Help w/ buying a used m900 city

[redxblack]

I went to look at a 900 city today. The guy wants $3500, but the bike is far from mint. The tank has some pretty bad blemishes in the paint that look like they were repaired with nail polish. There was a clear overflow tube (battery? fuel?) that corroded the paint on the frame pretty badly as well as tarnished the engine block. The front brake lever end was chipped off. The bags were there, but the upper mounting hardware was missing. Mechanically, it sounded fine but the belts are at least three years old and the guy had absolutely no maintenance records.

So two things - anyone want to guess what the overflow tube is? Also, how much do you think the mounts and a tank paint job would run?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to walk away from this one, but I don't want to be hasty.

[ducpainter]

The tube was probably the battery o/flow.

The bag hardware is probably unobtanium at this point.

Paint work varies by location

[redxblack]

Thanks Nate - that's kind of what I thought. I think I'm walking away. I found an s4r a few hours away that looks much better and is the same asking price.

[mstevens]

I misplaced a small rubber bumper from my City bag mount. Because I'm that way, I was willing just to buy a new mount, in part because those little whatsits are the only easy-to-lose part and in part because each mount comes with 2 identical ones.

Definitely unobtanium, I learned.

For that kind of price, a bike that age should be in very good condition.

[redxblack]

I thought it was a fair price based on the REALLY NICE ONE someone here sold last year. His pics looked good and advertised everything stock, but once again, it failed to be what it should have been.

[red baron]

I think I'm walking away. I found an s4r a few hours away that looks much better and is the same asking price.

That's a no-brainer.

[gregrnel]

With any vehicle, no maintenance records=no deal, that goes double for a Duc. There are plenty of folks out there selling with records, no reason not to.

[Gator]

That's a no-brainer.

+1 -go for the s4r

[redxblack]

Absolutely! I'm just waiting on an email. The City was the best I could find within 150 miles, but when I expanded the search, I saw this one.

[sbrguy]

if its an s4r with the low mount pipes, look around and see if you can find themonster city bags for sale, they are hard to come by but are basically someo fo teh most convenient and clean looking bags ducati ever made for theolder style monsters.  the bags are really convenient for commuting and everyday use.

[Popeye the Sailor]

With any vehicle, no maintenance records=no deal, that goes double for a Duc. There are plenty of folks out there selling with records, no reason not to.

Unless you thought they weren't important because you were never going to sell up until you hurt your back and thus had to 

[redxblack]

The S4R I was looking at looks like a scam. I found a nearly identical listing for what looks like the same bike in three states, all listed the same day at the same price. Back to the drawing board. ugh.

[Popeye the Sailor]

The S4R I was looking at looks like a scam. I found a nearly identical listing for what looks like the same bike in three states, all listed the same day at the same price. Back to the drawing board. ugh.

You looking for anything in particular? The bay area is full of ducs-I can keep my eyes out.

I just saw a 07 695 go for 4k-not a bad deal.

[redxblack]

I have about a month until I have to make good on an arrangement and sell mine back to the original owner. He's a good guy, so I'm not complaining at all!  Once the M750s is gone, I'll be a lot less picky, so I should look hard now.

I'm IDEALLY looking for a gt 1000 for under $7k, but just about anything with a larger than 700cc displacement between $3500 and $5000 is worth a look. I'd like to stay with a naked, but I'm not too limited on models I'd buy at the right price.

[the_Journeyman]

From a M750 owner - I LOVE my M750.  However, if you can find a fuel injected 900cc Monster or larger, you will be amazed at the difference.  I've got a 900SS.  I'm living proof you can find something in your price range, I picked up my 2000 900SS for $4K.  Brought it home, did the 12,000 mile service and put new tires & chain (neglected garage queen) on and I was ready to go.  I'm sure you can find a M900 and possibly a M1000 in your price range that's in good shape

JM