Need help on deciding to buy a 750ss

[Esotericrider]

Ok guys im new to the forum and I found a deal on craigslist but want to make sure i know what to look for and so on when i go buy it.

its a 1999 750ss (red) with 20k miles. Has two brother black carbon pipes and apparently needs a tuneup (valve check & adjustment). There is a crack in the upper fairing and a hole in the left side rear plastic, and a huge tear in the seat. Other then that the owner said there is no other damage on the bike. He is willing to let it go for 2k. I was thinking either 17-1800. What do you guys think. and what should i look out for when going over the bike. Ive owned and modified 3 bikes so i know my way around bikes but ive never been around a ducati.

[Mad Dog]

one thing to find out is where did the damage come from.

[YellowDuck]

His asking price seems fine to me, especially if the plastic can be repaired. Replacement bodywork for these can be pricey.

Not sure what "needs a tuneup" means - just overdue for a valve adjustment, or it actually runs poorly? If the latter then I wouldn't pay 2K, and might walk away altogether if the specific problem isn't obvious. With its age, hard-to-trace intake vacuum leaks are not out of the question, so be ready for that. Also curious to know if the exhaust mod included any kind of ECU remap, or if there is a PCIII in place.

If you are mechnically inclined, doing the shims and belts is pretty easy once you do your research (plenty of info available here and elsewhere). Changing the fuel filter is a PITA, but also not difficult.

Good luck. They are sweet if slightly underpowered bikes.

[supersport99]

Not sure which fairing you need, but I've got an AirTech mid fairing for the right side. I have a 99 900ss and the bike fell over on the right side. I purchased the fairing and then a buddy said he could clean up the original. He did, and now I am left with an unpainted, undrilled extra fairing. Let me know if you're interested.

[Ritlee]

I'd say for $2k... if it runs well, buy it... the service can run you anywhere from about $500 to $1200, possibly up.

I just picked up the same bike with 31k miles on it, for $2k. It needs some work, mostly cosmetic, a new chain, and some minor oil leaks tracked down... but I have a big @$$ grin every time I ride it. Cleaning it up slowly but surely