Ducati 916 or 996
Discussion
I've sudenly discovered that I can afford a Ducatti and after over a year since I sold my 'owned from new' ZX6R I am again tempted by bike ownership.
The bike would be used rain or shine and I will even comute a few days a week on it (60miles round trip).
Will I hate riding this bike daily (I'm used to sports bikes), are they really unreliable or only unreliable if you ignore the sign's and service intervals.
I have funds up to aroung 6k, which version would you recomend?
The bike would be used rain or shine and I will even comute a few days a week on it (60miles round trip).
Will I hate riding this bike daily (I'm used to sports bikes), are they really unreliable or only unreliable if you ignore the sign's and service intervals.
I have funds up to aroung 6k, which version would you recomend?
Nice problem to have!
As with all Ducati's, go for as new as you can afford (they are better built after 1998 IIRC). For 6k you could probably haggle to get a lateish 916 SP (which is actually a 996 engine plus exotic suspension). The 996 BP is also a great bike, but not as good as the 916 SP (or SPS).
Always look for bikes with Termi pipes, as the sound they make is MUCH better.
As long as it's got full dealer history, had the belts changed recently and is not an import you wont go badly wrong. Do expect more expensive servicing (£300-£500 per service) than the ZX6.
Ducati UK are helpful in identifying imports and exact models (as some 916 BP's are dressed up as SP's), so definately call them before parting with any cash.
As with all Ducati's, go for as new as you can afford (they are better built after 1998 IIRC). For 6k you could probably haggle to get a lateish 916 SP (which is actually a 996 engine plus exotic suspension). The 996 BP is also a great bike, but not as good as the 916 SP (or SPS).
Always look for bikes with Termi pipes, as the sound they make is MUCH better.
As long as it's got full dealer history, had the belts changed recently and is not an import you wont go badly wrong. Do expect more expensive servicing (£300-£500 per service) than the ZX6.
Ducati UK are helpful in identifying imports and exact models (as some 916 BP's are dressed up as SP's), so definately call them before parting with any cash.
DennisTheMenace said: A mate of mine had a 996 and it was very reliable but he got hacked off when after his initial burst of getaway from the kwack i could reel him in and get pasttry the new ZX6R looks awesome !
If you are any kind of decent rider you would reel me in on an old 400. So I'm not really worried that a well riden ZX6R could beat me.
Looks like I was right in assuming the unreliability issue was hyped up. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi
I have heard lots of unreliabilty storys about Ducatis. When ever I have been on trips its always been the Ducatis that have stumbled.
If you need a V Twin I can recommend the Aprilia RSV. I have done over 8K without a glitch, and its the cheapist to insure (just paid £243 with only 2 years experiance.
As for speed- all bikes go fast, even the 400cc.
We recently added a TVR to our collection despite being told numerous un-reliability stories.
There are times I cant get init (centrol locking), and verious other electrical faults. But its still the buisness.
So if its a Ducati you want then nothing else will do no matter what. Enjoy
I have heard lots of unreliabilty storys about Ducatis. When ever I have been on trips its always been the Ducatis that have stumbled.
If you need a V Twin I can recommend the Aprilia RSV. I have done over 8K without a glitch, and its the cheapist to insure (just paid £243 with only 2 years experiance.
As for speed- all bikes go fast, even the 400cc.
We recently added a TVR to our collection despite being told numerous un-reliability stories.
There are times I cant get init (centrol locking), and verious other electrical faults. But its still the buisness.
So if its a Ducati you want then nothing else will do no matter what. Enjoy
I've had a 916 Biposto for 3 years. It did concern me a bit when I bought it about all the reliability stories and the comfort factor but so far it's been fine.
I rode down to Le Mans two years ago for the MotoGP race and it was the best fun I've had on two wheels.
Definitely get a set of Termis' - they do sound the business, but make sure you also have the original pipes for MOT time.
My bike has just had a 12,000 mile service and my wallet is now £1400 lighter, so make sure you can afford to run it. I'm now living on Safeway Saver fish fingers until next pay day.
I rode down to Le Mans two years ago for the MotoGP race and it was the best fun I've had on two wheels.
Definitely get a set of Termis' - they do sound the business, but make sure you also have the original pipes for MOT time.
