| I have a 1998 916 aprox 30,000 miles after 1000 miles the neutral light switch packed up, ducati sent me a new one which is still in the packet as the old one started working again after a week or two. The bike has been thrashed, crashed done numerous track days and apart from warping the front discs(EBC HH pads caused this, if you use them make sure they are a loose sliding fit in the caliper!) new steering head bearings this year(cack handed wheelies), and I have had to replace the connecter where the alternator wires join the regulator. The engine still has the same compresion it had at the first major service (after 4 months) all the rockers are ok, (inspected this year) the only signs of age are the rear shock is just starting to lose its damping and a multitude of cosmetic problems due to my childish delight in running it with the bodywork held together with gaffer tape! In my experience these engines tend to have less problems if used regulaly.
Dont believe all the stories of ducati reliability but do be prepared to spend a lot more on servicing etc than on a japanese 4 cyl bike. I would also reccomend cam belt changes at 1 year/6000 miles regardless (I work in the motor trade and see far too many belts snap before thier reccomended replacement mileage/age.
good luck
dave  |