Well, not sure what to do with this one.....
I've been riding crap bikes all my life, and now I have recieved the chance of a lifetime. Long story short, I have the opertunity to purchase a 2003 Ducati 999R at a sweeet price. The bike retails for $32K, if you can find one. I can buy this one, with 350 original 1 owner miles for $24,000.00 from a guy in KY. I've spoken with him a dozen times, and it is 100 % legit. He is the original owner and bought it from a certified Ducati Dealer. I've spoken with the dealer, and he verified that this bike was sold right out of the crate to this guy. The cool part is that the guy that bought it is older, and bought it as a toy. He rode it 179 miles home, and then on a couple of small rode trips. So, the 350 miles on it are all legit, and it's flawless. Never been down or a scatch on it anywhere. Here's the dilemma. Just for fun, I applied for a loan on this thing.. and it got approved :o I didn't think it would, but it did. So, should I get it or not. I need a new bike anyways..... :-/ :-/ :-/ :-/ ???
Whaa Haaa Haaaa.....
Your asking us for advice? Oh my! :D
I think anyone here would think - Man, that is an awesome bike!!!! But how would those monthly payments cut into my racing budget? How many tires can I buy for $xxx.xx or fuel, or racing entries.
My advice, do what is best for you!
Dawn :)
If you can afford it. Well, let me rephrase, if it wont make you go bankrupt, go for it. :)
I love the 999R. I think the FILA paint scheme and carbon exhaust wrap make it one of the best looking bikes ever. And besides, VTwins are a blast. But with that said, even $24K is huge. That's a ton of money. Knowing I'll never be able to spend that I'll sit back and wait a few more years and maybe a deal will turn up. And what do you do with a bike like that? What would it cost to insure?
But I know where you're coming from. Something similar happened to me a few months ago. An opportunity to get my dream bike. Luckily it was priced a fraction of what you're talking about but even then, I sold everything I could to get it and I can't wait to ride it this year.
Trust me, I'm on the same budget as you guys. It will make me broker than ever...but.. it's a Ducati :P
I'll have to slow down on the track (not that it would matter how many times I get lapped in a race) to save on tires cause I wouldn't be able to buy tires like I do now. I've already computed it...
If I only eat 1 time a day...
Cancel DirecTV and just use a regular antenna... (No Speed channel then :'( )
Go thru 1 set of tires in a weekend...
Sleep in my truck instead of the occasional hotel..
Ebay off all the Jap bike parts I have laying around the garage...
And switch to Premium pump gas instead of running VP...
I'd be close enough where only 1 credit card bill won't get paid a month, but I'd still have a Ducati ;D
Damnit... why does god do this to me... ???
QuoteDamnit... why does god do this to me... ???
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is Faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1Corinthians 10:13)
Ooooooo...... look at the pretty motorcycle......
;D ;D ;D
Here's a link to her. She's on ebay right now, but he's willing to end it right now for $24K.... :-/
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2468948053
Of course, I'd be doing this transaction in person to make sure it's 100% legit and straight IF i did decide to be broke forever, and get this thing... ;)
Maybe I should give up racing and just go be a poser and street ride :o
Bah... never happen ;D
QuoteWhaa Haaa Haaaa.....
Your asking us for advice? Oh my! :D
I think anyone here would think - Man, that is an awesome bike!!!! But how would those monthly payments cut into my racing budget? How many tires can I buy for $xxx.xx or fuel, or racing entries.
My advice, do what is best for you!
Dawn :)
To answer your question- I don't care what anyone thinks really, but I'm kinda looking for someone to help me justify the purchase. ;D
QuoteAnd what do you do with a bike like that? What would it cost to insure?
To answer your questions..
I'd race it, and pray up and down that if I do crash, that it doesn't do any damage I can't fix by selling a lung. As far as insurance... I don't street ride.
Ok, it's neat.
Now, it's still a street bike, in a way.
And it's still a Ducati.
A race team may start with that bike as a foundation of their race bike, but it's still not a race bike, other than it was designed as a foundation for one.
Ducati's are pretty cool, but there is a certain amount of maintenance that is to be expected from it. It's Italian; it has character.
