Help the New guy pick a bike...

[Tim G.]

I'm near Ft. Lauderdale.

Am I better off buying a newer '11-up 1100 Evo?  It looks like $10k will buy a decent one…

These used '07 S2R 1000 or S4Rs bikes seem to be priced at near $10K….  It seems off base… What am I missing?

[hackers2r]

I prefer the "older" styling of the S2R vs the new 1100, but that's a matter of preference.  However, to wrench on, the S2R is my winner as you can reset service lights yourself making trips to the dealer is at a minimum.  For service, Motocorse Performance in Ft. Lauderdale is excellent. 

[Curmudgeon]

I'm near Ft. Lauderdale.

Am I better off buying a newer '11-up 1100 Evo?  It looks like $10k will buy a decent one…

These used '07 S2R 1000 or S4Rs bikes seem to be priced at near $10K….  It seems off base… What am I missing?

Missing? Not much. People who don't like the look of the newer bikes because they haven't ridden them? 

An EVO has more torque than you could ever need, (I didn't), and has very good ABS and TC. No idea what you'd do with a 4V in FL anyway. 

[El-Twin]

One thing you can be certain of....

Everyone is going to recommend what they have. Sometimes dismissing everything else in the process.

It's possible to appreciate, even admire, all Monsters without taking up arms against the "new" 09-13 generation, or whatever latest water-cooled offerings hit the showroom. The essential goodness of solid handling, Ducati styling que's and twin-cylinder grunt on-demand are still there.

That said, the air-cooled, 2-valve simplicity of a new 796 has a lot going for it. An 1100 evo takes this goodness to the next step.

As always, ride, report back, and then decide.   

[Tim G.]

Here is the low mile 07 S2 1000
http://www.thefrictionzone.com/2007DucatiMonster-1000-inventory.htm?id=591748&used=1&vin=ZDM1RABPX7B093428
It seems like a decent deal…

New 796 200 mile demo Under $9k
http://www.twowheelsworld.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=383048&pov=3770214

12 1100 Evo
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2012-Ducati-Monster-1100-EVO-112043350

'05 S2 800
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/4515987159.html

'06 S2 800  He says he will take $5400...
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/4464220530.html

Great looking '11 796.  I'd think this is perfect, but why give $8k if I can get a new '14 w warranty for less than $1k more?
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/4514752094.html

[Tim G.]

I'm with you on this…
I don't need the most mean bad zzz bike.. Just a very nice bike that is reliable. Any Duc will be nice… I just want to pick the right one.
I don't have time for a broken bike, or one that acts up all the time, or needs to be to the Duc mechanic all the time…

I could find an old M900 for under $3500, but I think that'll be headaches.
A brand new bike for $9k is attractive… New, warranty, but it is a 796…. Will its value drop in half when the 821 comes out?
Maybe I can find a used, out of warranty 1100 Evo for the same $9k, or close.. Am I better off with that, or with the new 796?
Or, try to strike a deal that makes sense on that nice white '11 796?

quote author=El-Twin link=topic=67955.msg1256050#msg1256050 date=1403018185]
One thing you can be certain of....

Everyone is going to recommend what they have. Sometimes dismissing everything else in the process.

It's possible to appreciate, even admire, all Monsters without taking up arms against the "new" 09-13 generation, or whatever latest water-cooled offerings hit the showroom. The essential goodness of solid handling, Ducati styling que's and twin-cylinder grunt on-demand are still there.

That said, the air-cooled, 2-valve simplicity of a new 796 has a lot going for it. An 1100 evo takes this goodness to the next step.

As always, ride, report back, and then decide.   
[/quote]

[He Man]

My vote?

S2R800, i feel like that bike is a bit more reliable than an S2R1000 with the potential valve guide issues. My guides were shot by 8k and had them replaced under warranty.

If you are perhaps interested, I do have an M900 1999 for sale. Id let it go for under 3k, its low miles for its age (16k i think). It needs a carb tune, but outside of that has been a pretty reliable bike.

My S2R1000 currently has an 1100EVO motor from a monster thats been custom tuned. it is absolutely BAWLS to ride. It can be tammed easily since its a really predictable power delivery, but its oozing torque out the ass. ( i ride my DR650 daily and after a month and getting back on the S2R, i forget how much power that motor has!)

If i had to pick a bike in your position, seeing how you dont ride it often, buy a cheap monster and enjoy it and dont care too much about it. If you paid 10k for something you ride 3 times a month, your gonna always be punching yourself for not enjoying it.

[grunte]

S2r 1k.  I own an 08 and absolutely love it.  Too much power?....it's only as powerful as you twist the throttle - the amount of power is all in your hands...literally!

[Two dogs]

+1 on the S2R1K
Becoming the sort after original shape Monster , holding its value really well against its big sisters.
Cheaper to spanner ,no fridge ,no plumbing .
I have put 45,000 Ks on mine its as good now as the day I picked it up and have no plans on selling it.
The new Monsters are slowly growing on me (my wife has one) but they don't excite me like the original.

[dbran1949]

I think someone already mentioned this but do ask the dealer if the tank on the S2R 1K has been replaced under the class action. If not have him lift the tank to check the air filter and see how much trouble he has re-latching the tank back into position. with the low miles and the humidity in FL, if the bike sat for a long time with fuel in the tank, the tank would be lumpy and expanded

If that is ok, I would pick the 07 S2R 1K to save some cash then if you like riding and want more you won't take such a big hit if you want to trade up

I think the value of the 796 (which BTW specs out almost the same HP as the S2R 1K) will drop more percentage wise the the S2R1K which has already taken the biggest portion of depreciation

just my $0.02 enjoy the ride

[Tim G.]

Air cooled or water cooled???  Is the water cooled bike better, or are they prone to boiling over?
Yes, it's hot in south Florida.
I have come across the S2r and S4R bikes…  So which is best in the 1000 flavor?  Do I get the S2 air cooled for simplicity, or go for the S4R?
I found an 8,000 mile S4 with Arrow pipes that I can buy for $7,000

[Curmudgeon]

Every bike has its merits..., but go back and read your initial post. Also ride some bikes. I much prefer mine. 

As for 4V's, having had two, they cost a LOT more to maintain. Smoother of course and sneaky fast..., but you are in FL. 

[Speedbag]

Monster 1198. 

(Well, it's what I want.)

[Ever]

A few people have mentioned that low mileage can be a bad thing.

What's the sweet spot?

Or, perhaps even better, what exactly are we looking for in any mileage case?

[The Bearded Duc]

Have you thought about how much maintenance will cost on a bike that you "hope" to ride 36 days out of the year?

Don't mean for that to sound snide, at all.