Ducati Monster Forum

I posted on this forum a little while ago asking for a opinion on bikes to get. I got some great info and advice and I think this forum is great. So I have another question I can't seem to find a clear cut answer myself. I am going on leave from Afghanistan in August for a couple of weeks. And due to my Ex-Wife taking my Monster 620 and selling it I have no bike to ride when I'm on leave.

I understand bikes are luxury items and I will never get my money out of it. That being said I would like to order one so the day I touch down I can go straight to the Ducati and pick it up. Now while all of this sounds ultra cool there would be a down side. After I am done with my leave its going to sit in storage for at least 6 months maybe more.

Its it worth it? I know its my decision but would it be wise to wait till I get back to get something? I'm not concerned with its worth or anything like that since bikes lose value no matter what you do to it.

I just figured since this forum has people from all walks of life maybe someone ran into a similar dilemma in there life at some point and had some insight.

Oh I called around already and I can't find a rental that isn't a gold wing type bike in my area so that's not a option.

Here's a rental option http://www.eaglerider.com/rentals.aspx (http://www.eaglerider.com/rentals.aspx) but it's expensive.

If you buy a Duc make sure you drain the gas before you leave unless it's a used model with a metal tank.  I would recommend using something like Stabil otherwise, especially sitting for so long or you'll come back to a warped tank.

thank you for your service.

So the 2011 Ducs have the tank warping issue too?

A rental, and there are other than HD in the area, is going to cost you about $1k per week.

so take that for a 2k deposit and work with a local dealer to help you out maybe.

You're one of america's fighting heroes.  Buy the bike ...you deserve it.

if it were me i'd probably go ahead and buy it.

if it weren't me and i were able to give an objective opinion i'd say you should wait. 

Where are you located?  I'm sure there is a DMF'er or two within driving distance that would be willing to help you with the pickup/delivery/storing process.  If your near South Carolina or Chicago....I'll help you out!  [Dolph]

what I saw initially he was in the Austin, TX, area

Wow thanks for all the posts I do want the bike...LOL...I already talk to the dealer in Austin and they would work with me given my unique situation and all. I guess then I will get the bike since I haven't ever treated myself to a new bike. My 620 was used.....I do miss that bike but if I'm going to spend more money I want ABS at least.

A bike sitting for 6mos should be no problem, treat the gas or drain it, or better yet, do both.

Prolly ought do something about the battery, preferrably put a battery tender on it.
Mine sits stone cold for 5 months a year.

I could have someone start it once a week and let it run for 10-20 mins or so would that help or would that do more harm?

That generally causes more harm then good.

get front and rear stands, take it off the ground, take the battery out, drain the fuel.
btw if you PCS when you return you'll have to do the same for the fuel and unhook the battery.

+1

Condensation hell.  :P

I just picked up my '11 696ABS, and the dealer told me that if I was going to store the bike for a while (such as during the winter months) to attach a battery tender and fill it with gas. I would have thought differently like everyone else...

GAS not E10

6 months should be no problem at all.  4 major concerns/solutions I would have:

1: Security.  Being overseas I would want my baby to have the safest home possible.
2: Stands to keep the tires off the ground, not to mention they're a great investment for a bike anyway
3: Battery tender.  You don't have to take it out of the bike (PITA) just hook up the cable leads to the battery and plug her in
4: LEAVE THE FUEL IN!  Properly treated, low ethanol fuel is a very small risk for plastic tank warping issues and will help protect the internals of your motor, injectors, and other various metal bits.  Aside from moisture, corrosion can be a pretty big enemy of an engine. 

I'd buy the bike.  Food and sleep are luxuries, bikes are not  [evil]

A battery tender and some stabilizer in the tank should do the trick.  Generally a full tank is better than an empty or nearly-empty tank as it leaves less room for condensation/water and general nasty stuff to take place. 6 months isn't too bad, I suspect it'd start right up and be as good as ever.

For what its worth my wife's motocross bike sat for four years while we were living out of state (for my schooling).  It started on the first kick  [thumbsup]

I have several bikes. Some that get very little mileage and get stored a lot. I live for Sta-Bil treated gas. I'm using the Sta-Bil Marine Formula now since it kicks ass on ethanol treated gas better than the normal Sta-Bil. I also live for Battery Tenders. Every one of my bikes and even my farm equipment has one hooked up. They have saved me un-told hundreds of dollars in replacement batteries. In all my long term storage bikes (like yours would be) I drain the fuel every 3-6 months and replace it with fresh Sta-Bil treated fuel. And I run them for a little while to get the fresh treated fuel in the system. Not so much a problem with EFI bikes but a real problem with carb'd bikes! Sta-Bil and Battery Tenders have changed my life for the better! [thumbsup] [Dolph]

Is there any place where you can still get gas instead of ethanol?

few and far between...but I have found race fuel or CAM2 can work just as well for storage purposes without issue.

Well just to close out the topic I just put a deposit down on a Black 2011 Monster 796 ABS. The dealer didn't have any in stock so its on order for now.

awesome. congrats.. let the modding begin  [evil]