Ready for a bike now

[DebK]

Whether I sell the Dragster 180 now or later, I'm now in a position to buy my first bike.

I'm looking at a 1999 Ducati 400SS on the weekend at Motomart. Sounds like the bike for me at the moment.

Like my Dragster 180, I want an Italian bike that's different than the rest and looks & sounds great. I asked Andrew in this forum (who owns one) and he can't fault them. With the carbon muffler on it it also sounds great.

Any opinions on the 400SS? Am I making a mistake?

[White trash]

Good on ya, Deb.

Real bikes are the way to go. As to a 400SS, depends on wether you're after performance or a Ducati.

I know alot of people would tire of the lack of grunt really quickly but others couldn't give a toss. Mostly they choose Harleys though....(couldn't resist)

Get what the heart desires.

[Monsterbishi]

It's more than enough for a first real bike, you'll love it...

Only reservation I have over non-jap bikes is parts pricing and availability.

[Skunk]

Nice.

[Dodgyiti]

I think the only draw back with the smaller CC Dukes, and Guzzi's for that matter is RESALE
The little ones drop faster than the big 'ones.
But if the 4hundi does all you expect from a bike, and you 'recon you will keep it and do heaps of kays, then why not.

[muzz]

Take the 400 for a ride then take a 600 for a spin feel the differenance.
I think it's a good choose. Got to duc's.
My girl (mez) just got her full licence and has taken mine to work a couple of times cant get her off it so i guess i'll be buying a new one
Go with your heart

[Motu]

That thing will be absolutly hopeless in the gravel Deb,you can't get dirt tyres for that size rim and there is no steering lock - if you try and back it into a corner you'll end up pointing the other way.Useless suspension too,too hard and no travel,dump the steering damper too,you need quick response on gravel,as you well know.

Actualy I reckon you'd be better off with a Gas Gas 400 Motard,nice little bike with a low seat height and an attitude.

[Paul in NZ]

The 400cc bikes will most likely be an import with all the usual import issues.

Apart from that, it's your penny, spend it where you like... If you like red and can afford the sunglasses, go for it.

Paul N

[DebK]

Just called Motomart and Todd there advised has only done 11,000kms, is extremely tidy and sounds great.

At only $6,500 asking price I don't really care about resale value.

Heading to Motomart on Saturday morning to go buy it!

How am I going to sleep between now and then

Many many thanks for the advice guys. I do want it, you only live once, we have no children, I think we may have sold the rally car, lifes all good.

Buy, buy, buy. I want more toys! Thinking jet boat next.

Is this my early mid-life crisis as I approach age 37 in June? Ha!

[StoneChucker]

Thats so good to hear Deb, I reckon if you want it, buy it
And, you know that you'll be expected to come on rides with us now. I don't think I've ever seen you on the road :unsure:

Enjoy it, and post some pics when you can?
Dave.

[Paul in NZ]

Just called Motomart and Todd there advised has only done 11,000kms, is extremely tidy and sounds great.

At only $6,500 asking price I don't really care about resale value.

Heading to Motomart on Saturday morning to go buy it!

How am I going to sleep between now and then

Many many thanks for the advice guys. I do want it, you only live once, we have no children, I think we may have sold the rally car, lifes all good.

Buy, buy, buy. I want more toys! Thinking jet boat next.

Is this my early mid-life crisis as I approach age 37 in June? Ha!

Yup! All thats very good but low miles means it has sat around for a LONG time at some stage in it's life! At a minimum I would caution you at least ask them.

Have they serviced the carbs ie stripped them out and cleaned everything.

Is there a service history? If not, demand a full change of all fluids and filters including the brake fluid.

When were the belts last changed. If they don't know, negotiate a price to do that as a part of the deal.

How fresh is the battery and have they checked the charging system. The regulator / rectifier on those things are renown for going pop.

How old are the tyres. They might have a ton of tread but could be 5 years old if it has sat around and got all hard. Again, if they don't know negotiate.

You probably know all that stuff, just being anal.

Paul N

[Pwalo]

Yup! All thats very good but low miles means it has sat around for a LONG time at some stage in it's life! At a minimum I would caution you at least ask them.

Have they serviced the carbs ie stripped them out and cleaned everything.

Is there a service history? If not, demand a full change of all fluids and filters including the brake fluid.

When were the belts last changed. If they don't know, negotiate a price to do that as a part of the deal.

How fresh is the battery and have they checked the charging system. The regulator / rectifier on those things are renown for going pop.

How old are the tyres. They might have a ton of tread but could be 5 years old if it has sat around and got all hard. Again, if they don't know negotiate.

You probably know all that stuff, just being anal.

Paul N

Second those thoughts. Especially the tires and cam belts. Other than that take the wee beastie for a blat and see what you think. Might feel a bit strange after the scoot.

Paul S

[DebK]

Thanks also to Jim & Paul. I have just emailed a list of questions off to Motomart based on your advice guys.

Your advice has been absolutely invaluable and I now know not to charge on in like a bull at a gate. I am an impulse buyer!

Will report back on Saturday.

[merv]

Good on ya Deb, we'll see you on the next run then?

[et al]

FYI - we have an 400SS in the family (my son's), is a great little bike and in fact he is actually thinking about selling it at the moment. It is a 1998, full fairing with 23,000ks, he has owned it for just over 2 years. Let me know
if you are interested - even if you just want to have a look at it and take it for a test ride so that you can compare it with the one at MotoMart.