Buying My First Bike!

[LookingtoBuy]

Hi there everyone.

Having decided to buy a motorcycle I've spent the last few weeks browsing the market for different makes and models. Upon seeing the Ducati Monster I was instantly infatuated and after a few more days searching believe I have found a good deal on a 2003 800.

After speaking to the seller there are a few concerns that I was hoping you guys might be able to help me address.

- The Bike has 13xxx miles and has still not received it's 12k service, I'm wondering if this could have caused any potential problems and if I do buy the bike how much the service will cost.

- He also said that last time he changed the oil he forgot to put on a washer and as a result there is a small leak. Not knowing much about motorcycles I'm don't know if that could be a legitimate cause for an oil leak

- The bike has a rebuilt title but but he says the only reason for that it was tipped over and he has since repaired the only cosmetic damage, being a roughed up handlebar and foot peg. Again I don't know much about the issue but would such minor damage really be cause for a rebuilt title.

- The final and biggest concern I have is that he installed and after market computer due to a missing red key, he says as a result of this computer, occasionally, when the bike is idle it will switch to one cylinder and then turn off completely. He did mention that you can turn it back on immediately however.

While I'm hoping that most of my concerns are simply first time buying jitters I'll greatly appreciate any input you guys have. Also if there are any specific questions I should be asking please let me know. Thank you for your guys time.

[muskrat]

IMO run!  Away that is.
The frame and computer are costly items to fix properly although there are cheaper alternatives for the dash.  The 12k service isn't too big of a deal considering it's only over by 1000 miles. Does he have insurance and estimate papers to proved the salvaged title issue? The insurance on a rebuilt title will be shit so plan on being out cash if you wreck it.  The crush washer is no big deal but the leak may be an indication of a bigger problem, he's possibly masking something else.

Keep looking there are deals to be had on 620's and 800's

[Howie]

Rebuilt title greatly diminishes the value even if the damage was cosmetic, maybe half retail.  It doesn't take much to total a Monster, but it does take more than a handle bar and a foot peg.  Needs 12K?  Figure $600-$1000, prices vary, plus often extras are done like fork oil.  Could the oil leak be because of no crush washer?  Sure, but why wouldn't the seller spend less than a dollar to fix it?  After market computer or reflashed used computer? 

Offer him $1000, that is, if he gives you $100 you will take the bike off his hands.

[polivo]

run, sounds like your about to inherit a massive head ache.

[Goat_Herder]

You know how the saying goes - if it's good too be true....

I was like you, I stumbled across a Ducati Monster while searching to get back into riding.  The moment I saw it, I was instantly hooked.  I know that was the bike for me. 

I think if you are a little more patient, you will find plenty of Monster out there, specially on the Monsters for Sale section of the board.  Many of them are pampered and in great condition.

Good luck.

[justinrhenry]

don't do it.  there are plenty of bikes out there that don't have those issues. 

[mgrisham]

Get a Ducati, but certainly not this one.

[$Lindz$]

This bike sounds like a bag of dicks. How much is he asking for it?

[LookingtoBuy]

Thx for the replies, I've decided to steer clear of this particular one. He was asking 3200 by the way.

What would typically be a good deal for a 2003 800 monster? Obviously one without all these problems.

[ManaloEA]

Check out the Monsters for Sale section of this board:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=9.0

[muskrat]

That guy is nuts.  Good for you on walking away 

I'd say an 800 will run 3800 to as high as 6500 for single sided swing arms.  Frankly there's a buyer for every price but surely don't make the buy impulsively......don't ask how I know

[LookingtoBuy]

^ The reason I asked was I found another 2003 800 for $3300 (not set on that particular make it just seems to be what I find). The only issue seems to be that after he listed it he crashed in the rain at about 30mph. He says the damage is strictly cosmetic and nothing more then a dent in the tank from the handlebars and a scratch on the front fender, unfortunately it seems his body took most of fall.

It has documented service as well as a few nice after market additions, with 16xxx miles any opinion on this one?

[take risks]

Luke Skywalker says, "This is not the Ducati you are looking for."

Get a Ducati, but certainly not this one.

well said.

[Howie]

^ The reason I asked was I found another 2003 800 for $3300 (not set on that particular make it just seems to be what I find). The only issue seems to be that after he listed it he crashed in the rain at about 30mph. He says the damage is strictly cosmetic and nothing more then a dent in the tank from the handlebars and a scratch on the front fender, unfortunately it seems his body took most of fall.

It has documented service as well as a few nice after market additions, with 16xxx miles any opinion on this one?

Whatever you choose to look at make sure you take a knowledgeable person with you, particularly if the bike has been down.

[muskrat]

2 kinds of bikers:  those who have gone down and those who will.
I'm not saying the guy is full of it but "cosmetic" on a Ducati is sometimes totaled so let a dealer look at it.