Hello All,
I am a soon to be new Ducati monster owner. I am looking to buy a leftover 2006 S4R and have a few questions
*dealer claims the bike has never been started (it does have 0 miles) is there anything I should worry about with a bike that has been sitting this long?
* Should i ask to have the cam belts replaced with new ones?
* Do Ducati's come from the factory with all the fluids in them? Should I ask to have them replaced, or is this a standard part of the dealer set up?
* Anyone have an suspension set up tips? I weigh in at 140 soaking wet and the fully adjustable suspension is a big draw for me
* Finally, should I just steer away from a bike that has been sitting at the dealer this long? The price is great, and it comes with a full warranty. I am thinking that i should be covered if anything goes horribly wrong.... right?
Your thoughts and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
Quote from: jeeves on August 23, 2009, 06:29:55 AM
Hello All,
I am a soon to be new Ducati monster owner. I am looking to buy a leftover 2006 S4R and have a few questions
*dealer claims the bike has never been started (it does have 0 miles) is there anything I should worry about with a bike that has been sitting this long?
* Should i ask to have the cam belts replaced with new ones?
* Do Ducati's come from the factory with all the fluids in them? Should I ask to have them replaced, or is this a standard part of the dealer set up?
* Anyone have an suspension set up tips? I weigh in at 140 soaking wet and the fully adjustable suspension is a big draw for me
* Finally, should I just steer away from a bike that has been sitting at the dealer this long? The price is great, and it comes with a full warranty. I am thinking that i should be covered if anything goes horribly wrong.... right?
Your thoughts and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
I wouldn't worry about it sitting.
I'd approach the dealer about the belts...good idea, and it would be interesting to hear what the dealer thinks about belts when it's on his dime. ;)
They do come with fluids. Replacement is not part of set up. Engine oil should be fine if the bike hasn't been started, but brake/clutch fluid should be flushed. It absorbs moisture from the air in the reservoirs.
All the above would be the ideal scenario, but with a full warranty you really shouldn't have anything to fear.
that sounds like a real find.
Jeeves,
Welcome to the forum. You're in the right place.
You've asked some good questions. I can try to answer some of them, others I'll pass on. there is a great wealth of knowledge here, so anything I can't answer will be picked up ny someone else, I'm sure.
Yes, if it was me, I'd want the belts and oil replaced. belts are supposed to be changed every two years, and your bike qualifies. belts that sit ino ne position for a long time tend to take a set and break where the belt rolls over the cam gears. Oil degrades over time, and should be changed once a year in any vehicle that doesn't see much use. Brake and clutch fluid are hygroscopic, and pull water molecules from the air over time, so replace them too.
Check the tires for flat spots. If the bike sat in one spot for 2 years, they may need replacing as well.
I can't speak to the suspension setup, I'm 6'2" and 200lbs, so my setup is different than yours. He-man or Somegirl can probably help you.
Should you buy this bike? That has to be your call, but with the exceptions noted above, it should be no different than any other new Duc. Also, you'll never be able to buy a new S4R again if you pass this one up.
Good luck and post pics!
Bun-bun is right on the mark, Belts & all fluids for sure. Make sure the battery is new & can pass a load test also.
Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job? [laugh]
...No, really.
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 07:46:41 AM
Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job? [laugh]
...No, really.
Bah dum bum.
Regarding the suspension - have someone who know's how set it for you. The good news is, at your weight you should be quick happy with the stock springs. Us more fluffy riders usually need different springs and or thicker fork oil.
Folks have really hit the big points - Bum buns tire comment is a good one. One more item to check/consider is the gas tank. There's been some real issues with the plastic tanks expanding over time (I blame the ethanol). If this bike has been sitting dry - it won't have this problem *now* but might well in a couple years. Ducati has been replacing tanks - but you might want to keep some notes/info since you will be a couple years behind the curve of this problem (if it happens to you)
Quote from: yuu on August 23, 2009, 08:03:04 AM
Bah dum bum.
Regarding the suspension - have someone who know's how set it for you. The good news is, at your weight you should be quick happy with the stock springs. Us more fluffy riders usually need different springs and or thicker fork oil.
