Early 916 - a recipe for disaster
Discussion
I'm currently thinking of getting my adrenaline buzz from a bike whilst I wait for my next TVR (both won't fit in the garage).
I'm considering an early 916 or 748 because I've always wanted one. I figure the depreciation on a 4-5k bike wouldn't be too great, though I'm concerned it will be a false economy because of the reliability (or lack of) of an early bike.
If I do decide on a cheap Ducati then I'm not sure whether to go for the 748 or 916. From what I read, the 748 is more revvy but the 916 much more torquey.
My last bike was a 750 twin though I did get bored of the rather pedestrian top end after a while. I do like the bottom end torque of a twin though. So, a 916?
thanks,
D
I'm considering an early 916 or 748 because I've always wanted one. I figure the depreciation on a 4-5k bike wouldn't be too great, though I'm concerned it will be a false economy because of the reliability (or lack of) of an early bike.
If I do decide on a cheap Ducati then I'm not sure whether to go for the 748 or 916. From what I read, the 748 is more revvy but the 916 much more torquey.
My last bike was a 750 twin though I did get bored of the rather pedestrian top end after a while. I do like the bottom end torque of a twin though. So, a 916?
thanks,
D
_DJ_ said:
I'm currently thinking of getting my adrenaline buzz from a bike whilst I wait for my next TVR (both won't fit in the garage).
I'm considering an early 916 or 748 because I've always wanted one. I figure the depreciation on a 4-5k bike wouldn't be too great, though I'm concerned it will be a false economy because of the reliability (or lack of) of an early bike.
If I do decide on a cheap Ducati then I'm not sure whether to go for the 748 or 916. From what I read, the 748 is more revvy but the 916 much more torquey.
My last bike was a 750 twin though I did get bored of the rather pedestrian top end after a while. I do like the bottom end torque of a twin though. So, a 916?
thanks,
D
Well, I went from a Griff to a 916 for my kicks. There are better bikes to be had for the same money, but for me (like the Griff) it was about owning and enjoying an icon. The great thing is, I get so much pleasure just 'knowing' I own a 916, let alone riding it! When in fine fettle (always go for full service history) the 916 is a very focused machine, but I don't find it uncomfortable except around town traffic.
Some advice - buy in the summer as there's loads of the best examples to choose from and prices are low. Secondly, don't skimp on servicing as they can give jip if not maintained. Set aside a good amount to keep it this way. Lastly, some folk really look after their 916s, these are the people to buy off.
HTH
M
mellowman said:
Some advice - buy in the summer as there's loads of the best examples to choose from and prices are low. Secondly, don't skimp on servicing as they can give jip if not maintained. Set aside a good amount to keep it this way. Lastly, some folk really look after their 916s, these are the people to buy off.
HTH
M
Thanks for the advice. I thought prices would be lower 'out of season'? I'm used to running a Cerbera so have gotten used to necessary (and expensive) pampering. Is there such a thing as a typical service cost, and if so, what it is?
I realise that there are other bikes which are more capable, but I'm sure I'll never find its limit on the road.
thanks,
Darren.
>> Edited by _DJ_ on Monday 26th July 08:25
I am selling a mint 2001 748s with all the lovely stuff fitted. The S model has the upgraded 5 spoke wheels and adjustable steering angle.
Sadly I have to move house, in all fairness I am trying to avoid the sale of the bike. It will be definitely replaced with more Italian next year.
Sadly I have to move house, in all fairness I am trying to avoid the sale of the bike. It will be definitely replaced with more Italian next year.
veetwin said:
I am selling a mint 2001 748s with all the lovely stuff fitted. The S model has the upgraded 5 spoke wheels and adjustable steering angle.
Sadly I have to move house, in all fairness I am trying to avoid the sale of the bike. It will be definitely replaced with more Italian next year.
I did see yours in the classified's but it's too rich for me I'm afraid. I would rather go for an early bike unless it's going to turn out a money pit!
thanks anyway!
Darren.
veetwin said:
I may have to review the price due to lack of interest. Will check the autotrader etc. to see how over-ambitious I may have been.
