Hi all, new to the forums here. Was after a bit of advice for a Ducati fit for purpose. Hands up Ive not ridden one.. not even sat on one, so flying blind on spec here. Used to own ZX7R, then TT600. Ive a 68' Triumph Bonnie which satisfies the garage tinkering, constant oil, petrol and awesome exhaust noise fix. Looking to get a second bike for the very few times the bonnie requires maintenance or parts! Shes generally off the road for a week or so at a time and a second bike is beckoning strongly. I have been riding for 25 years, however after a long time away from it two years back I got the bonnie working again and realised how much I enjoy (or missed riding) my bikes. So here's my situation. Ive admired Ducati motorcycles since I was 6 when I was given a die-cast ducati. Since then they have been on the bucket list. I'm pretty much a weekend/dry weather joy rider who loves a lot of noise, acceleration buzz, and looking for a bike I can: Use for day/joy rides here in the UK Use for 300-400mile day trips here and there Use for 10-20 track days a year Possibly use for 1 or two trips further afield to Europe etc should the opportunity arise. Budget is about the 5K mark. I do see some later 900SS models for around the 2K mark, which look to be alot of bike for the money.. however there must be a reason why they are 2K and a 916 is still going for 5K. Then there are the ST models.. would I feel like a pensioner on these compared to a 999 or 848? Totally confused.... except I know I want a Ducati! I cant bring myself to think of much besides a sportsbike type model, however kinda weary of some comfort should I take in the longer journeys. I assume any sportsbike can be tweaked with clipons and footpegs/seats etc to improve this.. Thanks for any advice.
Which ever model you settle for, make sure it's the correct colour (RED). Depending on how much you like to tinker, older models will always need more fettling than the later ones! Just make sure it's been looked after otherwise can turn into a money pit. And leave some money in reserve for the carbon!!
I'm with Exige on this one, I had a 999s and did 12000 miles in a year... I only ever got a sore right knee... (but then I get a sore knee from cycling, walking and sitting funny on the sofa!! comfy bike and plenty quick enough to get your kicks... I had a mono but the pillion seat on the biposto looks reasonable in size for a sportsbike... Get one with Leo Vince System.. sounds epic
999 or 848 as long as they have been looked after you should be ok. If you buy one it can take a while to settle the bike to your needs ie set up softer for real roads etc. good luck and enjoy
Around 2000.. which market was the 900SS pitched at.? As it seems ducati had the 996 etc going on to satisfy sportsbike riders. Was the 900SS just a trail off from the healthier years before, or was it thought to be a great (but lower powered sportsbike) in the early 2000's. It seems you can pick a good one up for around the 2-3K figure. Im wondering if this is alot of bike for the money or if this model was always thought of as... well.. inferior?
Not inferior, just different. Much lower spec and less powerful but just as much fun. That said if you are going to do a lot of track days I think I`d rule them out but its your opinion that counts so try to ride as many options as you can before you buy.
Hard to argue with this for £5k - seems to tick all your boxes... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...e=1&pcredirect=true&postcode=rh14de&logcode=p
Thanks for the info all. Seems to be you can get a 999 for the 5-5.5K mark. As much as I like red ducatis, I reckon the 999 does looks better in black tho, perhaps it hides that fricken awful frontend! I actually dont mind the rest of it. Mind you, if you are pushing the budget up to 5.5K.. you are then very close to an 848, or for a bit more the 1098 prices. Umm, then there is a possible future investment... spending the money instead on a 916 or 998 and getting something back at the end of it. Ive always thought one needed more than 2 bikes.. but now im thinking thats completely wrong and it should be 5 bikes. Gonna have to get along to some events to compare them all.
998's have already risen in price and 999's are starting to - so as an investment a 999S could be better if you decide on a 999S try and secure a later model with radial Ohlins and black swing arm as they will be more popular in future I think. The 999 fits your criteria for touring as well as all your other considerations, the 916/996/998 doesn't. Stop changing your criteria as it makes my suggestion look wrong when in fact it was correct
Yes for the later model - but the idea is to look for a bargain and get one for £5K They are no longer depreciating - watch Ebay for one on auction and it will probably top out around your budget. Or jump in quick if someone under-prices one - it happens
Ill keep an eye out thanks Exige. Question, you mentioned 2005 on.. I read there were some revisions took place then to improve the bikes model. However, I see loads of 2003 models for around the 5K mark, then they jump up to 6K-ish for 2005 on stuff. I take it spending a bit more or holding out for an "S" model and a "2005-on" model is the ultimate buy.. however any 999 for the right price will be worth it. Or is the difference massive?
Not massive no - there was a mint 6000 mile 999S Nero for sale end of last year at a dealer for £5K - I nearly bought it but refrained - a dealer over the road bought it and stuck it up for £6K. They are out there from time to time at the £5K mark but you have to move quickly. The later S is more desirable with the deep box swing arm and radial Ohins.
Base model 999 facelift are also good, 140bhp motor. Had mine 7yrs/30000m, no problems...showas dont blow fork seals, v comfortable for a sportsbike. A gloss black one went for 4300 a few months back, lowish miles no extra's. Black seem to go for a few hundred less. I try to buy a bike c/w can/system and hugger at least otherwise Im going to do up to £1k within a month.
