Ducati Monster Forum

I'm planning to look at a Monster in a couple days but it looks like snow. I will be able to take my time and look at everything. I can start it and run it as long as I want but not sure if I want to take it out in the snow.

Should I take a chance or wait for spring?

When I have sold bikes to private parties, I never let them test ride. So my vote goes to boobies.

I have just been trying to figure out what issues could be missed by not riding it. I guess low speed stumble or maybe some vibration. But I would check all the wheels for bends and excessive weights also check the steering bearing for play and chain alignment. hmmmm

There's a saying when buying something complicated or expensive (cars, cycles, things with lots of moving parts).

You're buying the seller, not the item.

How was it cared for?  Does the seller give you the feeling he's a responsible rider/owner?  (i.e., sedate is probably preferable than someone hooning on it or bouncing the revs at startup).  All receipts?  Clean garage / storage area?

Beyond that, if it start / idles well, and the rest of the bike checks out it sounds good.

If you get a good vibe and its a good deal, roll with it.

I've never bought a vehicle that I havn't personally demo'd (car, truck, bike, airplane, etc).  I understand about "buying" the seller, but at what point does the seller no longer become responsible for the condition of the vehicle....when you purchase it.   The seller could honestly miss something, or be keeping something from you.

If the seller won't allow a test ride, I'll look elsewhere.  I have no problem letting them hold a certified check made out in their name, or a wad of cash if they need it.

On the flip side, I will not allow a test ride from just anyone without cash/collateral in my hand....unless I know/friends with the guy/gal.

my .04$

I've bought half a dozen bikes off ebay. 

I think this is a subjective thing that is completely dependant on what bike...for example-if it is a year old bike and looks to have no damage and is a clean title, I might not need to ride it, or if it is an inspected bike at a reputable dealership...as bikes get older and higher milage and a seller maybe doesn't seem to have enough information for to comfort you ( whether it be a disclosure or ignorance issue) then a test ride is moreso my litmus test to know if it is something I am willing to engage in because there are some things you'll not know unless you feel or experience them....the other thingis this...is it a Bike model you are familiar with or have ridden before? if so, then some idiosynchrosies will be readily apparent if there is something that is a cause for to look at ( like a surging issue in the middle rev range of an S2R1K for example)...otherwise, a test ride is just a basic functionality check of the normal operational items/systems of the machine....

the last thing a test ride for me gives me, is a barometer of the owner...I test rode a bike once that the guy had plugged the rear tire, but it wasn't an obvious plug, until it let go on me on the test ride at 65mph in 6th gear when I was rolling through all the gears to test basic functionality and the guy played stupid with me about it....though plugs usually don't give way in my experience, it was the owner and how he handled and reacted than the bike or the issue at that point that made me walk away.

you know what they say....caveat emptor

I tend to disassemble and reassemble bikes when  I get bored so it doesn't bug me to find problems so much.  I just want to knwo that the engine is ok and the frame isn't tweaked

I've been fortunate and bought two with no ride or even in person look overs. Granted, both were DML/DMF listings which I think of as a bit of a filter and both sellers were happy to send more info, answer questions etc etc before any deal was struck.

Yeah, I'm guessing that whatever I get will have the exhaust, intake and tune changed, maybe the new springs, valve adjustment all done before It gets warm enough to ride it.

The only thing i fear would be something that involves pulling the motor or trans apart because what become less fun, costs to much and always takes way too long.

Thanks for all the input. I have always ridden bikes before I bought them at least the ones I was buying in running condition. I think if I really look at EVERYTHING (tank up, seat off, check vin, etc, etc) and the owner sounds legit I wouldn't miss much by not riding it.

Thanks

Hell no!  To much mula to spend. What if you don't like the ride?  A lot of dealerships have lost a lot of my business for that very reason.  There's gotta be some road clear somewhere right?

I'm going from a 620 to hopefully a S2R1000 so I'm not too worried about liking the ride. It will feel a little heavier and the clutch will be firmer. I think the seller would let me test ride with money in hand I just don't know if the weather will let that happen.

Bought my Monster new without ever riding it.
I had ridden a speed triple at a dealer months before and then test rode the used one I bought.

