New Guy!!!!

[diamonddog-2]

Hello all!  A little background info on me:  57 yo [yikes!] guy, living just outside of Minneapolis, been riding various bikes for about 41 years [again, ..yikes!], sold my BMW K100RS of 21 seasons last year and got a '02 Shadow Aero 1100 that's just a great bike. However, my itch to go fast and corner just can't get scratched by the cruiser bike. I've admired the Ducati bikes for decades. My current roommate owned a '03 620ie and loved it. Anyway, after much searching....pretty much all season long, I think I found my 2nd bike. 
It's a 2007 very stock, gloss black with no stripe, garage-queen-of-an S2R 800 with 5400 miles on it. It hasn't been ridden much at all the past year or 2, and has no service records. Granted, it's got low miles so I'm not TOO concerned about that. The asking price is $4500. I went and took it out for a little spin last weekend and just loved it. I didn't wring it out and was riding it with a fair amount of caution, but still, it was really nice. Took it on the freeway and a couple of cloverleafs. It felt crazy-light and stopped like nothing else I ever remember riding before. Ok, so the price has now been lowered to $3500, which seems like a pretty fair price. My limit was gonna be 3K ......but damn......it's a S2R! ....and in great shape. Small right side paint scuff and grrrrr mark on the right side clutch cover. Neither seems like a big deal. Covers can be replaced and paint can be touched up, right?  I told the seller to give me a few days to think it over and get a clearer idea how much it might cost to get a few of things done before I agree to buy it. He was cool with that.

Ok, a couple of things:  I REALLY was hoping to find a fuel injected monster that already had an exhaust upgrade. This S2R has no "voice" to it. My roomie had done a exhaust cut/core on his 620 and he said it made a big difference.  Any suggestions?  I REALLY want to hear that Ducati voice that I've heard on other L twins. Any way to get it without spending $1000 or more?  Also, is that octopus looking thing at the bottom of the bike exhaust really necessary?  Kinda wouldn't mind getting rid of that if possible .... or is it unwise?

I noticed the rear tire has no splash guard [inner fender?] near the front of it. