Ducati Monster Forum

Looking for the board's infinite wisdom on this one.  I have an '01 M600 that i got a few years ago, and it has been relatively problem free.  There's a '01 M900 for sale locally with VERY low miles (around 4500), asking price $4800.  My question is there any major problems associated with the M900?  I know to ask for service history (belts, valves, oil etc...) general overall condition etc, etc...   Just curious if there are any common problems with them???    [beer] [moto]

Not with the 900, they are tanks. That was what they used to power the Caviga bikes that raced in the Paris-Dakar

I bought a 900 Sie in 2006 and it's been great so far.  There are a couple of things you will want to take care of if you buy it.  The original relays crap out unexpectedly from time to time, replacements listed below (I used the Napa ones and haven't had any further issues).  The wiring harness that runs along the right side of the steering head is a little to short and this causes one of the wires for the kill switch to break, cut open the harness and extend the wires for the kill switch (I believe they are brown).  By 2001 they had fixed the head stud, galley plug, and flywheel nut issues.

Radio shack 900-2391
Seimans V203073
Bosch 0 332 207 307
Napa AR 634
Car Quest RY 620
Borg Warner R3223
Orman 68H-UA-0070003
Mopar 56006846

Not to scare you, but you need to be aware.  Do not let the low mileage fool you, often low mileage bikes suffer from a lack of maintenance.  If the timing belts are over two years old they need to be changed.  If the tires are over 5 years old, same thing.  Make sure the fuel is not stale.  All fluids should be changed, but that would be a good idea on any used vehicle.  It is also a good idea to have the bike looked at by a knowledgeable third party.  If all pans out, buy it!!

The 900's scream at you night and day to do the costly 944 upgrade mod.  ;D

To add to the above comments, it's long been my personal opinion that the 2000-2001 M900's were some of the best Monsters period.

Here's why:

Air-cooled
Better cams than the carbie 900's
EFI
NO immobilizer
Steel tank
Tachometer from the factory
25mm axle and 43mm front forks
Lighter weight stock wheels than the '93-'99

Just check on maintenance and offer the guy $4000 cash and see what happens.  Likely, you'll get it unless he's got mad $ into the aftermarket bits.

BTW:  The M900S models came w/some nice tasty upgrades, but the M900D's had to deal w/lower quality bits.  Which model are you looking at?

Oh yeah...  one more reason why the '00-'01 M900's are great:

NO valve guide issues like the DS1000 engines.  ;D

Thanks fellas for all of the words of wisdom. Oh and duck-stew thanks to your list you've almost made it impossible for me to walk away from this one.  I'll post up some pics if it goes through. Thanks again everyone!!   [beer]