Dilemma: keeping my 750 or buying a 907IE?

[lceriani]

I just saw a red 1991 Paso 907IE that could be on sale. It's very interesting: fully original, no accident, no damages, no big repairs, no modifications, well mantained, only one owner, keeped in garage, used with care, 60.000Km.
Its owner would like to buy a new Ducati, but is not fully convinced about selling it. In case, I think that it will cost about 1000-2000€.

Actually I own a "special" tuned 750 Paso: M900 "big valves" engine, Mikuni carbs + jetting, open air filters, Pederzini ignition, 998 clutch piston, Surflex clutch plates, adjustable brake and clutch levers, steel brake lines, Regina Z-RING chain, plexiglass windscreen.
It is really wonderful to ride it hard, it's very aggressive and gives a special feeling, even if its performances can't be compared to modern bikes and even if it lost its tourist vocation. Indeed, it needs some interventions: another engine replacement (already bought), shock replacement (already bought), forks revision, body repaint, rear wheel replacement.

Here the dilemma: assuming that I cannot afford to keep 2 Pasos, is it better to restoring and keep my actual exciting Paso, or is it better to part it out and buying an original 907IE?

In Italy, next year, the 750 Paso is going to be considered historical vehicle, with significant savings on taxes and insurance. But it needs a lot of care (time*money) and moreover 16" tyres are becoming rare.

907IE is more expensive in maintenance costs, but surely is more usable for everyday rides and will keep a good quotation value because it's fully original. Unfortunately some parts are even more rare than ones of the 750.

I really don't know what to do... sigh :ugh:

Luca

[jcslocum]

These are decisions that try an man's soul....

[Marinus]

I ponder this same question on the odd occasion when a 907ie comes up for sale here. But then I think about what is it about the bikes that I like, That's the question. Although given that your bike is in need of so much work it may be worth more as parts and given that the 907 you are looking at is a good one for 2000EURO. If you do the swap you may end up with a better bike with less money invested.

[persempre907]

When I bought the bike, I wanted a 907.
I had a 906 and I was bored by its unreliability.
So, I think the 907 is a better bike and in fact I don't have any special problem, except for the battery discharge (typical).
But, you know how you have to do on your 750 and you already have all the parts.
Are you really sure that the 907 you'd buy don't need any service?
Ciao

[lceriani]

Are you really sure that the 907 you'd buy don't need any service?

I had a "look inside" and I found it in very good conditions. Even if it were not used for more than 1 year, it started at first try after a battery recharge. Tyres are almost new (less than 1000Km), voltage regulator is perfect (I measured the output voltage!), braking pads are ok and brake discs are just a little worn (less than 0,5mm). Maybe clutch discs and engine belt need replacement, but are still usable. Valves clearance was done in 2001/2002 and I think should be checked again. Sprocket/chain/crown are in very good condition.
All interventions are documented by receipts of the local service.

Engine noise is regular and seems normal, but I don't know if 60.000Km are a lot for this unit (I suppose an average life of 100.000Km).

Luca

[persempre907]

60.000 km. are not too much for a 15 years old bike.
No matter, those engines are very strong even if sometimes unreliable, and a friend of mine rides a 906, same engine, with 160.000 km. on it .
When I bought on eBay the whole kit of cylinders and pistons, and I told him if he wanted buy too, he told me didn't need them...
Ciao

[jcslocum]

60K Km isn't a lot of miles for a Ducati. I have a few friends that have 60,000 MILES on their Ducs without any engine problems. With regular service it's very reliable and durable.

[Fraser]

Luca,

Stick with your 750; they are getting more scarce all the time. In a few years time you would regret selling it. You know the bike so well.
Best solution is to have both; the 907ie for "everyday" use and the 750 for special occasions.

Fraser.

[lceriani]

Best solution is to have both; the 907ie for "everyday" use and the 750 for special occasions.

This would be heaven... but I am afraid it would cost too much.
Double taxes (2x120€/yr), double insurance (2x450€/yr), double pollution taxes (2x100€/yr), double maintenance... :ugh:

[Marinus]

How fortunate we are in New Zealand. It costs so little here to own a bike or a car. Total tax for a year is about $112NZD or 50 EURO. You only have to register for the months that you are going to use it. (6 months $56NZD). There are no other taxes.
I don't have Insurance on my bike because if I total it, then so be it and if I can't fix it myself it could still be cheaper then a years insurance and the excess. I have never insured a bike and could buy a new one for the money saved. I've only ever dropped a bike once and that was the Paso last year. Total cost $1000 (450EURO) for new cans, paint and panel on the front, right hand skirt and both mirrors. Less then one years insurance and an excess. They did a great job on the paint and fixed most of the little imperfections that were there.

[persempre907]

Marinus,
I'm wondering .
Here in Italy the insurance is compulsory (against third party), and now the government has introduced an increase of the taxes for the more polluting vehicles (Paso included).
I'll move to NZ .

Luca,
your choice might regard also the kind of bike you like.
If you prefer a bike in stock shape, you might buy the 907.
If you like always tweaking the bike you will keep the 750.
About the insurance. Have you asked a budget to Genertel? I think you might spare a lot.
Besides, in the next years you will spare very much when the 750 will be twenty an you could take out a vintage vehicle's insurance.
What you mean about the pollution tax?
Ciao

[lceriani]

What you mean about the pollution tax?

I used those terms because foreigners wouldn't understand "bollino blu" (50€) and "revisione" (50€)...

[persempre907]

:thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:
Le stavo dimenticando.
Ciao

[ducapaso]

In my dreams, I'm the rich owner of a garage, with a large space to park my bikes... Any time I meet a bike I like, I happen to find a new toy...
Of course the largest part of my dreams are about pasos!
This might mean I can ride only one of my toys and leave the others standing in the garage!
If your actual paso is near to 20 years, you might keep it in your garage waiting for the vintage insurance and taxes

[lceriani]

If your actual paso is near to 20 years, you might keep it in your garage waiting for the vintage insurance and taxes

I thought about this... mine is a 1988 Paso so next year it should become vintage vehicle with significant taxes and insurance reductions.
I said "should" because I am not sure that inspectors will accept all my modifications. Surely not if they understand a little about Ducati and surely not if they will see under the body, but maybe I have a chance if they will use only the photos (as it usually happens).

That should give me the opportunity to keep both Pasos, but I should wait at least for one year and probably the actual owner would not wait for this long...