I'm not sure whether it's overpriced or not to be honest (or what the premium for the S spec is). If it was going to be a 748, I'd currently short-list:
Dealer - '99, warranty, mint, 4700 miles - £4500
Private - '00, just serviced, 7200 miles - £4700
Dealer - 01, just serviced, warranty, 5k lots of bits - £5250
Darren
That aside, I have only ridden the 748 and never been on the 9**. I can tell you that with a set of termi's and a real-time mappable chip and rolling road setup, the bike is fantastic. No fuelling problems in the low rev range, great linear pickup and a buzzing top end make for a great ride compared to the 4 cylinder options. The handling is odd at first as it likes to carry a lot of corner speed rather than slow in, fast out. Try and go for post 2000 models as they have more Japanese electronics that aid reliability. The only issue that I have had is a leaking oil pressure sensor, replaced at a cost of £15.
Make sure you change the oiil and filter regularly and buy an Optimate. If the bike sniffs a raindrop it will basically self destruct. Best kept for sunny days.
Make sure you change the oiil and filter regularly and buy an Optimate. If the bike sniffs a raindrop it will basically self destruct. Best kept for sunny days.
I bought a duke to get back into biking with.... I'd been away as my first love is cars and I had been ploughing all my money into them.
I picked a 1997 916 as I love the look and sound (termi's
) and I had an Ultima at the time so wasn't too obsessive with having the fastest bike around (I couldn't ride one to the limit anyhow).
My bike was cheap and had been played with so I've spent some time getting it back to std (and handling again) but the only reason I struggled so much is that I held off sending the bike to be dealer serviced as I originally intended to do this myself... but just never got round to it.
Have to say now the bike is absolutelly fantastic and I really enjoy riding it... and now the Ult is gone I will probably be using it far too much.
costs me peanuts to insure as well which is a bonus.
Andy
I picked a 1997 916 as I love the look and sound (termi's
) and I had an Ultima at the time so wasn't too obsessive with having the fastest bike around (I couldn't ride one to the limit anyhow). My bike was cheap and had been played with so I've spent some time getting it back to std (and handling again) but the only reason I struggled so much is that I held off sending the bike to be dealer serviced as I originally intended to do this myself... but just never got round to it.
Have to say now the bike is absolutelly fantastic and I really enjoy riding it... and now the Ult is gone I will probably be using it far too much.
costs me peanuts to insure as well which is a bonus.
Andy
_DJ_ said:
Some advice - buy in the summer as there's loads of the best examples to choose from and prices are low. Secondly, don't skimp on servicing as they can give jip if not maintained. Set aside a good amount to keep it this way. Lastly, some folk really look after their 916s, these are the people to buy off.
HTH
M
Thanks for the advice. I thought prices would be lower 'out of season'? I'm used to running a Cerbera so have gotten used to necessary (and expensive) pampering. Is there such a thing as a typical service cost, and if so, what it is?
I realise that there are other bikes which are more capable, but I'm sure I'll never find its limit on the road.
thanks,
Darren.
>> Edited by _DJ_ on Monday 26th July 08:25
That's the received wisdom, but I bought out of season and there was very little choice and thus competition. Once summer starts there's dozens to choose from and it pays to choose the best example at a price that's beaten down by supply and demand. A good example is never given away for peanuts though. I went for a '98 916 and it's been fantastically reliable - earlier examples have a reputation for less than exemplary electrics.
Servicing can be expensive if it's needing a few things replacing, and it takes much more time than some bikes to get the jobs done (special valve adjustment etc). Everyone will agree there's a massive difference between one properly serviced and set up (by folk that know their Dukes) and one that's rarely used kept on a shoestring.
Good luck!
M
www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/58709.html?1086187945
www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/58709.html?1086187945
Couple of posts about the ownership of an old 916....I'll get one eventually too!
www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/58709.html?1086187945
Couple of posts about the ownership of an old 916....I'll get one eventually too!
You just missed out Darren. My mates boss was selling his 748BP, '96, 7000 miles, full Duke SH, dry use only, absolutely mint condition..... for 3300 quid.
Said he wasn't getting to use it due to work and would rather sell it and let someone else get the use from it or something like that.
My mate got it offered to me before it went in the ads but I thought it was maybe a bit much for me straight after my test.
It sold within 2 hours when the ad went in the paper.
Andy
Said he wasn't getting to use it due to work and would rather sell it and let someone else get the use from it or something like that.
My mate got it offered to me before it went in the ads but I thought it was maybe a bit much for me straight after my test.
It sold within 2 hours when the ad went in the paper.
