looking at a couple of bikes. An 05 999s. 18000 kilometres on it. Only thing is there's no service history with it ! Has a few non oem carbon parts on it and in good condition. Would you buy it ? Alternatively I'm also looking at an 05 749s with 9000 kms on it with full history. All original with termi system. I'd like 999 with ohlins and more grunt but my only reservation is the lack of service history !
I would have reservations about buying this model with no service history whatsoever. Is there is no service book with stamps at all? I brought my 999 a while back from a UK used bike dealer with pretty complete SH. All good so I thought but decided to put it in for a full service at about 7,000 miles to ensure everything was in order. Was happy to pay top dollar for the full service just to be sure all was well. The cost was not insignificant and a number of issues were revealed such as worn clutch plates, fork seals etc. This is a truly great bike but it needs appropriate regular maintenance. I would question why the seller is unable to produce service history? If you decide to go for it, bid low to give some margin against the costs you may have to eat post purchase.
History is everything with thes bikes. Unless your handy with the spanners or know what exactly what to look for then tread carefully with the 999. Don't worry to much about having extra grunt from the 999. There's only 250cc (ish) difference between the two.
My 999R has never been back to the dealers since the day I bought it . It has its belts renewed every two years , oil changed every year . Cam timing done and valves shimmed . All done be me and you wont find a more perfect 999 . So it all depends on how good someone is with the spanners and if they have all the equipment to service it correctly . I know the flywheel nut has been retorqued on my bike you so sure about yours . Service records are only as truthful as the person that wrote them . Id get the one that looks and runs the best .
Service history is only as good as its last service. If the price is right then buy it, service it and go through it with a fine tooth comb
Id be using the lack of history as leverage on the price. Does it run and ride as it should? Is everything else original and untinkered with? Engine no and chassis match? Anything give you the feeling its been abused or uncared for? I bought mine with 4400mls and the dealer (non ducati)made an expensive mistake with the belt change. I think with all machinery, a lot of its is down to pot luck. Ive spent around around £1500 in repairs and servicing in two years (front fork seals, sprag clutch, tps reset, oil changes in between) and 8000mls and that doesn't include the belt service its just about to have and tyres.. You'll be spending money regardless if you want to enjoy it. (Just about to put new discs, pads, chain and sprockets this winter) Buy the bike you want...
Thanks for all replies so far. The 999 is equivalent to £6500 749 is £5000 999 is a mono. Has carbon front and rear guards, air tube covers, clutch and belt covers and heel guards. All of which are non OEM I for one only like to put OEM carbon on my bikes, but that's just me I guess. Has park light removed and covered with sticker and smoke coloured tail lights and aftermarket clutch pressure plate. It does not come with any of the original bits ! I have not ridden it but heard it running and sounds ok. Will be looking at 749 over next couple of days but looks good in photos !
Not bad prices for australia. Are they both facelift MY05 with red frame? Can you post pics or links?
I would go for the 999. Apart from the 140bhp deep sump motor, the suspension is better. Showa rear/nitride forks. On 749base the shock is sach with chrome forks. And 999 won 3 wsbk championships.
For me it would be all about the condition of the bike. I've seen low milage bike with history that are rough, and high mileage bikes with minimal history that have been looked after. If the 999 is a nice bike, use the lack of history as a bargaining lever. Then start a comprehensive history when you buy it to satisfy the next owner. Your dealer should be able to bring it's history up if it has any, shouldn't they?
any idea why no history, just bought my 06 999s with full dealer history but from the day I bought it all work I will do myself, one thing I do is keep every receipt belts, shims, plugs etc etc and also take the odd photo in the process of doing the work, might not be a dealer history but its still history, believe me I do everything as it should be done and if I require any special tools I get them, I luv my 999s and to be honest it wont be going anywhere any time soon if ever lol
Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go with the 999s and give it a good going over and a full service/inspection. Hi Tiago, it will look good with the carbon tank on it! Or maybe I'll just hang it on the wall as art work !!
