Ducati Monster Forum

I've got an '03 M620 and I'm thinking about upgrading the engine, maybe to a DS1000.  Labor would be done by trusted mechanic, $50 an hour.  Has anyone done this or a similar upgrade, and, if so, what was the approximate cost?  I'm thinking if total $$ is over $3,000 it wouldn't be worth it, since I think I'd get around $3500 for my 620, and could get a M1000 for around $6000.

DS1000 is an engine with/for single swing arm, isn't it? If so, it's not going to work?
Maybe a 900, 1000 - but I don't know what's involved (mostly curious about what others will tell you)

The high end of choices (?) would be a StreetFighter engine from tax-hell Norwegian dealer at $9,000 plus work. [roll]

I can understand your urge, but if you can a good 1000 for $6,000 ..... [thumbsup]

Usually it would be cheaper to just upgrade the bike (especially if you're paying someone else to do the labor). Larger engine bikes usually have better/adjustable suspension and other goodies (like dry clutch) that you wouldn't have on your 620.  However, if you have a lot of work/parts/emotional attachment to your bike, it might be worth it to you.

Is the point just to get a bigger motor?  If so, you're better off selling your bike.


Nope.  The '03-05 M1000 first used the 1000DS motor before the S2r1000 was introduced.

if you put the 1000 motor in the 620 frame... i think the dry clutch would come with it ;D ;D ;D

You could get a 900 engine probably cheaper. They're better for future mods than the 1000DS, and have the dry clutch. If you could get an engine for say $500 it may be worth it, you'd have a hotter bike but still be paying 620 insurance. Unless you have the stomach for a project though I'd go for a different bike. Much easier, and it's a buyer's market for bikes right now. Some amazing 900s out there for sale.

With Ducati's, the larger engines almost always come with better equipment (master cylinders, suspension, wider rear wheel, bigger & better brakes) so it's not just the engine that's the only difference.

IMO, it's better to spruce up your 620 and let it go to a new home and then add a few $ and buy a bike with the engine you want.


Can it be done?  Of course it can.   Is it the smart thing to do?  Not really...

Yeah, that was part of my motivation [evil]
A 900ie would be good, too.  Part of my thinking is that if I'm going to have someone else do the work, it would actually be simple from my perspective, and might be cheaper than a new bike.  I do basic maintenace on my bikes, but an engine swap is out of my league, and I'm not even sure what the labor costs would be, roughly.

Think about what you'll have to do to deal with immobilizer issues and factor that into the cost.

Actually, that's also part of my consideration.  I only have the black key (bought it from the orginal owner before I knew better), so that's a cost I'm going to incur no matter what...figure I'll have to lower the cost, anyway, when I sell, so it might tip the $$ financial balance towards an engine swap...maybe

It's one thing to do it on a secondary bike such as a hobby, where you can play around. I would think however that you would like to be riding it. so thats where th e whole time versus money comes into play. If I had the space, it would not matter how much it cost, because I would be able to spread it out over a period of time and stilll be riding something in the mean-time.

Ok, people keep bringing up points that I probably should have mentioned in my particular case... ;)

So, in my case....I've got a second bike, so, if it takes a while, that's not an issue.  The immobilizer issue is something that's not really an issue in this case, since I'll have to deal with it one way or another.  I'm not in any rush, either...so, all that being said, really it boils down to $$. 

Two words for you
 BRAKES & SUSPENSION
IMHO
Unless you throw money at these as well you will end up with a bike that is fast in a straight line
but pulling it up and riding corners at that speed could be a challenge
you might as well by a HD [laugh]
I did the opposite improved my suspension and brakes turning a wallowing sloppy bike into a weapon
my 2c

Here is what I would do.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=33366.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=33366.0)

at least the insurance company will still think it's a 620 and price it accordingly.  maybe that's the extra push you need in savings?  ;D

+1

You'll also eat it on resale value. You can put the most hopped up big two valver in there you can find, but as far as resale is concerned, it's an older 620. Anything you invest in it will be a lost cause.

And people keep mentioning cheaper insurance. That's great unless you bin it. Then they won't pay out what you feel it's worth.

It's not broke. Don't fix it. Sell it and buy a bigger one.

Yeah, that, all things considered, seems the best option.  Gotta pay off a few things first, but when the time comes, time to go shopping! [moto]

man that thing is immaculate. it still has the factory frame plugs for christ sake. i couldn't get mine to stay in for 30 days!