1998 Ducati 0.9L Petrol · S558 BBD
1998 Ducati (0.9L, petrol). First registered 03/08/1998. Recorded mileage 19,918 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- DUCATI
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08/07/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 19,918 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 916cc
S558 BBD Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/07/2024
- 19,918 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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Identification & Status
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S558 BBD Mileage History
- 08/11/202119,837 mi
- 29/06/202419,908 mi+71 mi
- 10/07/202419,918 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 30 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
S558 BBD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Ducati Unknown (S558 BBD) between November 2021 and July 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 July 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Stop lamp not working Front control (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Overall this 1998 Ducati 916 is a low‑mileage classic with a mostly clean MOT record, but the recent electrical failures and tyre wear mean you should negotiate on remedial work.
Before committing, ask for a full service history and confirm whether the stop lamp and front indicator faults noted in the June 2024 MOT have been rectified. Verify that the rear tyre has been replaced or is within safe tread depth, as the MOT advisory flagged it as close to the legal limit. Check the condition of the nearside (left‑hand) mirror and any other bodywork damage, as the MOT noted it as damaged. If possible, obtain receipts for recent electrical work or tyre replacement to avoid unexpected costs.
Given the bike's age, inspect the engine for any oil leaks, unusual noises, and verify that the timing chain and valve clearances have been serviced according to Ducati recommendations. Classic Ducati models can suffer from worn clutch plates and valve guide wear, so a thorough mechanical inspection by a specialist is advisable. Also, confirm the authenticity of the registration plate format, as a previous MOT failure highlighted an incorrect layout – this is a simple fix but should be addressed.
The 916cc Ducati typically achieves around 5.5–6.0 litres per 100km (approximately 12–14 mpg), so fuel costs will be modest at current UK petrol prices, roughly £1,200–£1,400 per year if ridden 8,000 miles annually. Road tax for a 1998 916cc petrol motorcycle is about £150 per year. Insurance groups for this model sit in the mid‑30s, translating to an annual premium of £600–£800 depending on the driver’s profile. Maintenance on an older Ducati can be higher than on a standard commuter bike, with typical annual servicing, brake pad replacement, and occasional valve work costing £500–£800. Altogether, expect an annual running cost in the region of £2,450–£3,150.
Focus on the electrical system: the MOT failures in June 2024 listed a non‑working stop lamp and front direction indicator, which are common weak points on older Ducati wiring harnesses. Test all lights and signals thoroughly, and inspect the fuse box and wiring for corrosion or cracked insulation.
Examine the tyres closely. Both the 2024 MOTs flagged the rear tyre as worn close to the legal limit, and a prior advisory mentioned front tyre cracks. Measure tread depth and look for sidewall damage; replacing tyres on a classic bike can be costly, so factor this into your negotiations.
Check the front brake pads and overall brake system. An advisory in 2011 noted pads close to the minimum limit, and brake wear can accelerate on older machines. Ensure the discs are not warped and that the hydraulic system is free of leaks. While the bike has passed recent MOTs, these components merit a detailed inspection.
The bike has only 19,918 miles on the clock, well below the typical mileage for a 28‑year‑old motorcycle. Its MOT history shows a string of passes with a handful of minor failures – mainly stop lamp, front indicator and occasional headlamp aim issues – and a few advisories about tyre wear and a damaged mirror. The low mileage and recent pass suggest the engine and chassis are still in good shape, but the electrical components and tyres may need attention. As a classic Ducati, it offers strong character and potential value for enthusiasts willing to maintain it.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this Ducati model, but classic Ducatis of the late 1990s are known to require attentive electrical and valve maintenance.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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Batch Registration Neighbors (S558 Series)
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