Thinking of a 996?!

There are many who will help here - I will start with the need to know state of valve gear rockers (nearly always openers) and camshafts if neglected long enough as they can not only suffer from chrome lifting as more popularly described but can wear prematurely (and fairly randomly) even with no sign of 'lifting chrome'. Degradation of short loom and plug that runs across engine linking Regulator and alternator is another one to check fairly urgently (and easy to do) for corrosion of plug contacts/overheating of plug and/or loom run as this can cause early Reg failure and even a fire if gone unnoticed. Can affect both single and three-phase versions.

 

What about a 998? more modern and a little smoother and a rare bike especially the limited edition ones. No known rocker problems either.

 

the rocker issue has been covered ad nauseum, but perhaps you might also want to consider an earlier 916 (if you can find nice one)..these werent affected by the rocker issue.

Either way, if you can buy one at the right price and factor in the potential cost of rocker replacement, then youre laughing. I certainly wouldnt be out off from buying one, and to my mind, the 9*6 series are a more rewarding bike to ride than pretty much any of the later models..i say this from experience, not from watching some bell end on you tube commuting on one.

 

oh yes they were - but possibly due to the lack of Internet/Forum existence when the model released, I can see why you might think this.

 

totally up to you Andrew, but don't be put off by my comments as I like to think most are now owned by the kind of people who will be aware of the widely reported/known issues and so have already been on them like 'a dose of salts'. I'm loathe to say much now - your 749 doesn't suffer the exact problems I mentioned but there are a few you could swot up on with a search or even begin another thread if you are really concerned.

 

the original 916's rockers were all made in house and the problem only arose when they contracted out the work.

 

the early Desmoquattro engines most certainly suffered with same problems albeit to a lesser degree re: valve gear - it stems from a compromised design and is the basis for all the later (pre Testa) engines, so why wouldn't it? not necessarily to be all taken for gospel but :- My flakey rockers and my 916 - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum

 

Andrew, I have to ask what is your reason for wanting to change ? The 749 is a very capable bike if not IMO quite as pretty as the 748/9*6 family. By asking for opinions you will get a lot of subjective advice because of the passion Ducati creates in its riders. If you just want a change try and get a few test rides organised to find out what you like and don't ignore the 748, it is a fine bike especially the SP and R which are still affordable - for the moment. If it's a Ducati there will be someone on here to help with any problem and spare parts so don't be put off by the bad experiences of some others, for every bad experience there will be a 100 good experiences. As has been said, condition and history are crucial and take your time, you should be prepared to walk away if it's just not right. Unmolested is usually a good thing and beware of sellers trying to recover the cost of their bling, it isn't worth as much as they think. Have fun looking and enjoy yourself. Andy

 

Have a look on Ducati up north some one has a 998R For sale could be what
you are looking for ?, sale has nowt to do with me.

brian.

 

Some good advice there Andy..which in fairness, probably has no right to be on this forum...:wink:

I would say the same...keep looking until you find the right one, preferably owned by a Ducatista (as most are)...As is well documented, its best not to get hung up on age or mileage, just buy on condition and history..i also buy the seller as much as do the bike, so if he/she looks like they can afford to run the thing, and have a genuine knowledge and passion of the marque then you can take some reassurance and comfort from that.
Personally, i always prefer to buy privately so that i can chat directly to the owner, not a dealer, and there is usually much more wriggle room in terms of negotiations.
One of the reasons i bought my last bike was because the owner was so genuine..He was also a real Duke nut...the poor guy was on the verge of tears as we finalised the deal....then he wanted to give me an escort to the petrol station..Ive kept in touch with him since buying her and he drops me the odd text to see how im getting on...

 

If you are going to throw 8k at one get an SPS. Best there is

 

See if link works For Sale 998R For Sale

brian.

 

You b*st*rd :biggrin:. Andy

 

Andrew, just to add confusion to your indecision, don't ignore the 848. lovely bike, a bigger riding position and with the launch of the 899 there should be some bargains to be had. Andy

 

Put the SV engine in the 749!