Help with PPI info on Ducati

[sailchef]

I am looking to buy a “commuter bike” to get around to and from work this summer. Grid lock created by the tourist here can really slow things down. I have logged over 60,000 miles on a road bike but haven’t really ridden one in the last 30 years, other than to keep my “antiques” running, up and down the farm roads.

I rarely drive the 911 to work during the summer. Too many opportunities to get dented and such, and sitting in the heat w/o A/C is no fun. My truck just eats up the gas. So…….I need a bike.

I am going to look at a 2003 Ducati 800SS. I haven’t asked about mileage yet. I’ll be going on Monday/Tuesday sometime.

I have always wanted a Ducati. Don’t know why. Probably the same reason I had always wanted an air cooled 911. So I would like to discuss this particular bike. I know there are several other models etc. but this one is “up the road a piece” and the asking price is $5000, which is very do-able with cash left over to spend on the 911.

I have re-built several older bikes, engines, etc. so I’m comfortable with a wrench in my hand…….but, I have never worked on, ridden, or even been in the same parking lot as a Ducati and have a couple questions.

The closest Ducati dealer is in Washington DC I believe and way to far to go for repairs.

The add said it “needs new slave cylinder seals, the hydraulic clutch leaks a bit”

Will this be an easy fix? Meaning…… is the slave cylinder located outside the engine case and is it easily accessible? Or will my first experience be a nightmare.

Are Ducati relatively easy to work on with the proper tools. Given that the 911 is a breeze to disassemble and make repairs.

What questions should I ask. What should I look for?

Add says “completely stock”

Is $5000 a good price?

Any and all info will be greatly appreciated. I will post pics later if requested.

Thanks in advance.

[Por_sha911]

A friend of mine has a Duc and he says that all parts are made of unobtainium and priced accordingly. You may want to call the nearest dealer and get a price on parts. He can give you a heads up on what you'll need while you're in there.

[t-tom]

You think its hot in a 911 without air....wait till ya ride the duck!

[varmint]

is lane splitting legal there? if not, then there is little advantage getting one as a commuter.


seems pricey for a bike with issues.

[on2wheels52]

Originally Posted by varmint

seems pricey for a bike with issues.

I thought that also; plus it's a seven year old bike.
If you haven't been riding 'modern' bikes for 30 years I would steer you to something a bit less exotic for the first bike to get your feet wet again. That said, far be it from me to say buying a bike is a logical endeavor. If you have your heart set on a Ducati you're not going to be happy until you get one. How about you at least look at a couple of others (maybe hang out on some Ducati forums, sorry I have none to recommend) before you take a second look at that one on Craigslist.
Jim

[HHI944]

Yeah, the slave cylinder should be accessible without splitting the cases. You might have to remove the clutch cover, I can't remember. Timing belts and valve clearances are the biggest things to keep an eye on. If a timing belt breaks, you're fuched. You'll need new valves, probably new pistons, and it could be even worse. The last guy I knew that let a timing belt fail just bought a new engine because it was cheaper. Overheating isn't really an issue, even with it being stop and go as commuter.

If the clutch slave is stock, I doubt you'll be able to get Ducati to cough up just the seals. They'll want to bend you over for a new slave. Probably cheaper to buy a yoyodyne aftermarket one @$200 or so. Get service records, a lot of people 'forget' about having valves adjusted.

All that said: 5k seems pretty steep for an '03 800SS. I wouldn't jump unless it was under 4.

[sailchef]

Wow, points of view here I didn't consider. I already have unobtaniums little brother (the 911), i didn't realize parts would be that expensive but then the bikes are well built.

I guess "commuter" wasn't really a proper description. I live 7-8 miles out on some roads that are not heavily traveled and can sorta choose between a left and a right at a couple spots to get to work at the beach. Sometimes its 6am and no-one on the road. Middle of the day can be horrific but I try to not get in the middle of it.

I never even considered over-heating could be an issue.

I'm going to call a shop in DC on Monday with a "Parts list" just to get an idea of what some of the more disposable parts would cost.

[greglepore]

Slave cyl is external and an easy diy.

Make sure you love the bike. Its probably a 750 or 900, don't know about an "800 ss". Either way, the styling in that period was different, to say the least. The 2v duc motor is robust and a torque monster, but make sure you pay market, for that particular bike, probably no more than 4k.

