View Full Version : 1999 996 SPS - Buying advice?
david.hicks
21-Jun-2005, 18:53
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
21-Jun-2005, 18:55
It was registered in June 99, and last serviced in April 04!
Shazaam!
21-Jun-2005, 19:07
http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=9331
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
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
22-Jun-2005, 09:47
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
22-Jun-2005, 10:16
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
22-Jun-2005, 11:02
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 ....
:D
beancounter
22-Jun-2005, 11:08
It's a pleasure to agree with you old chap...
I'd have more miles on my SPS if
a) I hadn't missed the whole of 2002 after an accident
b) I didn't have 2 other bikes to choose from !
I'll get me coat...
wasn't having a dig mate ... but it probably explains why mine has been merrily eating rockers ..... :sniff: :lol:
Originally posted by beancounter
If it's been serviced regularly at a reputable establishment it's unlikely to still be suffering rocker problems.
They're all fantastic so buy and enjoy.
Mine was serviced from new by a dealer I trust, and it still needed 12 rockers and a cam replacing last year. Admittedly it has done a few track days, but my advise would still be to get the dealer to prove to David to his satisfaction that everything on the top end was OK before buying. At that price I would expect the whole bike to be spot on.
david.hicks
22-Jun-2005, 11:17
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 .......
How much should a full 12k service cost?
The dealer is V&J Superbikes in Bridgwater, Somerset. They aren't a Ducati specialist (the SPS was a trade-in) so they wouldn't be able to do the 12k service. I know them quite well and they are generally on the expensive side so everyone's comments about price doesn't surprise me.
However V&J are just 2 mins down the road from Riders of Bridgwater who are a Ducati dealer. If I fancy the bike I would try to get V&J to have it serviced by Riders first. If they won't, then based on comments here I think I will walk away from it.
Thanks for all your replies everyone.
Dave
beancounter
22-Jun-2005, 11:23
How much should a 12000 service cost
I recently paid about 950 quid at Baines Racing for a full service including belts and shims, the cost also included a new front tyre, chain and rear sprocket.
People say Baines are expensive but they're no more than any main dealer - and my word, they do know what they're doing. I was pretty pleased with the cost.
I recently paid a total of approx £700 for my 12,000 mile service which included chain and sprockets as well. This was through an independent, Cornerspeed (our very own Nelly!) and not a main dealer.
12,000 mile service included fork rebuild, (oil, bearings etc) belts etc.
[Edited on 22-6-2005 by TP]
David if they are trying to take £8200 from you and leave the 12k service to you then I would say you need to budget for another £1000 in case.
But that then makes it a £9200 bike and I know people that have acquired 996R's for c£10000 with the service work done and warranty from a main dealer ...
Personally unless they are servicing it (properly) for £8200 I wouldn't buy it.
I agree, £8k with a full 12,000 mile service is reasonable. If they aren't up for that, or £8,200 at a push then I'd leave it.
david.hicks
22-Jun-2005, 12:33
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
So services are needed every 12 months/6,000 miles whichever comes first - is that right? How much does a minor (6k) service cost? And - god forbid - how much does it cost to fix a bad rocker?
beancounter
22-Jun-2005, 12:38
A minor service including belts (but not shims) probably about 400 quid depending where you go.
A rocker is about 100 quid (I think) - and there are 16 ! hence the worry.....
yes, a rocker is about £100 .. plus the labour to fit the poxy things ......
bagonails
23-Jun-2005, 02:10
Dave, 8500 miles on a 99 is low milage. I would be more concerned about the cam belts being changed regularly than rockers. Admittedley the case hardening can wear on a rocker. I had two replaced in 18000 miles on a 748sp, which saw the rev limiter several times.
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