| Welcome to the board! Another northerner!
With regards to the SPS, it's reliability is often lessened by poor servicing. If looked after most people would probably give it decent marks on reliability. Service costs are slightly higher, especially if you plan on using dealers for servicing.
One of the most common weak areas is the battery charging system. A 1999 bike will have the newer style (better) rectifier but the high current connection to the alternator will need regular inspection. Easy and cheap to sort if it goes wrong.
Some people have encountered valve rocker arms that loose their chrome plating but Ducati have been fairly forthcoming with warranty replacements even if the bike is out of warranty.
My personal opinion and experience is that Ducati is still suffering from the earlier days when reliability (mainly related to initial build quality) was sub-par. Today, I rate them on par with other makes. Even Honda has problems.
Had a quick look at your website and the bikes you list as final choices are a far cry from the SPS. The SPS will be far less comfortable and be far more track oriented than any of those you list. If you can live with that, you won't regret buying the SPS (provided it's in good nick) and your cheek muscles will hurt as you'll grow a permanent grin!  |