The Red Baron’s Ultimate Ducati Desmo Manual: BELT-DRIVEN CAMSHAFTS L-TWINS 1979 TO 2017 (Essential Manual)

Been wrenching on Ducatis over the last 6 years, and this is really the best, most thorough service manual I've come across.What I appreciate most are the full-color pages, with clear markings of various aspects with highlighted and circled areas. So many other manuals are ambiguous in areas that really matter, and this manual spares no expense to ensure you understand exactly where that liquid gasket goes (an example when checking valves on a Testastretta engine).In addition, it's becoming more and more difficult to find service manuals that deal with four-valve (desmoquattro and testastrettas) Ducatis, as they are indeed more common these days, vs the two-valve versions--which of course are still around, but not as common as ten years ago.I still think other manuals (like the Desmotimes one) is essential to also have in your library, but between these two, and the service manual for the bike you're working on for torque specs, you're pretty much golden and can do almost anything needed as long as you can fab or buy the proper tools for said bikes.I hope this manual stays in print because it's that important I think.

This manual is an excellent resource for the enthusiast DIY Ducati owner as it covers basic, and some not-so-basic, maintenance and repair of a wide range of models; all in a practical, down to earth manner. The author also provides a wealth of conceptual information into, for example, the four cycles of combustion, hydraulic systems, fuel injection, and the science of measurement. The photographs are first rate as is the English translation. Technical data and specifications per model are not included, but to be fair this is out of the book’s scope. Also absent is a chapter on basic electrical troubleshooting. Maybe in the 2nd edition? Even after some twenty years of caring for and tuning various Ducatis, I’ve learned a lot from this manual. Two thumbs up!

If you have a belt driven 2 or 4 valve Ducati twin, this is the manual to own. I bought it in order to do a belt service on my 2008 Multistrada 1100S and not only did it walk me through the job in a very easy to understand way, it also helped me to avoid making mistakes such as breaking off the tiny tams on the side covers. This manual is a measuring stick for how to write a great manual and if you own a belt driven Desmo Ducati, you honesty should buy this this amazing book. It is the type of book that allows a person with only basic mechanical knowledge to do much of their own work on these bikes and will save you much more than the cost of the book the first time you use it for a job. I cannot recommend any service manual for any motorcycle more than this one.

This book provides easy to understand and detailed information on repair and “optimization” that no other reference delves into such as replacing valve guides, fuel injection tuning, ECU diagnostic software(descriptions of options and use) as well as other aspects of engine rebuilding. There is also very well written descriptions of how the F.I. and valve train function that gives a solid foundation of understanding to anyone unfamiliar with the Ducati belt driven motor. Another big benefit that distinguishes this book is descriptions of how to easily make your own “special” tools or employ clever workarounds. With this book and the factory service manual (electronic versions available on line) no job is out of reach for the home mechanic. Best manual available for Desmo L- Twins, highly recommended.

Bought this on behalf of hubby, who was very happy with it. It was as he expected. Delivery also was very prompt.

While definitely Ducati-centric, this book is very well written and has a lot of information on do's and dont's that really apply to all forms of motorcycle and vehicle maintenance. He does a good job of explaining why certain procedures are performed as well as how to do them. Even though I've been working on motorcycles for 40 years, I'm still glad I bought it. Highly recommended.

This book is my first go to in my line of reference books. The illustrations are clear and well done and the descriptions of the repairs steps are well written. My other manuals are no where near as comprehensive as this one

This is without a doubt the best reference for DIYers. The author explains theory and components before going into maintenance. Ever heard someone say “I can explain it to you but I can’t understand it for you”? That’s the best approach with this book. You’ll have to learn and understand before picking up a wrench. Sure, you can learn by doing but mistakes and broken parts are an expensive way to learn on these bikes. Get this and the shop manual and your set.

Uitstekend boek voor amateur die zelf aan z'n Ducati wil sleutelen. Ook nuttig voor de proffesional.Erg duidelijk uitgelegd en geïllustreerd.

livre impeccable / délais tenus

An absolute must for any Ducati Superbike owner who wants to do their own repairs and maintenance on these wonderful machines.

Fantastic resource for anything, from basic maintenance, to full engine rebuilds on the majority of bike Ducati has ever released. Lots of pictures and background explanation. Far superior to the Hayes manuals and well worth the money.

Great book for the amateur mechanic that wishes to repair his own Ducati in the garage. Clear explanations with pictures to guide every process. Invaluable.