For $12k, you could have a nice bike. A brand new 600 that has never seen anything other than a dealers box, get it GMD Computracked, shock, fork work, pipe, bodywork... Then you'd have something that you could fall down on, you could find parts in the pits, you would have something that someone that could afford to buy when you're done and want something different, etc.
And still have $12k for tires, a trailer, hotels, and steak at Applebee's... ;D
Yeah, it's cool. I'd like an Aprilia. I probably could have gotten a deal on one from a local dealer or direct. But back to who to sell it to and how am I going to afford all the spares.
Regardless, have fun. 8)
Don't do it... ;D
Please allow the cheap-skate to chime in ;D
How much will it cost after you calculate how much interest you're going to pay on it? What about depreciation? Newer vehicles decline in value at a staggering rate, you could probably buy the same bike in a few years for 1/2 the price... Not to mention if it's still under warranty what's the tune up cost? I know my Dad's BMW K1200 costs $500ish for *only* the normal scheduled maintenance... I'm not trying to discourage you, just to point out some smaller details.
I personally would go for a 77 XLCR1000 but I'm also crazy 8)
QuoteTo answer your questions..
I'd race it, and pray up and down that if I do crash, that it doesn't do any damage I can't fix by selling a lung. As far as insurance... I don't street ride.
I wouldn't do it then. Not for a race bike. If you're taking out a loan, you WILL pay insurance unless your bank takes your lung for colateral. :)
One thing I have learned is that having a bike with nice expensive goodies just makes it more expensive to crash. And you'll find yourself on the sidelines longer trying to afford to put it back together. That doesn't mean I listen to my own advice. :)
NEVER, NEVER, I say NEVER, finance a toy. If I didn't keep that oath to myself I wouldn't be able to afford the toys I have.
Quotebut I'm kinda looking for someone to help me justify the purchase. ;D
For me personally, its kinda hard to justify spending that kind of money for something that is supposed to be performance oriented, when I can go drop 10K on an 04 R1 that will smoke the 999. ???
QuoteFor me personally, its kinda hard to justify spending that kind of money for something that is supposed to be performance oriented, when I can go drop 10K on an 04 R1 that will smoke the 999. ???
Gots a good point.. If you're gonna race it, why are you getting it?.. Really... look at why you are buying it.. are you paying for $24K worth of speed? NO. Are you paying for the looks? You can get a cheaper one and get a replica paint job.
Sure it'd look nice on the track, but it's not a parade, it's a race. And if it's a race you wanna do, you can get alot more bang for your buck, as posted above.
Unless you're into that sorta thing. ;)
Yeah, you guys are right. I'm not sure if it was the thought of having such a nice motorcycle got to me, or the thought of actually getting approved for the loan that got to me. ??? Bah.. back to the R6 in the garage ;D I'll have to find another luxury to compensate for not getting the Ducati. Maybe get rid of all the zip ties and duct tape on my bike, and buy Dzus fastners and new bodywork 8) That should quench my thirst for a luxury motorcycle :P She'll be brand new again...
99/00/01/02 Yamaha R6 with 19,634 miles on her ;D
QuoteFor me personally, its kinda hard to justify spending that kind of money for something that is supposed to be performance oriented, when I can go drop 10K on an 04 R1 that will smoke the 999. ???
This wouldn't matter for me. I'd run the same lap time on both (slow), and neither would make me any faster than riding the R6 I have now. One would just make me crap in my leathers faster than the other. :P
We bought an '02 Duc, ST4s with the 996, Ohlins rear, TiN coated usd Showas, Corse Superbikes in Saukville Wisconsin can help you with an Italian affliction. LOTS of machines. Expensive and I'll never regret it. ;D
QuoteThis wouldn't matter for me. I'd run the same lap time on both (slow), and neither would make me any faster than riding the R6 I have now. One would just make me crap in my leathers faster than the other. :P
If that's the case, and it is with most people, you should drop a few dollars on working with me.
http://www.team-visionsports.com/pages/953779/index.htm
I won't make promises, but I can certainly point you in a better direction and give you some feel and feed back...and that's usually what racers need.
