Hello, I am looking at taking the plung for my first Ducati and a 996SPS local to me has caught my eye. I just have couple of questions, sorry if you have answered these a million times I did try the search feature (honest) and found a couple of answers to other questions I had. 1- It's got 18k on the clock (2000 reg) is that a lot and should i be worried? - it does look like its been looked after and has FSH 1a - would i be buying into trouble at that milage? 2- When I go and look at it what should i look for? any easy tells for trouble or a fake? (I know it should have a plaque on the top yolk with a build number for example) 3- If i get it should I upgrade/change anything right away? cheers guys and Merry Christmas ((officially can't sleep to excited)
Merry Christmas Jim and welcome It's a mad place here but I'm sure you will fit in ooooo citing :/) Enjoy and have fun
One of the best ways to check if it is what it is, is to send the vin numbers to ducati, who will confirm what those numbers relate to. Matt oh, and happy Christmas- bah humbug!
Get the numbers checked as Matt suggests, if its a 2000 SPS I think it should have Ohlins forks, should have alloy rear subframe (no pillion pegs), carbon air box, twin injectors (some of that was also on the 'S'). If its been in regular use then it should be OK, if not it will need the belts doing. If you are getting it from a shop then I would want the rockers checking, if they are damaged it will get very expensive very quickly, ask if the alternator nut was checked last service. If its standard I would not change anything, otherwise how far do you want to go? Think the frame is the only thing untouched on mine, engine is now low 140 bhp. How deep are your pockets? but standard bike is a lovely special piece of kit with a really raw feel to it.
18,000 miles is nothing to worry about if it's been looked after with regular oil changes using decent quality oil. There is no right or wrong to the spec of the bike as Ducati were notorious for fitting what was available in the parts bin at the time. A 1999 'should' have a gun metal coloured frame and 5 spoke Marchesini wheels and Showa forks. A 2000 bike should also have Ohlins front forks but the bike you have seen maybe a 1999 model registered in 2000. Only Ducati UK can tell you what spec the bike should be.
The comments above are correct. I've had my '99 SPS for six years now and they are fantastic bikes. The Ohlins forks have a bit of a reputation for being less reliable than the Showas (seals tend to go on them) but both a more than adequate. The most important mod is to sort the gearing by fitting a smaller front or larger rear sprocket compared to standard - but this will probably have been done already. Other than that, you can bling it up all you like but I'd say just ride the bugger, and once you start to get a feel for her get the suspension sorted for your weight and riding style by your local specialist
Thanks guys for the responses I will keep those checks in mind when I go to have another look at it. I am sure it's legit as its from a dealer, i can't see them knowingly selling a dodgy bike. It is apparently a late model 2000 one of the last in the line to get the Ohlins forks, it's had a few mods already and I wont be adding much to it. I was just wondering if there is a "must do" mod that everyone does, generally most bikes has one or two of these. I am not too worried about the millage now, I have just heard horror stories about even the engine on this era Duc being a consumable part and paning for gold during oil changes. less then 2k miles a year is hardly a hard life on the road, and its a 1 owner machine to which is probably a big bonus.
mods ? Wondering on going to modland? O dear o dear.... dont go there ... it's the realm of total loss of self control, addiction, financial ruin and the distruction of otherwise perfect relationships ... :smile:
Hehe I hear you there buddy. I am a recovering Triumph addict, spent far to much money on that bike but, what the hey it went like stink
I am going to have a 2nd look at the bike tomorrow, this time to see it running and have a better poke around as the bike was up on a display the last time so I could only sit on it while on the paddock stand.
all the above plus - it has a full service history so look and see when and at how many miles ago the camshaft rockers were last shimmed and hopefully examined for wear. Ditto for last belt change and as said, some specialists will also mention crankshaft nut/loctite check for both clutch and alternator sides of engine. I can't speak specifically for SPS but 18K is no mileage to worry about on an early 4 valve (as has been said) if treated with correct care.
I have written these down as I will probably be clouded with excitement tomorrow and forget. I am also going to ask about warrenty I think they normally supply 3months but, that's pretty useless this time of year. The bike will be in the garage untill April at least with this weather so it would have run out before turning any miles. I am going to ask if they will do a warrenty milage instead say 2k or something, that would be much more usefull to me.
Well I made the trip to see the bike at the weekend had a nice drive up (3hrs) got there early doors to have a look round armed with my questions. Had another look round the bike (still as luscious as when i first saw it) took the fairings off (how easy are they to take off I was amazed). All looked good underneath nothing you wouldn't expect for a 12 year old machine. Started her up (OMG a bit of man wee came out) sounded like rolling thunder, ran lovely. Rockers where checked about 4k miles ago, its due its belt service which will be done. Full service history they actually ran out of space in the book and started to write in the services on the back page. They will do the belt service check the rockers again, MOT, TAX it as both had ran out and generally titivate around. Anyway short story I put a deposit down and hope to collect on the weekend. The biggest selling factor for me was the fact that its had the same owner all its life and has wanted for nothing, the guy only sold it because he wanted to buy a Rolex (think I would have kept the bike..lol)
It has the later 999 P4 calipers which are a good upgrade. Also the earlier floating disc which should add to the rattling of the clutch
