Advice please: buying a superlight
 

Hi,

I'm making my way back to the fold after foolishly selling my old 916bp and 900ss a few years ago. In a desperate bid to regain my youth I'm after a 900 2v, preferably an SL. Any advice on the ins and outs of each model would be appreciated, as would the name of a really good mechanic to help my bring whatever I buy up to scratch! I'm out near watford but, like most duke owners, would travel for the right mechanic.

Many thanks for any help,


Ali

Must....buy...ducati...........

I'm in Shropshire which is a bit far for you to travel I Know, but the guy who's worked on my bike is Tony Dawson (U K Racing). He raced Dukes for years and had a guy riding for him in the Supersport series last couple of years. He is sh*t hot on everything Ducati, the dogs dangly bits. He's now opening a Ducati Store in the West Midlands after being an independant for a long time. Definitely worth travelling to but he's always busy and very much in demand.

Welcome Ali!
the 2Vs are like buses - none for ages and then 3 of them show up (search on www.biketrader.co.uk - there are even 2 900SE FE's for under £3k!)

There are a few carby 900 owners on the board who can tell you their buying experiences - my main piece of advice is to get the engine checked out!

As for mechanics, I am using Neil (Nelly on the board) @ cornerspeed. I am in London, he is in Nottingham - nuff said....

good luck with the search!

cheers, Chi

SL
 

Hi
I bought a nice little 750cc SL replica white frame/wheels last year for £2000 but wrecked it.
Replaced with 95 Yellow SL for £2500 from a dealer in Havant.
I looked at several private bikes the worst was one in the Mcn advertised as mint with fsh etc.
phoned and got pics back checked everything over the phone guy seemed genuine etc,took a van as it seemed just what I was after.
the fsh amounted to the warranty service and no reciepts for any other work the oil hadnt been changed for 5000 miles even though it had been to 3 track days and spaned 2 years.
I took it for a spin and was a real dog,he hadnt even bothered to clean it.
it just proves that even duc owners can totally neglect their bikes.
make sure you take a sane level headed mate with you to knock your rose tinted glasses off.
it is so easy to by a dog after youve travelled 100 odd miles for nothing and you think this might be the last time you see what your after.
be patient and the right bike will come along.
good hunting
ps i think the SLs look best in yellow

I looked at a few bikes before buying mine, always look for some kind of history along with receipts for money spent, make sure you get the standard cans if others are fitted so MOT`s are not a pain. When I was looking SL`s were few and far between but as soon as I bought they came out of the woodwork so be patient.
I paid slightly over the odds for mine but ended up with a mint low mileage bike that I would never part with, check out the pics the the photo section
Cheers
Ian

Huge thanks one and all for the advice. I'll keep checking autotrader and hang in there for a good'un. Almost tempted by an FE but they're, well, silver..... ??? Ducati base the whole of their brand on red and then release the final edition in silver??? And am I mistaken, or did they do the same with the 916 (matrix edition in dark green)??

I'd have thought that they'd do much better releasing their final editions in red with some nice ohlins suspendies and trick marchenesi wheels.

900SLV: Are those standard pipes or standard looking obscenely loud pipes?? I'd really like a stainless system with alloy sleeved cans but running the same height as yours. Know if anyone does a system like that?

Anyway, thanks all and have fun. I'll keep my fingers crossed for sunshine.

Cheers,

Ali

Ali
My pipes are standard but have had the internals modified to make them nice and loud, just like a duke should sound :D

Good luck in the search, they do come up on Ebay from time to time

Ian

I've seen them on ebay, and missed out on that last, heavily modified, one a few weeks back. Arse. I hear from the new owner that all's good and it really was a bargain..... Funny how that seems to happen to other people!

Did you mod the pipes yourself? If so, could I tax you for info how?

Cheers,

Ali

I agree the FE didn't have as many goodies as expected for the final fling, but still probably the best of the breed.

They will be the lastest SL you will be able to buy and (as a final edition) more likely to have been looked after - I was looking for one of these until my one came along.