Boobies? I actually sold my bike through the DMF, but the buyer did not ask for a test ride. I would have told him that I would need the cash in hand. I would be more willing to buy a bike from a local club person or a friend of someone I trusted. I would only buy from fleabay if someone knowlegable would check it out first.

Same here... only I hadn't even learned to ride when I ordered my Monster.

But, back to topic... Used, I'd WANT to test ride, but wouldn't expect to be able to. At that point, asking the seller to make a couple passes while riding, plus my own (limited) technical experience to go over the bike. I'd be more comfortable if it were a known dealer, or inspected by one.

Possibly selling my Monster this spring, and I don't want to allow test rides... but I'd also try to be VERY clear on what's "wrong" with the bike when posting the sale... like that it needs at 24k service soon... and possibly clutch adjustment... stuff like that.

I bought my Monster and the KTM without even hearing them run. The Monster was brand new but the KTM I just signed the paper work, bought it and rode off.

I bought my first monster used but with only 87 miles on it, based on condition and hearing it run - I didn't ask to take it for a test ride. My wife had a monster that I had ridden so I knew I would like it. Funny enough on my first ride something was wrong at higher speeds. The factory had crimped a fuel line under the air box, an easy fix.  In that case I am glad I didn't test ride it because that minor issue would have probably kept me from buying the bike because I wouldn't have felt comfortable trying to diagnose it. Maybe thats why it only had 87 miles...

I think it comes down to earning the trust of the seller to get a ride.  I looked at a bmw a guy was selling and we talked for a while just to get to know each other. After taking that time, he offered a test ride but told me the day before he refused some people because he didn't know if he could trust them. Having my monster there helped as well since I suppose it could have been collateral if I decided to cut and run. 

+1 to getting a sense about the seller. 

A used bike will have something wearing out, but most people aren't out to pass off a lemon without seeming evasive or sneaky about something when you're asking.

Good luck with the weather.

I've bought several bikes off ebay without a test ride. 

I drove 7 hours to pick up the Monster but only after I made it perfectly clear to the dealer that I wanted absolutely no surprises

Yes ...because this is the bike I want........ no matter what is wrong with it i can fix it

As someone else said you buy the seller , how he took care of the bike , you know as soon as you get there if its going to be a POS

I saw my bike on CraigsList early on Monday morning. Called the guy at 7:30am. Chatted and found out he's a charter jet pilot (flies a private 767! No shit! I saw pics! ). Can you think of anybody likely to be more anal? He sent more pics and I sent a deposit thru Paypal. He picked me up at LAX and by 9:00pm Monday night I was looking at her thru the window of my hotel room. She was (and still is) absolutely pristine!  I had the week off and spent 5 days blissfully riding the coastline back to Tacoma.
So, yes, it was the seller that counted. If I knew somebody in LA I would have had them check it out though. I also made it clear that if the bike wasn't as he said it was there was going to be Hell to pay when I got there. He sounded totally confident which made me confident.

Just a suggestion to anyone selling their bike. If you are allowing a test drive be sure to get their car keys. Most people's entire lives are hanging on that keyring.

A used bike that is to be my primary daily rider as soon as I buy it?  Must test ride.

Boobies

Big 10-4

I do this when selling a car.  Sold my bike after I let the guy test ride it, but I talked with him a bit first and felt ok with him riding it after talking bikes with him first (he had 3 other bikes).  I also held the keys to his brand new WRX STI while he was on a test ride.  He rode to the bank and brought back cash.  If he wreck my bike and wouldn't pay, it was still insured so I would have been made (mostly) whole.

I attended the International Motorcycle Show way back in 1982, and the new Honda Interceptor 750 was on a revolving stand. Could not even *sit* on it. But I was a goner - I was hypnotized and stood next to the revolving stand for an hour, just studying this really cool, ground breaking cycle. Put a deposit on one at a motorcycle shop over 50 miles away the next day - every local shop had their early deliveries pre-sold.

