Soon to be new Ducati Monster Owner with question

[jeeves]

  Hello All,
    I am a soon to be new Ducati monster owner.  I am looking to buy a leftover 2006 S4R and have a few questions
    *dealer claims the bike has never been started (it does have 0 miles) is there anything I should worry about with a bike that has been sitting this long?
    * Should i ask to have the cam belts replaced with new ones?
    * Do Ducati's come from the factory with all the fluids in them? Should I ask to have them replaced, or is this a standard part of the dealer set up?
    * Anyone have an suspension set up tips? I weigh in at 140 soaking wet and the fully adjustable suspension is a big draw for me
    * Finally, should I just steer away from a bike that has been sitting at the dealer this long?  The price is great, and it comes with a full warranty. I am thinking that i should be covered if anything goes horribly wrong.... right?

    Your thoughts and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
 

[ducpainter]

  Hello All,
    I am a soon to be new Ducati monster owner.  I am looking to buy a leftover 2006 S4R and have a few questions
    *dealer claims the bike has never been started (it does have 0 miles) is there anything I should worry about with a bike that has been sitting this long?
    * Should i ask to have the cam belts replaced with new ones?
    * Do Ducati's come from the factory with all the fluids in them? Should I ask to have them replaced, or is this a standard part of the dealer set up?
    * Anyone have an suspension set up tips? I weigh in at 140 soaking wet and the fully adjustable suspension is a big draw for me
    * Finally, should I just steer away from a bike that has been sitting at the dealer this long?  The price is great, and it comes with a full warranty. I am thinking that i should be covered if anything goes horribly wrong.... right?

    Your thoughts and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
 

I wouldn't worry about it sitting.

I'd approach the dealer about the belts...good idea, and it would be interesting to hear what the dealer thinks about belts when it's on his dime.

They do come with fluids. Replacement is not part of set up. Engine oil should be fine if the bike hasn't been started, but brake/clutch fluid should be flushed. It absorbs moisture from the air in the reservoirs.

All the above would be the ideal scenario, but with a full warranty you really shouldn't have anything to fear.

[Raux]

that sounds like a real find.

[Bun-bun]

Jeeves,
Welcome to the forum. You're in the right place.

You've asked some good questions. I can try to answer some of them, others I'll pass on. there is a great wealth of knowledge here, so anything I can't answer will be picked up ny someone else, I'm sure.
Yes, if it was me, I'd want the belts and oil replaced. belts are supposed to be changed every two years, and your bike qualifies. belts that sit ino ne position for a long time tend to take a set and break where the belt rolls over the cam gears. Oil degrades over time, and should be changed once a year in any vehicle that doesn't see much use. Brake and clutch fluid are hygroscopic, and pull water molecules from the air over time, so replace them too.

Check the tires for flat spots. If the bike sat in one spot for 2 years, they may need replacing as well.

I can't speak to the suspension setup, I'm 6'2" and 200lbs, so my setup is different than yours. He-man or Somegirl can probably help you.

Should you buy this bike? That has to be your call, but with the exceptions noted above, it should be no different than any other new Duc. Also, you'll never be able to buy a new S4R again if you pass this one up.
Good luck and post pics!

[kingbaby]

Bun-bun is right on the mark, Belts & all fluids for sure. Make sure the battery is new & can pass a load test also. 

Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job?    

...No, really.

[Slide Panda]

Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job?    

...No, really.

Bah dum bum.

Regarding the suspension - have someone who know's how set it for you.  The good news is, at your weight you should be quick happy with the stock springs.  Us more fluffy riders usually need different springs and or thicker fork oil.

Folks have really hit the big points  - Bum buns tire comment is a good one.  One more item to check/consider is the gas tank.  There's been some real issues with the plastic tanks expanding over time (I blame the ethanol).  If this bike has been sitting dry - it won't have this problem *now* but might well in a couple years. Ducati has been replacing tanks - but you might want to keep some notes/info since you will be a couple years behind the curve of this problem (if it happens to you)

[Raux]

Bah dum bum.

Regarding the suspension - have someone who know's how set it for you.  The good news is, at your weight you should be quick happy with the stock springs.  Us more fluffy riders usually need different springs and or thicker fork oil.

Folks have really hit the big points  - Bum buns tire comment is a good one.  One more item to check/consider is the gas tank.  There's been some real issues with the plastic tanks expanding over time (I blame the ethanol).  If this bike has been sitting dry - it won't have this problem *now* but might well in a couple years. Ducati has been replacing tanks - but you might want to keep some notes/info since you will be a couple years behind the curve of this problem (if it happens to you)

well that's another thing then.

this is a fuel injected bike with fuel in the bike that's NEVER been started? not sure gas is good that long.

[kingbaby]

Has this bile even been set up?  No miles at all, it probably has no gas or battery.

[ducpainter]

Has this bile even been set up?  No miles at all, it probably has no gas or battery.

I'm thinking no if the dealer never started it.

[kingbaby]

I'm thinking no if the dealer never started it.

Yeah, lets hope that's the case.

Was the bike on the floor, or in a crate?  If still strapped to the pallet in the crate those tires are probably not happy.

[ducatiz]

Bikes are shipped dry (drained)

should be a sticker on the headlight NO OIL IN BIKE or something similar.

[jeeves]

  To all who responded,
     Thank you for the considerate and thoughtful responses.... I have to say I feel better about this bike already given your comments. 
I agree as a sales guy I am shocked they still have the thing.... but in a way I am glad too.

To answer some of the questions you guys asked (with hopes you can give me even more insight)
    * The bike is on the floor and is not in a crate
    * The sales guy says it has never been started
    * I am doubting the bike has been set up but am unsure
   
As for the 2006 S4R what are the general thoughts here on this bike?  I love the look of the bike, way more than the new Monsters.  How do the older ones ride, handle etc. in comparison?  Am I getting something with totally antiquated technology?

[kingbaby]

Bikes are shipped dry (drained)

should be a sticker on the headlight NO OIL IN BIKE or something similar.

Ducatis come shipped with oil in the engine. Can not speak for other brands, but there is shell oil in every model when it rolls off the truck & a battery sitting off to the side.

[ProTeal55]

Being a Ductati dealership GM, I want to know where someone can still have a new 06 on the floor & still have a job?    

...No, really.

Chicago Cycle Center in Lincolnwood, IL
They have new Ducatis going back to 04 sitting on the sales floor which they sell as new all day long.

[kingbaby]

Chicago Cycle Center in Lincolnwood, IL
They have new Ducatis going back to 04 sitting on the sales floor which they sell as new all day long.

I'm sorry