04 M800: Issues if it's been started only every 4-6 weeks?

[iheartny]

Hi all. Hunting for the right Monster. I happened across an '04 M800, original owner, only 1041 original miles, and about 10 minutes from my house. Can't go look at it 'til next week.

I'm wondering what issues might crop up with a bike that has only been started every 4-6 weeks by the owner. He says it starts up fine, but I'm wondering what might be of concern if it hasn't been ridden/worked on regularly.

Thanks SO much...you guys are awesome. Hopefully someday I'll be able to help a newb like me. 

Also, can anyone eyeball the exhaust below? Didn't get a chance to ask the seller on the phone what kind it is.

[Hedgehog]

I'm wondering what issues might crop up with a bike that has only been started every 4-6 weeks by the owner. He says it starts up fine, but I'm wondering what might be of concern if it hasn't been ridden/worked on regularly.

I had to stop riding due to health issues in 2004, and my VFR and 900SS have spent the past several Indiana winters in the garage.  I'm in partial remission this year, so I bought a new battery for the Duck, put new tires on it, and it rides just like I remember it.  The VFR battery was still good, and it runs perfectly, as well.   The only issues that might occur would be if he had left it out in the rain and there was corrosion on the forks or frame, etc.  The inside of the engine is essentially sealed unless it's directly exposed to the elements in the outdoors.

A final note: it's possible that starting it and running it for just a few minutes every few months is actually worse than just leaving it turned off.  But, the mileage is so low on that one that it's probably not a problem.

[OT]

The bike looks clean in the pic....I wouldn't think too much could have gone wrong with this bike.  Although I got my '04 M1000 new in a year-end deal, I was mainly interested in the 800, but none were available....

* Not much you can look for other that if the 600-mile service (get the paperwork in your hand) has been done by a certified Duc shop/mechanic.  If not, get that included in the price (figure $200).
* It's out-of-warranty now, but I don't recall major stuff being discussed about the 800.
* Battery, belts, and tires are likely 4+ years old; check for dry/cracked areas (you don't want the belts to break).
* Probably the DP exhaust...does that come with a chip?

Keep us posted....

[Speeddog]

As OT said, belts, battery, tires.

It'd be good to get the hydraulics flushed and bled too, and an oil & filter change.

[iheartny]

As OT said, belts, battery, tires.

It'd be good to get the hydraulics flushed and bled too, and an oil & filter change.

Sounds good. I can do an oil change myself. I'm reasonably mechanically inclined. How about the belt job? Worth taking to a shop? And I'm assuming a battery is a straightforward swap. Done it in cars, I'm assuming I can do it on the bike. 

[OT]

Sounds good. I can do an oil change myself. DON'T OVERFILL THE SUMP

I'm reasonably mechanically inclined. How about the belt job? Worth taking to a shop? YES!! DON'T TRY IT YOURSELF

And I'm assuming a battery is a straightforward swap. Done it in cars, I'm assuming I can do it on the bike. MY BATTERY'S THE ORIGINAL; I KEEP IT ON A BATTERY TENDER AND IT HASN'T MISSED A BEAT YET.  THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE IF YOU REMOVE THE BATTERY AND THE ECU ISN'T POWERED FOR A WHILE (SPEEDDOG??) 

[Hedgehog]

Sounds good. I can do an oil change myself. I'm reasonably mechanically inclined. How about the belt job? Worth taking to a shop? And I'm assuming a battery is a straightforward swap. Done it in cars, I'm assuming I can do it on the bike. 

Watch this video before you consider changing your own belts.  It's kind of an advanced task for a newbie mechanic.  You'll have to be the judge as to whether you want to attempt it or not.  It's not that hard, but needs to be done right.  If you tension the belts too tight, they can shred and cause engine damage.

[Speeddog]

ECU will only lose the time of day setting if it's unplugged, no biggie there.

As hedgehog said, the belt swap isn't difficult, but it is important that it's done correctly.

Battery swap is easy, prop the tank up with a 2x4 or a hammer, the OEM prop rod is hairball at best, dropping the tank on your hands will hurt a lot.
Try to do it with the tank no more than half full, and don't just flop it back all the way, that's *really* hard on the hinge.
Don't overtorque the terminals, they're not real robust.
Unhook the ground wire first, and hook it back up last.

[iheartny]

How much should I ask the seller to reduce the price for a belt change job at a shop?

[Speeddog]

Belts are about $100 for the pair, maybe $40 to swap 'em, depends on your local dealer rates really.

[Big Troubled Bear]

If it`s only been started every 4 - 6 weeks might as well flush the fuel and change the fuel filter, just don`t burn the bike

[OT]

How much should I ask the seller to reduce the price for a belt change job at a shop?

I'd be surprised if the seller reduced the price (due to replacment of consumable parts) on a 4-year old bike....

How much is the owner asking for the bike?  I think it was around $8,500-$9,000 new in 2004....

If it has the DP exhaust with a DP chip - that combo retailed for around $1300 in 2004 (pipes/mufflers alone for around $900); the owner will want something extra for that.

[iheartny]

I'd be surprised if the seller reduced the price (due to replacment of consumable parts) on a 4-year old bike....

How much is the owner asking for the bike?  I think it was around $8,500-$9,000 new in 2004....

If it has the DP exhaust with a DP chip - that combo retailed for around $1300 in 2004 (pipes/mufflers alone for around $900); the owner will want something extra for that.

He's asking 5800. Low Blue Book is 4200, high is 6200. I'm thinking splitting the difference is fair? I'll offer 5k and hopefully settle at 5200. Smack in the middle of the Blue Book range. What do you think?

Also, if the belts are spec'd to be replaced every 2 years and he hasn't done that, it IS fair to ask him to reduce the price, isn't it?

[iheartny]

Hi all. Went and saw the M800 today, it's in great cosmetic condition. The seller won't budge from 5800, but he's willing to include an Arai in like-new condition and a Ducati branded textile jacket. The bike has been stored on the kickstand in a garage. He did the 600 mile break-in service but since the bike has only 1051 miles on it, it hasn't needed anything else.

The seller hasn't done belts or fluid bleeds. How expensive are those, or can those be done by me?

Should I walk from this bike? I'm so tempted by the miles and condition...

[Slide Panda]

Fluid bleeds are cheap and easy.  A few bucks for Dot 4 fluid a bit more for Dot 5.1 (do no use DOT 5) and a length of hose. 

Belts will cost the better part of $100 for the parts.  Someone was nice enough to post a DIY tutorial video on doing 2v belts above.  Watch it and decide if you're up for the task.  Otherwise add an hors labor charge at your local shop to the cost.

Oil change will run you ~$60 for 4 quarts of good stuff (Mobil1) an filter and crush washers. 

Another thing to have a hard look at will be the tires.  Tires should be replaced every 5 years per most manufacturers, regardless miles.  Also if the bike sat a long time w/o being moved at all, the tires can develop flat spots that would call or them to be replaced.  Suite of new tires is $300+ labor.