Know people have asked this before.... but, a bit of specific advice would be great... So.... just about to buy an 1199... private sale, registered in Apr 13 but not serviced until Oct 14 @ 400 miles (by a Ducati dealer). Next serviced (with owner changed) @ 600 miles in Nov 15. Hasn't done many miles since then. Thoughts anyone?
Here's my thoughts on very low mileage bikes vs something thats been used 9/10 anything that was liable to go wrong in the first few 1000 miles would have reared its head and have been sorted. Your buying a low mileage bike no longer in warranty. Its not like its anything collectable that will appreciate in value by not using it Whats your budget? as I know of a 1199 Tricolore that would be good buy
Don't be hung on mileage mate, judge each bike on its merits. This is not directed at you but it makes me laugh when owners are proud to boast how their 4 year old 'precious' has only done 1000 miles... My 13 plate 1199s has got 10k on it, water tight service history, immaculate to look at even up close, pulls like a train and I'm about to stick a nice private plate on it. I saved about £2,000 by going for a bike with 10k. The worst bike I ever owned was a brand new 2007 RSV Factory. Endless teething problems that meant constantly going back to the dealers. If you buy a 3 year old bike with 1k on it, guess who has to pay the bill for fixing those legacy problems??? If you're buying privately, judging the seller is equally as important as the bike.
600 miles should be enough for any problems to show their head, just give it a good hard test ride. I've always thought there's lots of potential for bargain 1199 because some people find them too much to ride so you end up with situations like yours. As mentions there's a few Tricolours around which are very nice. Amazing to think that someone has bought such an awesome bike and only managed to do 600 miles and probably lost five or ten thousand ( is it an S or a standard? ) in a couple of years. I picked mine up on Monday and managed 600 by Thursday haha!
Check for flat spots on the tyres! If it was me and based on my 1299 and 899 ownership I would be looking for something between 1-2500 miles. All my issues on the 899 presented well after 600 miles. I would rather have a bike that has seen use and been serviced and had any warranty or recall work done. I would happily buy a 3 year old, 15k panigale after desmo service if it had all history and looked well cared for.
