In what is either a collection seeker’s dream or a rider’s nightmare (which side do you fall?) here is essentially a brand new 2001 Ducati 996. Don’t ask me, I do not know how they do that – or why. I tend to fall on the side of overuse; that’s what it was made for in the first place. However there is no denying that if you are shopping for a 996 this one should get your attention. In the spirit of buying the best example of a bike that you can afford, low miles can be one tangible example of less use. This is not to say that a bike that has been sitting for 13 years will be superior to one that has had reasonable mileage during that span of time, as being parked brings with it a different set of potential problems. Still if this bike checks out, it represents another low mileage Duc that we are seeing all too much of. Please! Someone ride this thing!
2001 Ducati 996 with 8 miles for sale
From the seller:
This is a virtually new Ducati 996 that was impulse bought but essentially remained garaged for the past several years. It is as new condition though since its been garaged and not driven for years will require a new battery and potentially a fluid change.This is an as new Ducati 996 superbike. Its basically as new with only 8 miles on it. Perfect body, brand new everything (essentially just a brand new bike that have been garaged for several years).
2001 was the last year of the 996; Ducati replaced it with the 998 the following year. Given that this does not appear to be an SPS or R model – both which offered considerable more performance and collectability, they key that this bike has going for it is the scant number of miles showing on the odometer. I will admit to being confused by the red wheels on this example, as I recall them being either black or gold during this time period – perhaps one of our expert readers can shed some light there. Regardless, this could be a nice find for someone lusting after a Ducati of this vintage. Seller states it will need fluids and a battery, but I would add belts and rolling rubber to that list. Check it out here. Good Luck!
MI
and two bentleys in the garage….seems like it was bought as a toy but never used….nouveau riche is better than no riche I guess 😉
Yes the wheels are odd. The original wheel color for the standard 996 were metallic grey. Clearly a collector who liked red wheels. Extreme low mile bikes, particularly of relatively new base models, seem like a poor investment. Any additional riding reduces what value there is, and in the case of Ducatis in particular, lack of regular maintenance can be an issue. That said if someone wanted a new 996 to ride the crap out of, this would be a good choice after service updates. But at that point it’s just another used bike so I would pay a premium to get it.
No, there’s no real reason to buy this bike–at least not at a premium. A lot more than “fluids and a battery” will be needed. Belts will be an absolute must. If stored “wet”, then the stagnant coolant may have resulted in corrosion and fuel could destroy the pump and lines. If properly drained of coolant, fuel, and oil, then the seals could still dry and crack. This isn’t a special edition and there are plenty of 10k mile examples. Frankly, I’d rather have one of those bikes that has seen regular use.
As for the wheels, original color is metallic grey. I think red was a bad choice.