[arturo]

I have stumbled across an opportunity to purchase the above bike but have concerns about the costs of fixing it up...
The bike's current possessor came to have this marvelous machine by having a tenant fall behind in rent because of substance abuse problems etc...
So, there's no key, the bike appears to be lightly abused (broken mirror, cracked upper fairing, filthy dirty, flat tires, rusted chain, etc.)
I don't know how many miles, no key, probable dead/bad battery, no led gauge display...
Of course the possessor, is "working with the dmv, but doesn't quite have title cleared up yet",,, this is also a major concern...

Poking around on this site (very nice btw) I'm seeing some scary stuff about valve guides, fuel tanks, sounding very expensive and difficult.
I've always admired Ducatis, but been shy about plunging in for fear it would end up an unaffordable nightmare...
My experiences with motorcycles is mostly with Japanese bike since the mid nineteen seventies.
Questions:
Is valve adjustment do-able?
How/What do I have to go through to get a key?
Are the timing belts difficult to replace?
Or, should I just walk away and by a V-Strom someday?

[bushyar15]

My first question would be; "Where's the title"?

Is the title clear and in the landlords name?

I've not done any research into replacing a key for the 1st Gen Multi's. I know on my 2012 Diavel, its VERY expensive.

From what I've read, belts don't seem to be a big deal to do on your own. There are a couple good videos on Youtube that explains the process. The valves; I don't know. I've read where you need special tools but I've also read of people fashioning tools and doing it.

Taking it to the dealership in my area to do it including parts in about 8 bills.

IMO, it comes down to how much the guy wants for it AND most importantly if the title is clear and in the landlords name. If not walk away. I've dealt with purchasing a motorcycle that had some title "questions" and it was a huge pain in the ass...

[arturo]

So far the talking has been around on price has been 1,000 dollars...
I too have experience in dealing with the huge pains title problems can be...
Maybe I should just by the '73 Kawi Big Bear, also no title, but "out of the system"...

[bushyar15]

Yeah, no title, no way... I know in some states, once a vehicle is over a certain age, title is no longer required. Again, not knowing your state's laws, I'd pass on it unless I knew it was clear.

Otherwise you have to put up a bond....

Good Luck

[bonefish]

No Key No title or severe title issues Run do not walk Run away as fast as you can This bike sounds like it's brightest future is salvaged parts If you really want a Ducati there are far too many fine running good looking examples on the market for less money than you would eventually pour into the unknown

[rickityrick]

[Mattel]

That is a parts bike at best. You have no idea what is wrong with the engine. He could have blown the engine and just left it. That would be a great donor bike for another project bike. Offer him 500 and max it out at $750.

[arturo]

Thank you gentlemen, I have officially made up my mind to steer clear of this purchase...
And, the point about saving, buying a known good unit makes total sense..