Ducati Monster Forum

Have a lead on a 2006 model. Still looking for my elusive Monster. This one is a particularly good deal I think although miles a bit high. (Mid twenties I believe) Have not been on the board for a while so need some first hand experience from you S2R 800 owners. Any inherent problems is what I'm primarily concerned about. What should I be sure and check on looking at it? I know that Ducati did not use there top of the line components so that is not an issue for me in this case. Just wondering if Ducati had done their homework on this model buy 2006. I am a Ducati owner so know about belts, valves, etc. if that helps.

Thanks!

I've punished my 2007, same except black wheels, for 23,000 miles.
Besides services, there has been nothing wrong with it. Wait - one oil sensor and one brake light switch.

The S2R 800 has a reputation as problem free, more or less.
Of course you could have extremely bad luck, but much more likely not.

That said, I now think a S2R 1000 is worth the extra money [moto]

19,600 on my '06 Dark... Being my first and only bike, I have no real input on quality or ridability compared to other bikes, but I've also had no major issues with my bike that I'd consider worth mentioning. Typical stuff... replace tires, replace chain, etc...

Unlike Stop, I'm okay with my 800. I think the S2R1K would be more than I could safely handle. But I wouldn't refuse one if someone wanted to give one to me.

a truly great machine

it is not the best in any area but it is a very well sorted machine that does it all to a very high level

zero problems

imo the best looking Monster there is

buy it you will not regret it

I am probally one of the biggest 800 lovers here. I think it the perfect Monster. Its just seesm to do everything well, and perfect balance. I compare the 800 to a 900 and a s2r 1000 I had...the 800 is hands down my favorite. go for it. biggest problem is the plastic tanks that grows!

you can forward flip one.

that I know for a fact

I have 28k on my 800.  I ride year round, rain or shine, and haven't had a single issue.  Starts up the same in 80 degrees or 20 degrees.  Other then the scheduled services, I haven't had any real reasons for a shop mechanic.  It's not stocked with hi end components, but all work well.  Overall, the bike is a pretty good package.  It isn't a rocket, but it is by all means fast enough to get you in a lot of trouble if you let it.  The bike is pretty forgiving.  You can use all of the throttle and still be in control.  With the right exhaust, it will sound mean as hell.  The only time I wish I had a little more getup-n-go is when riding with others on sportbikes, and that really isn't that bad, you just have to flog the hell out of it (within your limits).  I would recommend the S2R800 to anyone that wants a fun bike to ride.  It is a great bike.  
I love mine.  

Turned my S2R800 into a race bike last year.  Never a problem, always started, road the crap out of it lap after lap always to the pin.  Almost 2000km on the track and not even the slightest bit of oil loss, miss, funny sound...nothing.  My only regret is there was not a competitive class to race it in up here, that is the only reason I sold it.

Does it have the power of the 1000, no, but it isn't a pig either.

KNG

Thanks for the vote of confidence in the bike guys! Not sure this is going to be the one though. Got some pics.....has a big scratch down to the tank I believe on the side and a big ol' chip out of the paint about half inch by two inches long it appears in the key area. Rest of the bike looks pretty good though in the pics. Not sure what a tank repaint and restripe would run but probably put it in the area of one that didn't need the work at all price wise. Anyone have an idea on what that might run? No service records but have name of dealer where work was supposedly done. Don't know if they would give me the scoop on it or not. Red and black keys though. That is one positive. Don't know....may have to pass on this one. Gotta sleep on it I think.

Don't know what you're looking to pay for the one you're considering, but you can pick them up for around $5K pretty easily these days (maybe even less.)  I got a MINT '06 for my wife with 90 miles on it (really!) for $5300 last year. 

Great bike.  No real issues (except the back brake isn't working presently, but I think that's a minor fix.)  More reliable and problem-free than my own S2R 1K  (which I love, but she had surging issues when I got her and now is giving me some cold start issues...)  The 800 is a simpler machine, and while the components aren't as suited for hard riding as the 1K, you can flog it pretty good and it hangs in there.  Very fun bike, and a good first ride (IMO.) 

