New to Ducati forum, considering a Duc (from SF)

[sfcootz]

Hello,

I'm fairly active on the bay area riders forum. I came to this forum because someone was nice enough to loan me their 1998 M900 for a while after my old GS500 died. It took all of one brief ride for me to fall in love with the bike. I am seriously considering buying the bike from the person but would like to know more about Duc ownership. Several Duc owners have told me they've been really happy with their experiences, especially with the M900. Other riders say Ducatis are high maintenance nightmares.  

I'd love to hear from anyone who has or had a Duc M900. I'm already in love with the ride but I would love a bit more input before I make up my mind. This would be my second motorcycle. I've been riding a little less than two years with 10K and a couple of C group track days under my belt. As I mentioned, I'm already smitten with the bike and the ride.

Thank you!

SFCootz

[Spidey]

Welcome, welcome.    Plenty of folks around with an M900.  Come to Zeitgeist next Thurs (9/27).  We can tell you about it in person.  BTW, I assume you've already touched based with mostrobelle (Ducatihoney on BARF).  She's in love with her 900. 

[sfcootz]

I sure do know of DucatiHoney.

I'll see if I can't mosey over to Zeitgeist and talk Ducs. The more I ride this bike, the more I like it. 

[somegirl]

Welcome to the DMF!     This is the best place to learn.   

[sfcootz]

Hi msincredible! I'm all ears (or eyes, as it were).

[Slide Panda]

Other riders say Ducatis are high maintenance nightmares.  

I'd love to hear from anyone who has or had a Duc M900.

Those folks have never done the valve adjustment on a 4 valve inline 4 then. It doesn't come as often... but when it does... oh jebus.

While Ducs do call for the valves to be checked more often, it's easy with a 2v duc like the 900. If you're a competent DIYer it's not hard at all. And with the crew around SF I'm sure you can find someone to help guide.

So, I've got a 2000 900, it's a touch different as it's injected vs carb - but it's got 34K on it and doesn't miss a start.

As you might expect, buying an older bike it'll probably need some TLC. One really common item is the cam belts. They are supposed to have a service life of 2 years or 12k miles. On a 98, I'm guessing it doesn't have 84,000 miles on it, so the belts are probably older than 2 years and should be replaced. Good news is , that it's super simple on that bike. About $80 for a set of belts and about 30 min to do a swap if you've done it before. Give it an hour if you're waking trough the first time.

Other usual bike service stuff applies - fluids etc etc

 

[sfcootz]

It's somegirl's M900 that infected me with Desmoitis. 

I'll try making it to Thursday's meets.

[sfcootz]

Aaand I totally bought this ducati. It's needed a little routine maintenance. I was able to repair my own clutch. Oil changes and putting in spark plugs was a snap.

The thing is heaven to ride as well.