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

[phil996]

Baines do have comprehensive records of all work they carry out.Give tracy at Baines a ring and she can tell you what has been done on the bike.

[khu996]

With all the help here, looks like I might not make a cock up, and actually buy the right bike!
Gonna give Baines a call now, see what they can tell me...

I know Monty said that 11k is isnt a high mileage, but it seems that most Ducati you see are pampered and havent made it into five figures! Im not gonna have to spend more on it because if the (relatively) higher mileage am I?

[moto748]

They're not that delicate if properly looked after. They certainly shouldn't burn oil in any quantity, for example. My 2 1/2 year old bike has done 38000m without any serious problems.

[khu996]

So...I can look forward to another 20k without any problems, as long as I service it regularly, and look after it?

[skidlids]

Originally posted by khu996
it seems that most Ducati you see are pampered and havent made it into five figures! Im not gonna have to spend more on it because if the (relatively) higher mileage am I?

Obviously haven't seen mine, it now has 24,300 miles on it, has been raced used on trackdays, gets ridden on the road on a regular basis since I've owned it. I do my own servicing and up to a couple of days ago it has behaved itself. Then on Tuesday afternoon it coughed to a halt just outside Stroud.
A quick call to a mate in Stroud and a few tools turned up. I soon discovered the problem the alternator wiring had burnt out at the Regulator connecting block. 5 minutes to strip back the wires, cut them back a bit and add a couple of 1/4 inch spade connectors, then give it a jump start and its off and running again. The following 120 miles have been trouble free.
Thats better reliability than some of the Jap bikes I have owned

[khu996]

I read about that wiring problem...thats one of the first things Im gonna check on the new bike! Im looking to make this purchase right, coz Im intending to keep it for a very long time :P

Don't know why/how the myth of Ducati unreliability has been perpetrated, must be a sinister ploy by a consortium of Jap bike makers

[skidlids]

The bike you are looking at is a few years newer than my 1996 version, with the 996 having a few improvements over the earlier 916's one of which is the change to the 3 phase alternator, I would think these later models have a less of a problem with their electrics.

[khu996]

Can anyone suggest what I might/should pay for the bike Im going to see? it'd be good to have some idea of price. I know that it all depends on condition and such....bust still....

[desmojen]

Originally posted by khu996


What problems did you guys encounter when you bought your first Ducati? Anyone buy a lemon and learn from their mistake?

The only mistake I made is that I didn't buy one years ago!!!

[khu996]

Good on ya Weeksy...Im getting quite confident now!
Im glad Im not waiting any longer...been putting it off for years, but now its time!

And its yellow