Verifying Ducati 749s Original Fairings?

[trustyler]

I am about to purchase a second hand red 2003 Ducati 749s so I inspected the bike first. I noticed that the lower fairings were not very symmetrical. What could be the problem here? Is this minor or should I walk away? The owner said that the bike was just tipped over and never crashed. I sort of believe him because the clutch handlebar had minor scrapes in the ends but nothing much in other parts of the bike.

Another thing is that the bike color has been changed from red, to black, to red because the 1st owner wanted a black 749s (which wasn't available in 2003) and then the second owner wanted it changed back to the Ducati Red. My questions with regard to these are how do I verify if the fairings are still original or have already been replaced by a cheap local kind? What effect should non-Ducati dealer repaint have on the cost (Even if it was a great paint job)? By how much should the bike price be lowered? Finally, how much should the bike cost be lowered if the fairings are not Ducati originals anymore?

PS, how much are fairing kits for the Ducati 749s? Or even just the lower left and right fairings? Please don't say check the site because prices aren't indicated in their catalogues.

Thanks!

 

[Kenneth]

There are sufficient negatives regarding this bike to make walking away the only sensible option. On a bike such as this originality and provenance are all important and have a major effect on resale value. The only reason to even consider this machine is if the 749 is actually out of your price range and this is so cheap you can afford it. You would then need to keep it long term as you would have the same problem when you came to sell it. If you can afford going rate keep looking for a low mileage, one owner, full main dealer service history machine ... you will have an investment and maximum enjoyment from this renowned marque!