Hi. I'm considering the purchase of a 2000 M900 as a second bike (and third Ducati). I currently have an '06 MTS 1000DS and have owned a M800. This will be used as a second bike for me and, also, a bike for my son so we can ride together.
While I'm pretty knowledgeable about Ducs in general, I don't know much about this particular model. Any and all advice, warnings, trouble areas, quirks that you all could pass along would be much appreciated. Like I said, the bike is a 2000 Monster 900 (injected) with 2500 original miles . It's a local bike, locally serviced by the dealer. It's being sold by the son of the original owner. No damage history. With the exception of some Staintune Conti Replica slip-ons, it appears to be all stock (even the canister is still there) and in very nice condition.
Thanks in advance.
Rich
thats a good one.
8)
i know slave cylinders failed on some. replacing with aftermarket fixes the problem and makes the pull easier
you may get tired of how LOUD those contis are.
other than that...have fun
Is it a "s"? I think that they had the cams out of the SS And it would have the upgraded rear shock.
All injected 900's had the SSi.e. cams (better than the carbed 'V' head SS cams, but not as hot as the ST2 cams) so you're good there. An 'S' model would have an Ohlins rear shock and a floating rear brake caliper so those are both pluses.
IMO, one of the better Monsters of all time. 900 motors are nearly bullet-proof. This one is injected but without the pesky immobilizer bull-shit. Adjustable suspension too...
Thanks guys. I believe it's not an "s". It appears from photos that I've seen it does not have adjustable forks. Keep the info coming. Thanks.
Rich
Apparrently the metal tanks like to leak around the hinges..... but at least it's not a plastic tank, apparently they swell with the use of E10.
I had a '00 900 for a while. Good bike, and didn't have many issues with it.
I don't think this qualifies as a "common problem," but one thing I had happen to me (twice!) was the chain-side adjustment screw for the chain tension backed out on me and broke, causing cosmetic damage to the swingarm and stranding me. When you adjust chain tension, make sure you torque properly, and maybe consider some mild loctite. This could just have been a problem with me being stupid, but I'll throw it out there since you don't mention owning a Ducati with a DSS.
That aside, pretty bulletproof bike, and good fun!
I had a 2000 900 dark for two years. It was (is) my first bike. No problems related to the machine. I got my rear raised and that helped the way it turned. Brakes are wonderful. Avoid grabbing to much front as that may (did) result in getting another bike.
Quote from: bdub on April 11, 2009, 05:29:51 AM
I had a 2000 900 dark for two years. It was (is) my first bike. No problems related to the machine. I got my rear raised and that helped the way it turned. Brakes are wonderful. Avoid grabbing to much front as that may (did) result in getting another bike.
That goes for any bike (even a bicycle).
Now you tell me
The 900's are wonderful. Yours will be like mine, but should start easier since its fuel injected, whereas mine is carb'ed (1999 model).
Quote from: Scottish on April 11, 2009, 12:10:50 AM
Apparrently the metal tanks like to leak around the hinges..... but at least it's not a plastic tank, apparently they swell with the use of E10.
1. i have seen this twice, out of only a handful of bikes i went to look at. one was even a dealer bike and they had no idea it was leaking until i told them (they thought it was the drain nut apparently which they replaced)
apparently lifting the tank with the weight on the hinge while its full of gas can crack the welds. DucPainter can fix this for a price so pm him for details if it has the problem, or anyone else that sees this has this problem
2- the verticle cylinder seal supposedly leaks in that year range. PO of my bike had to put a new gasket in. (bone dry now)
have fun, and safe riding
I've had my '00 M900Sie for +4 years now and have had almost no problems with it. They're solid bikes with a terrific motor, very good handling, decent ergonomics. Mine has been a modified quite extensively but also does get ridden; it has a little shy of 20k trouble-free miles on it and counting.
If you end up with it I suggest you replace all the crappy Ducati fasteners and bolts with stainless ones. The Ducati ones corrode badly and I had to drill out more than one which froze in the block and broke. Eventually I wised up and replaced them all.
Thanks guys.
redial, when you say, " 2- the verticle cylinder seal supposedly leaks in that year range. PO of my bike had to put a new gasket in. (bone dry now)", what seal are you referring to?
I should be able to see the bike in person later next week. There are some "inconsistencies" with the pics and description that need to be answered and I'd like to get the VIN checked. In the mean time, I sure appreciate the info.
My 99 has had zero tank related leak problems, even after a crash+repaint.
+1 on Markus's comment about the fasteners. They are simply a pain. Here's the good news, many companies offer "bolt kits" just for Ducati's. And they Monster is the easiest because it uses the fewest, lack of fairings and whatnot.
Most bolts are M6 or M8, but the lengths vary (typically between 20-35mm, though some are longer). You can get stainless bolts (this is generally a good idea), or for bolts that are not load bearing, you can get some aluminum bolts - great for gas tank cap, headlight u-bolt, a few other places. Lastly, you can pony up and go with Titanium. This is also great, but remember your anti-seize.
