Ducati Monster Forum

Hi all. I am looking at a bike located at TeamMoto Yammaha at Nerang. Is there some one who could do me the favour of checking out the bike for me before I drive all the way up from Wollongong to purchase?

I especially want feedback on the paint work.

(http://farm4.dealernet.com.au/stock/20100727/ED1D92BB68004FF4ADBB8903BD74860E.jpg)

Thanking in advance
Rob

So Rob, is this a replacement, or an addition ?








                                     Mmick

Mmmm I think its an addiction. Wadaya think?

MMM... I'm thinking instant classic








                              Mmick

MMMM I think its a price too good to pass up. [moto]

Matrix green,  ahhh that takes me back.  [thumbsup]

Rob,........my brother lives up that way. He is in NZ now but should be back early next week. He knows zilch about bikes but could check out the paintwork if that would help you.

Thanks Brian,

See how you go! [thumbsup]

Rob. take a day off, and fly up yourself..... nothing like seeing it in person (and negotiating in person) Flying from Syd, you'll get a mid week round trip for $120. Or $60 one way, take another day off and ride it back!

Hey mate can I give you a word of warning, Team Moto seem to be selling a lot of grey imports at the moment. Although looking at this particular ad it looks like it might be a legit Australian model.

Now if buying a grey import doesn't bother you then go ahead, I myself am looking at the red S4 monster Team moto has at their Bowen Hills outlet. Having viewed the bike in person and looking at the ad I am 99.99% certain this isn't an officially imported Australian spec Ducati. At $10000 ride away it looks like a bargain but I have doubts as to the origin of the bike and whether its low (12000km) mileage is legitimate.

Key phrases to look for in ads (and you only have to search through team motos OWN ads to find some) are "immaculate condition, new tyres, freshly serviced, low kilometers". Also note the majority of these ads only apply to models up to the year 2001. The older models are much easier to wind the clocks back. They are also nearly always in original condition (no aftermarket pipes or extra bits and pieces you typically find on second hand bikes). Part of the import procedures is bunging new tyres and giving the bikes a fresh oil change and fixing or replacing any damaged or worn components. Winding clocks back is also a common practice. However making accusations and proving this is the case is not always very easy.

Do some research on grey import motorcycles first. Now all of the above is my own opinion of course, but at least you now have this on your own radar when.if you inspect this bike.

Wade

There's a bike shop in Melb. that has a lot of 2nd hand grey import Ducatis and they are upfront about them being grey imports. (Not saying the bike shop in question is any good - they just don't try to bullshit about where the bikes are from). They even put a (3 month) warranty on them. Aren't all Ducatis built in the same place anyway?

Thanks for the info Wade but I have confirmed it is a local bike. I am dropping in to Frasers on Monday to confirm the bikes authenticity. Following that it is just a matter of picking up the bike.

Rob

Is it international Motorcycle importers? If thats what you're talking about then I have seen there ads and I like they are honest and upfront about being grey imports. Nothing to hide. One problem for grey imports is second hand value. Good luck trying to sell or trade one for a decent amount of money. Another problem is you can never be sure of the machines history. For eg, an ad might state 12,000km but in reality is has done 30 or 40 thousand more then that. Maybe a lot more. Any worn out components are replaced (this isn't necessarily a bad thing unless trying to hide any previous damage).

DUCMONROB, I too think that is local bike, it has accessories with it that just don't come with imported machines. Hey I am not far from there, only 45 minute ride, I can check it out on Monday if I get a chance. Looking for an excuse to take my 600 monster for a burn.

Company is Peter Stevens. They own just about everything bike wise now.  Don't know if it's the same mob or not.  They have the 400cc Monsters but they are expensive so I don't think they're marching out the door. And I guess they would appeal to leaners mainly which limits resale.  Although they would make a cool commuter. Whilst you can't be sure of the treatment of any 2nd hand bike, turning back the odo is just wrong.

Another thing that is a giveaway is the year of manufacture against ADR compliance plate, like, 2006 built 2009 compliance.
And imports usually have low kays dont know why.





