What questions must I ask when buying a 999S - Ducati.ms

Imperiumdx · Jul 4th, 2012, 6:04 pm

I am in the market for a 999S and have already seen one to my liking.
It is for sale by an authorized Ducati Dealer. I have already seen it a couple of months ago but now I am very serious about buying it.
As it is far from my home I will first email them.
What are the questions I must most definitely ask?
Mind you this will be my first bike.
It was always dealer maintained since it was bought there.
No crash damage, really looks neat.
The questions I have thought up right now are:

- When will it need it's next service?
- When have belts been replaced?
- Does it have full Termignoni?
- Does it have an alarm

Are there any other MUST ask questions or peculiarities with this model that I must know?

motorhead748 · Jul 4th, 2012, 8:20 pm

first bike? or first street bike? ask if they have something to learn on.

C-simian · Jul 4th, 2012, 8:36 pm

I bought a 2005 999s last year, and I can affirm it is not appropriate as a first bike, if that is indeed your circumstances. I've been riding for many years, and the 999s power is fairly serious.

Ron

CAlexio · Jul 4th, 2012, 9:28 pm

You will crash this bike soon if you purchase it as your first bike. It's not just the power.. The steering lock, the clutch, the power of the brakes, the body position required... Don't do it.

If you do buy it, which you probably will, ask them if there is a crashed bike return policy available.

ZDM · Jul 4th, 2012, 10:10 pm

Is it your 1st Ducati or 1st motorcycle? IF it is your 1st motorcycle it is definetly for experienced riders only as Alexio stated and it's good advice.
Don't be offended, start out with a nice 500cc or 600cc Honda. Easier to acclimate your self to, less costly to fix if you chuck it down the road. If you really want a Duc, try a 696 Monster or 800 SS.

superfly999 · Jul 4th, 2012, 10:37 pm

Make sure they give you the RED key with at least one black one. And there should be a code card as well. It should start and idle well. Check the regular stuff - brakes, tires, chain, sprocket, clutch etc.

If you do crash it can I have the ohlins stuff that doesnt get all destroyed

CAlexio · Jul 5th, 2012, 12:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by superfly999

Make sure they give you the RED key with at least one black one. And there should be a code card as well. It should start and idle well. Check the regular stuff - brakes, tires, chain, sprocket, clutch etc.

If you do crash it can I have the ohlins stuff that doesnt get all destroyed

Oh yea... And put some axle sliders on it first thing so you Have a better chance of keeping the nice Ohlins forks and the swing arm intact... Those things have saved my precious parts at the track during low sides and they only cost $50 or so.

Imperiumdx · Jul 5th, 2012, 5:14 am

Guys Thanks for the advice..I almost forgot about the 3 keys, 1 red 2 black and code card.

ctown · Jul 5th, 2012, 5:51 am

Everyone has good advice - my 999 s is my second bike - first a FZR 600 - 91. Rode it for 18 years - the 999 is definitely not a good first bike. Lots of torque - fidgety dry clutch - sounds fun - not when you crash - listen to the folks on this forum - talking from experience - good luck and ride safe

Dennie · Jul 5th, 2012, 6:34 am

You have a good taste for choosing your first bike

However as other members told you, the 999 is not a bike for starters.

My first bike was an Aprilia RS250 It had about 50-60 hp. I had a lot of fun on that bike and I dropped it 2 times in the 2 years I had it. After the RS250 a RSV Mille and a RSV Mille R followed. Those bike have about 120-130 hp and I can remember the first test ride. I was totally overruled by the power and brakes. 6 years later I bought my 999R XEROX. I have about 10 years of bike experience, but the 999R still amazes me how fast it accelerates and how extremely powerful the brakes are.

And one more advice:
Never ride without your leather outfit, no matter how warm it is outside!