As for the colour, I like the silver - although I am slightly biased (see pics on SS board!)...

cheers, Chi

SL
 

Ali
theres a 92 SL on the internet bike trader
£2550 looks like the MK1 with Marvic wheels white frame.
5000 miles near me if you want me to take a gander for you let me know.
ian

Huge thanks for the offer Ian. Might take you up on that if I can get hold of the guy. Smells a bit fishy as I've been calling all weekend and his mobile's off. Finally got through to the landline (a payphone) but apparantly the guy (Danny) was too hungover on both days to get to the phone. Not an auspicious start to buying a bike......

I'm not sure, but I think the bike's in Guildford. If you're in Worthing we're both a similar distance away, but I might need a devil's advocate. I'll u2u if I manage to get hold of the geezer.

Cheers one and all.

Ali

ps: would it be sacrilage to paint an FE red???

Hi Ali,

Good luck in the hunt mate, I spotted a 93 SL for you here (sadly in Wales !!!)

http://www.justbikers.com/

18K Miles, £2600 OVNO

ps: would it be sacrilage to paint an FE red???
 

No!

Normally you'd want to keep a final/limited edition original to maintain its value, but it seems like FE's are cheaper than the earlier SLs (£2,500-3,000 for 92/93 versus <£3,000 for 98/99).

Remember that you'll have to pull the whole bike apart to paint the frame though....

So do we reckon it'd be a better buy to get hold of an FE and get dream machine to run up superlight copy paint (possibly on a pattern fairing)?? That way I'd have the latest mechanicals with paintwork that could be dropped on-track without ruining my year. Could it be done for under £3.5k???

On the other hand it wouldn't be a superlight..... and lord knows I want a superlight!

Cheers,


Ali

On the other hand it wouldn\'t be a superlight.....
 

Others on the board will correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the FE and the SL were the same bike apart from the paint scheme.

I recall magazine reviews criticizing it because it was essentially an SL rather than adding the bits that a "final edition" should justify. Having said that, I think it came with spare carbon cans, stands and a special cover.

If you can get a couple of hundred off one of the FE's advertised in bike trader, you will have £700 to get it painted however you want (£700 for painted pattern fairing is possible but would be tight).

Another thing to bear in mind is what mods you will want to do to it. High-comp pistons, big bore, loud pipes, vented clutch cover, etc. are all expensive but fairly common mods that it's nice to have on the bike that you buy (ask iconic frank about his mods - he's done everything!)

You're bang on the mark there. A bit more web trawling turned up the full specs. They're the same as a 99 superlight with a few minor additions thrown in. I had a chat with some folk that do engine tweaks and they all suggested I go for the FE. I'm especially keen on the alloy swingarm. I have no idea why, as it looks the same as the steel one, I just like it.....

Since when did duke owners need to be rational :)


Iconic: Thanks for tracking down the welsh option. I'm off up to Darlington on saturday to check out one of the autotrader FEs but if that falls through I'll be on to the superlights. Is there a list of all your mods anywhere on the site??

Chicken: I hope you won't be too offended if I rip her clothes off and re-clad her in red! As I said, re-living my youth and all that.... At least you'll know where to come for spare silver bodywork!

Thanks all,


Ali

ps: Anyone that far north is welcome to come along (Sat. 1pm) and laugh at me trying to look knowledgeable. Devil's advocates especially welcome.

[Edited on 10-5-2004 by ali]

What was the original question? Oh yeah, what to look out for.

from my experience with SL No 259 (if I recall correctly)
check bottom of cylinder for oil leakage, very slight weeping was not uncommon.
check both exhaust hangars, I personally got through about 4 PAIRS. They tended to crack on the upper bent "elbow"
Not easy to check, but the fuel guage was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, sometimes didn't come on even if I was running on fumes.
From other threads, check the upper rear frame beneath the seat unit for cracks.
If it was one of the first 500, check it had the cush mount bolts replaced.
Icing carbs was a problem for me, but it was winter ridden.
Apart from that, I had a crackin time on mine.
good luck and have fun.
And contrary to one of the punters who came to look at mine for sale - No number 1 on seat unit, white frame (not gold) polished two piece wheel rims were all standard.

