I came across a low mileage 2002 996 for a decent price.  6k service has already been done.  What should I watch for when buying this bike?

I'd watch out for anyone selling one to pay for a ring 

http://www.desmoclan.org/news/?p=25

Awesome! Thank you!

Wow there was a mixed bag of information if I ever have seen one.

Ducati's come with aluminum bolts? damn I got ripped off.
the sprocket plate is brass?  I think I own an brass magnet

triple trees breaking?   really?

after reading that list of problems I would be surprised if there were any ducatis still running past warranty.

After reading that who would ever want to keep a POS like that?  Anyone that owns one should PM me to get my address and send me that hunk of trouble before you hurt yourself and save yourself alot of trouble!

Quote from: Jumptship on June 04, 2008, 08:16:26 PM
After reading that who would ever want to keep a POS like that?

have you ridden one?

Quote from: factorPlayer on June 04, 2008, 09:32:23 PM
have you ridden one?

methinks you missed teh sarcasms.

I agree, I'll happily take any of these nightmares off your hands for a small fee.



I don't sugar coat things. That's what can happen. It doesn't mean it will happen, just means it's a possibility. Main things are rockers (almost 100% likely) on the 996.

I bought a 996 SPS, And thanks to NeufunSix for lots -o-info.... mostly from T.O.B.

As much as my wife hates it, I'll never sell her(the bike)

The wife on the othr hand.......

Also check out the Hall of Wisdom on Ducati.MS. I have some more articles (written by other experts) posted there under my other username, JEC. Good info on the electrical system, tuning, adjusting valves, that sort of thing.

Don't get discouraged by the FAQ. I set out to create the most comprehensive list of things to look out for when buying an old superbike; in the end it looks pretty horrific, but most of it is worst-case-scenario and a lot of things will have been dealt with by the previous owner(s). Better to know ahead of time and do a thorough check before you buy, than to end up with headaches and repair bills later.

So I did buy that bike (it is actually a 2001, not a '02).  Traded my 620, as a matter of fact, so for now I am Monsterless.  The 996 is an awesome bike.  Mine is a yellow.  It has stock aluminum Termis the quiet ones, so you really can hear that dry clutch clatter -- i love it!!  The bike feels so much more solid than my 620 did.  The suspension (Ohlins rear and Showa front) is night and day.  Handling is absolutely wonderful -- I thought that the 620 handled well and still do, but the 996 is just amazing.  What really amazed me is how stable it is at low speeds -- I'd say it is easier to maneuver in the parking lot than the 620, even though it is a heavier bike.  U-turns, figure eights, all feel easier.  I wonder if the turning radius is tighter than my 620 was, certainly feels that way.   Let see what else, the bike loves speed and really, really hates to go slow.  Bucks and jerks a bit, below 40-50 or so, even with a 14t front sprocket.  Runs really, really hot -- can give our butt and thighs a good cooking -- I'm going to have to do something about that, like wrap the exhaust pipes, get CF cans and some heat shielding  for the seat.  Anyway, so far I am quite happy, learning the new bike.  The tach is broken and that kind of sucks because at above 40 mph the wind noise blocks all engine sound so you have to shift strictly by feel.  Upshifting is easy, the bike pulls hard in all gears on the way up.  Downshifting is a bit tricky for me, since I don't have much experience with that engine size and gear box.  So I'm afraid that I'm lugging the bike a bit.  I mean the bike is supposed to be able to do 160 mph or so, so 6th gear at highway speeds is probably too high and maybe the 5th too.  Need to get a working tach... Love the bike!

Quote from: Jumptship on June 04, 2008, 08:16:26 PM
After reading that who would ever want to keep a POS like that?  Anyone that owns one should PM me to get my address and send me that hunk of trouble before you hurt yourself and save yourself alot of trouble!

Sorry to say this but I did own one and I happily sold it because of all the issues. Mine was a beautiful bike to look at with over $10K in aftermarket extras, but one of the worst bikes I've ever owned. They handle like a boat, have tons of electrical issues, guaranteed flaking rockers that will set you back thousands, and absolutely horrible as a streetbike. I'm sorry to the new guy who just bought one for what I'm saying but I've ridden a lot of bikes and a lot of Ducs over the past 18 years and this is on the top of the list for worst street bikes to own. If you think this handles great, get on any modern sportbike then see how you feel. Also, I promise you that it will NOT do 160mph. Mine saw lots of tracktime on the fastest track in the country. Even with the best tuning, magnesium wheels, full Ohlins, etc. it can't hang with a Japanese middleweight for cornering or top end. It did shine pulling out of corners, and if you carry good cornerspeed, you can get an awesome drive out which will let you pass most I-4s.
I truly hope that your results vary and it turns out to be the greatest thing on two wheels for you [moto]  I don't sugarcoat things...I just tell it how it is. Good luck with what is a beautiful machine, and I hope that you have many trouble free miles and lots of smiles under your helmet.

Good luck with the 996!  I hope you won't miss the 620 too much.

I agree and disagree simultaneously -
Yup, they are tractors compared to a knife-edge Japanese bike. Especially if the suspension isn't setup correctly. But once you get used to it I find the stability in the corners is astonishing and it's totally unflappable. It simply won't shake its head no matter what in my experience. I prefer that slow-n-steady handling to a razor sharp sportbike (ridden plenty of those and I still prefer my ancient 916). I'd never sell my 916 for anything except an MV F4. I've come to that decision after owning mine for two years.

Low speed is not their forte. Period. Can't fix it, just have to ride them fast and avoid commuting.

They are not forgiving of poor technique and you can't ride them the same way you ride any other sportbike. You have to learn to ride it on its terms, not yours. But it rewards you when you get things right, and you feel like you are taming a raucous beast. I love that unrefined feeling of the machine, feels very visceral.

Quote from: fasterblkduc on July 11, 2008, 05:57:14 AM
Sorry to say this but I did own one and I happily sold it because of all the issues. Mine was a beautiful bike to look at with over $10K in aftermarket extras, but one of the worst bikes I've ever owned. They handle like a boat, have tons of electrical issues, guaranteed flaking rockers that will set you back thousands, and absolutely horrible as a streetbike. I'm sorry to the new guy who just bought one for what I'm saying but I've ridden a lot of bikes and a lot of Ducs over the past 18 years and this is on the top of the list for worst street bikes to own. If you think this handles great, get on any modern sportbike then see how you feel. Also, I promise you that it will NOT do 160mph. Mine saw lots of tracktime on the fastest track in the country. Even with the best tuning, magnesium wheels, full Ohlins, etc. it can't hang with a Japanese middleweight for cornering or top end. It did shine pulling out of corners, and if you carry good cornerspeed, you can get an awesome drive out which will let you pass most I-4s.
I truly hope that your results vary and it turns out to be the greatest thing on two wheels for you [moto]  I don't sugarcoat things...I just tell it how it is. Good luck with what is a beautiful machine, and I hope that you have many trouble free miles and lots of smiles under your helmet.