2009 Ducati M620 0.6L Petrol · EU59 FBY

The most recent DVSA test, conducted on 27 March 2024, resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and this outcome is mirrored by clean passes at the two preceding tests in April 2023 and September 2017. However, the intervening record reveals a pattern that prospective purchasers should weigh carefully. The December 2019 test initially recorded a dangerous failure for incorrectly mounted front brake pads and a dangerously rough front wheel bearing, followed immediately by a pass at the same date, suggesting remedial work was carried out and re-presented. Prior to this, a major failure was issued in November 2018 for an excessively binding front brake, accompanied by an advisory for a slightly loose drive chain. The recurrence of front brake concerns across consecutive test events points to a historical area of weakness that, while apparently rectified at the most recent assessment, warrants close scrutiny on physical inspection to confirm the underlying caliper, disc, and master cylinder condition remains sound rather than cosmetically resolved. With 24,050 miles recorded over a seventeen-year span, this Ducati has averaged roughly 1,415 miles annually, which is markedly low for a motorcycle of this type and indicates substantial periods of standing or only sporadic use. Such low annual mileage typically signifies that the vehicle has either been a secondary leisure machine, stored seasonally, or laid up for extended intervals. While lower odometer readings generally preserve engine and drivetrain internals, long standing periods can be detrimental to certain components, particularly the braking system, suspension linkage, battery, and fluid circuits. The fact that the major failure for brake binding and the dangerous failure for the rough wheel bearing occurred during this low-mileage era is consistent with corrosion, pitting, and seizure associated with insufficient regular use, rather than wear through mileage accumulation. Verifying the authenticity and continuity of the recorded figure through service documentation is strongly advised. Given the age of the machine and the profile of prior defects, a prospective buyer should focus on the front braking system during physical inspection. The front brake caliper should be examined for binding, ensuring the pistons retract fully and that the pads sit squarely within the caliper bracket, as incorrect pad mounting was the subject of a dangerous failure. The front wheel bearing should be checked for roughness, play, or any lateral movement when the wheel is manually rotated and lifted, listening for unevenness that could indicate deterioration. The brake discs should be inspected for lipping, corrosion pitting around the perimeter, and minimum thickness, while the brake hoses should be examined for perishing or swelling. Test riding should include progressive front brake application to detect any pulling, juddering, or sponginess, and the lever feel should remain consistent without excessive travel. It is also worth checking that the front caliper does not drag or overheat after moderate use, given the prior binding concern. Beyond the brake-related history, the advisory recorded for a slightly loose drive chain at the 2018 test should be revisited. The chain and sprover rear sprocket should be inspected for even wear, correct tension within manufacturer specification, and adequate lubrication, as standing periods accelerate corrosion on the chain surface and within the o-ring seals. Given the calendar age of seventeen years, regardless of the modest odometer figure, all rubber and polymer components should be examined for age-related degradation. This includes checking the tyre sidewalls and tread for cracking or perishing, as tyres over five years old should be scrutinised even if tread depth appears adequate. The 12V battery should be load tested, as long storage periods deplete battery capacity and internal sulfation can render a battery unreliable even if it initially holds charge. Brake fluid, fork oil, and coolant should be confirmed as recently serviced in line with calendar-based intervals rather than mileage alone, and the condition of the suspension linkages, swingarm bearings, and steering head bearings should be checked for notchiness or corrosion pitting induced by infrequent use. A thorough cold start and warm-up observation is also recommended to ensure the engine does not exhibit excessive smoke or irregular running that would indicate internal issues arising from extended standing periods.