Topangster

best thing about the S2R 800? Wet slipper clutch
worst thing about the S2R 800? the shit suspension and "OK" brakes.

----------------------------

Otherwise? Fun ass bike that i love commuting on in chicago. My solution for the "worst above?" I am swapping my front end for suzuki parts lol.

I've been maintaining one customer's '05 S2R800 for over 2 years, first saw it at about 17k miles, it's near 40k now.

Nothing necessary beyond the normal wear and tear.

Pretty much what all the others have said here.  I love mine.  I re-sprung it a few months ago and I think the suspension works very well now.  I bought mine with 15K for $4000...a chip on the tank and some scrapes on the clutch cover from a fall on a gravel drive.  Several in the LA area Craigs list going for $5-6K, but have been listed for a looong time.

Yeah, its really a great bike.  Only thing is the gas tank is plastic and so it scratches VERY easily.  Good luck finding a used one that doesn't have a scratch.  I don't weigh much so the S2R800 works perfect for me and its my favorite of the monster family as well.  Really a great bike w/ no known issues unlike several others.

Love mine.  Never had any repair issues, just regular maintenance requirements.  Depending on your weight I would suggest upgrading the suspension (this coming from a guy who finally did about 3 years into owning it.)  I thought the suspension was fine for my abilities but let me tell you that just upgrading the rear spring made it feel more solid and like a new bike.  Now I feel the front end is too mushy and am having the fork springs/internals upgraded too.   Fairly cheap upgrades (cheaper if you can do the work yourself) and enough for my abilities.  I don't need racing suspension like some others on here who would just embarass me if I tried to keep up anyway.

Scratching is the least of the worries with a plastic tank.

...care to elaborate on that?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0)

+1, but the expanding tank is not limited to the 800.

+1 on everything already said. No issues other than the ones I created. The most versatile of the last years of Monsters with the "vintage" look. In that group I'm only including the 620/695, 800 and 1000. It has just enough power. it handles just well enough to keep up. It's basically the best middle ground when commuting and having fun on the twisties.

Sounds like everyone is happy with the S2R for the most part so I think I'm on the right track here as to model that I would want. Don't know what to think on this plastic tank business. Guessing it is not a deal breaker though if you can find one not all scratched up. Is this big chip in the key area possibly a result of this expansion business? Wondering if I could get the bike at a decent price if a repaint on the tank would be feasible? Keep thinking that I need to be patient and wait for one without these issues. This bike appears to be bone stock. 28k miles. Asking $4500. Problem area is the dang tank scratches/chip. Can anyone confirm that the stripe is a decal.....wonder what that would run you? OR can a good paint guy repair/blend into the current paint without having to do a complete repaint? Guessing that is possible as well.

See if you can score it for 4k flat just for fun - otherwise yeah it's a really fun scoot and very easy to live with. I don't understand why people say it's underpowered - I weigh 155 and the bike will shuttle me to 120 in no time and still have a little left over. That's all you need on public roads. Suspension is crap, but I'm not in a huge hurry to upgrade. Brakes seem to really offend some people, but for me they still stop admirably. All this bike really needs is better suspension & brakes. It's got the looks and sound for sure. Oh yeah, if you DIY you'll love this machine, very easy to deal with it. Unlike an S2R1000 you aren't required to buy a Termi kit to get the bike to run properly.

Well... if we're gonna compare weight to acceleration... I'm somewhere north of 220, and the bike is much faster than I am. The 14 tooth sprocket helps.

Like others have said, the plastic tanks are vulnerable to damage, but I let my Dark tank take it. I figure it adds to the character. Looking pretty has never been high on my list of priorites for my bike.

I've had no real tank expansion. Slight shift to the left, but both of the rubber seats are lined up on the frame, so it doesn't bother me.

So, if I could score this bike at say that $4000 price....what would/should be my recourse with the tank? Guess if it has expanded it would not make sense to repaint the entire tank. Do do you touch the sucker up and keep riding or would Ducati replace at this time with me being the third owner I believe?