My bike has just had a 12,000 mile service and my wallet is now £1400 lighter, so make sure you can afford to run it. I'm now living on Safeway Saver fish fingers until next pay day.
I have a 1998 916 BP, which I've had since new and has always been reliable, it always starts first time and even the neutral light works! The only breakdown I had was when the clutch assy fell out! but this was due to it not being replaced properly by the dealer (who is no more) after an insurance repair where the battery got broke in a crash and 'sh*t' itself all over the clutch.
I have been very pleased with it, it is uncomfortable at low speed but you soon get used to it and when making 'good progress' the wind helps lift weight off wrists, it is remarkably good on fuel economy (unlike the 996) but the servicing, which I have always had done properly, is very expensive, my last service was about £550 but I have got away with as little as £250.
Mine was an 'import' (technically they all are!) and cost £2250 less (incl. Termi's & 'chip') than UK dealer - and I can't see Ducati providing an inferior spec to the Italian market so what's the problem, mine was even included in 2 recalls from Ducati UK (new rear hub and belt pulley shims) as did the UK versions - the only difference is KPH speedo (new MPH one costs about £180) and wrong side dipping headlight which is just a small curved steel plate inside the 'projector' light - (you can cut & polish a new one out of Stainless Steel for nowt' if you want).
If you want one and are prepared to care for it properly (expensively) then go for it - you know it makes sense.
Edited to add; and it sounds the Dog's bo****ks with Termi's and open clutch cover - with just a hint of agricultural
>> Edited by cazzo on Monday 19th May 23:11
I have been very pleased with it, it is uncomfortable at low speed but you soon get used to it and when making 'good progress' the wind helps lift weight off wrists, it is remarkably good on fuel economy (unlike the 996) but the servicing, which I have always had done properly, is very expensive, my last service was about £550 but I have got away with as little as £250.
Mine was an 'import' (technically they all are!) and cost £2250 less (incl. Termi's & 'chip') than UK dealer - and I can't see Ducati providing an inferior spec to the Italian market so what's the problem, mine was even included in 2 recalls from Ducati UK (new rear hub and belt pulley shims) as did the UK versions - the only difference is KPH speedo (new MPH one costs about £180) and wrong side dipping headlight which is just a small curved steel plate inside the 'projector' light - (you can cut & polish a new one out of Stainless Steel for nowt' if you want).
If you want one and are prepared to care for it properly (expensively) then go for it - you know it makes sense.
Edited to add; and it sounds the Dog's bo****ks with Termi's and open clutch cover - with just a hint of agricultural
>> Edited by cazzo on Monday 19th May 23:11
Right have found one nearby.
Its a 1997 916 but its modded to SP spec, it has the race cans, a Bains chip with other carbon goodies. Its also imported and as such doesn't have the full history.
Obviously its price is relective and I will want to give it a thourough service with belts etc....
I notice that others have the imports and would value any comments advice before I think seriously about commiting.
Its a 1997 916 but its modded to SP spec, it has the race cans, a Bains chip with other carbon goodies. Its also imported and as such doesn't have the full history.
Obviously its price is relective and I will want to give it a thourough service with belts etc....
I notice that others have the imports and would value any comments advice before I think seriously about commiting.
ultimaandy said: Right have found one nearby.
Regarding the 916 you have seen.
Modded to SP spec? do you know who did the mod, was it done properly, IIRC there are significant differences; Titanium con-rods, different cams, bigger valves, bronze valve seats, higher compression, twin injectors per cylinder, totally different ECU & wiring and above all put together by an expert with TLC - a very expensive conversion (for not many more BHP which on the road means little) if done properly but a potentially very expensive headache if it all goes sh1t-shaped.
Imported/no history - when was it imported, if from new there is no reason to not have a history, unless there is something to hide, mine is an import but has full Ducati service history including all recalls etc.
916 engines are NOT for DIY mechanics as the valve settings, in particular, are crucial to it's survival and poor maintenance can cause major (expensive) repairs eg the alternator should be checked for the condition of the keyway, loctited and re-torqued regularly - not a big job but many places don't bother/know and when it comes loose it knackers the crankshaft, They also need regular oil top-ups (with the right kind of oil) as they all use a fair bit, topping it up involves removing the fairing, again not a big job but often neglected and low, or incorrect type of, oil can cause major wear on the cams & followers (of which there are many) which receive no oil until a while after startup and it all drains away when stopped - they should always be warmed up gently and even well treated bikes can suffer cam wear due to this.