Folks have really hit the big points - Bum buns tire comment is a good one. One more item to check/consider is the gas tank. There's been some real issues with the plastic tanks expanding over time (I blame the ethanol). If this bike has been sitting dry - it won't have this problem *now* but might well in a couple years. Ducati has been replacing tanks - but you might want to keep some notes/info since you will be a couple years behind the curve of this problem (if it happens to you)
well that's another thing then.
this is a fuel injected bike with fuel in the bike that's NEVER been started? not sure gas is good that long.
Has this bile even been set up? No miles at all, it probably has no gas or battery.
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 08:22:31 AM
Has this bile even been set up? No miles at all, it probably has no gas or battery.
I'm thinking no if the dealer never started it.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 23, 2009, 08:23:38 AM
I'm thinking no if the dealer never started it.
Yeah, lets hope that's the case.
Was the bike on the floor, or in a crate? If still strapped to the pallet in the crate those tires are probably not happy.
Bikes are shipped dry (drained)
should be a sticker on the headlight NO OIL IN BIKE or something similar.
To all who responded,
Thank you for the considerate and thoughtful responses.... I have to say I feel better about this bike already given your comments.
I agree as a sales guy I am shocked they still have the thing.... but in a way I am glad too.
To answer some of the questions you guys asked (with hopes you can give me even more insight)
* The bike is on the floor and is not in a crate
* The sales guy says it has never been started
* I am doubting the bike has been set up but am unsure
As for the 2006 S4R what are the general thoughts here on this bike? I love the look of the bike, way more than the new Monsters. How do the older ones ride, handle etc. in comparison? Am I getting something with totally antiquated technology?
Quote from: ducatiz on August 23, 2009, 08:39:12 AM
Bikes are shipped dry (drained)
should be a sticker on the headlight NO OIL IN BIKE or something similar.
Ducatis come shipped with oil in the engine. Can not speak for other brands, but there is shell oil in every model when it rolls off the truck & a battery sitting off to the side.
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 07:46:41 AM
Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job? [laugh]
...No, really.
Chicago Cycle Center in Lincolnwood, IL
They have new Ducatis going back to 04 sitting on the sales floor which they sell as new all day long.
Quote from: ProTeal55 on August 23, 2009, 09:36:17 AM
Chicago Cycle Center in Lincolnwood, IL
They have new Ducatis going back to 04 sitting on the sales floor which they sell as new all day long.
I'm sorry :-[
Quote from: jeeves on August 23, 2009, 09:02:12 AM
As for the 2006 S4R what are the general thoughts here on this bike? I love the look of the bike, way more than the new Monsters. How do the older ones ride, handle etc. in comparison? Am I getting something with totally antiquated technology?
That is a great bike ! Is it even the color you wanted?
Just make sure you're getting a "deal". I would hate for you to be the person that when you roll out the drive they pop the Champagne & pull out party hats. 0 mls or not, to a dealer it is old inventory, and after 12 months they are paying to keep it on the floor. Some dealers (possibly the one in IL.) will buy units from other dealers at a very low price to sell to the consumer that can't pay top $ for the newer model so they won't go by a different brand. They will use them sort of like a lost leader, so the next time you are looking for a bike you will trade it in on the current model & hit you at the premium price. This happens with a lot of dealers that are being allotted a very low # of bikes for various reasons, one possibly for having new 04 model's ;D
So work 'em over !!!
Funny how I'll say that when it's not one of mine. [laugh]
I hope it works out for you
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 08:22:31 AM
Has this bile even been set up? No miles at all, it probably has no gas or battery.
Oh my God! I didn't mean to say that, I promise.
Dusty seems to think it's funny, but really, I didn't.
Sorry sweetie. I know you did NOT mean to post that, but it cracks me up for some reason. [laugh]
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 09:11:06 AM
Ducatis come shipped with oil in the engine. Can not speak for other brands, but there is shell oil in every model when it rolls off the truck & a battery sitting off to the side.
