Why dose every one panic at engines with more than 20,000 miles, I'm assured buy my local ducati dealer that these engines are good for 100,000 miles if looked after, not saying this one has but if it has it will be fine. My 750 is on 48,000 and the engine is fine, full ducati history to 40,000 then looked after by the last owner for the other 8,000.
I agree, the biggest problem with these bikes is lack of use, my 600SS is now coming up to 30,000 miles the service history shows that it has had continual use since 1996 (I've put 2000 miles on it this year), so no rusty fuel tank and no oil consumption, and starts first press of the button, they need to be used!
Mine went Bang at 42/43k ish proper maintenance etc. It depends on how you ride, and many other variables. I think it'd be unfair to say a defined mileage for how long they'll last!
The problem with the engine is not wear or degradation on the components, but rather a badly designed oil gallery plug that sits next to the big end. A combination of poor glue available on the early 90's and poor choice of metal used on the plug, leads to the plug coming unscrewed. It wears against the rotating big end and eventually when there is very little left of it, it comes out. A combination of schrapnel from the plug remnants and sudden loss of oil pressuree can lead to a major engine failure. Mine had it at 23 k. It hadn't totally failed when we inspected it but was well on its way.
Tricolore This look quite nice, pity about the wheels, not sure what to make of price. 1992 (K) Ducati 900 900 SS 900cc Sports Red | eBay Cheers Gaz
I know of a nice white frame 900 going for 2k all original pm me if you want details. Not mine, but a friends bike
The one on ebay looks nice, thought the wheels were original Akront at first which would make it more attractive and potentially sell on but realised they're just polished/painted brembos. £4300 does seem high but can't be many in that condition. The 1992 model is the one I'm after, ideally. Duke600 PM sent
Just been down to see this one..... DUCATI 900 SUPERLIGHT DESMO #155 COLLECTORS ITEM *NO RESERVE* | eBay Nice thing is its totally original, note the clutch cover, wheels, exhausts all straight out the box. Bad thing is it's a bit rough, to say the least, hardly any engine paint left, wheels look OK but the paints literally rubbed off, seat unit badly cracked in places, disc rotors rusty, no service for 10 years but I'm still tempted at the right price. What do you reckon £2800 ??
Would be worth close to 5K in excellent condition, it has all the right bits on it though like the Marvic wheels, cast iron discs etc and if it's actually running so if I didn't already have one I'd buy it ; )
It looks very good, but like Gillan says will go for alot more than £2800. Were they open to offers??
Sim900SL's superlight is on the bay. It's number 110 of the 1992 batch. It's absolutely gleaming - make him an offer