In regards to the tank replacements....are they experiencing the same problem or did Ducati come up with a solution? I guess on the older metal tanks you have the hinge issue causing leakage. These you have the expansion problem. Guess one has to weigh this out it seems. I do know I like the looks of the S2R....striping, single sided swing arm, wheels. Figure one could do a spring on the shock and drop in some springs in the front to help the suspension some. Brakes would probably suit me fine I'm guessing.

Leaking hinge on metal tanks is much less common than the expanding of the plastic tanks.

Dunno if the new ones are better.

If you like the bike, get it.
Put money towards a steel tank rather than repairing/refurbishing a plastic one.

...interesting.  I've never had this problem in 20k miles.  [coffee]

I think I'm that customer. Can't go wrong - great all around bike. Commute evry day, long trips and the track. It's all fun.

As for the tank, I saw a couple of 800 tanks for sale over in Parts For Sale. Here's one:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37914.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37914.0)

the stripe is a decal

as for the expanding tank mine is perfect ...some have the issue some don't ...the chip it has  is not part of the tank distortion problem

any chance  you could post up a pic of the scratch on the tank ...i say buy it  and you can work on the tank

Guess who bought the 620 tank for his S2R 800  [moto]

My 2005 has 11k miles and the tank is pretty difficult to open, but as often as I do it, it doesn't really matter.  It had a 14 tooth sprocket when I got it, and comparing to my brother's M800 with the stock 15, it really helps in traffic/slow travel.  Stock exhaust is pretty quiet, but if you look in the for sale forum I'm sure you'll find one to your liking.

The only problem I had with mine was a dead battery after I bought it used from the dealer... going strong for over 2 years now with no failed components.

Bike is definitely no slouch, but probably not as fast as a sport bike.

(http://keekles.net/bike17.jpg)

Very nice, duckb0y! What year metal tank will retrofit the S2R? Ute, I'll try to post a pic. The chip is about 1/2" by 2" long it appears. In the recessed area of the ignition switch. Was wondering if a carbon fiber key guard might cover it. If so, then one would just have to deal with deep scratch on side of the tank.

Wonder what the story is in that some have this issue and some don't? Is it just a matter of time before all with have the issue? If I were to go look at the bike, what do I need to look for in regards to this expansion issue? There is mention of the tank hitting the ignition switch and not being able to go lock to lock without hitting the tank. Anything else?

So what about the Monster tanks that Chris is selling at ca-cycleworks? Anyone seen a mockup? Pics on his site look pretty nice. Price is very reasonable as well at under $500. Just curious.

Got a little more info from the owner. Says the tank does not touch the ignition switch and that the bike does go to complete lock both sides. With fork locked he said there is 1/4 to 1/2 inch between grips and tank. Does that sound about right? Also said big chip by ignition due to detailer running a buffer too long and burning the paint...not sure about that one. Can't figure out how to imbed a pic that he sent of chip. Still working on that. AND still mulling this bike over.

Here's the photo posting FAQ (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=109.0), let me know if you have any questions.

Think I got it. Here is pic of the chip in the tank:
(http://i50.tinypic.com/14y38sn.jpg)

That'd be fairly inexpensive to get repaired.

Just a touch up I guess? There is another scratch on the side of tank. Here is a pic of that one:

(http://i49.tinypic.com/2m5cx9g.jpg)

make the beast with two backs it. leave it. its like subzero's scar across his eye.

Hard to be sure from the angle, but that tank latch looks mighty close to the ignition cover . . . possible swelling tank?  Check the rubber tank mounts on both sides of the frame to see where they lie on the frame.

There is no way a buffer caused that. If the owner is lying about that what else could he be lying about. The latch does look very close, maybe its just the picture.

Agreed, and the second scratch (on the left side of the tank) is possibly from tank swelling.

What do you mean by mock-up? We have pics of them fitted to an S2R800 (mine) and a S2R1000. All them pics are in our photo gallery (https://www.ca-cycleworks.com/gallery/index.php?dir=Fuel_tanks%2FMonster%2F).

BTW, I am another who thinks the S2R 800 is my favorite bike of all time.

