Buying a 2002 M750?

[ocmagnum]

Hello all,

First post here aside from my longish intro earlier today. Hoping to move from my Ninja 250 to a Monster in the not too distant future. I was initially looking at 696/796s, but have stumbled on a 2002 M750sie with only 1000 miles on her. Went to see and hear her (no test ride as it was raining) at the local Ducati dealer and she is in great shape. Only a minor scratch on front fork and another very small one one the duckbill. Husband had bought for wife but she never really got into riding apparently. Looks like I would be able to get the dealer to put new tires on her, or reduce the price accordingly. I have also gotten a copy of the "repair order" they did for the prior owner, prior to offering the bike for sale. Looks like the bike had been sitting for some time and fuel leaked from the bottom of the tank. So the summary of services is:

- removed fuel tank and pulled out pump. Cleansed pump and replaced all integral fuel lines and fuel filter, flushed out inside of tank
- removed throttle bodies and disassembled. Cleaned all internal components and fuel injectors prior to re installation.
- installed new timing belts
- oil change

No word on other fluids, but might be part of their prepping a used bike and not have it listed on the repair order. Will need to ask that if I decide to pursue further. Any comments on the history revealed by the repair order? Big enough a worry to take this one off the list or no biggie given the repair by the dealership (they sent me a complete list of items replaced, about $530 in parts)?

My bike is my primary form of transportation, so I can't take too much of a gamble, but very much like this bike. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

Cheers!

[The Bearded Duc]

Welcome to the forum, there are a few Monster owners here in SoCal despite the fact that our local board is never really busy.

I'm sure a lot of other members will have some info to add to mine, so here we go...

The 750 is a great engine, a little under-powered but with the FI on the 2002 it should feel a little peppier. Also, the rear suspension hoop was removed for the 2002 model year making suspension and ride height (if needed) modifications a little easier should you decide to go that route.

As far as what needs to be done to the bike prior to purchase....

-Be sure the fuel leak has been sorted out, chances are it was due to old lines and connections and perhaps a backed up filter but it could have been from a leaky hinge. Make sure there was no rust on the inside of the tank.
-Double check that the TB and TPS have been set correctly.
-Belts and oil will be good since they have been done.
-I doubt the valves are out of spec but it might be a good idea to have them checked anyway.
-Check the chain and sprockets. They probably have little to no wear but it's probably a good idea to at least replace the chain, especially if there is signs of rust. I'm sure the O-rings are just about shot if it's not a new chain.
-All fluids should be changed. These include clutch, brake (front and rear), and fork oil.
-Tires will be a big NEED.
-Check the air filter and replace if it looks dried out.
-Make sure the bike comes with at least one black key, one red key, and a code card. It's not a deal breaker but a real pain in the ass if you don't have all of these

This should be a good starting point. I don't know what the shop is selling the bike for but if it's not a good price and they're not willing to work with you on any of this then I would walk away, there are plenty of deals to be had here in SoCal. Also, I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but the stuff mentioned above could run you between $500-$1000 if you have to do it elsewhere, so take that into consideration.

Hopefully this helps some, good luck!

[the_Journeyman]

I've got a carbed M750 (1999) and while the motor is down on power, even to an SV650, it is a great motor.  I've got 37,000 miles on mine at the moment.  The 750 seems to pull nice and smooth from idle to red line/limiter which is nice.

Bearded pretty will covered everything.  You might want to ask the 600 mile service was completed.  Also, since it has rubber brake lines, I would inspect those as well.

JM

[muskrat]

My wife had a 750, fuel injected.  A great little bike IMO but as stated before it's under powered, at least for me and ultimately her as well.  If you're not interested in whipping the throttle but just using as transport like you said it would be a great addition and the bonus is that it's light as hell so carving some roads are also fun.  Good luck and remember to post pics when you get her, if you do.

