Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > 1999 996 SPS - Buying advice?

[david.hicks]

Hi all

I am planning to check-out a 1999 996 SPS over the next couple of days. I have never owned a Ducati before (Jap all the way I'm afraid) but have always dreamed of one and now is the time. Can anyone give me any advice on what to check for?
This one was registered in April 04, has had 3 previous owners and has done 8,500 miles. The dealer wants £8,200 for it.

Thanks

Dave

[david.hicks]

It was registered in June 99, and last serviced in April 04!

[Shazaam!]

http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/vi...d.php?tid=9331

[Rick]

If you can afford the extra I would go for the 2000 model with the ÖHLINS, but then thats just me. I love those gold forks:P

[ducv2]

As I have the same year SPS, all I would say apart from the usual belt, servicing routine, is to get the dealer to prove all of the rockers are in good condition before you buy, especially at that price.

[beancounter]

If it's been serviced regularly at a reputable establishment it's unlikely to still be suffering rocker problems.

The Ohlins forks on the 2000 model are very nice but the seals tend to blow fairly regularly. Unlikely you'll notice a lot of difference to the Showas (on the road at least).

8200 sounds a bit much for a '99 - try 7000.

They're all fantastic so buy and enjoy.

[Rattler]

Seems a bit pricey, as has been said, wait for a 2000 or later model. You'll only wish you did if you buy this one.

And as you're new to Ducati ownership - welcome and great choice with a SPS.

Tim

Originally posted by beancounter
If it's been serviced regularly at a reputable establishment it's unlikely to still be suffering rocker problems.

I would have to disagree with that mate .... my bike had perfect rockers at 2 years and 9000 miles ...... since that point it has had all bar one replaced ...

It is highly unlikely that at that light usuage rocker failures have surfaced ...

Also not all ldealers lift the heads every service to check the rockers and the last service based on yearly intervals would have been a 6000 / interim service based on the following:

Registered 06/99
600 mile service
1st (6k) service 06/00
2nd (12k) service 06/01
3rd (6k) service 06/02
4th (12k) service 06/03
5th (6k) service 04/04

So it is in fact now 06/05 and the bike is due a full 12k service, at £8200 its pricey but not if they are about to give it a complete 12k service (including rocker check) and decent (12 month) warranty.

Who are the dealers ??? we may know the bike .......



[Edited on 22-6-2005 by DIBBLE]

[beancounter]

I think you've been unlucky there Dibble mate...

I had 2 rockers replaced under warranty after 2 years and 7000 miles, since then been fine (and they've been checked every service), now at 4.5 years and 14000 miles.

BC, agree mate, but if I were buying a premium priced 996 like this SPS that is due a 12k service anyhow and is out of warranty, I' want the rockers checked and sorted if needed.

Just one more precaution, as come this time next year with say another 4000 miles on it, if it needs 2 or 3 rockers then David is left holding the bill ....

Mines now 5 years 3 months and 27,000 miles .... thats a lot of smiles that is ....