Hi guys. Im looking to buy a 916 that has come up for sale. Its a CAT C as had fairing damage. The owner has advised that sometimes locating neutral can be difficult? Should i be concerned about this? What should i be asking before making an offer? Thank you in advance. Ben (York)
I don't know but have you checked that insurance is easy for a write off? Dodgy clutch could be the reason that neutral is hard to find. That can be quite easy (and cheap) to fix if it is the clutch activation hydraulics not working effectively. On the go, you should be able to drop from second to nuetral easily as slow to a halt. You really want a test ride.
Thank you for the reply and great advice. Sounds like i better check the insurance out first. I'll sort a test ride and will certainly try dropping from 2nd to neutral to see if this appears good. This bike has just 6500 miles on the clock. What services should have taken place? What are the intervals? Should belts have been done? Thank you
Finding neutral should be easy to sort out, as mentioned above probably just needs bleeding or the stack height adjusting, as its a dry clutch they're the easiest to work on, belts every two years but some ( myself included) leave them for three with regular checks, make sure the valve clearances have been checked otherwise they are a good reliable bike, remember they are getting old now so will need a little tlc. Steve
Biggest thing to check for I think is valve service every 6k mls as can be expensive if you can't do yourself.
Cat C would indicate more than just fairing damage, ask for photo's/reports of the damage, who repaired and confirmation of its C grading.
Thank you so much for all the great advice guys i really appreciate it. Will be back in contact with the current owner with all your questions. Thank you. Ben
Do you know Alan Longhurst at Merton, York - he's an Aprilia specialist but was Ducati Trained in this era of bike and is renowned country wide. He will be your best local independent for a full service and vale check / adjustment.
I did join in 2012 and owned a beautiful 916 for 2 months at the time but unfortunately i lost a family member and sold my bike to help out the sister in law financially. I dont claim to know much about them at all but do love these original beauties. Trying to learm more now and get back on one of these beautiful machines
I’d have a specialist check it over if you aren’t mechanically gifted (like me). They’re great bikes, but are sensitive to setup and need TLC as others have said. A Ducati mechanic trained in this era of bike sound perfect as mentioned by another posted... Last summer I broke down with brake fluid spewing all over the front tyre... the expansion header tank (I think...) had split. 20 year old plastic goes brittle! So expect little things like this. Someone who knows these bikes will spot the obvious stuff and advise what to keep an eye on. Suspension refresh should be high on your list if you want to really enjoy these bikes. Hope I’m not telling a grandmother to...