[ocmagnum]

Thanks guys, very much appreciate the comments and hints what to look out for 

As for the power, as this will be only my second "big" bike after 3000 miles on the Ninja 250, I'm thinking this will be a nice step up and it doesn't need to be my last bike

Dealer is currently asking about 6k OTD, which is certainly more than I would want to pay for a 11 year old bike. If he is willing to come down about a grand and put new shoes on her, I think I will go for it.

Thanks again guys and feel free to keep the comments coming!

[1.21GW]

I will slightly disagree about the power issue.  I'm more in your boat, ocmagnum.  I started last year on a '78 CB400T that, due to age, ran more like a 250cc than a 400cc.  Great for learning, but wanted a bigger bike eventually.  Found my '01 M900 on craiglist (for $4400 w/ 7.5k miles) and couldn't pass it up.  In retrospect, probably too much bike as I was not prepared for the throttle sensitivity and front brake power (kinda funny story, as I downed the bike to within 2" from hitting the pavement when I pulled out of the driveway on the test ride because it jumped when I touched the throttle and then immediately stopped dead when I touched the brake.  I was clearly out of my league but it was too late, I was already in love.)  Anyway, made me an extra cautious rider.  Now I'm comfortable on it, but I think a 750 would have been better fit.

[1.21GW]

Oh, and here's some info on the notorious tank hinge leak:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55136.0

[Pedro-bot]

Thanks guys, very much appreciate the comments and hints what to look out for 

As for the power, as this will be only my second "big" bike after 3000 miles on the Ninja 250, I'm thinking this will be a nice step up and it doesn't need to be my last bike

Dealer is currently asking about 6k OTD, which is certainly more than I would want to pay for a 11 year old bike. If he is willing to come down about a grand and put new shoes on her, I think I will go for it.

Thanks again guys and feel free to keep the comments coming!

The $6k asking price for a 2002 M750 is waaaayyy high.
If stock, I think more in the 3.8-4k range would be reasonable price for that model bike. Still, even if highly modified, those modifications would have to be substantial to raise a price to that level. And seeing as this would be your daily, a totally modded moto is probably not ideal.

Unless my memory has completely betrayed me, I think that used 696 models fetch in th 6k-7k range.

If you're not a fan of the new gen monster styling, a better bike is the 695 model. Pulls like an 800 and has many of the stock items powder coated black, swingarm, rear sets, triples....etc.. Just gives it a cleaner look.

Just my "dos centavos" (two cents)
Have fun shopping. 

[Pedro-bot]

The $6k asking price for a 2002 M750 is waaaayyy high.
If stock, I think more in the 3.8-4k range would be reasonable price for that model bike. <SNIP>

I will correct myself here.

Check out this ad for similar '02 M750.
Asking price is half of what your dealer is asking OTD.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=60995.0

[ducpainter]

6K is too high...

even for a 1000 mile bike.

[ocmagnum]

Thanks guys and fully agree on price. I'm thinking $5k OTD (about 10% tax and fees here) would be Ok if it includes new tires. That is what I am aiming for.

[ducpainter]

Thanks guys and fully agree on price. I'm thinking $5k OTD (about 10% tax and fees here) would be Ok if it includes new tires. That is what I am aiming for.

Keep in mind that there are other rubber parts on a bike, besides tires and belts, that after 11 years might show signs of deterioration.

Look it over closely.

[muskrat]

yikes that's high, way too high.  I personally wouldn't pay more than $4200, but I'm a cheap ass.  $5k might be fair with the new stuff they did and in pristine shape, just my three cents.
If you're coming off a 250 then this little gem will blow your mind away and it feels almost like the 250 when you throw her in corners. 

[dansamp]

just wanted to share my '02 M750ie
it was modded as is except I added the SilMoto slip ons
it came with chppped oval Termi's

 
I picked this up off of craig's list a while ago :

[ocmagnum]

Great looking bike  . Congrats!

Would mind sharing location, mileage and price so that I have yet another point of reference (feel free to pm if you prefer)?

Cheers!