First time riding it (took it home in a pickup truck) was exciting yet slightly weird: it was the first bike I ever rode with a fixed fairing that did not rotate with the forks. But the engine was smooth, and after I had the cams warrantied, revved like a sewing machine. Ultimately, though, it did not have enough torque and I sold it to buy a Ninja 900 which I also could not test ride!

Looking back at it, the only bikes that I rode before purchase was my current Monster and a friends CB900F, where I liked it so much I went and bought my own. Got a thing for new bikes...

I actually bought my '94 M900 off eBay, and didn't ride it until I got it home.

Went to the seller's house to pick it up, but for insurance/liability concerns he would only allow it to be fired up and checked over. Of course, the bike only had a tad over 3000 miles (this was 2004, mind you) so I wasn't worried about much other than tires and timing belts.

You don't really have a chance to try new bikes around here as it is generally not permitted.  I am awaiting the arrival of my fourth bike--the dealership did not have one in stock to try.

Yuuup

having ridden plenty of bikes that felt "fine" only to discover catastrophic problems later on, a sound mechanical evaluation and complete service history is far more important then actual saddle time.

provided of course that your attempting to ascertain condition of the bike and not whether or not its the "right" bike for you.

I bought my 696 without test riding. The dealer offered, but I had been awake for 30 hours at that point & wasn't about to hop on a bike. I just said "I want the 696 with a black frame and the dark color panels, call me when you get it"5 weeks later I had my new bike.

pretty rare that you will find a private seller willing to give a test ride with NO STRINGS attached? what if you drop it?  What if you just ride it away? lol.  If you find someone willing to let you ride it.. without dropping the full amount in cash first, go right ahead. Otherwise , I know this is not very comfortable for anyone, but Ive asked the owner to take me for a ride, click through the gears.. stop start, etc. You should be able to pickup if there are major things wronmg with the engine or clutch.

Disagree.

IN case I wasnt clear..
"If you find someone willing to let you ride it.. without dropping the full amount in cash first, go right ahead. OTHERWISE"..

Meaning riding it , would be most preferable. However, if you cant .. ATLEAST ask him to take you out for a spin. You may be able to pickup something odd in the way it accelerates.. or hesitates?  clutch slips? Somthing is better than nothing.

I wouldn't buy it without riding it. I've test ridden bikes that I just knew were going to be perfect for me and then realized they either weren't all they were cracked up to be or just weren't what I expected.  This especially applies with older bikes. Sometimes you get on one and it feels loose or sloppy or just runs like shit. Then the next one feels tighter, the controls have less slop and it just feels right.  I have no problem bringing some money as collateral or as a deposit. I've even put an uninsured bike on my insurance for the day to be able to ride one. Definitely agree that the previous owner is important. I like to buy from long term owners.

I guess what I was trying to say was that a test ride is far less useful than paying for a pre-purchase inspection at your choice of shop.  something you feel may be normal may be a terrible problem (and vice versa). a test ride wont tell you that the bike hasn't been serviced in 7 years and the excitement of riding what you obviously hope to be your new bike may overshadow something that an objective person wont.  

test rides are useful, just not in determining a baseline for mechanical condition.

my recommendation would be to visually inspect it in person and ask the owner to start it up. if it looks good after that then pay for a pre purchase inspection. the only reason you would need to test ride it is to decide if you like that make/model.

  I would never buy a bike without a pre purchase inspection, I have bought a bike a state over by talking to a shop I knew of and arranging to pay for them to pick up, inspect and  deliver the bike back to the owner (and by doing so, I asked that the owner give me first right of refusal while it was being inspected). it cost about 100$ but I got an expert 3rd party opinion which gave me no hesitation in buying a one way train ticket to pick up the bike.

FWIW I make my living test riding bikes for a service dept. I have ridden literally hundreds of bikes over all major brands and It wasn't until I had ridden a heavy amount of the same make/model that I was able to be effective at diagnosing oddities.

Bikes I've owned in my riding carear:

01 Ninja 250
00 M900ie
06 Triumph 675
07 KTM 950 SMR
99 750/900ss hybrid track bike
10 KTM 450exc

Bikes i've test ridden before purchase:

0

Debil's in the details.  My opinion of the seller, condition of the bike and how the situation feels in general.