     Mmick

Hey Wade if it's not too much trouble I would be very apreciated. It would be good to have someone with a bit of knowledge to have a look. Main things that need looking at is the paintwork, see if their is any stone chips on the forks, and any imperfections with the plastics, fittings , wheels & swingarm etc.

Thanks for the offer
Rob

 

And things like new footpegs/levers from crash damage.






                                             Mmick

Thanks Mick,

That too!

I phoned NFI this morning to ask if the bike is authentic.

Gave them the VIN and they have confirmed the bike is Australian delivery and it is a genuine Matrix model!

How much do you all think this limited run bike is worth??

There was only 150 made in the world, comes with mono & bi posto seat cowels, pipes & 14000ks.


Rob

Hey Rob, have you already bought this bike? Reason I ask it has a sold sticker on it. Hopefully its yours and you haven't missed out because its a gem!

I went and had a good look at it, and aside from the usual (though not too many considering its age) stone chips on the front fairing and the occasional mark on the side fairing it is in very well kept condition. The paint is still deep and lustrous all over including the tank and the tail. I took a couple of pics of the only real standout concerns (and they are all small concerns and easily fixed).

First is the carbon tank cover needs replacing, the clear coat on it is rubbing away and looks awful, but easily replaced.

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/wade583/Ducati/Image004.jpg)

Second, I am pretty certain these arnt the original footpegs (although being a Matrix I am not so sure). They are on both sides however the brackets and linkages all appear undamaged, so maybe the previous owner just swapped these. You can also see the carbon foot guard is looking a little worse for wear.

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/wade583/Ducati/Image005.jpg)

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/wade583/Ducati/Image006.jpg)

Thirdly the carbon clutch cover looks a bit rough, similar to the tank cover it just looks faded but again that is an easy replacement.

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/wade583/Ducati/Image007.jpg)

Lastly, and probably of greatest concern is the appearance of the headlights. They are very foggy/milky and its on the inside of the glass so you can't wipe it off. Now Team moto also has a red 916 and its headlights also had the same milky appearance so maybe its just how the 916/998 range is.

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/wade583/Ducati/Image008.jpg)

That pic also shows the sold sticker which hopefully is yours. Other than those minor problems it is in great nick! I ran out of memory for more pics on my phone sorry, thats why they're of somewhat poor quality but hopefully you get the idea. On the tail section there is a Matrix revolutions sticker which I thought looked a little tacky but thats how they came from the factory so I'd be inclined to leave it there to keep it at original condition.

The forks too are basically unmarked except for a bit of a dark mark you can see in the last photo, its the right hand fork about half way up. I had a little rub with my fingers and I reckon a bit of degreaser or something would take care of it.

Other than that it looks like a terrific bike to buy. They are on Lawrence drive at Nerang and there are quite a few bike shops down there (have never been there myself) so I spent a couple of hours wandering from shop to shop, even had a look at Ducati Nerang although he only had 6 used bikes and they were all quite rough looking, especially the S4 monster which had 44,000km on the clock although it looked like it had done at least 3 or 4 times that! There is a really nice 1000ds supersport (yellow one) at Hinterland Motorcycles that I almost got to test ride but for some silly reason I declined.  [bang]

Wade

Thanks Wade, Yea I put down a deposit on Friday to secure the bike and from what you are telling me it is pretty good. I am at work now and the computer doesn't let me see the pics so when I get home I will have another look! Looks like I will be doing some Ks this week. Off to Canberra tomorrow till Thursday then Friday heading up to the Gold Coast to pick up the bike! I was looking at flying up and riding the bike home but the dealer said they can't sell me the bike with Qld rego as I don't live in Qld so that idea is out the window.

From what you are saying about these little imperfections sounds not to hard to fix. Should be able to pull apart the headlights and give it a good clean, paint can be touched up and the carbon can be replaced. The forks probable clean up with a bit of elbow grease. For what I negotiated the price to I think that sounds pretty good.

Glad you made a day of if window shopping, again thanks for the feedback! [thumbsup]

Rob

The carbon probably just needs a clear coat.