I have a pic of my S2R sitting at the dealer with the sticker on the headlight. There is a 800SS sitting next to it with the same sticker, I'll have to post it.
the million dollar question (actually, i hope not...) is how much does the dealer want for this brand new 3 year old bike? or did i miss that somewhere in the original post?
Quote from: ducatiz on August 23, 2009, 12:02:27 PM
I have a pic of my S2R sitting at the dealer with the sticker on the headlight. There is a 800SS sitting next to it with the same sticker, I'll have to post it.
Maybe it's a New Mexico thing ??? They probably think we're in Mexico like the rest of the country does.
Ours, without a doubt, come "lubed up" sans fuel. Thank God, I would hate to add the price of putting oil in a new unit, and not to mention all the extra oil we would have to have on hand when a truck load of new bikes came in.
Quote from: herm on August 23, 2009, 12:36:19 PM
the million dollar question (actually, i hope not...) is how much does the dealer want for this brand new 3 year old bike? or did i miss that somewhere in the original post?
Thanks herm, I was afraid to ask. Also, I guess it's none of our business, but inquiring minds want to know.
Nosey bastards aren't we?
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 12:48:40 PM
Thanks herm, I was afraid to ask. Also, I guess it's none of our business, but inquiring minds want to know.
Nosey bastards aren't we?
the way i see it, better to know if he is getting a killer deal, or killed by the dealer....
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 12:44:25 PM
Maybe it's a New Mexico thing ??? They probably think we're in Mexico like the rest of the country does.
Ours, without a doubt, come "lubed up" sans fuel. Thank God, I would hate to add the price of putting oil in a new unit, and not to mention all the extra oil we would have to have on hand when a truck load of new bikes came in.
that dealer charged a "setup fee" for the bike, which included the 600 mile check. so i assume they figured in that cost, or somehow it was part of their deal with DNA. this was an '05 S2R that I bought in june of 05.
i thought it was weird.
Quote from: ducatiz on August 23, 2009, 12:54:36 PM
that dealer charged a "setup fee" for the bike, which included the 600 mile check. so i assume they figured in that cost, or somehow it was part of their deal with DNA. this was an '05 S2R that I bought in june of 05.
i thought it was weird.
Unfortunately "setup fees" are part of ALL new bike sales these days. Yours came with the 600 ser.? May I ask how much they charged?
Also to be considered - the day after you drive off, it will be a 3 year old bike. It isn't an issue for you yet, but if you're selling it it will be worth a lot less than if it was actually new. The instant value drop could be 20-30% (I don't know) and that should to some degree be reflected in the "deal".
Quote from: kingbaby on August 23, 2009, 01:05:18 PM
Unfortunately "setup fees" are part of ALL new bike sales these days. Yours came with the 600 ser.? May I ask how much they charged?
$600 and that included a $500 credit to get "accessories." I got a new Arai helmet.
Quote from: ducatiz on August 23, 2009, 01:07:48 PM
$600 and that included a $500 credit to get "accessories." I got a new Arai helmet.
That is what you call "Stickin' it to the man" . Dealers expect you to buy parts, so they can get the bike on the lift for installation ($ for the service dept.), then sell you more.
Well done.
The Dealer I worked for here in Australia generally got the bikes with oil in them, but every now and then, 1 would sneak through with no oil in them.
No set model, just a random bike would get through with no oil, the last one I saw was a 696, they used to put a red "No Oil" sticker over the ignition key barrel.
They also had bikes going back to 06.
Like I said, they probably didn't think we were smart enough to know where to put the oil :P
[laugh]
Again,
Thanks for all of the responses.... OK OK it kinda is not anyone's business but seeing as you were all so helpful
The bike after all of my negotiating is going for $10.5k with no set up or freight costs...
All in all I think it is a pretty good deal seeing as 2006 S4R's seem to be going for sale in the 9K range used...
As for color... The dealer has to 2006 monsters left... The S4R in red, and a S21000 in Silver black. They have agreed to swap over the silver and black bits onto the S4R for me....
Thoughts?
