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.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2488581596&ssPageName=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/viewthread.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 :lol:. 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!

[Harv748]

Regarding the lowside...i think that dukes do crash fairly well, and lowsides are usually just cosmetic damage. If the bikes been fixed via the insurance claim then, as he says it 'should' be OK...but he should also be in posession of all of the receipt/paperwork for this.

If the bike hasn't been ridden for two years then, yes, it does need a service. Even though it has not done the mileage, the belts will need changing as they can become problematic if left unmoved for prolonged periods of time. It would also be worthwhile having it seviced anyhow for other parts such as fuel/air/oil filters, all fluids etc.

Your looking at perhaps £200-£250 for a good (equivalent to a 6k mile) service, obviously depending on were you take it. A point worth rembering when haggling on the price:ninja:

[Edited on 1-9-2004 by Harv748]

[khu996]

The seller has sent me some high res pics, and it does look good, he does have the receipts for the repair. He says he's changed the oil himself loads of times, whether this is a good or bad thing, I dont know.

Nearest Ducati dealer to me in Swansea is in Cardiff, and I dont know if they're any good either...looks like Im gonna have to make some long trips for some decent service!

Do you know anything about the Baines Bora conversion, I was thinking about getting some Termis, but havent decided! ;)

[Harv748]

Not really...I think its basically the baffles have been removed (whole or partially). You retain the same appearence, but you get a better sound and perhaps a tiny performance gain. Many people have them, I guess it depends on if you like the standard look or not. They are going to get you into less trouble with the Law, but the look and sound of a set of genuine aftermarket pipes is hard to beat!:bouncy:

[khu996]

Termis it is then! Nothing beats that rumble!:lol:
Being that the mileage is now at 11k, what things am I looking at shelling out for in the near future (bearing in mind that the 12k service was done at 10.5k)?

[Harv748]

I wouldn't worry too much. If it has had its 12k service then most bits should have been taken care of. For example, at the 12k service they are supposed to replace the fork oil...point being that this is quite an extensive service and covers most things that you would look at in perhaps more detail if it hadn't just been serviced. Who did the service? I would place more faith in a 12k service carried out by someone like techmoto/JHP/Cornerspeed say than a main dealer such as OYB etc.

The main concern I would have would be the rockers. Have they been checked properly (ie the cams have been pulled). If they haven't and you find that they are shot...your looking at several hundred pounds to sort.

Anything else you decide to change/fit after that is pretty much upto you. I did certain things for piece of mind, such as a new chain and sprockets, brake pads to my preference, tyres of my choice etc. But basically you could buy it, and once given a service, ride it for another 12 months without spending a penny on it.

Don't be scared off...they are actually not as bad as the reputation that preceeds them....honest:rolleye:

[Monty]

I have to confirm what has been said-CAMBELTS-they need changing NOW. 2 years without being ridden, I would want them changing before I gave it any stick. As to the 'high mileage' 11,000 miles, high? not really-my 2001 ST4S has got 21,000 on it and that's not high. Dukes are better being used, hard, than being babied and pootled about, it is a race engine after all.

John

[khu996]

Apparently the 12k service was done by Baines at Silverstone (a track day?). Im gonna mail him and ask about the rockers now.

Horror stories about electrical problems and belts breaking have kept me away till now, Ive finally decided Ive got to have one!;)

All I want to do is slap a set of Termis and some tyres on it, thats as far as my modifying mood will take me for now!

[Clippy]

Plenty of people swear by Baines, and although I've never used them for a service, they talk a very thorough service and have always supplied parts to me with useful advice.

They're based within the circuit grounds, but it doesn;t mean the bike was tyhere on a track day - and even if it was, that's what Dukes thrive on!

I'm just up the road from Aylesbury, but unfortunately I'm in Birmingham on Saturday - sorry mate or I'd have come along...

Good luck and let us know how the viewing goes!

Giles

[Edited on 1-9-2004 by Clippy]

[khu996]

Thanks for the offer Clippy. Its increasingly likely that I'll be popping down on Sunday to look at it now.

The seller emailed me back, and said he thinks that they were checked and were OK. Would Baines have done this as a part of the 12k service anyway?