Ali,

Nice website....Chi u should check out the Black 900ss with white frame...Nice.

Darlington is only 12 miles or so away from me (playground of the halo'd CROFT !!!)

If you really need any help my friend I'll try and come over. The only slight problem is that I will be in between my nightshifts but that should not really be a problem.

As far as my bike goes most of the work has really been making her good after some previous mechanical negliect...on y own experience's and some of the boards, here are another few things to look out for....

Frame cracks...headstock and rear section.
Wheel bearings...Front and Rear.
Weak battery / charging system.
Swing arm...pivot point wear - all three.
Fork and Damper oil leaks.
Rips in seat bases.
Excessive clutch slip
Oil consumption

and all the above !!!

Good Luck - Frank

ps.... there isnt a full list of all my mods in one thread...use the 'Search' and look for all my posts in the 'SS' forum (loads - sorry!)

But there is a man in the DSC who has the most modified 900ss in the universe!!!
Still waiting for a report

pps - I cant help but wonder how the different types / year models of our Carb'ed 900SS/SL/FE all ride compared to one another ????? are the SL/FE much better than the SS????

Just had a look on Autotrader and was getting worried I couldnt find the one in Darlington but the mileage away from me was wrong but, I recognised the area code.

Its a beauty in the Silver I think and if the mileage is right it looks to be priced very well.

I had a look at some of the superlight as well and some look down-right ropey.
There is a damage repairable for £1995 !!! Wayy over the odds in my book. Keep on looking in autotrader regularly as I'm led to believe its update much more regularly than the magazines.

Frank - who is this mysterious character that has a more exreme SS than you??

I asked the Webteam to move this thread into the 'SS' forum ... which they have done stunningly quickly and the previous thread has been locked.

Chi - non other than Mr. Jonathan Novice owns a shiney Mk1 SL with a stunning spec .... I wonder if I still have it anywhere.........

Haaa Haaaaaaa oh yes...here we go...

"Ducati 944cc Superlight MK1. The original Superlight with the Marvic Magnesium polished wheels: 944 conversion, twin plug heads, Kehin flatslides, Bos primaries, Maxton Reworked front suspension, EMC rear shock, AP mastercylinder, Mexmachez swinging arm, Bos Race cans, D and D Carbon cans, plus original cans - for MOT. Corbin single seat pad, Lightened Carillo conrods, Vee Two cams, Cosworth high comp pistons - I can go on but I guess you can get the picture. This bike has Bills totalling more than £8,000.00, Work carried out by Chris clarke. Most recently serviced and prepped by Sigma Performance - the Bike is mint and cherished, and will be sorely missed. More grunt than a 916 - I kid you not! Rides perfectly, no low rev transmission chatter - flat slides fitted"

THAT WILL TAKE SOME BEATING !!!!

I'm drooling....a lot.

What about this....an 851 with an SS motor ??? Ohlins f&r, lightweight rear wheel, restoration job, stunning black paintwork with white numberboards and gold decals (just finished)...My mechanic has just finished this project and I reckon you could buy it for around £3-£3.5k. If your interested, e-mail louigi748@aol.com and tell him Nat sent yer !!

Incidentally..he fettles my 888 and hes the most knowledgable and helpful mechanic ive ever dealt with..Reasonable too..if youd like to find out more, have a look on www.ducatitrader.co.uk (they sponsor him).

Cheers
Nat

P.S Im in tommorrow so will try and take some pics of the bike...

Hi Nat,
Will you post them on the board?
Sounds a very good combination.
All the best,Jonathan:cool:

Cheers Iconic, if you're around at 1:30ish, and not fast asleep, then you're welcome to come and check her out. I'd appreciate it. All looks above board, but it'll be a bloody long way home if something goes amiss......