I've got a pile of 2 pack polyurethane if you're keen...

Oh, and it's a fantastically pretty bike.  I'm jealous as hell.

Shame you can't ride it home, I'd recommend a great ride to great acquainted with it, I did it today myself on my TL1000. Was gonna ride the monster but then something evil came over me and I just had to ride the beast.  [evil] Anyway was a bloody good blast and hardly any traffic to worry about the whole time. For those interested its the ride that goes around the Hinze dam then turn off and head back towards Tallebudgera. A 998 would absolutely laugh at those bends, nice smooth flowing corners (recommended speeds around 40km/h -  70km/h range). Even my TL was unfazed except when braking hard and downshifting to 3rd, rear end started getting a little fishtaily once or twice but thats just how TL's are.

There really isn't much to worry about with the 998, I even tried to get a look at the engine which isn't easy with all the fairings on and it looks clean as a whistle. In fact it is a credit to its previous owner just how well kept it is. The front brakes have plenty of meat left on the pads, the tyres look virtually brand new, the wheels are free of dents or nicks and like I said before, the paint is easily the best bit about it. Just replace or fix the carbon bits and I'd give it 95/100 which isn't bad for something thats 8 years old. The headlight is probably the single worst thing but certainly not the end of the world. Actually when I got home I was looking at my monster and its headlight was just a little milky looking too so maybe its just the weather, maybe my eyes are crook!

In comparison, the red 916 that is there looks absolutely shocking, the engine cases alone would put me off. I am sure it is a grey import bike too but I didn't ask. I doubt it'll sell very quickly at all. Shame because the 916 as we know is one of the sexiest machines created by man. Check it out when you come up.

Wade

Just had another look at the ad and see its a 2004 model which means its only 6 years old. One thing I forgot to mention was the radiator cover, looks like one of those rad-guard things, looks like is has some zippy ties holding it on, not sure if its meant too or not and also not sure whether thats all that is holding it on though i doubt it.  I tried moving the guard with my hands and its on pretty solid and all. And unless you have your head down at the front wheel looking right at them you'll never see them.

Wade

A Hearty congrats Rob  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Can't you go and see the (Qld) RTA and tell them you are transferring into NSW surely there is something that could be done, its not like you are the first person to do this.





                                 Mmick

Thanks Suzi, is polyurethane easier to apply compared to 2 pak clear?



Sound like fun but alas my intended stay in QLD will be very short. The camera phone pics aree pretty good quality. [thumbsup] Thumbs up for the buy!


Thanks Mick, I will look into the options of the rego. Only problem is there is the standard pipes, the biposto seat and rack.

Just think I will be pulling over every 10 minutes just to check it out.

Rob

Australia post, or something like that, and a ride through the mountains on the way home, WOO-HOO  [drool]







                                              Mmick

Geese I forgot one more thing, the rear sprocket showed signs of wear. Its teeth had some sharp edges, hard to describe. Assuming it is worn you'd be needing a chain too, and maybe the front sprocket to go with. All these little things add up! But then again it is a used bike. Make sure you check those things out when you inspect it, maybe haggle another $500 or so off the price. Of course it might be ok and last you another 5000km's, who knows.

Wade

Update!

Well I made the epic jouney to the Gold Coast to pick up the bike and you know what it is a little beauty! [thumbsup]

The bike over all is pretty tidy. A good clean and some rego and away we go. Looks like I am going to need to learn how to ride all over again.

Pics comming real soon.

Thanks for your help Wade too.

 

Congrats Rob!


From my recent experience I can say it was definitely different going from the Monster (which was my firstest bike) to a Superbike (I had never ridden a sportsbike before). It took a little while to feel comfortable ... but I still don't know how to ride.

The Superbike is definitely more 'involving' to ride ... it is a bit unnerving to try and just sit on it and 'cruise'. Enjoy.

No worries Betty I will be taking it very easy for my first ride or two.

So shal we have a ride off??

998 vs 999 [moto]


Rob

I found trying to take it easy made things worse.


Nope. I concede.