Questions about which used Monster may be best

[BTF/PTM]

Hi everyone,

My first question for the forum is, which sub-forum here is best for information regarding rideability, suitability and longevity of the various Monsters?  I've begun to use the search key, but I figured I'd ask yall to see if I could narrow it down.  Thanks  =)

[ChrisK]

I'm thinking right here in the General Forum is the place to ask those questions.

[Blackout]

Well, I've got a 2003 800ie with just under 70K trouble free miles but she's about shot now. Needs an engine.

[koko64]

Of the older 2 valvers the 2000-2001 900ie S models are excellent. The 2000 S model has an Ohlins rear shock standard, the 2001 model has a stronger chassis. Good, reliable street motors with earlier, more easily tunable efi, air cooled simplicity. Cheap and relatively easy maintenance too.

The S4R and S4Rs models have a ton more power up top, but are more expensive to maintain. All you'll ever need for the street.
A good maintenance history is important.

Good luck.

[SpikeC]

 I think a good first step is deciding just what you want in a bike, and what you intend on doing with it.

[the_Journeyman]

I've got a 1999 (carbs) with almost 40,000 miles on out.  Outside of basic maintenance stuff, I've only replaced about $150 work of stuff.  What I've replaced:  Carb diaphragms, ($60ish for the pair, needle jets (can't remember, wasn't terrible), and the battery to frame ground cable.  I've not even replaced the clutch yet.

JM

[BTF/PTM]

Thanks guys!!

Already some great information, so I'll be a bit more detailed since this is the right place to ask.

For starters, due to my own personal preference, I've been looking at S*R models for the adjustable suspension and the single-sided-swingarm models.  

Also trying to compare apples to apples as much as possible, I've done some reading about the S2R1000 versus the S4R.  It really seems like the S2R1000 is a more suitable street and day-ride bike than the S4R, it seems like the 4 needs to spend all its time wound up high to take advantage of the power.  I've also read that the 2 has a more usable torque band as a result of not being so high strung.  The bike I end up with will be used mostly for road and spirited twisty roads, with occasional track days, so something with a usable power band is important.

Another question for the experts is, in regard to any used Monster, assuming proper maintenance and having been well cared for, is a bike with 10-15k miles on it a safe bet mechanically?  It sounds like it is, hearing what you guys have said about bikes that finally after 40k miles need a fresh engine.  That's another reason that I've read a bit more about the S2R1000, the fact that its engine is (based on the reviews) based on the very well-proven, robust engine layout that's been in use forever.

Are there any folks here who can vouch for the S*R models?  Anyone who wouldn't vouch for them?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, but that's enough for now.  Thanks again, guys, all feedback is welcome!

P.S. - title changed to something more relevant

[zooom]

I think a good first step is deciding just what you want in a bike, and what you intend on doing with it.

+1

based on your above response though, my .02 ( even though aethestically it isn't what you want) is to find an 03 M1000 S and ride the ever loving hell out of it in all capacities.

[the_Journeyman]

Also trying to compare apples to apples as much as possible, I've done some reading about the S2R1000 versus the S4R.  It really seems like the S2R1000 is a more suitable street and day-ride bike than the S4R, it seems like the 4 needs to spend all its time wound up high to take advantage of the power. 

The S4R & S4RS still make plenty of power across the band.  However, they are 4-valve with more expensive maintenance.  They're still both v-twins with a nice smooth torque curve.  The S2R1000 or M1000 will make plenty of power and cost less to maintain overall.

Another question for the experts is, in regard to any used Monster, assuming proper maintenance and having been well cared for, is a bike with 10-15k miles on it a safe bet mechanically?

I bought my M750 with 13,000 miles on it.  It's been fine mechanically, motor has never needed to be opened up.  I would say, if you can get one with service records, replace any rubber bits (tires, belts mostly) that are over 2 years old you'll be fine from a mechanical standpoint.

JM

[Privateer]

Another question for the experts is, in regard to any used Monster, assuming proper maintenance and having been well cared for, is a bike with 10-15k miles on it a safe bet mechanically?  It sounds like it is, hearing what you guys have said about bikes that finally after 40k miles need a fresh engine.  That's another reason that I've read a bit more about the S2R1000, the fact that its engine is (based on the reviews) based on the very well-proven, robust engine layout that's been in use forever.

new engine after 40k?  I'm way over due, if that's the case.



Other than consumable parts, the engine has been fine.  The last valve check it only needed 1 shim.


Electricals is another story.  My pops always says Ducati has genius mechanical engineers and C+ electrical engineers (he's an electrical engineer).

[Ak1nza]

I upgraded from an 06 S2R800 to an 07 S4RS.  I loved my S2R for the city, but I think the additional power of the S2R 1000 and the adjustable suspension would have made it even better specifically on the highway to get to the twisties.  

You don't need to get the S4R/RS to a high rpm to get rideability out of it.  It's has an enormous amount of torque down low.  Both bikes will have more useable power than you will ever need for the streets, twisties, and the occasional track day.

If you're deciding between the these two models in particular I would think about the maintenance differences between a 2 valve air cooled vs a 4 valve water cooled engine.  There's more to maintain on the S4R/RS than the S2R and each major maintenance interval will take more time.  The S4R/RS will be more expensive to maintain as a function of the additional parts.

I think you'd be happy with either.  I would definitely vouch for either bike.  

One thing to note: both bikes have plastic/nylon tanks which will expand over time with the use of ethanol based gasoline.  I've Caswell coated both my bikes and haven't had any further expanding problems.  It's a prudent question (along with other major servicing such as belts and valves, etc) to ask when you are looking at potential purchases whether the tank has been replaced, when, and if it was coated.

[duccarlos]

One thing to note: both bikes have plastic/nylon tanks which will expand over time with the use of ethanol based gasoline.  I've Caswell coated both my bikes and haven't had any further expanding problems.  It's a prudent question (along with other major servicing such as belts and valves, etc) to ask when you are looking at potential purchases whether the tank has been replaced, when, and if it was coated.

Big +1

S2R1000 all the way.

[BTF/PTM]

Just another chance to toss a 'thank you' into the mix again.  Thanks a ton, guys, this is fantastic info.

One advantage of looking for a bike in Germany is that paperwork is very thorough, thanks to their equivalent of the DOT (the TUV, their vehicle safety department).

I just came from looking at a 2004 S4R with 17,000km on it (about 11k miles), black on black.  Really sexy bike, as mentioned the fluids and belts and valves have been properly serviced (paperwork available).  Oh, and all three keys are there as well.  The VIN's confused me some, the VIN for the frame and the engine are very different patterns, and neither VIN matched the VIN decoder I found with a google search, but that's another post, I suppose.
 
Tomorrow I'm goin to look at an S2R1000, another S4R and a couple other Monsters.

Thanks again!!  Feel free to keep it coming 

[TitanMonsterS4R]

One thing to note: both bikes have plastic/nylon tanks which will expand over time with the use of ethanol based gasoline.  I've Caswell coated both my bikes and haven't had any further expanding problems.  It's a prudent question (along with other major servicing such as belts and valves, etc) to ask when you are looking at potential purchases whether the tank has been replaced, when, and if it was coated.

The S4R had a metal tank until the 2007 model.

[duccarlos]

It's also a mute point since it's being sold in Europe. IIRC ethanol is still not mandatory on that side of the world.