Hi All Ive got the opportunity to buy a 748s and am looking for some advice as its a slightly funny one. I have an 848 but know little about the 784 hence asking for some guidance. Its a 2002 784s in the dark grey with red/orange wheels. Totally stock with circa 500 miles on it. It's been in a garage for the last 10 years, started occasionally but never even had its first service. It's owned by a friend with circumstances forcing sale so I want to be fair but can't afford to be paying too much as my wife won't be happy! So questions : What work would need to be done? I'd expect 3rd service type level (oil, filters, belts, shims and fork oil) but I'd also be budgeting for new tyres, coolant, brake fluid, fork seals and possibly brake lines. How much would you pay? What's a fair price for these in ready to ride condition? I'd not be looking to sell it but would need to know I'm not going to loose money hand over fist. Is it a desirable incarnation of the 748 or the ginger step son....does everyone want a red one? Prices seem to vary wildly on Evilbay with dealers simply sticking a figure on and hoping someone with too much cash will click on 'buy now'. I've had some guidance saying they tend to go for £3500 to £4250 so given the work required I'm thinking £2500? And thoughts gratefully received.
They're not the fastest thing in the world but oh they're fun to ride hard. I rode an 848 thinking it was the next logical step up from mine, but when it came down to it, I couldn't bear part with it. Mono or Bip? Not that it really matters, although personally I think the Mono more desirable. £2.5k is a no-brainer, don't even think about it given it only has 500 miles. Go for it. If it were mine, i'd want 4k minimum regardless of history. Assuming the condition matches 500 miles .... 500 miles, PAH!
So, I would agree, £2500. The 2003 Grey was the very last year and should have the slab sides (with no vents?) People do tend to try and get away with claiming it's a 'Special Edition' but it isn't, was just the last run of bikes. In terms of spec, it's of the period when the rockers need to be kept on top of, and if it hasn't had the fuel draining it is going to need the whole fuel pump etc stripped and cleaned. You need to be aware that the servicing on the 748/916 series is a fair bit more, tbh it's mostly due to placement of components, so for example all the battery and fuses etc are in-front of the cam belt covers. When I had mine serviced MR used to say to me "well we have to do all the stripping just to do the belt check and valve check so for £60 we may as well just change the belts". Obv I wouldn't even start it without getting the belts changed, I would get it booked in to a good independant and get a full monty service done on it. £2500 with £1000 spent to really get it looked after and it will be lovely, yes they are down on power but that's the best of the standard models and it's a lovely colour, worth £4250 I would think if it's mint and serviced. If your looking to 'flip it' it's too risky, but if you want it cheap and your going to keep it then definitely buy it.
This thread may be of interest to you: Advice on standing 748S | Ducati Forum If it's only covered 500 miles, but been started regularly it "may" have some internal issues. Remember that if the oil has not been changed, which if it's not had it's first service, it'll have the original "running in" oil in it. Issue with these engines are the rockers as has been mentioned. If I were you, do all the bits you've said but try and get fresh running in oil and run it in properly. Get the shims checked as you said, they'll also check the rockers/followers at the same time for damage. All in all, I'm sure it'll be fine but you have risk here. If it's only done 500 miles and it's a definite 500 miles, I think a punt about 3k~3.5k. Obviously, if you can get it for less go for it. There is one on fleabay at the moment for 5.5k though.. ps, I like the colours of the bike, very unique. Best of luck with the purchase, they are great bikes ;-)
Obviously it needs care plus new belts, service, tyres etc. but if the valve clearances were correct when it was built (one would hope so) then they shouldn't have moved much in 500 miles as sitting for 10yrs won't make the clearances change, similarly I wouldn't expect any rockers to be shot with such low mileage but always worth checking when changing the belts anyway. If it's as mint as it sounds then at £2.5k get it bought, if not pass my details onto the seller and I'll buy it...
For £2500 I'd take it before he changes his mind and that is a very nice colour Here's a few of my one
No need for a full service - the clearances will be fine. Oil and filter Belts New fuel filter plus flush out tank and injectors Battery Tyres? 500 quid, less if you do it yourself.
£500? New tyres and belts alone will take 2/3rds of that. I reckon you are looking at the best part of £1k to make it roadworthy and reliable. Offer him £2k.
Brakes would need checking and fluid changing. Personally I would completely strip the bike down and rebuild it and check everything whilst doing so. Whilst the engine is out it will be a lot easier to check everything like valves, change oil etc. and all the cycle parts. I have done this with every 748 that I have bought and it eliminates pretty much anything that might go wrong\is wrong that might not get picked up. It might sound drastic but if you can do the work it's pretty straightforward.
What sort of garage is it? Has it been stored under a breathable cover in a nice dry and warm garage?
Dry yes. Warm? It does have the boiler for the house in it I think so might be a little warmer than a normal garage. I don't suppose there would be too much condensation. Definitely had a dust cover on it too