Cool, especially on the parts swap.
may not be our business, but i sure would appreciate others knowledgeable (and nothing to gain) input when getting ready to spend that kind of money.
anyway...to put it in perspective,
that is the same price i paid OTD for my 06 s2r1000.
you are getting about 3500 off (06/07) msrp.
if you can get the dealer to do the belts and change the oil, so much the better.
however, if you are willing to consider used, you can get a MUCH better deal. there are several 07 s4r (even an s4r-t i think) for sale here in the classified section, starting at around 7k.
thats a 3500 savings over what the dealer is offering.
not saying that used is for you, or that you can purchase private (vs. financing at the dealer.) just tossing out information.
good luck in your decision!
edit: as far as the parts swap goes...double check and make sure that the 2v tank will fit on the 4v engine. this is important because not all tanks and bikes (2 or 4v) are compatible. I cant remember off hand, but there is a thread here in the tech section titled "all about fuel tanks" the information is there for the finding. (or someone else chime in if you can remember)
Quote from: Bun-bun on August 23, 2009, 06:57:43 AMI can't speak to the suspension setup, I'm 6'2" and 200lbs, so my setup is different than yours. He-man or Somegirl can probably help you.
Quote from: yuu on August 23, 2009, 08:03:04 AMRegarding the suspension - have someone who know's how set it for you. The good news is, at your weight you should be quick happy with the stock springs. Us more fluffy riders usually need different springs and or thicker fork oil.
I agree with yuu, in fact the stock setup should be pretty close for his weight. Just find someone experienced in suspension to do it for you, have your typical gear on when they do it. Should be pretty quick to do.
krolik & herm nailed it.
Paint swap?...works.
Prices... well, it's kind of all over the place. Everytime a new model comes out, buyers...and sellers think ""IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD". As Herm pretty much pointed out, buy what you want, bikes are everywhere . If you want a new bike, and you love this one... Go get it !
Quote from: somegirl on August 23, 2009, 06:51:45 PM
I agree with yuu, in fact the stock setup should be pretty close for his weight. Just find someone experienced in suspension to do it for you, have your typical gear on when they do it. Should be pretty quick to do.
Suspension: They will be able to set it up for your weight for sure. If you go for a new bike they will get it close, then ask you to come back for a full setup at your first service. Gear (would be good) or not, It won't be their first time to do this, Trust them, and ask questions about fine tuning.
My color opinion:
silver parts on black frame = YES
silver parts on red frame = NOOOO
Quote from: stopintime on August 23, 2009, 10:22:00 PM
My color opinion:
silver parts on black frame = YES
silver parts on red frame = NOOOO
you dont like the silver on red frame ????
Loki is quite insulted by your comment ;D
my only problem with the new monster red frame.. is it's only half the frame. feel the same way about the HM with red frame and black or silver subframes. yuck. make it all red.
Quote from: causeofkaos on August 24, 2009, 10:48:51 AM
you dont like the silver on red frame ????
Loki is quite insulted by your comment ;D
LokE spits on insults [evil] ;)
I love the grey ("titanium") S4R body work on it's red frame.
I love the silver S2R 1000 body work on it's black frame.
I don't mind the silver/red M1100.
I don't think silver S2R 1000 body parts would look very good on a red S4R
That's all [thumbsup]
Quote from: stopintime on August 24, 2009, 11:34:42 AM
LokE spits on insults [evil] ;)
ha ha thats awesome by the way you mispelled it .... again.. ;D
Quote from: jeeves on August 23, 2009, 04:16:17 PM
Again,
Thanks for all of the responses.... OK OK it kinda is not anyone's business but seeing as you were all so helpful
The bike after all of my negotiating is going for $10.5k with no set up or freight costs...
All in all I think it is a pretty good deal seeing as 2006 S4R's seem to be going for sale in the 9K range used...
As for color... The dealer has to 2006 monsters left... The S4R in red, and a S21000 in Silver black. They have agreed to swap over the silver and black bits onto the S4R for me....
Thoughts?
Will it look like this? Or will it have silver bodywork with black stripes?
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk145/smoothS4RS/DSC_0963.jpg)
The S2R is silver with a black stripe. I agree it would not look good on a red frame.
I would get the S2R1000 myself.