Hasn't let me down yet.

Thanks for all the feedback, you all really helped with things to look for and just over all views on the buying process.

I'm happy to say I'm now the owner of a 07 Black S2R 1000 with 7k on it. I'm going to get it through DMV this week then it is into my basement for 6k belts and valve adjustment and for me to detail ever tiny little part making the service take weeks :)

But by the time the snow melts it will look new and be ready for tons of miles.

I have a list of parts I need to track down: Rear pegs, a left side front peg (has a little scratch), mint stock clutch cover (there is a open cover on it and I have the stock cover but it has been kicked around a bit), rear rotor (it is a little rough like the pad backing got to it), OH and a black/white seat cover but I like the bike with out it.

Thanks again!!

I sold my last bike with no trouble without anyone test riding it.  I started it up cold, let it idle, revved it a bit, gave them the copies of the service history.  You could see that it didn't leak anything, had never been down, etc.  I had no trouble selling it for my asking price.  Funny thing, when I bought it new I didn't test ride it.  Didn't test ride my Monster either.  I had ridden similar models to both bikes at various points prior though.

Here's our current inventory and whether they were ridden or not...

2002 748 (new) - Not ridden
2001 M900ie (used) - Not ridden
2000 YZFR1 (used) - Not ridden
1998 ST2 #1 (new) - Not ridden
1998 ST2 #2 (used) - Ridden
1996 GSXR1100 (used) - Not ridden
1994 GSXR750 (used) - Ridden
1994 Bimota DB2 (used) - Not ridden
1987 Paso 750 (used) - Not ridden
1985 Harley (used) - Ridden

Looks like I tend to buy bikes without riding them, whether then are new or used.

i bought my monster and it ididnt even run when i went to look at it. He was waiting on a part from Italy. No regrets...although thinking back to it that could have been pretty bad lol

All my bikes were purchased used and never test rode. All transactions done thru internet/pictures.

I did.   [bow_down]

One of my friends just a sold his Harley, and bought a 1198s over the phone. He's never ridden a sport bike before  [bow_down]

Bought my Monster used with 5K miles on it and no test ride. I did do an overall inspection and listened to the engine. Theres good threads on what to look for when inspecting a used bike for purchase. Make sure you're getting all the keys too.

God help him.

Bought my first bike w/out riding it.  3200 miles on it then and 32,000 on it now.  No issues, just the routine maintenance.  Love my Monster !!

Latest update is, the S2R1000 is awesome!!! 

I did a lot of fun "Adjusting" (bars, controls, chain, seat, wiring) and some new pieces oem screen, ST windscreen, cowl, signals, new plate kit. Finally a lot of clean up, there was so much chip seal in the lower linkage I'm not sure if it was moving right.

But wow this bike is fun. I think this is a keeper like my 72 CB500.

Thanks for the advice to go for it. I would buy again without riding.

Glad to hear it worked itself out!  Congrats on the S2R1000.

I bought my Skyline as sight-unseen, and have ended up spending a LOT of time "sorting" out stupid crap the previous owner had done to it.  Love the car, but it's been a PITA.



On the other hand, I just bought Duc750's 2001 M750 without flying out to L.A. to check it out, and I couldn't be happier.
Of course, we had a lot of communication back and forth and I was fully confident.
I also had "looked" at getting about 4 other bikes that weren't local here, and each time one thing or another made me hesitate, and I quickly realized that the moment I hesitate about a big purchase like a bike.....that's all the sign needed to walk away.


SO have had a great experience, but it was also from a known member here, so I was pretty comfortable with it.

I bought my Monster 796 without riding it or any other bike, and I love it. Granted I have nothing to compare it to, but thusfar 1000mi's in its been more then awesome!

lol

I went straight to an ST4s with my riding experience being only 1.5 months on a Honda Shadow.  Didn't have any problems, no drops, no wrecks, no close calls (caused by me, that is).   [laugh]

I too LOVE my S2R1000! I also bought it without a test ride and have no regrets whatsoever. My only complaint with the bike is the suspension is soft for a fellow my size, so that is what is on the agenda this year...