Tell me about the S2R 800

[somegirl]

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.

Scratching is the least of the worries with a plastic tank.

[jmoth79]

Scratching is the least of the worries with a plastic tank.

...care to elaborate on that?

[somegirl]

...care to elaborate on that?

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0

[duccarlos]

Scratching is the least of the worries with a plastic tank.

+1, but the expanding tank is not limited to the 800.

+1 on everything already said. No issues other than the ones I created. The most versatile of the last years of Monsters with the "vintage" look. In that group I'm only including the 620/695, 800 and 1000. It has just enough power. it handles just well enough to keep up. It's basically the best middle ground when commuting and having fun on the twisties.

[MGN54]

Sounds like everyone is happy with the S2R for the most part so I think I'm on the right track here as to model that I would want. Don't know what to think on this plastic tank business. Guessing it is not a deal breaker though if you can find one not all scratched up. Is this big chip in the key area possibly a result of this expansion business? Wondering if I could get the bike at a decent price if a repaint on the tank would be feasible? Keep thinking that I need to be patient and wait for one without these issues. This bike appears to be bone stock. 28k miles. Asking $4500. Problem area is the dang tank scratches/chip. Can anyone confirm that the stripe is a decal.....wonder what that would run you? OR can a good paint guy repair/blend into the current paint without having to do a complete repaint? Guessing that is possible as well.

[booger]

See if you can score it for 4k flat just for fun - otherwise yeah it's a really fun scoot and very easy to live with. I don't understand why people say it's underpowered - I weigh 155 and the bike will shuttle me to 120 in no time and still have a little left over. That's all you need on public roads. Suspension is crap, but I'm not in a huge hurry to upgrade. Brakes seem to really offend some people, but for me they still stop admirably. All this bike really needs is better suspension & brakes. It's got the looks and sound for sure. Oh yeah, if you DIY you'll love this machine, very easy to deal with it. Unlike an S2R1000 you aren't required to buy a Termi kit to get the bike to run properly.

[RBX QB]

Well... if we're gonna compare weight to acceleration... I'm somewhere north of 220, and the bike is much faster than I am. The 14 tooth sprocket helps.

Like others have said, the plastic tanks are vulnerable to damage, but I let my Dark tank take it. I figure it adds to the character. Looking pretty has never been high on my list of priorites for my bike.

I've had no real tank expansion. Slight shift to the left, but both of the rubber seats are lined up on the frame, so it doesn't bother me.

[MGN54]

So, if I could score this bike at say that $4000 price....what would/should be my recourse with the tank? Guess if it has expanded it would not make sense to repaint the entire tank. Do do you touch the sucker up and keep riding or would Ducati replace at this time with me being the third owner I believe?

In regards to the tank replacements....are they experiencing the same problem or did Ducati come up with a solution? I guess on the older metal tanks you have the hinge issue causing leakage. These you have the expansion problem. Guess one has to weigh this out it seems. I do know I like the looks of the S2R....striping, single sided swing arm, wheels. Figure one could do a spring on the shock and drop in some springs in the front to help the suspension some. Brakes would probably suit me fine I'm guessing.

[Speeddog]

Leaking hinge on metal tanks is much less common than the expanding of the plastic tanks.

Dunno if the new ones are better.

If you like the bike, get it.
Put money towards a steel tank rather than repairing/refurbishing a plastic one.

[jmoth79]

...interesting.  I've never had this problem in 20k miles. 

[zenjim]

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.

I think I'm that customer. Can't go wrong - great all around bike. Commute evry day, long trips and the track. It's all fun.

As for the tank, I saw a couple of 800 tanks for sale over in Parts For Sale. Here's one:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37914.0

[ute]

the stripe is a decal

as for the expanding tank mine is perfect ...some have the issue some don't ...the chip it has  is not part of the tank distortion problem

any chance  you could post up a pic of the scratch on the tank ...i say buy it  and you can work on the tank

[duckb0y]

As for the tank, I saw a couple of 800 tanks for sale over in Parts For Sale. Here's one:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37914.0

Guess who bought the 620 tank for his S2R 800  [moto]

My 2005 has 11k miles and the tank is pretty difficult to open, but as often as I do it, it doesn't really matter.  It had a 14 tooth sprocket when I got it, and comparing to my brother's M800 with the stock 15, it really helps in traffic/slow travel.  Stock exhaust is pretty quiet, but if you look in the for sale forum I'm sure you'll find one to your liking.

The only problem I had with mine was a dead battery after I bought it used from the dealer... going strong for over 2 years now with no failed components.

Bike is definitely no slouch, but probably not as fast as a sport bike.

[MGN54]

Very nice, duckb0y! What year metal tank will retrofit the S2R? Ute, I'll try to post a pic. The chip is about 1/2" by 2" long it appears. In the recessed area of the ignition switch. Was wondering if a carbon fiber key guard might cover it. If so, then one would just have to deal with deep scratch on side of the tank.

Wonder what the story is in that some have this issue and some don't? Is it just a matter of time before all with have the issue? If I were to go look at the bike, what do I need to look for in regards to this expansion issue? There is mention of the tank hitting the ignition switch and not being able to go lock to lock without hitting the tank. Anything else?

[MGN54]

So what about the Monster tanks that Chris is selling at ca-cycleworks? Anyone seen a mockup? Pics on his site look pretty nice. Price is very reasonable as well at under $500. Just curious.