Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > new owner!

[Derek]

Originally posted by chippyrock
Service History!!!!

make sure the belts have been changed recently (within 2 years) by seeing a receipt with the reg number on. If this hasn't been done, you will have to do it straight away and that could be anywhere between £300 and £400.

Not to mention if it has been driven too long without a change, long term damage may have been done.

Make sure the bike is cold when you start it up. If its a bit smokey, make sure it clears after it warms up. If it stays smokey (blue smoke) the shims may be shot.

Service history is always a good thing to have.
Belts only cost around £30 the pair and take about 1/2 an hour to fit. Even a dealer shouldn't charge much for this. Not changing them won't do any damage - until they break!
If the bike runs smokey it is because of worn rings or worn valve stem seals. Rings are expensive, seals aren't but both need a strip down to replace so avoid it anyway.
Shims don't wear out but as the valves seats wear the clearances will alter. Too tight can damage the cams and/or rockers. Too loose will rattle and can also cause damage.
If the bike has some evidence of servicing and when the shims were last done, doesn't burn oil and doesn't rattle it is probably OK. The 2V engines are pretty bullet proof but if you have any doubt about any of these things look elsewhere.