im not too informed about these bad boys but am going to look at a couple speculatively...can any of you guys offer me any advice as to what to look out for, do's and dont's etc... ive heard that the displays are prone to misting..are there any other issues i should be aware of? Cheers
I'd love to be able to help, but mine has been a model of reliability. The clocks misted up once. The slipper clutch used to groan when I got it, but after a bit of an investigation, fitting 3 convex plates into the clutch cured it. These bikes are still new enough that they should have a Ducati service history in my opinion. (Tin hat on) If I were looking to buy one again. I'd say buy the best you can afford, it's always served me well.
Don't do a lot of miles but its an early one and (touches wood) been nothing but reliable never a beat wrong. There were rad issues (same as 848), early recalls for cush drive, heat shield (I think) modified on reg/rec. Apart from the misting dash and lights, the only thing I've done is doubled up on the battery cables when it was slow to start. Thought it was the battery but its still on the original and going fine. My opinion - a lot of them are just the same as any other vehicle, how they have been serviced and looked after is way more important than the occasional reported failure of this or that. Been a bloody awesome bike so far for me with way more power and ability than I could ever use, very happy with it though I prefer the 916 style looks wise. Just my take John
thanks for the advice guys. i will report back if theres anything interesting to tell... Old Jock-my thoughts exactly..i'll never sell my 916..its my family...also prefer the looks, but im keen to get something made this millenium...the neighbours wont even be able to tell the difference!
Mine is a 1098S from 2008 and so far has been bullet proof, great bike and always makes me think it's an angry bike when you ride it. It's like it's always screaming to go faster with a nice angry throttle. Still lots of black plastic on display until you change it to the carbon which makes it look much better. Mine has very low miles but many out there so good luck finding a good one.
Make that TWO valve guitar-guys :tongue: Check the engine very carefully before laying your cash on the table! That's the (most!) expensive part! Don't just drive around the block, go for at least half an hour and find somewhere where you can drive it properly warm and give it some punishment (when it's warm), then listen for interesting noises when you drive it with lower revs, mid revs, high revs. Let go of the handlebars and check if it drift to the sides. Check the frame weldings, they do go sometimes, especially at the front. Bring a flashlight, remove the bottom fairing and check for leaks everywhere, there will be oil if it has hairline cracks in the casings. Listen to the engine idling with the fairing off too. JimR
