Expert eyes opinion of this bike

KEV900SL

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F123022303690

I am very green regarding SP 888 bikes, what's the verdict on this one ? Am I right in believing that original cans are almost impossible to source these day & really a set of replica cans should be used if it's a rider ?
Only looking on 'research terms' at moment, but if & when I'm in position want a rider condition bike.
Thanks in advance Kev

Jack888

Don't know much about that bike but its sure been for sale for a very long time, Like the look of the sp3 and the price cant be to far away if the bikes in reasonable condition, Had looked at that add quiet a few times myself but at that money I would end up spending another good few grand on it then your heading towards sp4 or 5's which I think look a lot nicer, Be worth a look if not to far away

Cheers Jack

dudlington

Looks good , not perfect , not original but only small stuff really. Price considering is bang on. Needs some commisioning or ride as is and then turn into a garage queen. They sure are pretty.

Claire4dukes

Or you could try closer to home...
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-1747329549.htm?rsqid=4fa09b7bfcfc485193deed7465f1a368

dudlington

Lockwire on the front and rear brakes................. if you want top money for your bike those types of things need to be removed as immediately people think the reason why it was low mileage and all the fairings etc etc are like new is because it was a track bike and those parts are now back on to sell. Not implying , just saying. I know they were made to be used but the abuse word springs to mind when I see lockwire................kin exspensive down under. Makes the bike in the U.K. a bargain !!!!. I would have a hard job building one for that price. Maybe I should sell all my SP3 parts and buy that one...............where is the phone ??.

JImmySL

I must admit I am surprised that bike is still for sale as I have seen a couple go for near on £16000 in the past 2 months alone, a few bits that aren't original but all the unobtanium parts seem in place. My only thoughts would be the lockwire and the reservoirs mounted on the yoke which could point to a racey past but if I didn't already have one I would certainly give it a look, regarding the SP3 itself everyone has different tastes but for me the sp3 is the best looking bike from the 851 / 888 range (if not the best looking bike Ducati have made) as the seat unit flows down following the line of the fairing along with the exhausts, I think the later revision with the seat cut horizontally looks awkward from design perspective and I personally don't like the big number one on the sp4 and gold graphics on the 5. They aren't getting any cheaper and to be honest as long as it is in straight & good order if you do go for it then you wouldn't lose a penny on it, you could have the whole bike gone over thoroughly and still be the right side of what some are being sold for.

JImmySL

Claire4dukes wroteOr you could try closer to home... https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...deed7465f1a368

That looks amazing! 😎

dudlington

JImmySL wrote

Yes totally agree...........shame I,m not in the market place for number 36.

AndrewS

JImmySL wrote

+1 to that - pity about the reservoirs on the top yoke, can't really put that back to original as you'd leave two holes in the yoke...

KEV900SL

Claire4dukes wroteOr you could try closer to home... https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/mot...deed7465f1a368

I'm in Hertfordshire , just outside North London UK

dudlington

AndrewS wrote+1 to that - pity about the reservoirs on the top yoke, can't really put that back to original as you'd leave two holes in the yoke...

Andrew it is really easy to find a top yoke from the 900/750/600 ss series of bikes and bore out for the Ohlins , then measure up and drill the 2 holes for the top plaque...........Voila back to standard. I would even swap that top yoke(with resevoirs) for a standard one should someone buy the bike.

AndrewS

dudlington wroteAndrew it is really easy to find a top yoke from the 900/750/600 ss series of bikes and bore out for the Ohlins , then measure up and drill the 2 holes for the top plaque...........Voila back to standard. I would even swap that top yoke(with resevoirs) for a standard one should someone buy the bike.

OK, never thought of it like that.

KEV900SL

Thanks all ! Didn't even notice the head stock wiring.
Probaly going to be made redundant soon from day job & SP3 isn't top of familys priority list (selfish swines !) & would really like to keep my superlight as well.
I'm using a picture of a similar SP3 for motivational material to get new business off ground. Hope prices don't outstrip my saving capabilities !

Kev

AndrewS

KEV900SL wrote

Kev - sorry to hear that, hope things turn out OK.

AndrewS

KEV900SL wrote

Just looking at the pictures in that ad again - what is the small gauge to the upper right of the main instrument cluster?

sagot

Probably a voltmeter.

dudlington

sagot wroteProbably a voltmeter.

That does not look like an electrical cable going to that guage.............more than likely an oil temp guage.

lakeman

When I buy one of these motorcycles I want it original in all ... this one has strange parts fitted, I have many doubts.
however the most important and delicate part remains the engine ... and if you do not know well well the seller is lucky.
this ducati sp3 does not inspire confidence and I would not take it.
sooner or later the bike is coming, you have to be patient ..

dudlington

lakeman wroteWhen I buy one of these motorcycles I want it original in all ... this one has strange parts fitted, I have many doubts. however the most important and delicate part remains the engine ... and if you do not know well well the seller is lucky. this ducati sp3 does not inspire confidence and I would not take it. sooner or later the bike is coming, you have to be patient ..

Lakeman attached is the cockpit view of the bike. I think you are right to be suspicious. I notice things that suggest a racing past. Reservoirs on top yoke (With protection on the pipes) , added oil temp , damage to the instrument cluster by the light panel and inst bezel and also I missed it earlier but the front fairing bracket has something wrong with it. On the RH side front fixing for the mirror (Stainless steel lock nut) you can clearly see it is fixed through the fairing only. This should also be fixed through the fairing bracket foot.........suggesting either this was cut off or it is the wrong bracket ???.

lakeman

dudlington wroteLakeman attached is the cockpit view of the bike. I think you are right to be suspicious. I notice things that suggest a racing past. Reservoirs on top yoke (With protection on the pipes) , added oil temp , damage to the instrument cluster by the light panel and inst bezel and also I missed it earlier but the front fairing bracket has something wrong with it. On the RH side front fixing for the mirror (Stainless steel lock nut) you can clearly see it is fixed through the fairing only. This should also be fixed through the fairing bracket foot.........suggesting either this was cut off or it is the wrong bracket ???.

oh yes dudlington, I agree with you in everything!you say and all this we see only from simple photos, live, it could even be worse ...
then you should remove the plate and put it on a new handlebar and much more.
no I would not take it for nothing ...