[maxnine11]

As mentioned, the slave cylinder is an easy (and common) repair.
Updating with an aftermarket quality piece is the norm.

The Supersports really lay you out over the tank. Definitely a racing position as opposed to an easy commuter position.

They are gorgeous bikes though!

[Shoepop]

Nice bikes, I ride an 06 749s a different beast. Don't let the rattle of the dry clutch get you, if you haven't heard one before you will think the bike is ready to blow. I've been at stop lights many times where a driver will ask what's wrong with the bike. Part's no big deal to locate but like P cars pricey.

[nynor]

parts aren't bad. repairs are easy. the clutch slave is a common problem and easily fixed. the timing belts need attention every so often, also easy. $5K for a 2003? maybe, depending on the miles, under 5k miles, i think it is probably worth that, depending on overall condition.

[Noah930]

The problems listed (if an accurate description), aren't too bad to fix. Yoyodyne unit would be a worthwhile upgrade. You can check out a rough price for this on motowheels (IIRC). The 2-valve motors are cheaper and a little easier to maintain than the 4-valve motors. But these mass-produced bikes shouldn't be too expensive to run. A lot of parts are interchangeable with the very popular Monsters. Belts should be done every two years.

People complain about the riding position of these SuperSports. Very laid out over the tank feel. Depends upon your bodystyle, I suppose. You'll have to take the bike for a spin to see how you fit.

$5K seems a bit steep IMO. It's a slightly unloved generation of SuperSport (like the 964 amongst 911s). And there's a 1000cc size which might command the $5K price, but I'd think it should be less for the lower spec 800cc version. I don't know the specifics of suspension and brake components between 1000cc and 800cc, but in general Ducati tended to offer lower-spec parts on lower-spec bikes. I'm with Greg, above, on the rough pricing of that model.

There's a strong Ducati presence in your region. I think the group's called MAD (Mid Atlantic Ducati) or something like that. They can point you in the right direction.

[Jeff Higgins]

I just rebuilt the slave cylinder on my Super Sport. It took all of ten bucks or so for seals and half an hour of my time. Ducati of Seattle had the seals in stock; they have never failed to have what I need to keep my bike on the road. "Unobtanium"? Hardly. Parts availability, parts cost, ease of maintenance, and general reliability of these bikes seems to get a lot of bad publicity. It's all b.s. perpetuated by those who don't actually own one.

[HardDrive]

+1 to Jeff.

You should have not have major issues getting parts for an 800ss. If the local dealer tells you its a problem, call a different dealer. Ducati Seattle is excellent.

My take:
-The 1999+ SuperSports were regarded as ugly ducklings by many, but they have gained a solid following. FI engines, much better electrical systems, lots of aftermarket parts still available. It wasn't the styling so much as the fact that the bikes looked like they should have 150hp, and they didn't. I think folks were also bitter to see the very classically styled previous generations go away. It was sort of the end of era.

-I don't think $5000 is outrageous IF the major service(valves, belts, all fluids, etc...) has been done recently at a dealer, and the bike is otherwise pristine.

-If the guy has not cared for the bike, if there is any question about the service history, I would walk. A poorly maintained Duc is just like a poorly maintained Porsche. Its gonna hurt.

-2 valve Ducs are not nearly as expensive to maintain as their 4 valve counterparts.

-You can rebuild the clutch slave, but many folks opt for the upgrade for an easier clutch pull. It mounts to the left side of the case. Easy fix either way. Just make sure you bleed the line properly...ask me how I know.

-I love the riding position on my SS, but I'm not so sure I would want to piddle along in traffic on it. Would you consider a Monster?

-Ducs are geared pretty high. If you are going to use it as a commuter bike, it could be well worth your while to lower the gearing with a new sprocket.

-Regardless of what you go for, for commuting, an FI bike will keep you much happier than an earlier carbed bike.

-Go for it. I had always wanted a Duc, and a few years back, despite my wifes extreme protest, I went for it. Damn glad I did. I absolutely love riding them. Hell, I love just looking at them.

[HardDrive]

2003 Ducati 800 SS

Meh. Need more details. Mileage, service history, etc....

$5000? No. For that kind of $$$ I would be expecting a pristine, serviced bike with aftermarket pipes. $4200ish.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I wouldn't buy a bike or a car that needs minor and inexpensive but important fixes yet is still described as "great condition." Lazy owner.