As for logical...I've got this H1 project still going on for the past four years.
Sounds like you've come to your senses. Before I started racing, I had a ZX11. I dropped it one day while canyon carving in Pennsylvania. When the bike was back together, she was completely polished, had custom candy paint with flames, ect, ect, ect. The bike was so nice that the Speed Channel guys used it as background for the running order chart during the AMA at Road America.
Unfortunately, the bike wasn't fun any more. I was so worried about damaging it that I couldn't ride the thing like I used to, and that just ruined all the fun I could have had with her. If I ever have another street bike, it will be an ex-race rat that's been "pre washed." No heartbreak there!
Quote
If I ever have another street bike, it will be an ex-race rat that's been "pre washed." No heartbreak there!
And when the squids walk up to you and say.... "Whoa, what happened?" and you say "Turn 5 at Road America" the look on their face is priceless! ;D
Dawn :)
QuoteIf that's the case, and it is with most people, you should drop a few dollars on working with me.
http://www.team-visionsports.com/pages/953779/index.htm
I won't make promises, but I can certainly point you in a better direction and give you some feel and feed back...and that's usually what racers need.
As for logical...I've got this H1 project still going on for the past four years.
Well, unless you are a miracle worker.... I'm helpless. Ever since my highside that caused this neat bone to pop out of my shoulders, I've been a chicken :'(
As a Ducati owner I'll give you my opinion. I bought my Duc in 2000 when I had a job and the money to pay for the maintence and quirks that come with owning the Duc. $600-$700 every 6000 miles for the valves, waiting for parts to come in etc. Parts are about 2x as expensive as jap bike parts. Now that I'm in vet school and living on a restricted budget I don't have the money to throw around on the 996 anymore. It's paid off, but I still can't afford it. I don't know what your finances are, but if you even have questions as to whether you can afford it, you probably can't. I remeber thinking I could easily afford the thing and I was always throwing more money at it than I wanted. I don't think the "R" models come with a warranty either. My advice, run unless you've got lots of extra cash sitting around.
QuoteAs a Ducati owner I'll give you my opinion. I bought my Duc in 2000 when I had a job and the money to pay for the maintence and quirks that come with owning the Duc. $600-$700 every 6000 miles for the valves, waiting for parts to come in etc. Parts are about 2x as expensive as jap bike parts. Now that I'm in vet school and living on a restricted budget I don't have the money to throw around on the 996 anymore. It's paid off, but I still can't afford it. I don't know what your finances are, but if you even have questions as to whether you can afford it, you probably can't. I remeber thinking I could easily afford the thing and I was always throwing more money at it than I wanted. I don't think the "R" models come with a warranty either. My advice, run unless you've got lots of extra cash sitting around.
Friend of mine only pays $300 for his valve jobs. Barrs in Madison, WI is where he goes.
QuoteWell, unless you are a miracle worker.... I'm helpless. Ever since my highside that caused this neat bone to pop out of my shoulders, I've been a chicken :'(
I'm not a miracle worker, but you are certainly closer to one if you feel uncomfortable AND you're still racin'!
But, if you've got problems like that, I can probably drag you out of a lot of the problems and give you a better attitude and feel for the bike.
Just keep it in mind.
;D
QuoteFor me personally, its kinda hard to justify spending that kind of money for something that is supposed to be performance oriented, when I can go drop 10K on an 04 R1 that will smoke the 999. ???
I agree on the hard to justify the buying of a 24K dollar bike, but come on how can you say a R1 will smoke a 999R! Be realistic. 2 riders of same experience, and the 999R is a better bike, hands down.
QuoteI agree on the hard to justify the buying of a 24K dollar bike, but come on how can you say a R1 will smoke a 999R! Be realistic. 2 riders of same experience, and the 999R is a better bike, hands down.
I disagree. The new R1 is an awesome machine and I seriously think it would hand that 999 its a$$ on a track.
Lets say (for fun) that you are right. I guess as long as the race isn't longer than about oh ... 170 miles or so, then the Ducati may stand a chance! ;D
QuoteI disagree. The new R1 is an awesome machine and I seriously think it would hand that 999 its a$$ on a track.
Lets say (for fun) that you are right. I guess as long as the race isn't longer than about oh ... 170 miles or so, then the Ducati may stand a chance! ;D
Well, I disagree also. The bike is just a tool. The rider or (mechanic) makes it work. Regardless of which "brand" tool you use, the better mechanic will win. Get what I'm saying?
Ask youself this question. Let's take 2 bikes. Let's just say an 04' GSXR600 and an 04' GSXR 1000. Gixxer 600 has all the Ohlins suspension, ect., and the 1000 is stock with basic suspension work. Now, put the faster rider on the 600 so the slower guy on the 1000 has a better bike advantage. Who's gonna win the race. 1000 has more power.
Might not seem logical because of all the variables, and you could argue it, but the better rider always wins. Hell, you could put me on a real WSBK bike in a 600 SS race, and I'll still get my ass handed to me. Not that I'm that bad, but hey, there are guys that can be fast on a turd bike. ;D
Nobody can really argue that Ducati has probably the best chassis design out there. If you think about it, and compare the R1 against the 999S (not even the R model), and build them the same as far as part for part, the R1 will end up in the same ballpark price range as the 999S. All that Ohlins, Marchesini, ect. adds up quick. Take a stock R1 for $10K, then add $1K for the Ohlins rear shock, $2K for the Marchesini Rims, $1K for the brembo brakes, and $2K for the Ohlins forks. Your now at $16k spent on the R1, and you haven't touch the other components on the 999S that the R1 doesn't have. You'd be close to the $19K of the 999S if you put the same parts on the R1. Now, the Ducati has a better chassis IMHO than the R1. How would it compete?
This guy with the 999R is trying to torture me :( He just sent me an email, and said he'd now let her go for $23K. He hit's $20K, and I'm gonna take it. ::) ;D There is no way in hell you could build an R1 that had that calibre for $20K. :P
QuoteMight not seem logical because of all the variables, and you could argue it, but the better rider always wins. Hell, you could put me on a real WSBK bike in a 600 SS race, and I'll still get I disagree handed to me. Not that I'm that bad, but hey, there are guys that can be fast on a turd bike.
Hey, you're the one that wanted
JUSTIFICATION on why you should buy this bike. Your statement above is IMO reason enough
NOT to buy it.
BTW, I don't think the R1 needs anything with equal riders to beat a 999. I had a 99 R1, my buddy has a 996. When we raced (same experience and all) we were about dead even, except I would totally pull him on the straights :) Drop a Penske on it ~1K forks reworked ~1K and then go out and promptly kick ass.
That being said, I have nothing against Ducati's. I think they are sweet bikes, but to make one fully competitive (and affordable) in club racing is throwing good money after bad.
QuoteFriend of mine only pays $300 for his valve jobs. Barrs in Madison, WI is where he goes.
Well I don't know what kind of job they are doing up there for $300. Checking the things doesn't cost that much, but if they are out of spec then the cost goes up. I know that the just the belts cost $100-120 alone, so I assume this is just a valve "check". I've had valves out of spec every time I've taken the the bike in. Not to mention the 4 bad rocker arms last time...
Toys (like motorcycles, especially for racing), should be paid for in cash.
That's my 23k's worth.
Well, thanks for all the input on the Ducati guys. I'm gonna have to pass unless the guy hits the $20K mark. At that point, it's TOO good of a deal to pass up.
Regardless, it's time for a new bike. My bastard 99-02 R6 probably won't make it thru the season without some major work. Almost 19K miles on her, and she's been thru hell and back. I'm thinking 04' GSXR-750 or 600. I'd like to get the 750, but it depends on the budget because I will be paying cash. Anyone here have an 04' GSXR 600 or 750? Experiances? Problems anyones seen yet with these? Input is greatly appreciated. If these new GSXR's are full of problems and such, I'll be going back on another 04' R6, which should still be competitive in the 600's unless the new GSXR's are really that good.
