[mr_rua]

I've come across a pretty damn cheap 2000 Ducati 996S, that was low sided and needs a little work. I'm not to worried about fixing/replacing the damaged bits, but I would like to know from the folks who have ridden both the Japanese I4's and Ducati twins what to expect. I've always ridden Honda I4's and have been really happy with the performance of the Japanese I4's. Will I be let down if I picked up this 996S? BTW, this would be a track only bike and I plan on taking all the carbon fiber bits and replacing with cheap track "stuff".

Lemme know!

TIA

[Purpdust]

Think no more, don't do it.

Do what ever makes you happy

[Nickelii]

I had a 2000 748 and I'm still sad that I sold it. It was much easier to ride than the IL4 IMO, because the powerband was from 3k to redline. You never had to be at 10k for it to pull hard out of a corner. That being said, it was very expensive to maintain. If you buy that bike, make sure to ask about the valves/rockers. The rockers are a notorious problem with Ducati, I had 4 go bad at $800 I believe. They also need valves done every 1000 miles, if you are only riding on the track. I had lots of other problems with the bike as well. I would say that if you really want it and can afford to fix it, buy it. If you have to question whether you want to or if you can fix it, for sure do not.

[mr_rua]

So I ended up not buying the bike. I only considered it because the bike was dirt cheap. I'm definitely not out there trying to look for a Ducati. If another one comes along that is dirt cheap then I might buy it. Otherwise, I'll stick with the Japanese inline 4's.

Thanks!