Hi All, After many years of looking at pretty pictures of shiny red bikes I've decided to do something really daft and swap my KTM RC8 for a 916/996. Yes I could go and get a 1098 or Panigale but I'm of that age where a 916/996 was my dream bike and they've got proper instruments :smile:. A lot of people talk about these as investments but that's not a consideration for me. Went to look at a 996 Moto Forza Italia have for sale today, it's unmessed with which is what I want, there's a gap in the service history but the last one shows belts and shims with measurements to support the rockers being in good order and it could do with a strip and clean over the winter. I've read all the buyers guides and I can't find anything that concerns me about it. While I sleep on it I thought I'd pop in here and ask if anyone has any advice or if there are some less than obvious things that I may have missed? Tim
I bought a 996s with 24k miles and a sketchy service history and it only let me down once when a wire from the alarm came loose. Best bike I've ever ridden on track, probably the worst on the road (coz of the discomfort) but like you it was the dream bike and the 3 years of ownership were a privilege. I sold it a couple of months ago to my mate's brother, who had been lusting after one for many years too. I've scratched that itch and have the photos and memories to prove it. Buy it and own something truly special.
welcome, pretty much did the same, after many years on brand new sportsbikes , and pondering on buying another new one, but all new bikes are pretty much same, same , and wanted something with a bit of character so i decided no, im having a 916/996 , and went out and got a 1999 996, TBH i just love everything about it, have recently bought a hyper 1100evo too, and its a great bike and out on it yesterday with the wife i was just thinking i wish i was on the 996, and on that note im off out on it when the sun rears it head
Go for it fella. I am an RC8 owner too but recently bought a 996. RC8 is a missile but the 996 is more engaging to ride ......so RC8 is up for sale.
Welcome. Unable to offer any meaningful insight Re the bike but great to see another member from Worcestershire.
Thanks for the welcome guys, I've gone and bought one, all being well I should pick it up next week. Now where did I put my RAC membership card??
Picked her up today, pretty much bog stock 996, apart from the white number board and a rather 1990s faux carbon tank protector, which I think an estate agent would describe as a "period feature". It's lovely to ride just like I remember, might not have the grunt of my old RC8 but the handling makes the KTM seem tank like. I'll post some better pics when I've got a camera, just popping outside to stare at her again :biggrin:
