ducati info

[fugue]

Wondering if anyone knows stuff about ducatis... I'm looking at a '77 500 gtl, but don't know what to look for when I go see it. Anyone got any tips?

 

[Scarcat]

Standard stuff Mike:

1) Does it start?
2) Rust
3) Is it missing anything?
4) Does it run?
5) Does it have parts that don't belong on it?
6) Check around the headstock for bulging. If there is bulging, it was re-aligned.
7) Check under the seat pan for rust
8 ) Check for alignment
9) Ownership papers?
10) Check eBay for parts ... see how available parts are
11) check every part of the frame where something bolts on for rust and wear
12) Rims, spokes, hub - check'em. Replacing wheels is a pain in the ass and can get expensive.
13) Check the alternator. I don't know if replacements or upgrades are available. The replacement for my BMW cost me nearly $600

according to this month's Vitage Motorcycle price guide, here's what you should be paying for a '75 ducati 500 gtl
6) $620 - Basket Case
5) $930 - Almost complete restorable - not running
4) $1,400 - Good - Ridable & complete
3) $1,860 - Very good - Partial restoration, complete
2) $2,480 - Fine - Well restored
1) $3,100 - Excellent - Show bike

 

[fugue]

Yeah, the regular stuff I got... wondering about model specific items. That price list is very useful though, thanks!

 

[judeyramone]

I'm really a Triumph guy, but recall this bike coming up on another forum. I think you will find that all (both?) Ducati parallel twins have a very bad reputation. Poor engine design & parts unavailability from hell. I'd do a LOT of research before buying.

 

[CanadaDan]

My Uncle has rebuilt MANY Duc's... and he always warned me NOT to buy one... specically he was talking about the Desmo valve system but even he sold most of his Duc's and bought a Harley

 

[DrJ]

Do yourself a favour and get something less obscure. Shortage of parts and information can quickly turn to frustration and loss of interest.

 

[karen]

you guys are full of enthusiasm, up-keep would be expensive, but its always cool to own a bike that nobody else does. and Ducati's are sure-fire attention getters.

 

[CanadaDan]

Let me temper my statement with this.... be dedicated to the Duc... they are Italian women... wonderful lines, spicy, exotic, sexy... and they don't wear domestic... only the finest in Italian couture will do... and it NEVER comes cheap.... but you will LOVE riding her

 

[karen]

nice save.

 

[Thumper]

The 500 is a terrible machine, even us Ducati nuts think they are bad news. Parts for them are even harder to find then for bikes Ducati made during the early 60'S. I'd go with a Duc Single if you want something a little different, parts are easier to find and the cafe up real nice for few dollars. Even the 250 will do the ton with a bit of massaging.

Thumper

 

[Tim]

Yep - if you're going Ducati it's got to be a single or a v-twin. That 500 is an odd beast.

 

[locOleoN]

Yep - if you're going Ducati it's got to be a single or a v-twin. That 500 is an odd beast.

yea... As CanadaDAn said... Single Italian chicks are hot....Even better if they are a twins!!.. ;D

 

[Yellowducky]

Mike, get a Ducati single, forget about the 500.

 

[fugue]

Yeah... after everything I've read... the bike was nice, but he was asking too much $$ for what it is. Will have to keep my eyes open for a single.... Hmm. Looks like everything is pretty much parked for winter though. Which is good because my wallet was about to start screaming in protest.

Again.