Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Top 5 buying tips for 996

[khu996]

Hi all,

Im new to the board, and going to see my first Ducati on Saturday. Its a 1999 Yellow 996 with 11k on the clock. Its the one listed on eBay here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

Ive been reading lots of posts, and am slightly mechanically minded, I just wanted some advice from the more knowledagble board members about the most important things I should be looking out for.

It does have full history, stamped at 3k, 6k, and 10.5k. I was slightly wary about the repair after the 'slow speed low side,' so what should I look out for?

How much do you guys reckon the bike is worth?

Id appreciate any help.

Cheers.

Kam

[Shazaam!]

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

[ScottyB]

Khu,

If you let peeps know where you are and where you are going to view the bike, there may be one of the members willing to go with you and give a second opinion to stop you buying a lemon.

Since it is your first Duke it would be well worth considering taking it to a near by Duke expert for a once over, JHP, Cornerspeed etc etc. depending on where in the country the bike is.

[khu996]

Thanks for the guide Shazaam. So many things to check!
Im from Swansea, and am going to Aylesbury to see the bike on Saturday, I dont know if its asking too much for someone to come along with me?! Thanks for the advice though ScottyB.
Does anybody know where the nearest specialist is from Aylesbury?

[Steve M]

Just read Shazaam's post, and if ever there was a post that should be kept at the top of the tech section list it's this one - so much good stuff in there. And this is a very often asked question, so it would stop people having to ask and search.

[Harv748]

So is it a private sale..as Aylesbury has one of the biggest Ducati dealers in the Country, OnYerBike (www.onyerbike.net).

I would be willing to pop over to OYB/Aylesbury on Sat if you want. Its a nice ride over that way from Oxford anyhow...whatever you do, pop into OYB anyway and it will give you a better idea of price, and what you can get for your money.

If you want to meet up, and a second opinion, let me know.

[khu996]

Yeah, I'll pop into OYB at the same time. This private sale is a bit cheaper than the retail prices at OYB. What do you think about the bike as described in the eBay listing? Any opinions?

Its amazing to find theres a community willing (and able) to help those new to the fold, you don't get that at the Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Blah Blah club!

[Harv748]

Well...it looks fine on first impressions...one owner, all the relevant services carried out by known dealers. The current owner seems to know his stuff.

But the real proof is seeing the bike in the flesh and talking to the owner face to face! Is the guy a ducati nut...does he eat/sleep/drink Dukes like most of the other sadits on this board . You can tell a lot about the bike by the owner and his attitude towards servicing etc. Does he use fully synth oil (ie expensive) and change it regularly, or does he skrimp on this?? Does he know about the rocker problems...have they been checked? Any average duke owner knows this as a problem, and will have had it checked at some point...particularly on a bike with 11k on the clock.

You've really got to go and see it, and have a chat. Do not be afraid to walk away however, as there are lots of Dukes about for sale at the moment, and some real bargains and well looked after bikes out there if you are prepared to look a little.

I can't comment on the price as I have a 748 '97, so any comparisons I can draw on price are irrellevant!

[chris99]

Wow that post is great. I think it will help me in my hunt

[khu996]

The only two things I was concerned about were the repair job after the low side, and the fact that it hasnt been ridden in two years, so will probably need a service as soon as I get it. The mileage is higher than I wanted, but it is one owner with history, and the guy seems like he is a Duc nutter!