Andy
andy4200 said:
You just missed out Darren. My mates boss was selling his 748BP, '96, 7000 miles, full Duke SH, dry use only, absolutely mint condition..... for 3300 quid.
Said he wasn't getting to use it due to work and would rather sell it and let someone else get the use from it or something like that.
My mate got it offered to me before it went in the ads but I thought it was maybe a bit much for me straight after my test.
It sold within 2 hours when the ad went in the paper.
Andy
Ah bugger! That'd have been perfect.
I actually want a 916/996 but I'd get screwed on insurance.
I've currently got my eye on a '97 748 with 9k on it so we'll see what comes of that....
Thanks for the thought anyway...
Darren.
I only paid 4k for my 97 916 so they are out there.... after a year, about 4k miles, two new tyres, and a rectifyer, I'm more in love with the bike than when I bought it.
AND I regularly commute on it, rain or shine.
BTW I found the insurance on the 916 very reasonable... much cheaper for me than an R1 or blade for instance.
AND I regularly commute on it, rain or shine.
BTW I found the insurance on the 916 very reasonable... much cheaper for me than an R1 or blade for instance.
andygtt said:
I only paid 4k for my 97 916 so they are out there.... after a year, about 4k miles, two new tyres, and a rectifyer, I'm more in love with the bike than when I bought it.
AND I regularly commute on it, rain or shine.
BTW I found the insurance on the 916 very reasonable... much cheaper for me than an R1 or blade for instance.
Well, it's proving as reliable as I expected
Ended up with a 748sp with airbox mod, termis and chip.
I'm not sure it's behaving as it should though. It seems to miss occasionally on tickover (revs drop and usually pick up again, but sometimes stalls).
I'm also not convinced it's performing as it should; it's basically:
0-5000 revs, OK, torquey
5001-6500, really flat, and feels to be struggling to make any more power
6501-when I change gear, ballistic. Tries to throw you off it whilst dislocating your arms. The close ratio gearbox keeps it in this power band and it reaches 140 in no time.
So:
1) Any suggestions as to the missing at tickover
2) Should it really have the 2 stroke-esk power band?
thanks,
D
Is the chip the Ducati Performance item or is it a mapped one, eg. Ultimap or similar?
The DP chips are off the shelf and again are factory developed for generic usage with all scenarios built in. I.e. bad fuel quality, differing atmospheric conditions. My 748 had the same symptoms until I had the Ultimap and rolling road set-up performed last year. It hasn't missed a beat since. The power delivery is linear right the way through making this bike superb to ride with power available right from the apex of a bend without any hairy moments (unless its wet). As your bike is the SP it will have different cam profiles which may give the feeling of a power band as the power comes on cam. It doesn't explain your flat spot though. I think I paid £175 + VAT for my Ultimap and then IIRC £60 for the rolling road dyno at Moto Rapido in Winchester.
The DP chips are off the shelf and again are factory developed for generic usage with all scenarios built in. I.e. bad fuel quality, differing atmospheric conditions. My 748 had the same symptoms until I had the Ultimap and rolling road set-up performed last year. It hasn't missed a beat since. The power delivery is linear right the way through making this bike superb to ride with power available right from the apex of a bend without any hairy moments (unless its wet). As your bike is the SP it will have different cam profiles which may give the feeling of a power band as the power comes on cam. It doesn't explain your flat spot though. I think I paid £175 + VAT for my Ultimap and then IIRC £60 for the rolling road dyno at Moto Rapido in Winchester.
veetwin said:
Is the chip the Ducati Performance item or is it a mapped one, eg. Ultimap or similar?
The DP chips are off the shelf and again are factory developed for generic usage with all scenarios built in. I.e. bad fuel quality, differing atmospheric conditions. My 748 had the same symptoms until I had the Ultimap and rolling road set-up performed last year. It hasn't missed a beat since. The power delivery is linear right the way through making this bike superb to ride with power available right from the apex of a bend without any hairy moments (unless its wet). As your bike is the SP it will have different cam profiles which may give the feeling of a power band as the power comes on cam. It doesn't explain your flat spot though. I think I paid £175 + VAT for my Ultimap and then IIRC £60 for the rolling road dyno at Moto Rapido in Winchester.
Thanks for the info. I suspect it will be a generic ducati chip. I'm in Maidenhead so Winchester would be do-able, unless there's anywhere closer?
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