QuoteWell I don't know what kind of job they are doing up there for $300. Checking the things doesn't cost that much, but if they are out of spec then the cost goes up. I know that the just the belts cost $100-120 alone, so I assume this is just a valve "check". I've had valves out of spec every time I've taken the the bike in. Not to mention the 4 bad rocker arms last time...
They've adjusted them. Its a small dealership that has a very dam good tech working for them. They do stay very reasonable with their prices.
I financed my last street bike. But I guess since I ride more miles than I drive, it isn't a toy. Does that make my truck a toy?
QuoteI'm thinking 04' GSXR-750 or 600. I'd like to get the 750, but it depends on the budget because I will be paying cash. Anyone here have an 04' GSXR 600 or 750? Experiances? Problems anyones seen yet with these? Input is greatly appreciated. If these new GSXR's are full of problems and such, I'll be going back on another 04' R6, which should still be competitive in the 600's unless the new GSXR's are really that good.
Yeah, everyone's parts are more expensive than Yamaha's.
It's hard to find things on Ebay for my R6 ('03) because I can buy it for less right from the dealer often times.
And Yamaha has a good feel about it. Honestly, if you've noticed, there are still good old generation R6' still going really fast. You could just upgrade to a little newer one (2002?) where your spares should fit, or you could get into the '03 or '04 model.
QuoteI agree on the hard to justify the buying of a 24K dollar bike, but come on how can you say a R1 will smoke a 999R! Be realistic. 2 riders of same experience, and the 999R is a better bike, hands down.
Ok, call...
Lay down your cards.
If it were so good then, the grids would be full of them at the normal levels of racing. They handle nice, they make more power than a 600 Supersport bike...
You have one?
My 99/00/01/02 R6 is a complete bastard of a bike. The motor has almost 19K on it, and has never had a valve job, or anything other than oil changes and the occasional quick tune up. I've never had a "heavy" service done on her. She definetly needs it though. Still strong, but now she's struggling. I couldn't ever justify the valve job because she's always ran well, and I need tires. As long as she wasn't pissing and moaning, I left her alone. Now, over the winter, I've noticed the wear on her. She's kinda like a 30 year old supermodel now. Still hot, but worn out from all the drugs (racing.) I bought her new when the R6 first came out. She was one of the first in MI. Then, all the crashes over the years, ect., have taken a toll on her. I've busted the frame twice, and damn near everything else, but the motor still goes. Hell, I still have the same Akrapovic system on her from 99'. She started out as a squid street queen, but then I did a track day, and we all know what happens after a good track experiance. Over the years, and 9 sets of body work later, she's just tired. I didn't really neglect her, I just gave her only what she needed to make a full race weekend. Even today, after sitting for months, she fires right up and is ready to rumble. ;D
at 50-yearsOLD-->the past was more easy to attain..32-thousand..going for 24-thousand..on a loan is a bunch of time..$$356.00per month will set you back alot..un-less your a Vice-President..leaseing is the best way to manage some new business..
Ducati-raceing..??
QuoteNEVER, NEVER, I say NEVER, finance a toy. If I didn't keep that oath to myself I wouldn't be able to afford the toys I have.
Ditto here. If you have to finance a racebike you have big troubles, it is too much bike. Also, if you are racing a Duc for the first time and thinking it will be real fast... Not going to happen. These bikes need even more money in them and a real good rider to go fast. I still can't get my very sweet 748 with all the goodies to beat my SV. BUy something else and put half the money into it (if you can find a way to) and you will have a monster.
Yeah, I'm going to pass up the Ducati unless he drops to $20K, and at that point I'd be retarded not to get it even for only a street bike. ::) I'm not sure what gets me with the Ducati's. I know they aren't super fast or something like that, but still, it's a Ducati. It's kind of like comparing a Toyota Supra Twin Turbo (Jap Bike) to a Ferrari 360. In a drag race, the Supra would kill the Ferrari, but, it's not a Ferrari. See what I'm getting at. Bah.. I'm just babbling cause I need a new bike :'(
Who sells Suzuki parts? Any online sites that sell specifically Suzuki or have a ton of them. I'm deciding between the 600 and 750 :-/