Buying tips for 749...please help! UPDATED! I got it!
 

Hi all,

I started a similar thread in the forum for the older bikes when I was going to see a 996, and this weekend Im off to see a 749!

Apart from issues common to both series of models, is there anything I need to look out for thats 749/999 specifics?

Id appreciate any help/info.

Cheers.

khu996

[Edited on 4-10-2004 by khu996]

Mate, Ducati have really p***d a few people off with the speed that the latest model becomes obselete so quickly!

If your looking to purchase anything that is either used or a "new" 04 model, i would suggest YOU are in a position to name the price.

Doesnt make the old bikes bad though. Just a bit of a kick in the teeth to the loyal brand follower.

Yeah, I got that feeling with the news of the new 999. But the bike Im going to look at is a 53 registered bog standard 749 with 1600 miles on the clock, one owner, excellent condition. With the market being as it is, how much do you reckon its worth? I have been studying the prices on BikeTrader and MCN, but wanted to know what you guys thought?

I reckon 5750-6k.
The only recall I can remember is for the oil cooler.Ask the owner if it has been checked.
Is it a bip or mono?
If its a mono,take a look under the seat area around where the silencer bolts on.Check for any signs of stress or cracks.Some subframes have been known to snap.

Its a Bip, and its had its oil cooler recall.
Anyone have any pointers on what I should be looking out for?

If its a mono,take a look under the seat area around where the silencer bolts on.Check for any signs of stress or cracks.Some subframes have been known to snap. [/quote]

SOME subframes, Mines done two in 18 months. I hope these have been modified on the 05 models. Its those silencers, what a heavy pig they are (its the cheap termi). For a strongish money exhaust you would expect titanium , i did not think the stainless was that bloody heavy.

If you do not want to keep replacing subframe (if they do not get modified), get the lightest exhaust posible + avoid absolutly any bumps.

p.s Get 05 999 at all cost in Black make a bip mono and then you've got a strong subframe, because i think they are steel.

:smug:

.

Khu,

Make sure the servicing has been done as per the warranty.....

First 1 at 620 miles when the light comes on for the first time and the second after 12 months or 6000 miles. Don't be afraid to ask who serviced it and contact them they will have the details of the bike stored on their system. They may also be able to shed some light on other things the bike has been in for which the seller has not disclosed.

Look for chips around the nose cone if they have not fitted a number board to protect it and use that to haggle the price in your favour.

After only 1600 miles on the clock it should be like new, check for signs of rust on the studs holding the cloth material to the inside of the side panels which will let you know that it has been either left out in the rain or ridden in the wet if the seller gives you the old bull about it being dry only miles.....they are cheap and nasty studs and are the first place to show signs of rust.

The chain/sprocket and tyres should have a few miles left in them if not again use that to haggle.

Everything is in your favour and i would agree with KeefyB on price but really push for 5.5k...........it is coming into winter after all. What's the asking price?

Not teaching you to suck eggs but find out why the person is selling it and make sure you have it HPI'ed to ensure there is no outstanding finance on it, the last thing you want is for it to be repo'd a few months down the line.

I do not know how you are fixed for cash but i found after my bad experience buying a binger of a 748R that i was happier buying new and having the back up of 2 years warranty. I have decided to keep my bike for 2 years until the warranty expires then look at what Ducati have released and part ex against something new again.

The 05 999 bike "seems" a good deal at the price they are asking worth considering if you like it.

Hope this helps.

Regards

ScottyB

Thanks ScottyB :D

It has had its first service, but It'll be 12 months old in October, so is gonna need its second service. Anybody know how much this second service is likely to cost? Im not gonna go the official Ducati dealer route...I'd rather a good independent.

Second service is around £400ish from a main dealer, so you're probably looking at £300 from an independent?

Twin fan's prices are spot on.

Another reason to knock off more cash.........offer him 5k and make out you are doing him the favour taking it off his hands!!!.

I am not sure if using an independant dealer will invalidate the warranty remaining on it???

Maybe someone can clarify that for us??

Good luck

[Edited on 29-9-2004 by ScottyB]

I didnt think about the warranty...its got a year to go. Can I wait until I get to 6k or will it HAVE to be done 12 months from registration? Will that mean it'll have to be a main dealer service? :(

BTW...the warranty is transferrable to the new owner isn't it?

