issues with buying a low mileage old bike?

[sbrguy]

hey i found a really low mileage 2002 748 for sale, basically it looks new. 

belts haven't been replaced in 4 years, fluids in almost 2 years, probably original tires., etc.

you get the tidea, i know it would need new belts/tires/fluids/battery at the min, but what otehr things should i be looking for or concerned about?
i know that by 2002 the galley nut problem and most of the electircal problems were fixed on teh 748 but the rocker arm thing is still a possible concern.  i wouldnt' know that without opening it up.

what do you think a fair price is for this?  its a bipostal not an s or r model.

thanks.

[Howie]

Though rocker arm problems diminished by 2002, the still existed and can run into big money.  I would want to check the rockers and cams before buying the bike.

[sbrguy]

i know the flaking issue is a problem  but does that stuff even show up at 2500 miles? i know people have seen it at the first 6k service or 12k service but this bike isnt' really even broken in yet.

[Howie]

The flaking is usually noticed at the 6K or 12K while performing a valve adjustment.  Just when it would happen?  I suppose anytime.  Checking now certainly wouldn't guaranty it won't happen in the future and well might be a waste in time.  I agree it is unlikely you will find anything.  Your $$, your decision.   Does the bike run?  Yo could have a stale fuel problem.

[He Man]

whats the cost of the bike?

[vfrhans]

I bought a 2001 Monster 750 with 1950 miles on the clock two months ago - showroom beauty. It ran beautifully until I put it into hibernation (MN ). Local Ducatisti recommended to replace the belts before starting into the 2009 riding season. Fluids were changed regularly. The tires show no cracks (on tread or sidewalls) and I am not sure whether I should first test them on the road or replace them right away.
Thanks for starting the topic. I look forward to learning along with you from more experienced riders' advice.

[akmnstr]

I have purchase several older bikes with low mileage and I make it a practice to clean and sync. the fueling system.  Even if the bike seems to be running fine before I do this I notice improvements afterward like smooth running and better fuel economy.  The old battery may also give out on you soon.  These are all minor things unless you have to pay someone else to do them. 

[zooom]

my only concern above what has been mentioned on older bikes that haven't been run is the fact that some seals and gaskets will suffer dry rot from atrophe...regular cycling of heat and fluids helps endure those seals whereas otherwise they can turn brittle and then apon regular usage you see these problems develop...

on a water cooled bike this would be something moreso to be looking for, but on an oil/air cooled bike not as much....but things like head base gaskets, water pump seal, side case seals, primary output shaft seal, ect.....now this isn't to scare anyone because these are all issues that can be overcome...but they can rear their ugly heads....

[akmnstr]

my only concern above what has been mentioned on older bikes that haven't been run is the fact that some seals and gaskets will suffer dry rot from atrophe...regular cycling of heat and fluids helps endure those seals whereas otherwise they can turn brittle and then apon regular usage you see these problems develop...

on a water cooled bike this would be something moreso to be looking for, but on an oil/air cooled bike not as much....but things like head base gaskets, water pump seal, side case seals, primary output shaft seal, ect.....now this isn't to scare anyone because these are all issues that can be overcome...but they can rear their ugly heads....

Those are good points, but I can't think of any seals or gaskets on that engine that would be a problem.  There are no head gaskets and the cylinder base gasket is AL.  The side cover don't have gaskets unless the owner chose to use after market ones.  Perhaps the wheel or steering head bearings could be an issue, but I wouldn't think so.  I've heard of rodents living in air intake boxes.  You'd find out about that if you clean up the fuel system.  I'd also check the clutch and brake fluid.  If the fluid is brown, replace with new.  You might check the charging system and clean the electrical contacts. 

[zooom]

.but things like head base gaskets, 

Those are good points, but I can't think of any seals or gaskets on that engine that would be a problem.  There are no head gaskets and the cylinder base gasket is AL.  The side cover don't have gaskets unless the owner chose to use after market ones.  

I said base gaskets (I forgot to go back and delete the "head" portion when I was typing-so much for proofing)...and I have seen paper ones especially moreso on the rear/vertical head which is more prone to leakage and the side cases are done with that grey Ducati Bond (which I have found a readily available alternative here at work) which does get brittle over time and will leak once you start riding the bike and it cracks due to vibration...

[Desmo Demon]

Though rocker arm problems diminished by 2002,

Total BS.....my 2002 748 had four opening rockers changed at 5600 miles. Back then, Ducati was offering replacements at $45 each. Now, they are back up int he $160+ range. Replates by Megacycle are the most common correction for this problem.

..the side cases are done with that grey Ducati Bond...

The guy who bought the biposto 2002 748 just, before I bought my monoposto, had purchased a low-mileage 916 at a good deal. The local dealer told me that every seal that could go bad was leaking, so they fixed the 916 and the guy traded it on the new 748. I am not too sure what seals went bad, but that was the story I got.....clutch hub seal?...shifter shaft seal?...starter seal/gasket?....oil level sight glass seal?.....cam bearing o-rings?......throttlebody rubber boots?....

Other issues with low-mileage bikes, depending on how they were stored is....1) corroded electrical connnections...2) dried piston seals causing brakes to drag....3) with carburated bikes there are issues of dried needle seats causing gas overflow.....I can't think of any others that haven't already been mentioned.


As for price, I typically see the 2001 and 2002 748 bikes going in the $5500-$6500. I've seen people asking more than that, but once you get into that price range, you start competing with really nice and clean 916/996 bikes and get closer into the realm of the 749/998/999 bikes. I know I'd start looking for a 998 once you start getting above $8000. Hindsight tells me I should have bought that 998 that was sitting next to my 748 on the showroom floor.

[Nitewaif]

I bought a new 2000 M750 (36 miles on it) in 2004.  That thing broke down on me in every state east of the Mississippi from "electrical demons".  The electrical system was completely gone through a couple of times, and every time I thought things were sorted out, I'd end up stranded in a new and fun location.  After FINALLY getting all that straightened out, the bike has served me well. 

The like an idiot, I went and bought a '97M944 with 4K miles on the clock.  I'm a glutten for punishment.   

Good luck.

[CromoMann]

Also consider the tank along with the stale fuel idea.  I'm not absolutely certain at the number of potential issues, but my 1999 M900 had issues with a rusty tank.  That was also an adventurous ride home getting stranded in central valley with what ended up to be a clogged float-bowl/dirty carb from the rust and grit that got through the fuel filter.

I may have over paid and had some tech issues, but I would do it all over again.