Choice between 2 bikes

[Monsterlover]

You guys are totally slipping.

I am disappointed.

The 2000 M900's were fuel injected.  It was the first year Monsters came with the i.e. in their name.

I had one, it ripped

I miss it.

[Slide Panda]

The 2000 900 is fuel injected and has the dual gauges. Smaller displacement monsters in 2000 were still carb'd - but the 2000 900 was the first of the injected monsters.

Other things to consider are the better brakes and probably better suspension of the 900. The S2R 800 shared the bottom of the line brakes and suspension with the 620. The Brakes are the black 2 piston clamps on 300mm rotors vs the 4 piston on 320mm rotors of the 900. The suspension on the 900 probably offers more adjustments - but I'm not 100% sure on the base 900.

Overall, the 900 will be most simple to work on yourself, but not by a huge margin. For most stuff you'd only need the hub spanner for chain adjustment over the smae tool suite you'd hit the 900 with.

Regarding your expanding tank question: Yes, it's very common, about 100% common. There's a big thread on it if you'd like to educate yourself. The short version is that the polymer used to make the original tanks starting in 2005 and running for a long time picked up water that's retained by the ethanol in the gas blends we have now. Picking up the water causes the polymer to expand. Common give aways are that the front of the tank has gotten very close to, or even touching the key way. On a normal tank you should be able see the latch for the buckle on the frame or slip your pinky tip between the tank and key way. Another sign is to check the rubber bumpers on the bottom of the tank where it contacts the frame. They should be centered on the frame tubes on a normal tank. On an expanded tank they start to push beyond the perimeter of the frame.

The good news is, Ducati has been issuing replacements. But check that thread for details - I've no FHE with that process. Other good news is that folks have found if you can drain the tank and give it sufficient time to dry they will contract some.

[Monsterlover]

The base M900 has no adjustment to the suspension other than rear preload via the threaded collar on the shock.

The m900s had the aluminum swinger and adjustable suspension.

I had the base 900.  My vote is for that one.  Better brakes, dry clutch (does the 800 have a dry clutch?) bigger displacement and better aftermarket part availability.

Get the 900!  Do it!  Do it now!!!

[Bigbore4]

M900, even though mine is for sale (hint) I much prefer the look of the first ones and the dry clutch. The sound, the looks it gets with an open cover, get "A" M900

[krolik]

Both the 900 & 800 are reliable engines with routine maintenance. There are plenty of high milages examples of both on this board. In fact one of the original members has a M900 with over 125K miles and no major problems other than normal wear items.

[pitbull]

I'm obviously biased as I have both a 2000 and 2001 monster 900.


There isn't another monster I would trade one for.




I might trade one for a new streetfighter or a multi though if anyone is interested

[OT]

That 800's been sitting in the garage?

1) Gas tank issues - they don't apply to the '05 800 do they?  It's a steel tank, isn't it?

2) Mods - most of the most popular, cosmetic mods (e.g., lites, bling, etc.) will work on both bikes, except the 800 is a wet clutch so you'll save money on those mods

3) Riding - for 99% of your road riding (even spirited)  the 800 will be fine.  If you're into engine tech, check out Brad Black's website http://bikeboy.org/performance.html where you can dig-down and get his reports on the two engines.  I don't think the shock/forks on either bike are fully adjustable, but, should work fine if you're not much over 200 pounds fully geared up.

4) The first thing to wear out on bikes are the soft bits (rubber hoses, belts, suspension, etc), so the 800 is less likely to have that problem

5) Check the service paperwork.  First service at 600 miles, then every 6,000 miles after that.  You can download the Owner's Manual for the S2R here http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do ; the 2000 model year manual is not available, but the 2001 bike should be similar.
 
6) I'd rather have the Marchesini wheels (if they're truly an aftermarket upgrade) than the CF....what kind of CF exhaust is it?  Termignoni is the overpriced standard upgrade; other popular brands from that period include Arrow, Leo Vince, SilMoto, Fast by Ferracci (I think rebadged Silmoto and, perhaps, Arrow); some of the newer options include Zard and MIVV.  Brembo are the stock brakes and probably the stock wheels (not logo'd), so no added-value there.

7) Price for the 800 seems a bit high; I think that bike retailed for around $8.5K US when new (unless that is a $2,000 set of aftermarket wheels on the bike, but you shouldn't have to pay for their upgrades).

Good luck

[Travman]

I'm picking the 2000 900 now that I know it has the dual gauges.  

He really just needs to pick the style he likes best (SSA vs DSS) and then ride them both.  Also it may depend on condition and color preference.  A used bike that has been stored
outdoors is not going to be in the same condition as well that has slept every night in a garage.

[psycledelic]

He really just needs to pick the style he likes best (SSA vs DSS) and then ride them both.  Also it may depend on condition and color preference.  A used bike that has been stored
outdoors is not going to be in the same condition as well that has slept every night in a garage.

Yep, good point.  We all like the bikes we have/had.  Go check them both out, ride them if you can, and pick which one you like the best.