Tell me about the S2R 800

[MGN54]

Have a lead on a 2006 model. Still looking for my elusive Monster. This one is a particularly good deal I think although miles a bit high. (Mid twenties I believe) Have not been on the board for a while so need some first hand experience from you S2R 800 owners. Any inherent problems is what I'm primarily concerned about. What should I be sure and check on looking at it? I know that Ducati did not use there top of the line components so that is not an issue for me in this case. Just wondering if Ducati had done their homework on this model buy 2006. I am a Ducati owner so know about belts, valves, etc. if that helps.

Thanks!

[stopintime]

I've punished my 2007, same except black wheels, for 23,000 miles.
Besides services, there has been nothing wrong with it. Wait - one oil sensor and one brake light switch.

The S2R 800 has a reputation as problem free, more or less.
Of course you could have extremely bad luck, but much more likely not.

That said, I now think a S2R 1000 is worth the extra money [moto]

[RBX QB]

19,600 on my '06 Dark... Being my first and only bike, I have no real input on quality or ridability compared to other bikes, but I've also had no major issues with my bike that I'd consider worth mentioning. Typical stuff... replace tires, replace chain, etc...

Unlike Stop, I'm okay with my 800. I think the S2R1K would be more than I could safely handle. But I wouldn't refuse one if someone wanted to give one to me.

[ute]

a truly great machine

it is not the best in any area but it is a very well sorted machine that does it all to a very high level

zero problems

imo the best looking Monster there is

buy it you will not regret it

[lwszabo]

I am probally one of the biggest 800 lovers here. I think it the perfect Monster. Its just seesm to do everything well, and perfect balance. I compare the 800 to a 900 and a s2r 1000 I had...the 800 is hands down my favorite. go for it. biggest problem is the plastic tanks that grows!

[Grampa]

you can forward flip one.

that I know for a fact

[psycledelic]

I have 28k on my 800.  I ride year round, rain or shine, and haven't had a single issue.  Starts up the same in 80 degrees or 20 degrees.  Other then the scheduled services, I haven't had any real reasons for a shop mechanic.  It's not stocked with hi end components, but all work well.  Overall, the bike is a pretty good package.  It isn't a rocket, but it is by all means fast enough to get you in a lot of trouble if you let it.  The bike is pretty forgiving.  You can use all of the throttle and still be in control.  With the right exhaust, it will sound mean as hell.  The only time I wish I had a little more getup-n-go is when riding with others on sportbikes, and that really isn't that bad, you just have to flog the hell out of it (within your limits).  I would recommend the S2R800 to anyone that wants a fun bike to ride.  It is a great bike.  
I love mine.  

[killerniceguy]

Turned my S2R800 into a race bike last year.  Never a problem, always started, road the crap out of it lap after lap always to the pin.  Almost 2000km on the track and not even the slightest bit of oil loss, miss, funny sound...nothing.  My only regret is there was not a competitive class to race it in up here, that is the only reason I sold it.

Does it have the power of the 1000, no, but it isn't a pig either.

KNG

[MGN54]

Thanks for the vote of confidence in the bike guys! Not sure this is going to be the one though. Got some pics.....has a big scratch down to the tank I believe on the side and a big ol' chip out of the paint about half inch by two inches long it appears in the key area. Rest of the bike looks pretty good though in the pics. Not sure what a tank repaint and restripe would run but probably put it in the area of one that didn't need the work at all price wise. Anyone have an idea on what that might run? No service records but have name of dealer where work was supposedly done. Don't know if they would give me the scoop on it or not. Red and black keys though. That is one positive. Don't know....may have to pass on this one. Gotta sleep on it I think.

[topangster]

Don't know what you're looking to pay for the one you're considering, but you can pick them up for around $5K pretty easily these days (maybe even less.)  I got a MINT '06 for my wife with 90 miles on it (really!) for $5300 last year. 

Great bike.  No real issues (except the back brake isn't working presently, but I think that's a minor fix.)  More reliable and problem-free than my own S2R 1K  (which I love, but she had surging issues when I got her and now is giving me some cold start issues...)  The 800 is a simpler machine, and while the components aren't as suited for hard riding as the 1K, you can flog it pretty good and it hangs in there.  Very fun bike, and a good first ride (IMO.) 

Topangster

[jim_0068]

best thing about the S2R 800? Wet slipper clutch
worst thing about the S2R 800? the shit suspension and "OK" brakes.

----------------------------

Otherwise? Fun ass bike that i love commuting on in chicago. My solution for the "worst above?" I am swapping my front end for suzuki parts lol.

[Speeddog]

I've been maintaining one customer's '05 S2R800 for over 2 years, first saw it at about 17k miles, it's near 40k now.

Nothing necessary beyond the normal wear and tear.

[orangelion03]

Pretty much what all the others have said here.  I love mine.  I re-sprung it a few months ago and I think the suspension works very well now.  I bought mine with 15K for $4000...a chip on the tank and some scrapes on the clutch cover from a fall on a gravel drive.  Several in the LA area Craigs list going for $5-6K, but have been listed for a looong time.

[uclabiker06]

Yeah, its really a great bike.  Only thing is the gas tank is plastic and so it scratches VERY easily.  Good luck finding a used one that doesn't have a scratch.  I don't weigh much so the S2R800 works perfect for me and its my favorite of the monster family as well.  Really a great bike w/ no known issues unlike several others.

[Mojo S2R]

Love mine.  Never had any repair issues, just regular maintenance requirements.  Depending on your weight I would suggest upgrading the suspension (this coming from a guy who finally did about 3 years into owning it.)  I thought the suspension was fine for my abilities but let me tell you that just upgrading the rear spring made it feel more solid and like a new bike.  Now I feel the front end is too mushy and am having the fork springs/internals upgraded too.   Fairly cheap upgrades (cheaper if you can do the work yourself) and enough for my abilities.  I don't need racing suspension like some others on here who would just embarass me if I tried to keep up anyway.