OK i think i found a bike what do you think????

[lwszabo]

i have searched night and day non stop. I wanted a monster buyt have always wanted a superbike! i dont ride hard and dont need a 996,998, 1098 etc... so i found a 97 748 that was bi posto but converted to mono. The bike has 7600 miles and lots of mods including full carbon fiber Fast by Ferracci exhaust / chip, gold 5 spoke marchesini wheels, updated collets that allow 18K valve adjustment intervals (never heard of them but who knows...) recent updated rockers (has the old ones also for proof...he says the new ones are ducati and dont flake???) Major service was done at 6800 with recipts. the bike also has new brake pads, brake lines etc... it is not for sale on any web site I just mentioned it to a freind who knew someone who knew someone. He says the bike is a 7 out of 10 because the rear wheel has a spot from brake fluid spilling, and a couple small marks on the fairing and a small mark on the tank. pictures look very nice and the guy seems very genuine on emails.
    What do you think??***I think I can get it for $4700***

[stopintime]

It doesn't matter what I think.

Buying a bike is not a matter of logic, it's a love thing. The heart has it's own logic.

I'll tell you what I think - I think you're in love - get it

[ducpainter]

Price?

Are the marchesinis gold paint/powder or just the chromate?

The collets are probably MBP and people claim they reduce maintenance...

The newest iteration of factory rockers have a better record of not flaking...they also don't have the time in service to be certain if that's the case.

[lwszabo]

Price?

Are the marchesinis gold paint/powder or just the chromate?

The collets are probably MBP and people claim they reduce maintenance...

The newest iteration of factory rockers have a better record of not flaking...they also don't have the time in service to be certain if that's the case.

sorry about that! i think i can get it for $4700...not sure I think its factory gold..so what ever that means..if it does mean anything.

[lwszabo]

Price?

Are the marchesinis gold paint/powder or just the chromate?

The collets are probably MBP and people claim they reduce maintenance...

The newest iteration of factory rockers have a better record of not flaking...they also don't have the time in service to be certain if that's the case.

what do you mean with the little face for reduce maint??

[lwszabo]

just for the record the guy wants somewhere between $5000 and $5500 for the bike. should I figure on double the price for main compared to a a/c 2 valve bike?

[ducpainter]

what do you mean with the little face for reduce maint??

People who's' opinion I respect tell me there is no real gain on a street bike from the MBP collets others claim they are the cats ass. I have no FHE.

sorry about that! i think i can get it for $4700...not sure I think its factory gold..so what ever that means..if it does mean anything.

If the rims haven't been coated with either paint or powder they should be. The chromate coating, while cool, is not very durable.

[swampduc]

just for the record the guy wants somewhere between $5000 and $5500 for the bike. should I figure on double the price for main compared to a a/c 2 valve bike?

in my experience, about 50% more, not double. Good luck with the decision.

[lwszabo]

ok..i will check it out one night this week!

[lwszabo]

I am still looking for other thoughts!!! [moto]

[corey]

just buy it.
if you don't like you can always sell it...

[Max LeanAngle]

I am still looking for other thoughts!!! [moto]

Iwszabo, if the bike resonates with you and it is the bike you have wanted all your life, get it!  I wish you the best.

[Punx Clever]

To put my point correctly, I gotta share my story.

I was a wet-behind-the-ears high-school kid working at the local car wash.  I had just got my licence and driving my mom's car to work.  I saw two people come in on motorcycles... both ducati's.  The one I remember was a black monster.  He did a wet-tire burn out across the lot when he was done washing the bike.  I think that was back in 2002... Ever since that day I wanted a monster.  Couldn't get my mind off the damn things.  Come time to buy one, i didn't look at any other bikes.  Ran straight to the Duc shop and dropped way more money than i should have on my first bike (first street bike that is), new on the showroom floor in 2008.

Through all the hell that that bike has put me through... or I have put the bike through, still not sure which, I've never owned or dreamed of anything better.  Like others have said, countless times before, if it speaks to you, if it FEELS right, and, of course, you have the money... buy the damn thing.  It's a passion that most people don't have, but when you have it, you have it.  I've sat on countless other bikes, and nothing speaks to me like mine. 

If she speaks to you... for the love of god don't hesitate.

[He Man]

a 1997 bike may have things that are just plain old ready to give out. This can include anything from the wires being old and cracking if the bike lived anywhere in the northern regions, to the ignition coils being toasted. Though the bike may not have any miles on it, time can destroy anything.


with that said, there are many make the beast with two backsed up 748s out there, it sounds like you got one that is pretty good. Id give it a look, throw him the cash and take it for a good 20 minute spin. Warm up the bike and see how it idles. Bikes always idle better when warm, so make sure you get to cold start it, dont let him do the "let me warm it up for you". Other then that, good luck!

[Duck-Stew]

1997 was the only year the 748 that had a single phase charging system.  Soooo....  That means the charging system is nearly maxxed out just running the injection and lights.  DO NOT add additional electrical bits to it (heated gear, extra lighting, etc...)  Keep the bike (when parked in your garage) on a battery-tender. 

Like DucPainter said, the updated rockers are better...or so Ducati claims but they haven't been in service long enough to really tell.  Also, ANY DesmoQuattro Ducati engine (748, 916, 996) takes a good long while before the camshafts get pressurized oil from the pump so please DON'T rev the motor immediately after starting it.  Wait a good 20-30 seconds before riding off even if the engine is warm (wait longer if it's a cold start).

Abide by the above and you'll be better off than if you didn't...

And a BIG HARDY +1 to the comment above about listening to your heart....