Choice between 2 bikes

[mfbfl]

I have been eyeing the Monster to add an everyday ride to my stable.  I have a touring bike and a custom cruiser.  I think I am getting my arms around the different models over time.I have found 2 in my area that I am considering.

1. 2000 M900 black w 8,000 miles for $4500 prior to negotiations.  Has Carbon front fender and muffler.

2. 2005 M800 S2R Dark w 2,400 miles for $5500 prior to nego.  Brembo, Marchesini wheels.

The prices are so close.  I assume the are equal on power.  I also assume the 05 is closer to the current monster technoligically.

Any thoughts.  I can afford either.  But if they are almost identical then I will save the $1,000.  If the newer 800 is much better than the 900 then it might be worth the extra dough to have a newer bike.

Thoughts?

[the_Journeyman]

The 800 is fuel injected, and the 900 is carbed.  Take that into consideration.

JM

[fastwin]

Mmmmm... do you like the low mount/one on each side muffler look of the M900 or the right side/upswept/shotgun style mufflers on the S2R800? Sometimes that makes a real difference to folks. Sometimes not. The $1,000 difference could buy you a lot of cool mods on M900! There is a pretty good mileage difference. How is the condition of each one? Also, it is very important to almost everyone that the current owners have had the proper maintenance performed and have the receipts to prove it.

I'm sure you'll get lots of good ideas/comments/opinions from this board. Good luck!

[fastwin]

The 800 is fuel injected, and the 900 is carbed.  Take that into consideration.

JM

Good point!

[mfbfl]

One other thing, as I read the posts on expanding gas tanks would the 00 M900 be a better choice to avoid this problem.  Or is this not a widespread problem?

[SacDuc]

In my opinion the lighter wheels on the 800 make it the better choice. The power difference isn't all that great and the 800 will handle much better.

Both of those bikes have proven motors and will last you a long long time.

sac

[Drunken Monkey]

The 900 makes slightly more power if it's the IE (Fuel injected) model and comes with a dry clutch. Otherwise power is identical.

The 800 is newer and you'll find more aftermarket stuff for it because of that. As for the Brembo/Marchesini stuff, those are the stock components.

If you buy the 800, make sure you get The Red Key. The keys are electronically coded, and without the red key you'll never be able to replace the keys you have now (without a hassle)

In either case, ask when the bike last had its valves done and its belts replaced. That's a few hundred bucks of parts & labor and may alter the effective price some more.

Personally, I'd get the 900. But that's mostly because it has slightly more power (or can with either a power commander or flat-slide carbs) it won't have the stupid key issue, I like dry clutches, you'll have an extra grand to spend on modifications and I happen to own an '01 900

But you'll be happy with either bike.

[SacDuc]

One other thing, as I read the posts on expanding gas tanks would the 00 M900 be a better choice to avoid this problem.  Or is this not a widespread problem?

The problem is very widespread. But if it hasn't expanded yet I doubt it ill start now. I had an '05 620 that had no expansion issue. My local dealer says ripping the emissions stuff off helps. But there is a huge long thread about that issue that should tell you more than you ever wanted to know.

sac

[orangelion03]

At 2,500 miles, I dont think you have to worry about a valve adjustment anytime soon.  The belts dont get replaced until 10 or 12K (though they do say "or 2 years", I think, then again a belt replacement is cheaper than a valve adjust...easier too if you want to do it yourself)

[Cloner]

If you intend to do all of your own maintenance, get the 900.  It's a bit easier to work on with a "standard" tool kit plus just a few specialty items.

If you want a bike to ride more, especially in cooler weather, get the 800.

If you like the aesthetic of one versus the other, get that one.

If you can't make up your mind, get 'em both and sell which ever you get tired of first.   

[SKOM]

S2R - Single sided swingarm.  [moto]

then again im biased.

[Travman]

I like the dual clock gauges on the second generation Monsters better than those on the earliest Monsters. Did the 2000 still have the early gauges?  I'm pretty sure it does since it has the rear hooper swingarm and first generation frame.

[ute]

The s2r 800 ( yes I am biased as well )

reasons ...sss, FI, shotgun, and the slipper clutch  ( the dry sounds cool ..but in the real world the slipper is kick ass )

also I have had zero problems with my tank

[kopfjäger]

and the slipper clutch  ( the dry sounds cool ..but in the real world the slipper is kick ass )

The APTC is "not" a slipper clutch.

[psycledelic]

I am also on the biased list.

My S2R800 has been and hopefully will continue to be a very good bike.  Other than the tank issue (which my shop replaced without any drama), the bike has been super reliable.  Going on 37,000 miles of year round riding and it doesn't miss a beat (not saying the 900 won't be the same, though).  Also, having a bike with a dry clutch (with an aftermarket slave cylinder), the wet clutch on my 800 is much more comfortable and all day friendly. 

Now, trying to be unbiased as possible.

2 bikes (assuming both to be in appropriate condition for their age and mileage) with roughly the same power.  One of which is fuel injected, 5 years newer, with 5600 less miles, for $1000 more.  I would lean toward the newer bike, assuming, as mentioned before, all 3 keys are available and the tank isn't currently swollen up like a balloon. 

Both should be good bikes.