Im hoping to come back to sunny Swansea with a shiny yellow 996, it'll be one of the very few down these parts!:P

[ducv2]

I have used Baines for years and have always been happy with their work. If they say they have done something it will have been done. They found all my US rockers during 12k service:mad::mad:

[khu996]

Do Baines and On Yer Bike keep service records...ie. will I be able to verify with them that the bike has had the rockers examined? Its worth giving them a call I guess...

I've read very good things about Tecmoto, Im tempted to take it to them for its inaugral (for me anyway ;)) service, unless anyone can suggest somewhere better?

[ducv2]

The records I take back with me are carbons and seem quite thorough so they should still have records especially going back only a couple of years

[Harv748]

You may have a few problems getting it in Tecmoto as they had a fire not too long ago, so now have a backlog I would imagine as longas your arm.

Would recommend Nelly from this board (www.cornerspeed.co.uk)Numerous peps on here have used him, and all recommend him highly. He will treat your bike like his own, and will ensure it is ready for you to enjoy! A may be a little further for you to go...but worth it for piece of mind.

Obviously JHP (coventry) would be closer for you?

You pay your money...

[neil748r]

Khu,

If the bikes in Aylesbury, see if you can take it to KJ Performance for a once over, they're also in Aylesbury.

You can contact them on 01296 399161.

Good luck,

Neil

[skidlids]

I see the bit about the Baines Service and have a couple of mates who are very happy with their work, I was wondering WHEN was this service carried out, as the belts could well need changing again.

Not sur what I'm at on Saturday as Aylesbury is only about 30 miles away, a lot will depend on the weather and what time are you viewing the bike.

[yellow916]

Khu

I've had work done by Baines and JHP, both seemed fine to me.

Since no-one else has said it, you're looking at the right colour...

Andrew

[khu996]

Cornerspeed is a little too far for me, JHP would probably be easier to get to. Havent heard anything about KJ Performace, cant find their website either...

In answer to skidlids, the Baines 12k service was carried out at 10.5k, about 600 miles, but more importantly, nearly 2 years ago (it hasnt seen much use since), so Ive been informed that the belts definitely need changing, thats why I might as well get it serviced. Oh, and the viewing is definitely taking place on Sunday now, around lunctime.

I didnt wanna say it myself, coz I'm new and all...but you're right, yellow is definitely the right colour! :P

[bazzer sps]

AJRacing at j14 M5 Wooton Edge would be nearer - Alan has looked after my 916sps for over 2 years top bloke.Give Alan a call on 01453 845544 or check out his web site : www.ajracing.info/
Good luck with the viewing.

[khu996]

Cheers...will have a look.

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

[khu996]

What can I say? I appreciate the offer mate.

Im just worried that my first foray into Ducati ownership is gonna end up with me buying a dud, and spending the next couple of months (wages!) sorting it out! :(

[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? :cool:

[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 :alien: :mad:

[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....:D

[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!!! :D

[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 :D

[khu996]

Had a look at the 996 this afternoon (what a stunning day for it!), and was fortunate enough to have Weeksy and Harv748 from the board to pop over with me.

My first time on a Duke was nearly a disaster...I narrowly missed dropping it at a junction (stupid, I know!), but fantastic nevertheless, much different to the CBR6 I was used to, more snatchy at low speeds than I had imagined, but felt awesome as the pace got quicker. The sound was wicked, the Bora conversion helping that.

A few niggling little things with the bike would mean that I'd have to spend about £500 sorting it out, so negotiations are ongoing to see if we can strike a deal.

Harv's bike was looking stunning and sporting Ohlins everything :cool:

Ive gotta say a BIG THANKYOU to Weeksy and Harv748 for wasting their time helping a strange newbie like me, theres not that many people that would have done that, and I really don't know what I would have done without their advice, so thanks lads :)

Hope to see you guys again, next time with a bike! Weeksy, hope the break heels up soon, same for the (rather heavily) injured gixer! :lol:

[Harv748]

No worries...I quite enjoyed the ride there to meet up, despite one of my footpeg bolts dissapearing (left bottom) and leaving me stuck in one or two gears for the last 5 miles of the journey!

Also enjoyed my first ride believe it or not on a 996, allbeit for 5 minutes...but it was fun:biaggi: I feel an 853 kit comming on!!!:saint: