Hi Guys, Whats the thoughts on this bike as a purchase? I'm not up to date on the price these are making or what to look out for when buying one. It would be ridden and used as it was intended and not kept as an ornament https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256809532596 TIA
That is a good price assuming its in good running order. For reference, I bought my all original 1999 996 SPS with only 5k mile for 20K pounds 2 years ago. The one thing that gives me pause is this "Heavily reworked 123 bhp 996cc Desmoquattro DOHC 8v motor." I personally do not like bikes that have been even moderately modified because you never how who did the work.
So perhaps the owner meant the 996 SPS engine was heavily reworked by Ducati compared to the standard engine????
Then in that case I say this bike is a good price at least on the service. Apparently it comes with service records. The bits that been changed out like the footpegs and air tubes are easy enough to find if the new owner wants to revert back to stock. I would say worth investigating further and trying to find any reason why this bike is priced like that.
It's only because I've got a 996 sps and totally rebuilt it about 5 years ago, learnt alot from that.
Thanks for all the helpful replies guys, Here's the reply I got from the seller To answer your questions...Yes, fairings are original. By bellypan, I refer to the single piece bodywork that coonects both side fairings underneath the bike. Mirrors have been replaced. Original parts, no, bike is provided as seen. It has covered around 200 miles in last 12 years and so doesn't have full Ducati history. Reworked engine refers to Ducati original specification engine. My bike since 2014. UK supplied, 3 owners. 11900 miles. Honest, genuine machine. What do you's think?
The non standard bits may put some buyers off but that might only be a concern if and when you decide to sell. If you do use it as you state then this becomes less of an issue of course as presumably the mileage you will rack up will reduce any impact. Finding the parts to put back to ‘standard’ would be a fairly lengthy process but not impossible if that’s what you wanted to do. Fairings, screens and mirrors do occasionally appear but again you risk getting an incorrectly date stamped item. I guess this sums up the issue. These bikes are very collectible and generally people want originality. If that don’t bother you and you’re comfy with the price you negotiate then go for it. Bear in mind Desmo service is 15000 miles so not too far off. The low mileage per annum would also suggest a small degree of initial expense on general service items as well (chain, coolant etc etc). All good negotiation points.
I think I will miss on this one. I know I would buy this bike just to get a SPS telling myself I don't care about the originally. Then as soon as its home I'd be searching eBay looking for the parts to return it to original condition. I'll keep searching
