Used bike price question

David · Post by **David** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 2:57 am

Can anyone give me a general idea of what a 1988 Ducati Paso, less than 6000 miles would be worth today? The bike appears to be in very good condition, garage stored and not ridden for a couple of years.

Desmo_Demon · Post by **Desmo_Demon** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 2:40 pm

Where are you located?

Typically, the price ranges in the USA seem to be around $1200-$2500, depending on its condition and mileage. Low miles can mean a lot of bad things (dried seals), or it can mean a cherry bike. I know of a blue, '88 Paso 750 with only 7000 miles on it and an asking price of $2900. In comparison, other than it running, it looks as bad, if not worse, than my $900 non-running project bike.

From what I've notivced on eBay, a bike like that should go in the $1800-$2400 range, as the bulk of running and rideable ones fall between those numbers.

Things to watch out for that add cost to the bike in a hurry...

1) Needing valve adjustment and belts (belts to be changed every 2 years or 12k miles...whichever comes first)...$100-$600 depending on if you do it yourself or take it to someone.

2) Needing tires - $250+, if you can find tires (there is a guy on eBay selling sets for $249, now)

3) Needing chain and sprockets - $200+

4) Needing carb cleaning/adjustment - $100+, depending on if you take it to someone or do it yourself.

So, if you get it for $2000, but the valves and belts haven't been done, you can easily jump up to $2600. Throw in replacing the tires due to age or dry rot, and you can go up to $3000 on a bike you just paid $2000 for.

There are a lot of things to consider with one of these older bikes....and it appears that the wiring upgrade is almost a definite!

David · Post by **David** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:35 am

Thank you for the information. I was fortunate to own a 87 Paso before it was totalled by a mechanic that was supposed to be tuning it up. I remember how much I loved the bike and seeing it now evokes the same emotion as it did when I first saw one. Isn't it amazing how this particular bike never seems to look "old"? It just looks fast!

Is it easy to get service for these bikes through a Ducati dealership and are parts available (I accept they will be expensive, but hate to think of being "unobtainium")

David

David · Post by **David** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:37 am

Oh, forgot to ask. What is the deal with a wiring upgrade? I remember there were issues with the carbs but I don't remember any wiring problems. thanks

Post by **jcslocum** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:20 am

David,

Some parts are unobtanium. That's just the way it is with a 20 year old bike of very limited production. There seems to be a constant flow of parts on enay. It pains me to know that those bikes are being parted because they are worth more in parts than whole.

$3k would be a top price for a bike that doesn't have many upgrades or needs service work. Most of these costs were cover in a previous post.

The electrics were dodgy when new and age has only made things worse due to dirt and corrosion. Before buying, strip the body work off an inspect the harness. there have been melt downs. If you read thu the FAQ at the top of the page every little issues is duscussed and solved by this group. The collective wisdom is captured there.

Once sorted, it's a very solid bike (20 years ols still) and I ride mine like it's meant to be. I rode last year 1600 miles in 4 days down in WV and it can keep up and be comfy.

Good luck and if you do buy, keep in mind that it will be a labor of love that will be rewarded!