My suggestion would be to put titanium, if you have the cash and feel like spending it, on the bolts that are "unsprung weight" (fork lowers - axle pinch, rotor and caliper mounts, etc) and do mostly stainless everywhere else. If your budget is bad ass, or you are going to do it slowly over time (that's me), replace a bolt or two every month or so with a titanium piece. Its the price of a few beers on the weekend, which helps me lose weight by skipping, and the bolts be lighter, which helps the bike lose weight as well.
Titanium comes in titanium color, gold and blue. Aluminum comes in all the colors in the skittle bag nearly. So that's fun. Black anodizing turns purple over time, so be prepared for that to happen.
I have a pretty good list going now on bolt sizes in different areas as I replace stuff. Today's nugget: Lower triple = (4) M8x30 socket head.
Electrically speaking, there are some wiring issues occasionally with Ducatis, and Monsters - the wires aren't super robust. DesmoTimes has starter cable replacements for $30 which isn't too bad, and also check out your ignition coils - best mod I've ever made to the bike has been the DynaCoils kit from CA-Cycleworks. I still need to drive to california to give Chris a hug for selling these to me. Check out his Tech Blog to see if yours might benefit from upgrading (some do, some don't, I don't know which is which off the top of my head).
Last note: Stock handlebars are "soft" - they bend quite easy. Just remember that if you are about to drop it in the garage because you forgot to put the sidestand down as you lower it off the rearstand. They'll bend quick, right into your tank giving you a lovely ding. Luckily, aftermarket clipon bars are stronger, as are good ol' Renthal bars and the Rizoma conical bars. (I'm good at breaking stuff, and then having the "opportunity" to review new products)
Quote from: Q on April 11, 2009, 01:09:43 PM
Thanks guys.
redial, when you say, " 2- the verticle cylinder seal supposedly leaks in that year range. PO of my bike had to put a new gasket in. (bone dry now)", what seal are you referring to?
I should be able to see the bike in person later next week. There are some "inconsistencies" with the pics and description that need to be answered and I'd like to get the VIN checked. In the mean time, I sure appreciate the info.
if you look into the middle of the frame at the cylinder thats verticle, its the seal directly below it, which is a horizontal seal. let me see if i can provide a picture. the PO used a gasket and also red high temp gasket maker. so thats the red stuff (doesnt look pretty, but i will address that later)
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let me know if that picture is a big red X and ill fix
im not sure if the problem is common to year 2002 only, or if its 2002 or older. i have seen at least one other bike with a leak here. (on the forum)
Picture showed up fine.
ANOTHER THING I HAD TOTALLY FORGOTTEN:
Battery. Throw out that piece of shit, prone to leak battery. Ditch it right now. I have a tiny F'ing battery in mine now. Its a ton lighter, it fires the bike up EVERYTIME, doesn't sit on a trickle charger ever (doesn't need it) and it won't explode, spitting acid out all over the alternator side's engine case. this is almost an appropriate time to use many expletives because I'm still not quite over the incident of 2-years ago.
redial, thanks, man...I'll look for that. Pic was fine.
ato memphis, thanks for the battery heads-up. My '03 M800 had the battery lying on it's side on top of the vertical cylinder's head. Is that where it's located on the M900?
On my M900 its oriented vertically right there next to the airbox and vert. cylinder. Battery acid will leak down onto vertical cylinder, frame and alt. case cover if that damn little hose decides to let go. (The battery has a vent hose that is clear tubing, gets filled with corrosion and can lead to battery kaboom - this hose is routed down along the frame and is similar to the gas tank overflow tubes).
There are a variety of maintenance free batteries you could get - I'm not by my bike right now or I'd tell you what I picked up. The thing is, the stock battery is also huge. There's no reason for this unless it was to last longer - but the thing is, they don't! Its the same size battery used in our Honda Aquatrax jetskis, except Honda puts the maintenance free ones in from the factory.
So, in sum: Check that damn little clear hose everytime you get near your bike. Check the acid levels in the battery. Scrape together the pennies to replace that sucker with a sealed battery ASAP. To see the battery, just lift the tank, prop it open with the tank prop, and grimace at the little S.O.B. that's right there, mocking you.
i had my metal tank on my m750 leak but only after a wreck, a little redneck ingenuity and a stick of fuel resistant epoxy and wala no more leaky tank
Quote from: ato memphis on April 11, 2009, 02:55:26 PM
Battery acid will leak down onto vertical cylinder, frame and alt. case cover if that damn little hose decides to let go.
ive seen this a rediculous amount of times. i dont care what you have to spend on a nice battery getting a frame paint job ruined is a pain i never want to feel.
I ride that very bike and love it. Other than normal maintinance the only problems were the clutch slave (after market one is easy to get) and an electrical gremlin that ate 5 brake light bulbs in a month but it has gone away. (i hate that.)
good luck and start saving for upgrades.
You can get a great LED plate full of blinding red light to replace the taillight so you can be seen by cars a bit better, and don't have to worry about them really going out. Just an idea.
