and probably my last bike. By the time I come to offload I don't expect a delayed service at a nominal mileage will have any real effect.
I posted in the hope someone else might have had the same dilemma and could share their experience.

[mose40]

Hi Ziggy - for what it's worth, if it's a keeper I would go with your gut feeling and delay the service - think that's what i am going to do - all dealers i have spoken to have said that Ducati will be flexible due to Covid

[ZiggyCol]

Originally Posted by mose40

Hi Ziggy - for what it's worth, if it's a keeper I would go with your gut feeling and delay the service - think that's what i am going to do - all dealers i have spoken to have said that Ducati will be flexible due to Covid

Ah, good to know someone else is thinking along the same lines - thanks.

[Paul_Smith]

No. In my personal opinion, 300 miles is not enough to justify another service, and no, I don't think missing the 'annual' service will depreciate the value of your bike anywhere near as much as the passing of another year does.

Yes 12 months have passed, and that means all your hoses and fluids and consumables are another year older, but since you have only barely ridden home from last service, nothing has been given the chance to shake loose or require attention. If I was buying a low mileage 2018 bike, (such as yours) I would be considering changing the coolant and the brake fluid etc, but I could only use that to haggle a couple of ton off the sale price, and that barely covers the cost of your service and that service will not be changing those fluids unless you are being fleeced!

If you really can only put 300 miles on in a year, you might consider moving the bike on to someone who might get more enjoyment from it now, and buy another one at some time in the future when you are in a better position to enjoy it yourself.

[ZiggyCol]

Someone who follows my reasoning! The lack of mileage over the last year is almost entirely due to COVID circumstances - previously 3000+ in about 15 months. Not huge but it is only ridden for pleasure. Once we get out of current restrictions I fully intend to put much more mileage in this year! I've got the bike tailored to my requirements with several extras so there is no way I'd want to be changing it due to current enforced inactivity.
I think I'm coming to the conclusion of leaving servicing for now until I can put some miles in.