Hi Guys Im a newby and have just done an intro thread on the newbie forum...hoping you guys can give me some advice. I am in the market for a 999s. There are two in my sights. Both 2003 models. One looks to be in mint condition but with 44,000 Km's. Has Termi system but otherwise pretty standard "s" model. The other has 30,000km's but has a full spare OEM fairing set, it has been fitted with an R swing arm (looks like the 05 normal version to me) it has R cams and a slipper clutch along with lots of other "Bolt on Goodies" to quote the ad. Can someone advise me on the "R" mods...are these danger signs or tasty upgrades? Is 44,000km's too high on one of these bikes even if it is in mint condition and obviousley well cared for and maintained...? Both are within $500.00 of each other in price... Would appreciate any insights. Cheers. Mark.
For what it is worth, I would be more interested in the type of use a superbike has had rather than just mileage per se. 30,000km track day blasting, or 30,000km, one elderly lady owner. A mate has just bought a rather neglected st4 with 64,000 km on it,(same sort of era)and whereas it needed a damn good service, he reckons it is basically fine.
Yeah. and I bought a 5000 mile SPS with every bearing in the engine fooked and a gear box which ate it's own teeth. Milage is not a good indicator of condition believe me.
I keep all the bills for my bikes, including tyre bills where I have normally indicated the mileage the new ones were bought at. So it would be quite easy to see if my bike has done any track. I'd have thought keeping bills was a fairly standard practice, but maybe it isn't. So if you can get any documentary evidence about the history of the two bikes in question, it might help you make a decision. I don't think 44'000 km is particularly enormous. My 999 has probably got about 34'000 km at the moment, and it's tickety boo. I'm expecting it to stay tickety boo for quite some time yet, seeing as all the services are done on time by professionals, and it gets its fair share of fresh oil.
R swing arm? What he really means is 05> swing arm as fitted to every 05> 999 and 749. Do you have a link to the advert so we can cast our eyes over it
Thanks guys. One of the key questions is the 44,00km's. My concern was that the general opinion might be "No they are shagged and need an expensive rebuild around that point" but it appears not. I have always tended to buy higher km cars and bikes (ex rep cars etc...as they are usually serviced properly) because they tend to be cheaper than low Km ones and I am "carefull" with my money (mostly because I am always stretching for just out of reach of my actual budget :smile: ). So far I haven't been stung (fingers crossed). My other concern is the external mods on this other bike with the "r" mods, almost in keeping with it having been down the road.....(swing arm, fairing etc) Ducati 999 2002 | Trade Me not to mention who knows who or what did the cam "upgrade"....... I really only want a plain "s" model but they are rare and seem to be a lot more expensive....and out of my price range again. Especially as this all started off with a $7k 749 that I missed out on...now I am up to $10k and starting to sweat!! The good news is that what makes them more expensive now is what will help it hold value for me should I ever re sell.....
Go for the standard 44k bike. If anything the mileage proves the bike's been used regularly, which suggests reliability. And standard is always better in terms of buying and selling.
Yeah, I think you are right....at the last minute my mate with the Ducati shop has popped up something interesting...will advise in a day or so if it turns out. Otherwise I am going to go for the 44km one. I wouldn't be so worried but it is a 9 hour drive away so popping in for a quick look is out of the question. If I could give it the once over it would make me feel more confident! (sub consciousley at least). Thanks for your input guys, will post back when the deal is done. cheers.
BTW, as you may know, there is no real benefit of having an early 999s vs a later 999 Bip. The latter got a motor that was as powerful if not more so, the suspension differences can't be felt on the road (Öhlins vs Showa). The latter bike also got the later fairing and swingarm and came in black if you wanted (I did). I upgraded from an early red S to a later black Bip.
That being the case did the later "S" model become stronger again or the Bip just became the same as the same year/version "S" model?
No, the S was tweaked again for the facelift model. But frankly, on the road, can you really tell the difference? It's mainly marketing, isn't it? But no doubt S's are always more expensive, both to buy new and second hand. I'd far sooner have a really sound Bip (it's still a very very capable bike) rather than a more iffy S. By this stage in the game, it's really down to the individual example.
Sorry but that one in the advert is hidious. Id have to many question as to why the Chinese fairings. The 1098 cans just ruin it. Makes me want to puke This on the other hand is much more like it http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-688480533.htm
Yep, thats the other one i'm looking at. "Apparently" the chinese fairing one has a full set of OEM fairings put aside but I still have doubts. No worries, it'l work itself out over the next few days..... Thank you all for taking the time to have a look and comment, hopefully have some news in the next couple of days. I think if it takes longer I'm gonna take a step back for awhile and just watch the market for a bit...it's hard when you want to forge ahead but sometimes it's the best approach. Albeit one I am not especially used too!!!
Loving the Ducati plate on the seat unit, can see that catching on over here real soon. wait for it a Spec me an engraver thread coming on.
Well, made the offer on the straight S model. It arrives here in about a week....I hate waiting!!! And I also hate buying things site unseen but i did manage to get a clause in the sale agreement that we could send it back if it doesn't pass scrutiny at my friends Ducati shop so I think all should be well! Anyone know anything about this seat..? and for reference here is the bike... Thanks to all for their advice.
Good choice Sir, that looks like Motocorse seat and to be fair looks ok. Those early Mono subframes are prone to cracking so just keep and eye out for hairline cracks. You could either get it ally welded or Ducati will still replace even out of warranty, they replaced mine last year at no cost. Glad you steered away from that other dogs dinner