Khu,

I have just called Rab at Ducati Glasgow to have the warranty questions answered for you.....

Here goes........

The warranty goes with the bike so yes is transferable to the new owner. He warned against not having the 2nd service done by a Ducati main dealer because Ducati UK could use it as an excuse not to pay out under the warranty scheme should the bike develop any faults, although it appears a situation like this would be rare. Basic party line get it serviced as required until the warranty runs out then get it serviced by someone recommended by the good peeps here on the DSC by 1 of the independants who would probably do a better job.

Second service is 12 months OR 6000 Miles which ever occurs FIRST so it is due soon.

He also pointed out something worth considering.

DKS Imports got 100 of the 749's as unofficial imports which do not have recognised Ducati warranties, they come with an insurance type warranty. They were sold for 7k new so therefore a wee bit cheaper. The best way to tell is to check and make sure the warranty paperwork is official Ducati UK stuff and not one of these off the pegs policy's. Secondly call Ducati UK and quote the frame number etc and they will tell you if it is an import from DKS.

If it is the choice to buy is down to you, and a decision only you can make.

With only 1 year of the warranty left if it was a DKS import you could again use this as a tool to lever the price down further........

Choices Choices.....Over to you mate!!!

Enjoy!!

;)

ScottyB, you're a f*****g legend. :roll: Cheers mate.
I'll get onto the seller now and get the frame number!

How come the second service costs so much...Ive been ringing around, and they are all £450+...?

The seller bought the bike from Veloce in Norfolk, and I rang them about the second service, they asked me how many miles the bike had done (1600), and then said the 12 monthly service would only cost £150?? Im a bit confused now :o

Does anyone know what exactly is involved in the first 12 monthly service...taking into account that the bike has only covered 1600 miles?

Sounds like you were being quoted for an interim service.As the bike has'nt done many miles,stuff like valve clearances and belts wont need looking at.
Quite common these days.

Ive checked with Ducati, it is a UK bike, but, and a big BUT....I've now found out its had some warranty work done on it (other than the oil cooler recall).

Apparently, at approximately 170 miles into its short life, some swarf in the oil caused the engine (including one of the cams...well, at least thats what they told me) to seize up, and it had a replacement cylinder head under warranty. The other head was deemed to be OK.

As you can imagine, I'm somewhat concerned about this. Do you think it'll still be OK, or should I walk away before I make a big mistake?

Done under warranty so it should have been repaired correctly.

Ask the seller why he never declared the work and see what the reaction you get is;)

I would not let it put me off too much, again use it as a tool to get a good price.

It is 1 of these scenarios KHU if you have the ready cash wave it under his face and make it out as if you are doing him a favour.

Just buy it, you know you want to!!!!!

:lol:

lol....is it that obvious! Of course I want it!! Just wanna make sure Im getting the right one! :)

I don't know if the fact that its had warranty work (especially on the engine) will devalue the bike when I come to sell it (you never know...I may move up to a 999R:devil: )?

[Edited on 30-9-2004 by khu996]

I doubt if it will devalue it.

These things happen, to be honest not many people would go to all the trouble of researching the history like you have done, they would be too lazy.

Get your **** on the phone HPI check it and buy it at a steal........:D

Yeah, it worries me that the seller didnt originally disclose this to me, only when I asked for frame and engine numbers did he get a guilty concience! :mad:

Even Veloce in Norwich were a bit cagey. When I originally asked if the bike was straight and if any work had been done on it, they said no. But then the seller spoke to them and said he would have to tell me, and I rang them back, and they were on the defensive. Hasn't put much confidence in Ducati dealers if they're all like Veloce!

Well...I went and did it! A mammoth weekend spent picking the bike up from Norwich and bringing back to Swansea! I am a very happy man! :sing:

Expect loads more stupid newbie posts from me! :roll:

Congrats Khu,

Welcome to the very addictive world that is "Ducati"...........

Go on then put us all out of our misery, what did you pay for it? Or did you let your heart rule your head and pay over the odds:lol:

Good luck with it and ride safe.

Regards

ScottyB

Cheers mate! :)

I made him do the 12 monthly service at Veloce, and put 12 months tax on it, and got it for £5500, don't know if its thats such a good deal, but I'm happy with it. Its got a years warranty to run, so (fingers crossed) I should have a years trouble free riding!

Thanks for all the advice ScottyB :)