First time Ducati owner.

[Tarenrack]

Hey all,
Im planning on buying a mid 90's to 00 Monster m900. this will be my first Ducati bike, and I had a few questions.

Is a $4000 price range reasonable?
What are some common problems with that year that I should be aware of?
How many miles is too many miles?

Any other general things that i should keep an eye out for while checking them out?

Thanks,
Tarenrack

[d3vi@nt]

Is a $4000 price range reasonable?

Price depends on a lot of factors; mileage, overall condition, if it was well/regularly maintained, upgrades, availability/demand in the area, etc.

Start with NADA and Kelly Blue Book:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle

Check out Craigslist in your area and e-bay and you'll start to get a good idea. It's coming up on the end of the riding season in some places, so prices may be dropping somewhat as demand decreases.

If you find something specific, post details -many here are willing to provide feedback.

Good luck!

[muskrat]

To me that seems a little high.  I'd push for more like $3000 to $3700. 

[Ddan]

Services are due on 6K mile intervals, belts are due for changing at 12K mile intervals, or 2 years.  If there is no documentation of it having been done that will be a good indicator that maint. was slack.  If the bike is close to a 12K interval, that could be a $500-$1000 service depending on where you are and what is needed.

The motors are very reliable, in 2000 they went to fuel injection and if it's an S model it should have an Ohlins shock

[uglyducky]

To me that seems a little high.  I'd push for more like $3000 to $3700. 

+1

[uglyducky]

Services are due on 6K mile intervals, belts are due for changing at 12K mile intervals, or 2 years.  If there is no documentation of it having been done that will be a good indicator that maint. was slack.  If the bike is close to a 12K interval, that could be a $500-$1000 service depending on where you are and what is needed.

The motors are very reliable, in 2000 they went to fuel injection and if it's an S model it should have an Ohlins shock

and this is SUPER IMPORTANT.  if folks don't have documentation that these VERY expensive and specific services were done, assume they were not.  furthermore, if it were me, i wouldn't buy the bike or i'd beat them up on price and bring it straight in for a major service. 

[Tarenrack]

What all is done in the when I go to get it serviced?

[SwampMonster]

About 5-6 months ago I picked up a '95 m900 in great/above average condition with 10,000 original miles with copies of all major services done by his local dealer.

 I paid 3,500 but probably would have paid closer to 3,800 or 3,900 if it would have been running right. He had ridden it to his job that morning with no problems but when I was about to take it for a ride it was acting up and pouring gas out of the carbs vent tubes (the diaphragm in the fuel pump tore) saved me some cash ran great ever since the $15 fix. Good luck on your hunt.
 
By the way it may be more than your wanting to spend but on the Fast by Ferricca web site they have 2007 S4rs beast claiming 130hp for 8,???.

[uglyducky]

What all is done in the when I go to get it serviced?

http://www.ducatimonster.org/faq/faq_service_intervals.html