996 - do they damage the main bearings
 

Mate has a 996 t reg and has been advised by Alfs of Worthing that the main bearing are going on his engine.

Is this common on this bike?

Not sure about under normal use, someone else might be able to help with that ...

But I do understand that they can suffer this if the engine runs for too long after being on it's side and therefore suffering oil starvation.

TP's right. Generally the mains are pretty robust, but if it's been on it's side with the motor running then they can fail

But would it be just the mains or would there be big and little end damage as well as damage to the bores? Oh and damage to the head.

Usually just the mains. If the motor is still running, it'll generally keep pressure to the big ends. The mains rely more on splash feed.
If a motor comes apart, it's worth fitting new shells anyhow. The heads should be fine.

Mains are pretty tuff, but.. if its a 98 or 99 model 996 then there were some issues with flywheels coming off or loose, that kills the mains.

its the only time i remember seeing them knackered. there was a recall for the flywheel to be re-torqued but lots 'slipped through'

either way got to be worth splitting the cases and putting new mains and shells in.

How Much are we talking to get this done? And who would you guys recomend to use around brighton.

how long is "too long"?

my 748 was running whilst on its left hand side for about 30 seconds whilst i hobbled about swearing and throwing my gloves on to the floor like a big girl :(

(sorry for hijacking your post katana)