Should the 916 stay or should it go?

[mafpolo]

I have a beautiful 1995 916 with 6,800 miles on it. It is beautiful with Ferracci pipes and chip, riser kit, and some nice carbon fiber bits. The bike has been meticulously cared for, and has been serviced properly with all service records. I have serviced it on calendar intervals, since the mileage ridden is low. It has brand new tires on it. It sits on a front and rear stand, along with a battery tender.
I have thought about getting rid of it, as I don't ride it that much. With all the weight on my wrists and neck, I can't ride it for more than an hour.
I took the bike in to replace the chain guard, and I got a call from the dealer who asked if I would like to sell it, as he had someone who wants to buy it.
I did some research on pricing, which is hard, since so few are for sale.

I said if I wanted to sell, I would want $7,000. He is willing to pay $6,500. My real quandary is whether to sell it or keep it. It's like a piece of art, but I often feel like I have to ride it, because sitting too much is not good for the bike. Once on it, I do have fun (for an hour or less), and it makes incredible noise (open clutch cover).

My primary ride is a BMW R1200GS. I have so much Ducati stuff....jackets, decals on custom painted helmet. Is it too much a part of my identity? Is it my ego? I would appreciate thoughts, opinions, and suggestions.
Thank you

[OldDiavel]

It is always hard to sell something that you once loved and have identified with; however, like you, I am not a collector and have difficulty keeping something that I no longer use. Personally, I would sell it along with as much of the Ducati apparel as possible if you have moved on to the BMW world. I went through the same heart wrenching when I moved from Harley-Davidson's to Ducati's; but, I made the move and got rid of the HD clutter and am not looking back.

[DaC]

I've kept stuff that I didn't really use all that much anymore, but which still brought me some satisfaction. They key being that the value wasn't going to justify me selling it and I really didn't need the money anyway.

For instance, I've got a WR400F that I haven't used in two years but I kept it because I figured that it would be a good spare if a friend wanted to go riding and didn't have two-wheels. I could sell it and get peanuts for it, so why sell it?

Lately I've been thinking about getting a mini-mill to tinker and learn on. So I've thought about that WR that isn't getting any use and now the thought of selling it to swap for a mini-mill doesn't sound so bad. After all, I'm swapping something that I use in my hobby for a new toy which will also bring me joy as a hobby.

You are right, there are fewer and fewer NICE 916 models around. The good news is that it's not likely to depreciate much more if you keep the condition tip-top, so if you aren't sure of yourself then keep it. It's not like you're losing out on value due to depreciation.

Now, if you can think of something that would bring you more joy for that money and see yourself getting more use out of that new item, sell the bike and put the money towards something that will bring you happiness.

We all sell things that we regret having sold, many years later. I can tell you that selling something and having regrets about it, man years later, artificially inflates the memories of joy you have. I had an RD350L when I was a kid and I remember riding one many years later. The bike was still plenty of fun, but it sure did look a lot better in the fond memories I had of it. Not to mention the fact that it really didn't handle as great as I remembered! That's OK, the regret of selling it off is part of what hyped up the bike in my mind and provided the great memories, all those years later.

I'll shut up now; I don't think this will have been all that much help.

[Bill_Anderson]

Is there a track near you so you can use it as a track bike?

[mafpolo]

I live twenty minutes from the Barber Motorsports Park - track and museum. But, I would never track the bike. If I kept it, I would keep it as is (I also have the orig. seat, front fender, chin bib...somewhere in this house).

I rode the GS on the track for a day. They had cycling races out there one day, and I volunteered to be a referee....made sure I was the rear ref, so I got to lag behind and then move around those corners at decent speed. The GS did pretty well.

[mafpolo]

Originally Posted by OldDiavel

It is always hard to sell something that you once loved and have identified with; however, like you, I am not a collector and have difficulty keeping something that I no longer use. Personally, I would sell it along with as much of the Ducati apparel as possible if you have moved on to the BMW world. I went through the same heart wrenching when I moved from Harley-Davidson's to Ducati's; but, I made the move and got rid of the HD clutter and am not looking back.

I still have my 94 Softail Custom. It's a beauty. I ride it so rarely, but she always just cranks and goes. Got a bunch of HD stuff...could part with all of it easily. I am well past the (don't mean to sound crass) "dress up" stage with chaps and all. In fact, your post made me think...I may call the HD dealer tomorrow and ask what he'd charge to sell it for me, and what it may be worth.

The last time I went to the HD dealership, they were having an event. I showed up in my protective gear and full face helmet...everybody looked at me like I was a martian.

[mafpolo]

Here it is

[mafpolo]

He rode my 916 for a photo shoot in 1997. One of the airline magazines did a story about him and his motorcycling. He bought bikes from the dealer where my bike was from, but all of Lovett's bikes were out west. The dealer let him ride mine (didn't call me or ask...I didn't care).

p.s. I didn't take the pic. The photographer sent it to me.

[superbikedad]

Dont sell your bike. I had a 998 I bought new. Had it 5 years and thought I
was ready for something different. 6 months later I missed that bike so much
and have every day since. One day I'll have another 916-998 era bike even if
I only stare at it for hours in the garage. You may not ride it much, but it is the most beautiful Duc . And the best garage art. I think you would regret it.

[mafpolo]

There are many beautiful bikes out there, but I have seen very few that rival the 916.

That is my big concern....major sellers remorse....that doesn't go away