so i emailed the guy back (he actually referred me to this forum)
and this is the response:
The carbs and the 944 were on the bike when I bought it in 2000. I paid $5500. I have done the maintenance myself.
Last winter I replaced Spark plug and starter wiring.
Sprag clutch and starter. It was done at Martineurosports.
I also put a new battery in it.
You are absolutely correct. They are bullet proof IF you treat them right.
I have put about 6k miles on it and it's never left me stranded. The only issue has been the starter which is in part my fault because I wasn't starting it right.
I do have a little notebook where I keep records of all the bikes.
http://www.martineurosports.com
Bill Himmelsback checked the valves when I got it and again last winter.
That's about it.... No mechanical problems so far.
These carbs don't have a choke. And they are VERY cold blooded. When you first start it in the morning, you must squeeze about three - four times to prime them, open the throttle about 1/3 to 1/2 and hit the button. It'll start right up. If you don't have the swing of it you'll run out of battery and it won't start.
I've ridden it on weekends and I even did track days with it. Never a problem.
... o and i will definitely check for cracks.
sorry for being completely ignorant, but should this email relax me or make me more warry of the bike?
elliott