What do you think..

[TeenRider]

5k sound fishy?

Looked up the color schemes and the red w/ white stripe had white wheels

[Bladecutter]

Probably not fishy at all.
The red/white S2R1k's also had black wheels.

Chances are the guy just recently found out how much he needs to pay a Ducati shop for a full service that includes oil and filter, air filters, cam belts changed, and valves adjusted.

He probably also learned that there might be issues with the valve guides being too loose, so they might need to be replaced out of pocket.

Bring a rag with you, and some cleaner, when you go to look at the bike, and see if that stuff comes off the wheel. If it does, $5k doesn't sound too bad. Just remember you will probably have to replace all the stuff above if you can't get proof of the bike having its service done.

BC.

[pennyrobber]

It is pretty common to see ducs for sale when they are nearing the 6000, 12000, etc. mile mark. As stated, the maintenance can be pricey.

As for the bike, it looks pretty bone stock. This is usually a good sign. Sometimes modding and spirited riding go hand in hand.  

The blemish on the wheel almost looks like dirty liquid pooled up while the bike was sitting. If it was parked out side it could just be from rain and a dirty bike. Or the wheel could have ringworm, I'm not really sure.

[Slide Panda]

Yeah see if it comes off. But it's quite possible something's up. A first hand look is the only way to get a good feel.

In the original photo, I just thought it was some sort of odd reflection/light spot.

Other things to check are the condition of the tank - check for swelling.

And the price doesn't sound super fishy to me. Like has been said it's coming up on a decently pricey service. And due to it's age you can tack another $100 or so to the bill for the belts which are over due to be replaced by the age spec

[TeenRider]

how much are we talking for the next service

[Slide Panda]

Will vary by shop and need. If the valves only need to be checked not adjusted it's a few hundred. Add adjustment and it can start to stack up. As I said, you'll need new belts too - which is about $100 in parts.

[TeenRider]

I have been reading $360 - $1200 ... like the electrician will get here between 8am and 3pm

[corey]

had a service done recently. my shop charges $350 for a 2-valve service, plus parts. If valves need adjusted, it's $30 per valve, plus the cost of shims. Belts were $95.
Normally, anywhere between $500 and $700 seems to be the norm.

[pennyrobber]

If you are in AZ, you should check out the local AZDRA board. Ask around about Tom Hull, you might be able to get the service done for less than at a dealer.

[Monster Dave]

If you are in AZ, you should check out the local AZDRA board. Ask around about Tom Hull, you might be able to get the service done for less than at a dealer.

+1

That's what I was just going to say. So regarding that, try giving DP motorsports a call and have them go over it for you TR.

[Spidey]

"I had it serviced at the north scottsdale ducati. I don't have any of the paper work. They may have it in the computer. Just bought a new battery for it and the tires have low miles in them."

Ask him for the VIN #.  You should be able to call any Ducati dealer and they'll be able to give you the service history (assuming it was done at a dealer) for that VIN.  They'll also be able to give you a quote for a 6k and 12k service.  If it's been more than 2 years since the belts were changed (or if they were never changed), you'll need a 12k.  Otherwise a 6k will do it.  Like others have said, the cost will vary significantly from shop to shop, so check with the AZ peeps about cost and where to take it.

The rear wheel issue just looks like a reflection.  Did you email the seller and ask what's up with it or ask him to send you more detailed photos?  That's a totally legitimate request and is not harassing.  If he's bothered by the request, then he doesn't really want to sell the bike. 

[Monster Dave]

Something looks fishy with the color of the front wheel too...

...in fact, when you open the link to the picture directly and see it in a larger size, the front wheel looks "rattle canned".

Upon closer inspection, you can see damage all over that rear wheel...

[sbrguy]

its pooled dirt on the rear wheel from being undre a cover and dirt collecting there, that is all, if its not then its bad.

otherwise check it out the price is about right, you wil have to do the 7500mile service when it comes up but since it isn't near it and depending on how much you ride it you miay or may not have to do it anytime soon, and the service will when all said and done figure it costing anywhere around 600-1000 depending on ifyou need tires/chain at the same time, you might.

[Greg]

Looks like dirt to me

[booger]

Bike looks dirty to me, that's all. Even if the finish is damaged, the wheel's probably OK and all you need to do is go have it powdercoated black somewhere. S2R rear wheels come off easily and there are no wheel bearings to knock out, all you have to do is have the tire/valve removed and take the wheel in. Easy.
~$600 bones for a valve adjustment. I doubt you will need one at 4500, but you never know. OEM belts ~$120 a set, aftermarket Ca Cycleworks ExactFit $80 a set. Plenty of instructionals on how to do it all yourself right here on the forum and save yourself some dough. The rest of the maintenance is all easily performed by the owner. Chain lube/adjust, oil change, etc. These are good bikes and are easily serviced.
5k is a pretty good dealio for a bike like that. It's filthy but they clean up really well. I'd buy it.

One BIG caveat emptor- it's got a nylon tank that swells. Check the tank out, see if it's resting on it's frame bumpers correctly. Check to see that you can access the tank latch buckle and it's not jammed up against the ignition housing. Finally, examine the sides where the knees would tuck in. If there's any waviness or 'cellulite' it's swelling.
I wonder if the air out in AZ is so dry that the tanks don't swell as much as they do on the east coast? Even if it does have a deformed tank, you could drop by a dealer and have them file an emissions warranty claim and obtain a replacement free of charge.