| Even if it's lowish mileage, make sure it's been regularly serviced with belts and stuff checked over.
Contrary to popular belief, Ducatis respond better to being regularly ridden than stuck inside. If they're stored for long periods of time, without the engine being turned over, the cam belts start to take on the shape of the pulleys (cos they're quite a tight radius) and get a little lumpy bit in the belt. This can cause the belt to slip a tooth with dire consequences for the engine. So, if it's a 2002 bike with low mileage, check that the belts have been changed recently, or allow for a belt change in the price you bargain at.
Changing the belts is no problem on a two valver. I think it's about £40 for a pair of belts and about an hours work for anybody who's reasonably confident at spannering. |