I am going to test ride and probably purchase a 2004 749 bip on Saturday but never owning one before I was wondering what to check and look out for? It's a 2004 model with just over 6k , no service book but they have said there are receipts for service parts etc Cheers for replies
Has the bike been checked for the factory recall of radiators for 749/999s of that era? I'm at work and don't have resources to search for more info* but my 2003 999S was one of the bikes that required a new radiator under a factory recall. Worth checking this point. *IIRC there were two brands of radiator supplied on the early bikes and one of them was likely to fail. Annoyingly, I cannot remember more off the top of my head.
Some checks u could do: - Check chain slack & oil level - Brakes: Dark colored brake fluid means it's been some time since it was last replaced. If the front or rear brake feels a bit soggy it is also time to replace the fluids - Check if the tires are worn on the sides. This should give you a good indication if this was ridden sportively of conservatively. Ofc the tires could have been replaced. You can also check for that seeing as each tire will have a number on it which contains the manufacturing year. Be weary of +4 year old tires. Even if not ridden much, rubber tends to harden over the years. - I'dd look for traces of track use also. Crisp body work isn't always a good thing. But it can be very hard to determine if it has been used on track.
Apart from obvious signs of wear & tear: check for oil leaks, chain & sprocket condition, leaking fork seals etc, the most critical info is 'when was it last serviced - including the belts'. Belts should be replaced every two years, so you should factor that into your price if it's (nearly) due another belt change. Check it starts easily, pulls cleanly, and idles. Being a biggish twin it's going to sound a bit lumpy but any nasty knocking or rattling should be avoided. I'd favour a higher mileage bike that's actually been regularly used and serviced over one that has sat largely idle for years, but if it looks clean and runs well then that's a good start. Good luck!
Cheers for the fast replies if I purchase it which I probably will as I have paid a deposit I will post the reg number up to see if anybody knows the bike ?
I know there were some issues with the first generation bikes that had a fragile dash. I'm not sure but maybe a MY04 already got that sorted. Couldn't hurt to check the VIN number to see if it is truly a MY04 Also when u do buy it, don't forget to ask for the red key and the key card!
How much is it Eddy? Have you researched the difference between the two models (mark 1 and mark 2 - not really called that but you get my drift)? I myself would always go for a mark 2....
Also i would go for one with Termi's on from the off, as straight away you are going to want to fit them.
If you've never ridden one ....expect to look like your smelling your pits if you want to use the mirrors ! .....but it's the bikes only pitfall ...I love mine ...it's awesome ...
Right I went to purchase the bike but I didn't end up buying it there was a crack in the fairing the paint was all flaking off the engine and headlights and to top it off someone has put carbon fibre wrap on heel plates and other small parts which was a shit job. On the up side I ended up buying a 2006 Aprillia rsv factory
The RSV factory is a good bike ,not quite as ''organic'' as a 749 tho IMO...but you've probably saved yourself some cash anyway cos you'd have been shelling out over a grand for a Termi system for it before too long... And anyway if i'd just got myself a new RSV this morning i'd be out riding it now instead of posting on this shitty Ducati forum...
I would it I could but I can't get it for a few days as it's got to have a new tyre and chain fitted. They said they would ring me in a few days when it's done. Gutted as it's lovely outside and I sold Mt daytona last night so I have no wheels for a few days