It has enough power that with throttle pinned, it will spin the rear tire going through turns under 100mph (if you're leaned over fairly well). What's awesome is that the rear of the bike stays in line, so you can just keep the throttle pinned.  [evil] The S2R's balance is perfect and it is an absolute blast to ride. The motivation for the Monster Track Tank was from all the fun I have on this bike on the track. Imho it would become the perfect all-around bike if you could properly hang off. The stock tank pulls my groin a bit... :P

I always recommend fitting normal Ducati brakes ... 320mm front rotors and the Gold Line 2 pin calipers with the 65mm mounts. Also imho, the 4 pad calipers are overkill, so I recommend against those in most instances.

Here are my two "horsepower" mods:
- buy it new and immediately pin the throttle and ride the hell out of it
- fit arrow full system

Other mods on mine:
- braketech stainless cobra rotors
- gold line calipers from an aprilia
- nissin radial front master cylinder (is kinda too much)
- Nichols footpegs (a requirement on any Ducati before going to the track)
- Marvic wheels (they were hand-me-downs from when I raced the mh900e)
- one of my MTT tanks

I really love this bike... so much fun on the street! And you can completely ignore the throttle, while the bigger motors require the pilot to divert a surprising amount of attention to not giving too much throttle.

I'm really torn about 1 thing: the heads. If I can get some 796 heads and see if they fit on this engine, I would convert it to FCR41s and see what that does for power. It might make a little too much but I always prefer the off-on transition of carbs to efi...

:) Chris

Chris, thanks for the info and vote of confidence on the S2R! I guess I didn't realize you were that far along on the tanks. Sorry. I did go to your site and see that you were taking preorders but didn't see any pics of one on the bike. I'm heading over there now to take a look. There are a couple of things I'm questioning on this particular bike. Guess I may have to go take an up close and personal look at it.

When you do - please put me on your mailing list to buy a kit [moto]

hmmmm...i'd say the one up by the key is from a  Porta Cable buffer you can see the arc

as for the side ..don't know

yes the latch does look close .....so when you go to look at it check how the tank sits on the frame

so if the tank is not warped you could rattle can it

but i would recommend Chris's tank ..its the best of the best

+1 on the Arrows

and get some Suburban Machinery bars

Thanks!  There is a thread kicking around that talks about what tanks will fit.  IIRC, a 2001+ S4 and 2002-2004 fuel injected Monster tanks will fit. 

Also, note that there are screws that can be adjusted to keep the handle bars from hitting the tank.  I think the best way to see if the swelling is a problem is to try opening the tank.  Also, I think someone mentioned checking the rubber mounts... if they are not seated in the frame swelling has most likely occurred.

See if you can get the price down, the tank is going to need work if a minty look is your deal.

Edit: Just saw your question about the ignition switch cover.  HERE (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/ZU-C003CDM/Bodywork-Carbon/ZU-C003CDM.html) is one.  I don't think it would cover that scratch.

Thanks for the info on the tanks! If I have the owner get a pic of under the tank, will I be able to see these rubber pads? What do you mean by "opening the tank"?

Thanks for the response!

ducb0y, I was not clear on the ignition cover. Sorry. I was referring to a key guard that goes on the tank in that valley. Guessing if the tank was swollen it might not even be able to fit. Asked owner for a head on shot of the ignition so I can see how close that tank is. I looked at a S2R 1000 in one of the local dealers this week and have a feel for how much daylight should be showing around that switch now as its tank did not appear to be swollen.

I meant lifting the tank.  There is a latch there because you can lift the tank to access the airbox, battery, ecu, and other stuff I'm sure.


I've seen THIS (http://www.shift-tech-carbon.com/onlineshop/product_info.php?info=p154_KEY-GUARD-TANK-GUARD--M900-2000-2001.html) one for M900, but I don't know where else to look.  Not sure if it will fit, but if it does it will clearly cover that scratch.

Yeah, that's what I had seen before.  That would for sure cover the scratch if it would fit the S2R tank. May be a non issue as owner has emailed and said he has checked with dealer and they feel a new tank would be approved. Sheds a whole new light on this. Seems like everyone is happy with their S2R. I figure if Chris Kelley is happy with his then it would probably suit my needs and riding style fine. Just want a fun and comfortable bike for weekend rides.