advise on getting a used monster

[beaner]

Hellow Im new here sorry if this topic has been beaten to death. I just moved my family from minneapolis to austin and im in the need for a 900 monster. Im not going to buy one right now we just got here and i got a lot on my plate right now but in the next few months when thing slow down I plan on picking one up. Im turning 40 this year raced motorcross my hole life and been riding street bikes my hole life as well honda night hawk right now. I only want a weekend toy I put a 120 miles a day on my nighthawk and wouldnt want all thoes miles on my monster. a will most likely buy used im in know rush. I will wait for the right deal to pass my way. I would rather wait a few months to save up a couple hundred more$ before I settle for a clapped out piece of junk with know service records. Ive read a lot about bad tanks and other stuff. so what are the best years for the 900 monsters is it the newer ones carbarated or efi Is there any years that stand out over the rest or just buy the newest that I have saved up for.. thanks for any advise

[muskrat]

I've had both carbed and fuel injected.......fuel injected IMO.  BTW all 900 Monsters have metal tanks but the hinge is the problem on those models so consider lifting the tank and inspecting it.  My experience has been that you will need to re-do the tank hinge especially if you see the not so unusual tank dents on the sides.  Good luck hunting and welcome to Texas.

[beaner]

what year did the 900 go to EFI.

[showerfan]

efi started in 2000, iirc. i got the last carbie! and i like the carbs a lot, but most people will tell you to go with injected.

if i had it to do all over again, i would go with a 4 valver -- like the s4rt or the s4rs. many more ponies, single sided swingarm, slightly better ergos, much cooler paint (i like the senna-ish t model -- grey tank, red frame). but if you're going to do the maintenance yourself, you'll want a 2-valve 900 -- simple air-cooled twin.

also, keep in mind, termi pipes, öhlins forks and trick rearsets are not easy to find for these older models, so if you find one with those but balk because it's pricier, you may regret it later... good luck and welcome to the club!

[Slide Panda]

Plastics tanks came along in 2005 - though not all 2005 dated bikes have them. Early production 2005 may have a steel tank

yes, 2000 for EFI on the 900. 2002 for smaller displacement Monsters. There was a frame and rear suspension change from 2000 to the 2001 models. 2000 and older can be easily picked out due to the 'hoop' that connects the swingarm to a rocker with the shock at the other end.

If you can mange to find one, a 2000 900S is a bit choice. Came with some bits like an Ohlins shock that wasn't done from other S versions.

Of course, an older bike will need some TLC - in particular that the cam belts will probably need to be replaced. They are a 2 year from start of service replacement item - or 12k miles. So low mile bikes may have over age belts. The belts are about $80, and if you're decent working on your own bike, they are not hard to replace on your own

[muskrat]

not to push the issue but I found you this gem http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/3745702975.html   

[beaner]

I just found a 2000 750 locally as I reilly like the body style but I dont like the speedo at all with out the tack. is it possable to buy a 900 speedo and tach and install it on the 750...

[Slide Panda]

Should be - but the Odometer is part of that cluster, so you've got that hassle.

That 1000S - DOOOOO EEEET

[redxblack]

What year 750? In 02, the whole red key issue comes into play. That was one of the reasons I went with a 2000 m900. I'm thinking about selling it, but I don't live anywhere near you.

[beaner]

Ive decided not to settle for less than what I want. the things I really want Is single side swing arm what year did they come out.

[Slide Panda]

05 On the S2R 800 and 1000 and the S4R.

The 900 was gone before then

[muskrat]

and  you'll have the swelling of the tank issue for a single sided swing arm bike.  The only alternative, that I know of, are the S4R series in 05 & 06 but that may be too much bike.  here's a good'un http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/3702844169.html

[beaner]

thanks for the advise. but i have no reason for a 1000. 800 or 900 is all i need. so my best beat Is to get a regular swing arm.

[Steve.In.Atlanta]

There's this Monster I came across when I was looking for pricing for my insurance claim on my stolen 900, http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3747659025.html

[Slide Panda]

For a moment, I misread that and thought that CL ad WAS for your stolen bike .