Come to the conclusion that an FE is definitely the best bet as it'll form a better bike to modify over the years. The superlight I lusted after was the MK1 and there's quite a few tatty ones around. Not saying there isn't one out there, just that I'm too impatient to wait and too idle to trawl the country for one. Although the FE wasn't exactly a triumphant end to the line it does have quite a few mods that over the years add up. Add I can spray the bugger red later!

Thanks all,


Ali

Nice choice Ali..I do like the FE...lovely in silver, and a single seat too..and maisto do a £3 odel of it :lol:

Nat

<rant>

Having made an agreement to go up and see this FE in Darlington, bought the train ticket, sorted insurance and signed for the loan, the *&%$& goes and sells it out from under me to someone else. The other guy is going on Thursday, hasn't even put up a deposit, but the seller won't let me come up and take a look tomorrow. I'm livid.

</rant>

What a bummer..never mind..youll soon cheer up when you see this picture of the 851/SS hybrid I was talking about :)

Nat

sorry to hear that Ali. Don't despair - there are 2 FE's in bike trader at the moment (no 237 and no 262) and both at the same price.

Nat - can't wait to see the 851/SS piccies! (especially the black bodywork)

Hi chicken,

No 262 was the one in Darlington, and No 237 has been dropped on one side and not serviced in 18 months. The last service was done by the italian motocycle company... not that I;m saying nuffink. ;)

Anyone have any ideas how the riding position differs between an 851 and a 900SS??

Ali

851/SS very similar foot position, v.slightly different at the arms. Nat

There appears to be an Mk1 SL and an FE on the trader website....

http://www.ducatitrader.co.uk/bikes.asp?model=2

Good luck

Thanks Frank.

I spoke to the guy about the FE yesterday and it'd gone a couple of weeks ago. I'm waiting to see the pics of this fabled black 851 before I make any moves! What would you consider a maximum mileage to buy at for a well looked after bike? It's not like I'll want to sell it soon but I wonder about belts, etc....

Cheers,

Ali

Personally I'd change the belts as soon as I bought any Ducati, even one with a FSH. Cheap insurance.

Hi Ali,
you have a U2U
Jonathan

Does anyone know if Duc ever made a 900SS with non-adjustable forks and a steel swingarm. I'm looking at a half-faired '96 but getting a sneaking suspicion that it was based on a 600SS. It's got twin discs up front and no oil temp guage.

Dog's dinner or bargain?

Ali

Earlier 900 came with non-adjustable forks, but I'm not sure when they moved to adjustables.

The 600 only came with a single disc, the 750 and 900 with twin discs so if this is the case then it has been upgraded.

Check the frame number on the side of the headstock - it should have a number similar to the engine number. It's not neccessarily a problem as they all have identical frames. eg my bike is a 750 frame with a 900 engine.

If in doubt though, walk away....

Consider me walking.....

It was put together by the italian motorcycle company a few years back, apparently to order. It's immaculately clean with goodridge everything, and only £2.2k, but I'd always be wanting to change those forks every time I looked at them, so no go.

Next please.

For 900s the '89-90 Supersport came with non adjustable RWU forks but it's really a different bike altogether from the later SS/SL.

The US market 900CR came with non adjustable forks and a steel swingarm (It was basically a 900 engine in a 750 chassis) but you'd be unlikely to find one over here and if you did it wouldn't be worth buying anyway...

It can seem like an uphill struggle sometimes looking for a particular bike but it'll be worth it when you find it. Look at it this way, if you bought a bike that wasn't the one you "really" wanted then six months down the line you'd still be thinking "P'raps I should have waited a little longer...".

'Specially when you see that immaculate one little old man owned FSH 900SL that appears every so often when the time is right and you have the cash in your pocket. The same bike you lusted after 12 years previously but couldn't afford at the ridiculous price your local dealer wanted for it new.... Then you can take it out on it's first track day and chuck it away at 50mph....

Still, I digress.... Keep looking, you'll find it eventually.

OK , here we go..pics dont do it justice...decent offers between £3 & £3.5k via Louigi748@aol.com.

Let me know what you think !! (im off to WDW tonight so you wont get a reply for a bit !!!

Cheers

Nat