Hi all, looking for some advice please. A relative who has moved to the states has had a yellow 2001 748R sat in his parents garage (dry) which I now have the opportunity to purchase. He has had it from new and it has 3500 miles on the clock, I went and had a look at it today, the only issue I could see visibly was some bubbling paint on the crankcase and condensation in one of the headlights, the bike has been covered in blankets. It is understood that the bike has not been started for 6 or 7 years. I would really appreciate an indicator of value as it stands and restored. Also is it likely engine damage will have occurred with it not being started for so long baring in mind we are far north and have had some very cold winters -18, Would it be wise to attempt to start it or better to change timing belts, fluids etc before starting it. I am a keen biker and qualified mechanic but have no knowledge of Ducati's other than they sound amazing. (sorry Honda man) so would really appreciate some advice on this bike as its very tempting. Thanks in advance
No expert but milky headlight very common. I would advise changing the belts (@Exige) before starting her.
Ps, think you would need a full service + tyres so think around 1k if someone else is doing it. Value when up and running £5k ish. A few on here looking for 748r at the moment. Certainly would be a keeper which would go up in value. I'm sure more knowledge peeps will be along shortly to confirm or shoot me down.
new fluids everywhere, brakes, clutch,coolant,forks,oil, replace belts etc before starting. even then I would remove the plugs and spray in a little oil and let sit then turn engine by hand then if all ok ,start it. you will need a new battery as im sure the cold has killed it. make sure the coolant circulates and the engine temp is under control. value wise I havnt a clue ,engine cases flaking, I think is common as is the fogging of headlight. nice bike. ps fit new filter and check for mouse damage. the wee bastards can get everywhere and love to chew electrics.
I would offer 2k and a bit more to follow if all goes well with getting it tip top and on the road.. Think tyres belts chain batt and full service just to begin with! Let us know if you buy it and how it goes..interested!
Thing is, they like to be used, so she may be a little temperamental to start with. Change all mentioned above and work through the quirks that pop up and in 6 months you will have a cracker.
Thanks, good advice the turning by hand, its the engine I'm concerned about as I knew of a 2 year old VFR800 V4 engine that sat for a few years in a dry garage and was seized solid.
I think you will be ok, im not sure but someone will be along and talk to you about flaking rockers............don't know if sitting is good or bad in that aspect......generally ducatis like to be used even if only a few miles at a time. the belts will look ok but will have developed a memory sitting so long.if all else fails then its fecking a georgeous ornament.
chalk and cheese...........ohlins forks, carbon air box, ohlins rear, better brakes................oh and its red!
The OP's bike is the early 2000/1 model. Considered less desirable than the later iterations that came with the goodies above^
Offer a grand and take the risk. Otherwise you'll spend 5k plus just tryimg ti get it in good condition
even to break for parts you couldn't go wrong. id love it as a project though. how many miles on it ? also check its had anti freeze in its coolant and the engine hasn't frost cracked. I think before you make any offer you need to have a good look and check over, OR , take a chance and offer low money while communicating the risks to the owner.
Before any attempt to start it I would just whip the cam belt covers off to inspect the belts. They bound to be way past there sell by dates so I wouldn't ride it with them on there but should be oaky to start and listen to the condition of the engine and check for any smoking. Obvious things like oil,coolant and break fluids will need changing as you are probably aware of that anyway. It should run even without any coolant in there for a few moments. Don't be alarmed if it sounds like the big end bearing are shot as they all have very load clutches buts that a whole new world awaiting you
Regarding fluids...You will need to flush out all areas allocated regarding fluid flow, even if they were all drained at the time of storage and have no fluids in. Thats if you intend to use it as a runner.
This has got to be worth a punt, ok it's an early R but it's still an R so always desirable and some people even like the custard ones , looks like it only needs the rearsets & screen changing to put it back to stock (+ tankpad & hugger removing). I wouldn't attempt to start it, strip her down (they're a doddle) replace all fluids, belts & battery, check all electrics. The previously mentioned flaking rockers is a wear issue and I've never heard of such a low mileage example suffering from it @nelly would be the man to ask about this. Sorted I'd expect to get around the 5K region