If you buy it and are not sure as to when belts were last changed then change'em straight away they are not too expensive (about £40 each IIRC) plus labour, but you do NOT want a belt to break whilst engine running as the repair bill is likely to be about the same as the value of the bike! not to mention the consequences of engine lockup in mid-bend at full lean angle
Of course a full service history is no guarantee of a good engine but it does prove that maintenance has been done and Dukes can handle serious hard riding well if looked after.
Crash damage may be harder to spot as fairings are easily replaced and the frames are strong and don't show the damage like an alloy beam and they are easily resprayed.
Because they wheelie so well/easily, many have been, obviously check the usual headstock bearings etc (the front wheels are soft and bend easily) other signs of big wheelies are oil in/around airbox as this fills with oil during long mono's - the problem with big wheelies and 916's is that the oil pickup is at the front of the sump (this was improved on the 996 onwards) so the engine suffers oil starvation whilst 'airborne' - this is NOT a good thing also clutches wear out quickly and like all Ducati parts they are expensive to replace, (although a very simple job to swap)
I think you need to be careful when buying an old one and if it has no 'history' then maybe it has a bad history, IMO you would be better off to look for a non-modified executives 'toy' with two-inch 'chicken-strips' that has been owned/maintained regardless of cost by an old git who's too scared to give a handful, either that or pay a bit more and buy one from a dealer who'll give you a warranty.
However don't let me put you off the bike, just be careful what you buy, you might save a grand or so buying it but you could pay that (and then some) to get it sorted afterwards.
Minter or Munter...it's a hard one
Oh and get a red one - they're faster than the yellow ones
>> Edited by cazzo on Tuesday 20th May 16:32
Hmmmm, I've not actually seen this bike yet, might go just for a look but It'll now have to be a fantastic deal for me to seriously consider it.
In fact the more I've looked into it the more I think Id be better off with a 748, it'll still be quicker in a straight line than my old ZX6R and outhandle my ability (dare I abmit, I had chicken strips on my ninja).
In fact the more I've looked into it the more I think Id be better off with a 748, it'll still be quicker in a straight line than my old ZX6R and outhandle my ability (dare I abmit, I had chicken strips on my ninja).
There is no way the 748 is quicker in a straight line! It's also surprisingly peaky compared to the 996.
ultimaandy said:In fact the more I've looked into it the more I think Id be better off with a 748, it'll still be quicker in a straight line than my old ZX6R and outhandle my ability (dare I abmit, I had chicken strips on my ninja).
danny
Carrie Anne Moss and a 996 I'd definitely be wary of the bike that is claimed to have been modded to SP spec. I reckon it would cost more to do this properly than just to buy an SP in the first place.
I've ridden a 916SP and rate it as the most thrilling motorcycle I have ever been on (and I have been on quite a few). I'd love one myself, but realised a few years ago that it just isn't compatible with arthritic ex rugby player's knees.
Happy hunting.
I've ridden a 916SP and rate it as the most thrilling motorcycle I have ever been on (and I have been on quite a few). I'd love one myself, but realised a few years ago that it just isn't compatible with arthritic ex rugby player's knees.
Happy hunting.
goodlife said:
ultimaandy said: I got one...
916 Biposta
chiped Termigonis's
carbon everywere
and yes of cause its yellow.
Sweeeet........now the Ultima has competition.
Andy - Did you get the Baines tuned one that the chap thought was an SP?
Yep
Turned out it the justification for calling it an SP was that it looked like one!
It is actually an unmodified Biposta (except the chip/bodywork), very clean, I had it fully checked out.
It was exactly what I wanted, right colour/look etc and decided it was worth it.
Another reason is that I want to 'play' (can't stop myself) which would be silly with a high value bike (I did come across a 748SPS that turned my head but was 1500quid more).
My plan is to give it a thourgh 12000mile service with my local Ducati dealer and go from there
Andy
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