Ducati 996 Biposto

Ducati’s iconic 916 in 996 form, a 2002 model bought in 2005 by the current owner who is a good friend and trusted mechanic. This is a local bike to us, only  two previous owners, supplied and serviced by our friends at Ducati Alton until our dear friend Simon bought it and of course as a competent and experienced Ducati man he has maintained it himself ever since. And it shows; starts on the button and sounds as mechanically excellent as we know it to be. Make no mistake this is a riders’ machine; well serviced and maintained all its life, less well cleaned and polished. With only 23k miles on the mph clock this is a great example of a UK machine in largely standard and unrestored condition. Exceptions to that are the Termi exhausts (standard cans come with it) and beautifully finished satin black wheels. It is pretty with all the period INFOSTRADA decals and although there are signs or wear and tear, a little paintwork damage and a bit more corrosion than you might like to see it is a ruthlessly honest machine and as a bike to ride; and be seen riding; it will take some beating. There are hand-written service notes on file covering Simon’s ownership from 2005 when he bought it from Ducati Alton (Snells) with about 7k miles on the clock. These include details of the complex and expensive engineering solution involving Stellite faces laser welded to re-ground rockers which cured the problem of peeling chrome faces so common at this time. I remember this solution being developed at the time and being so impressed we considered offering it as a workshop service but sadly the cost was prohibitively high. There are a lot of rocker faces on a four-valve Desmo twin! It is however the very best solution and proven by the lack of valve clearance adjustment required since this work was completed in 2010. Before saying goodbye to his beloved 996 (replaced with another Ducati of course) Simon has completed a full service including valve clearances, belts, plugs, filter, strainer, the best oil, a clutch pack, clutch basket and air filters. Ready to ride rarely means what it says on the tin but it is written all over this fine machine and we know it.