Hi All, OK, I passed my test in November last year and I went pretty much straight out and bought myself a Ducati 996 SPS from a gent in Ealing. Now the bike doesn't have much paper history, having purportedly done about 10.5K miles, but the belts and service done in October 2011 and I trusted the gent (he also had a Laverda) and the bike seemed sound. There was a story that it had been a living room ornament in Redcar for a while and having owned it myself now for over a year, it is hard to imagine that the mileage is anything other than genuine, given the overall condition of the bike. It has given me very little trouble, other than splitting it's expansion tank and it always starts no problem, given that the starting procedure is a little more involved than a jap bike... Anyway, I love the look and the sound. It is a pig to drive around town with a very heavy clutch and the motor chugs below 3K if you are in the wrong gear. It has to be manhandled into a bend and the suspension is hard and you can feel every slight imperfection in the road surface. Any channels in the road surface cause puckering up(!), because the bike wants to follow these. I am told this is all typical for a Ducati and what should I expect? Clearly with my limited experience and limited talent, I am never going to be a Troy Bayliss at the age of 52.... However, on to some questions. Would I see benefit from having someone look at the bike who knows how to set up the suspension for someone of my weight and height? Is it worth changing the clutch master cylinder for something from Oberon or other to gain a lighter clutch action? Would it be worth balancing the throttle bodies to make the bike more drivable at low rpm? It needs belts and probably a major service. To preserve value in it, should I go to a main dealer such as Riders in Cardiff or does some one know someone local to me in Llanelli in South Wales (close to the end of the M4 corridor) who would be just as good a bet, but crucially cheaper. Is Ducati Coventry a good bet? I love the bike and the occasion of every drive, but it would be nice if someone could help with advice on the riding and the running of it.... It would be really great to find a trustworthy enthusiast to help me....is that asking too much?
I've got the same bike, all be it a bit modified. I always use Louigi Moto in Bristol. And I have a 3 hour drive each way to get there. Great bloke, can do whatever you want doing. I think they're the best independent Ducati specialist in the country. They're the only people I trust with me bike.
If you are West way look no further than Louigi IMHO. Why not look him up and pop and see him, friendly chap who loves a chat and always seems to give honest feedback from what I've seen
For sure go and see Richard at Louigi moto on the outskirts of Bristol, top bloke top service and does like it says on the tin. A full suspension overall and service of the forks and shock would also be a good idea. I fully cannot recommend Richard enough and is also a much cheaper option than of the Ducati main dealers.
3000rp m and its only ticking over, higher revs needed (or a lower gear). You will get the hang of it and you will love it.
bloody hell you are braver than me. I passed in June and jumped on to a 600SS which was ideal as it's a pig to ride as a first bike but only has 50 bhp so perfect as a first Ducati, I still don't think I would jump on to a 996 next, probably a 749 will be next, but good for you and glad you're enjoying it.
Great answers and so quick. Thank you all very much. My son is a student at Bristol Uni, so Louigi Moto it is then. I am very tempted to get a 749 myself. Smaller easier revving motor and less upfront cost. Lovely looking bike.... then again, a 900SS...
Thats the problem, too many many Ducati's, not enough garage space and not enough money! by the way welcome to the forum, well worth getting involved with the community here, some excellent advice and knowledge, I've found it really helpful.
Be careful they all become addictive in the end, I once thought one Ducati would be enough . Now there are 3 in the garage to go with the 5 other bikes and I also keep telling myself NO MORE BIKES !!!!!!!. Well maybe just one more ah. If you do go to see Richard first give him a ring as he some times is at the track doing instructing.
or a sprocket change , one down on the front or three on the rear , possibly need a new chain though if you go larger rear. welcome Dave.
Drew - another thumbs up for Louigi Moto. They are passionate about what they do - you will not find anywhere better to take care of your bike. In Bristol is not quite right though, if you know the area then they aren't hard to find, but do your homework as far as planning your route there. A little off the beaten track would be a fair description!! Nice choice with your bike by the way - I was late to bikes too, passed a direct access test in 2007, bought a new Cagiva Raptor followed by a 2007 999 and then a 2005 Monster S2R; the Raptor (and me) became victims to a not looking car driver - at least I managed to put over 20k miles on it in the 3 years before it got destroyed.
yes you will benefit from a good suspension set up to suit road riding.try the oberon clutch mod and if it doesn't work sell it.and re the throttle balance, get that done with the service and let us know how you get on. now enjoy your bike you lucky git and lastly ....PICTURES.
The best £35 I spent performance wise was a static set up for my 1198. Some place in Bristol, but obviously many others do them.
As said above, a change of sprocket would help around town.A clutch slave cylinder is a good move.Welcome to the forum.
I think is us definately money well spent. to make the bike more useable in town or slower moving traffic going +2 on the rear sprocket will work wonders. seeing a suspension expert is a must. I am in newcastle and also want my 999 sorting out. but there arent any ohlins tuners around here.
Lots of good dealers around for the OP's bike and I have always used Ducati Coventry/JHP and they have done a great job looking after my 916sps .Plus they offer free pick up and delivery service which is handy.I also hear many good things about Cornerspeed , G-tec and Moto Corse for servicing. First do you plan on keeping the bike as you have mentioned getting 749 instead.If you don't plan on keeping it for long get a full service done and sell it and buy a 749 before you starting sinking money into this bike. If the plan is to keep it then it all depends on budget- Have extras done on the service like alternator nut check and get them to take the cams out and check all the rockers.Dont think any of this is included in normal service schedule.They seem to like motul 300v oil. Get front forks and rear shock serviced and set up for you. Purchase rear sprocket 38T Custom map and dyno time for smoother better running. Change clutch slave cylinder or better still I have found brembo radial master cylinders are a better improvement but not cheap Buy some brembo p4 calipers off fleabay If you still have cash spare buy some adjustable offset triple clamps for front forks and lightweight wheels All the above will improve your 996sps but it all adds up in cost.Hense I keep mine for some time instead of trading in every couple of yrs for the next best thing and improve them bit by bit.
