996 high miles - Ducati.ms

tunnelvision748 · Jan 30th, 2012, 6:04 pm

Well, I'm considering picking up another Duc, I found an older 996 with roughly 18k miles on it for sale. I currently own a 748 and have done lots of maintenance to it myself.

My question is for previous or current 996 owners.

What major service(s) will this bike be needing in the near future if not currently?

What major service(s) prior to 18k miles should I make sure have been done in the past?

Any thing unique I should be looking for on this bike that could be a red flag?

Thanks

Beer Baron · Jan 30th, 2012, 6:55 pm

they basically need all the same stuff as your 748 did.

valve clearances checked periodically
belts inspected and replaced periodically
good oil
regular oil and filter changes

the mileage is not a huge problem, but given it's at least 10 years old I would hope it's at least had 1 belt change purely due to age.

as with all older ducs try and get as much service history/receipts as you can. the more receipts for services etc the better.

tunnelvision748 · Jan 30th, 2012, 8:02 pm

Its a Florida bike, I'm concerned of Rust, where do you suggest I take a closer look for signs of rust?. Or am I being overly concerned?

rtzx9r · Jan 30th, 2012, 8:09 pm

Where is Florida? I haven't seen a single spec of rust on anything here, ever. (unless it's from new york, uggghhhhh)

ILMONSTRO · Jan 30th, 2012, 8:22 pm

Or near the beaches......

tunnelvision748 · Jan 30th, 2012, 8:39 pm

Sorry, I'm not too familiar with East Coast weather and its effects on vehicle frames. So I just assume that if your surrounded by sea or have snow, salt will find its way into the metals.

but I am open to corrections from credible sources.

Namor · Jan 30th, 2012, 9:05 pm

I am at 19,468 on my 996 engine, got it at around 17k miles, and everything is fine. Well, not fine, one exhaust cam was bad because of opener valve clearances that were non existent on a two rockers. Both rockers both had to be replaced. Other than that the engine is solid, good compression and pulls hard.

But the 916 I dumped the motor into had a toasted rod bearings at 16.5k miles and blown head gaskets. Turns out that the previous PO thrashed the motor and the PO had perfect service records for oil changes and the 12k service, and did the 18k at 16k because it had been sitting so long. The only way I could have known about the rod bearings was if I had drained the oil before I purchased it. I discovered the bad bearings during gasket replacement. The bike ran very well on the test ride and the 60 mile trip home, then a hundred or so miles until I began fine toothing everything.

For me a red flag is a low on a great bike. I knew something was up with the 916, but I got it because I could do the work and the price was low.

Advice, take the side fairings off and look at everything. I went over my bike like a doctor would a patient suffering an unknown illness. Just couldn't see inside the engine.

And why is it being sold?

Beer Baron · Jan 30th, 2012, 10:18 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tunnelvision748

Its a Florida bike, I'm concerned of Rust, where do you suggest I take a closer look for signs of rust?. Or am I being overly concerned?

like the other poster said rust is usually more of a problem in areas that have a lot of snow and salt the roads to clear it. driving/riding through that slush damages stuff but on the other hand not many people ride their ducati superbike in the snow... yeah if it's been kept near the water (like within sight of the coast) there is more salt in the air but if it's been kept clean it shouldn't be a problem. most of the frame is easily visible externally or by just undoing the dzus fasteners and having a peak under the side fairings and lift the seat and check the rear of the frame and subframe that way. but a rust bike will be immediately obvious. look at the condition of any anodising (forks, fork caps etc), look at bolt heads etc. that will give you an idea of the state of things.

herby22 · Jan 30th, 2012, 11:24 pm

I have over 38000 on my 99 996. Never any engine issues. Synthetic 20 50 oil, belts every 8000, valves checked at 12000 intervals. It has been run hard but not abused.

manga · Jan 31st, 2012, 12:45 pm

Well I would say, drop the fairings off and take a close look a the electrical connectors.

Mine is a UK bike with 22,000+ miles and the connectors were all quite corroded. Worst one was the reg/rec connector which was falling apart with the insulation breaking down off the wires. I cut this out and resoldered the wiring without the connector.

Take off the clutch cover and look a the tangs on the plates and the basket - mine was pretty bad.

Buy it and ride it like you stole it!