The clutch slave replacement is one of the easist mods you can do, its a simple exercise in bleeding the line. And clutch pull gets a nice pull range too.
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Great stuff! As it turns out , I passed on the original M900, but with the help of Dave R. and Ducati Seattle, I became the new owner of a good 'ol Monster. It's another used 2000 M900, but this one's an S model. It's my second Monster, and it'll share garage space with my MTS 1000DS. No pics yet, as it needs some maintenance attention, a thorough cleaning, and a couple of fix-its. But I have to admit to being quite excited to start another Monster project. While it's true that I wanted a second Duc, the main idea is to get my son on it and have him gain some road experience under more, shall I say, controlled/restricted conditions riding with his Dad. Besides, it sounds like fun.
Thanks again.
BTW, I need a beer tray, brake light, and rear turn signals for a 2000 M900. That MY has a slightly different beer tray (the later style and size, but with three mounting bolts vs four on the 2001 and after), so it has to be from a 2000. Please pm if you have one laying around that you'd like to part with. Thanks.
Congratulations on the purchase! You'll appreciate the S model's factory upgrades vs the standard M900, especially if this was going to be an "upgrades project". Most of the major stuff is done for you already: adjustable suspension (with Ohlins out back!), additional body pieces, floating rear brake, aluminum swingarm.
I don't have a beer tray for you, although I think I have some turn signals somewhere which I'd be happy to part with. I'm not sure of their condition as I removed them a few years ago. Will check my garage today to see what they look like and PM you the details.
:)
congratulations on your new purchase. if i was your son i would be very happy [moto]
please include pics of the multi when you post!
Thanks, guys. I found a beer tray and lights for the rear end today, and removed the CF pieces to clean and re-clear coat. The bike will be at the shop until late next week, so I thought I'd get to work on locating some stuff and starting some of the fix-its.
Well it's been a couple of weeks since I picked up my M900. First, it's not the one I originally wrote about. This one happens to be a 2000 900S (Ohlins rear shock, full adjustable Showa up front and some other nice touches were added to the "S" model) with the DP air filter and DP/Remus aluminum slip-ons. It has more miles and was in need of some attention, but overall, seemed like a sweet bike and deal. I incorporated all of the advise that you all had to offer...thanks again, much appreciated. It has just received a full 6k service plus belts, chain, sprockets, tires, fluids, maintenance free battery, DesmoTimes chain adjuster plates, case saver, STM clutch slave cylinder, and frame sliders, in addition to a deep cleaning and re-finish of the CF pieces. My son and I have already put a couple of miles on it. My Multi is a 2006 DS1000 with DP cams, ecu, full Termignoni exhaust, PCIII with a custom dual map, and Beast R intakes. The best part is, my wife likes them both.
Thanks again for the great advise.
Rich
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I noticed in your post that you have the Desmotimes chain adjuster plates. Check that your spools (if you have them) are far enough away from the adjuster plate that it doesn't cause the forks on your rear stand to gouge the adjuster plate. I had no problem standing the bike up but when I let the bike down the stand tends to get stuck on the spools if I don't hold the bike upright as I take the stand off and the first time I let it down after I put the adjuster plates on it marred up the left side. :-X Hope that makes sense. I love the 900s. I think they're so much better than all these new monsters. ;D
PS. you cheater, the last one is a shot of your multi. [roll] [cheeky]
Very nice 8)
Which battery did you end up getting? And how did the clear coating on your CF parts turn out?
Thanks, all!
As for the spools vs DesmoTimes adjuster plates, yea, you're not kidding about it being a tight fit with the rear stand. I had the new chain length set so the plates are further towards the rear of the swingarm, so the (Vortex) rear stand rotating and lifting on the spools seems to clear the plates OK.
The battery I used is the same one that's in my Multistrada and, I believe, is the same OEM battery for all newer Ducati models (except maybe 1098/1198). It's a maintenance free YT12B-BS. I keep the bikes on a Battery Tender when they're not in use.
For the CF refinishing, I did a little on-line research, and found some pretty simple tips.
Basically, clean the pieces really well with soap and water. Use some fine (00) steel wool or fine (800-1000) grit sand paper to smooth out any light scratches. Clean the parts with denatured mineral spirits paint thinner. This took several cleanings, but it removes the old wax/dirt build up that causes the whitish, foggy appearance. Let dry completely. It was amazing how much better they looked, even at this point. Finally, apply three or more coats of acrylic enamel or lacquer clear coat using the manufacturer's instructions. I actually used nine coats (with some light wet sanding in between a couple of the coats) of some Dupli Color clear lacquer from Schucks Auto Supply. It drys fast, blends nicely. Less than $15 and 48 hrs invested and the pieces look great. There's also some cool 2 part ball can clear (epoxy, I believe) available that can then be used over the lacquer to give it a really deep, glossy finish. I haven't tried it yet, though, but I intend to. I'm by no means even a good painter, but this only takes very basic skills and some patience. Good luck.
Looks like your Special cleaned up really nicely! Congrats Q. I hope it gives you and your son many miles of fun.
[moto]