Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: d3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 08:14:37 AM

Title: Average life expectancy?
Post by: d3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 08:14:37 AM
I've been looking at some of the early 2000 Monsters ('02/'03 620ie, for example) and most not surprisingly tend to be high mileage. My question is, assuming proper care and feeding, no harsh climates, etc. how many miles are these bikes expected to last?

Also wondering how to determine if an M620 is the 'S' version by appearances alone?

Thanks much!
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: zooom on May 17, 2011, 08:23:38 AM
1) there was never an "S" version of any 620 I have ever seen....but the "S" designation was usually there to denote the adjustable suspension...of you are unsure what the tops of forks look like between adjustable and non-maybe this is an easy way to define your needs as looking for the lesser models without issue.

2) there is no life expectacy due to varied usage...it will last as long as it will last...some will get longer/better life than others...
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: Triple J on May 17, 2011, 08:26:23 AM
There was no S M620. Closest you'll get is the Capirossi model I believe, which had an aluminum swingarm and some carbon pieces.

There are members with well over 50,000 miles...I forget how many IZ has on his 620. The 620 is a great motor.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: sbrguy on May 17, 2011, 08:50:57 AM
don't be scared off by higher mileage bikes as long as the maintenance was done on time, ask to see records and ask when normal wear items were replaced on time then there is nothing wrong with a bike that has been ridden a few thousand miles a year on average.

i have a 03 620 that has now 22k miles on it, but remember that is only averaging around 3k miles year which is not that much at all.  i bought it as a 4 year old used bike with 7k miles on it, which is not a lot at all.  my bike now runs better than new since i have upgraded some things as they were replaced for normal useage.

goodluck with the search.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: d3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 09:14:15 AM
Thanks for all the replies and info -much appreciated.

I was reading this article that references a 2003 620 S model with increased clearance:
http://www.mcnews.com.au/newbikecatalogue/2003/Ducati/Monster/Monster_Range_Overview.htm (http://www.mcnews.com.au/newbikecatalogue/2003/Ducati/Monster/Monster_Range_Overview.htm)

I haven't really found anything else to verify that info, though.

To add to the confusion it looks like some sites use 'S', (like at kbb.com) to denote Standard versus Dark -if it's 'Standard' they show it as a '620 S ie.'  A little confusing.

I'll do some more poking around and see what turns up...
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: d3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 10:04:19 AM
Ok, so after some more digging, it does appear that there was an 'S' model for the Monster 620 line starting in 2001. The 'S' version was discontinued at the end of '03.

According to the Motorcyclenews website, the '01 to '03 620S was a “Sport” version with aluminium swingarm, taller seat, more ground clearance and a headlight cover."

I did find a Ducati owner's manual that references the 'S' line for 2003. The only reference I could find though was the aluminum swingarm.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: zooom on May 17, 2011, 10:15:55 AM
Quote from: D3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 10:04:19 AM
Ok, so after some more digging, it does appear that there was an 'S' model for the Monster 620 line starting in 2001. The 'S' version was discontinued at the end of '03.

According to the Motorcyclenews website, the '01 to '03 620S was a “Sport” version with aluminium swingarm, taller seat, more ground clearance and a headlight cover."

I did find a Ducati owner's manual that references the 'S' line for 2003. The only reference I could find though was the aluminum swingarm.

that sounds strangely like the 620 SuperSport...not the Monster...
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: sburrows87 on May 17, 2011, 10:28:05 AM
Hi guys,

I have a 620 's' and yes, it has the ally swinger, headlight fairing, carbon sidepanels, adjustable rear ride height rod and a seemingly taller seat :)
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: bikepilot on May 17, 2011, 10:29:48 AM
I wouldn't worry about miles - look to how well its been cared for, if its been parked outside or garaged, if "mods" have been done poorly (probably the biggest worry on a used bike - a lot of owners really make things worse when they attempt to customize/improve their machines) and all the stuff (red key etc as applicable) is there.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: Grampa on May 17, 2011, 11:23:35 AM
The "s"  wont do 140..... the "c" will.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: d3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 12:23:30 PM
Quote from: sburrows87 on May 17, 2011, 10:28:05 AM
Hi guys,

I have a 620 's' and yes, it has the ally swinger, headlight fairing, carbon sidepanels, adjustable rear ride height rod and a seemingly taller seat :)

Ah. Cool. Thank you! I should be able to easily spot one now.

Thanks to everyone else for the feedback as well.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: IZ on May 17, 2011, 12:48:54 PM

nearly 80,000 miles on my 03 620. Not sure if I'll ever make it there since I bought the 1100 and riding that daily. Ill hit 100 on both of them. The 1100 will hit 20K this summer.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: Spidey on May 17, 2011, 01:00:34 PM
Quote from: D3vi@nt on May 17, 2011, 10:04:19 AM
Ok, so after some more digging, it does appear that there was an 'S' model for the Monster 620 line starting in 2001. The 'S' version was discontinued at the end of '03.

According to the Motorcyclenews website, the '01 to '03 620S was a “Sport” version with aluminium swingarm, taller seat, more ground clearance and a headlight cover."

I did find a Ducati owner's manual that references the 'S' line for 2003. The only reference I could find though was the aluminum swingarm.

If you're in the US, that's info is not quite right.  There was no 620 in '01.  It was a 600 (it's a turd IMO).  The 620 started in '02.  And, yes, there were S models -- alum swingarm, carbon bits, taller seat height and some other goodies.  At some point--it may have been '04--some of the features from the "S" model because the standard features and others were ditched entirely.  The Dark model kept the steel swingarm, lower seat height, etc.  

As far as life expectancy, Ducatis only last as long as the nearest Starbucks stays in business.  Mileage depends entirely on the distance between home and the 'bux.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: pitbull on May 17, 2011, 04:35:22 PM
I have 60 k miles on my 2001 900 which, up until recently was without issue.

6th gear just went on me and the engine is now apart on my garage floor. 
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: Slide Panda on May 17, 2011, 04:39:28 PM
I've got the better part of 32,000 on my 2000 900 and the only time it's failed to run it was due to dud batteries.
Title: Re: Average life expectancy?
Post by: IZ on May 17, 2011, 09:13:15 PM
Quote from: Spidey on May 17, 2011, 01:00:34 PM
As far as life expectancy, Ducatis only last as long as the nearest Starbucks stays in business.  Mileage depends entirely on the distance between home and the 'bux.


Not a coffee drinker so one exception to the theory.  ;)  Other than meet-ups though..prior to rides, I don't recall ever seing a Duc sitting at a coffee shop.  I've lived in Seattle too where it's mandatory to have at least 2-3 Starbucks on every corner!   

I could see this in SF though.