I've always liked the old 900SS models. It seems that $5k will buy a really nice '96 or '97 SP and I don't see them ever going much lower than that. I'm only interested in a '96 or '97 SP or FE.
I can't think of any negatives, can you?
Anything to be wary of?
I've got my eye on a pristine, unmolested '96 but it's "spoken for" until Tuesday. No money has changed hands yet. I've got my fingers crossed.
Wish me luck! 

Are those model years post frame cracks?

http://www.ducatitech.com/info/buyers_faq.html

Quote from: Ducatamount on June 09, 2012, 04:20:39 AM
http://www.ducatitech.com/info/buyers_faq.html

Thanks. Kind of a mediocre review but that's OK. There will always be better bikes out there. I'm considering my smile factor more than total performance.

If there's a possibility of a frame crack where should I look?

hmmm.................just did some research on this frame cracking thing.
not very encouraging, either.
i know two people with 900s and this is the first i've heard of it.
might just have to rethink this.
.
.
.
.
.
OK, i'm done rethinking................i still want one 

Quote from: sofadriver on June 09, 2012, 05:38:43 AM
hmmm.................just did some research on this frame cracking thing.
not very encouraging, either.
i know two people with 900s and this is the first i've heard of it.
might just have to rethink this.
.
.
.
.
.
OK, i'm done rethinking................i still want one 

Ducati warrantied the frames for 10 years after the discontinuation of the model. Most have been replaced. It's near the steering head on the top tube.

if you buy it I have a nice set of DP carbon fibre pipes for sale on the parts for sale forum.


just sayin 

Quote from: ducpainter on June 09, 2012, 05:42:33 AM
Ducati warrantied the frames for 10 years after the discontinuation of the model. Most have been replaced. It's near the steering head on the top tube.

how did they handle the VIN numbers?

Quote from: sofadriver on June 09, 2012, 03:59:29 AM
I can't think of any negatives, can you?
Anything to be wary of?

I believe the '96 and newer are fairly immune to the cracking frames, broken cylinder studs, cracked aluminum sweingarms, and a few other items. I've played around with the thought of getting one for a few years, but for a little more money, I could get an 851, instead.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/3035369932.html

Quote from: Desmo Demon on June 09, 2012, 07:44:37 PM
I believe the '96 and newer are fairly immune to the cracking frames, broken cylinder studs, cracked aluminum sweingarms, and a few other items. I've played around with the thought of getting one for a few years, but for a little more money, I could get an 851, instead.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/3035369932.html

Thanks. That's what I'm hearing, too - that all most of the problems went away in '96.

An 851 is a little too exotic for me. There's always something a little cooler for a little more money. Like THIS.......... http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3065203191.html

personally I'd rather have an SL than SP

I had a 92 SL.  It was beautiful.

Quote from: sofadriver on June 09, 2012, 08:55:59 AM
how did they handle the VIN numbers?

Not sure

I think the new frame came with the VIN already stamped.

I'm too old to wait for a Superlight to come up for sale. Besides, they're from the aforementioned "problem era".
I might just pull the trigger on that gorgeous Euro.  
I just sent him an e-mail.

I like those round headlights much better.Here's one in DP's neck of the woods for less money.
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/3048718912.html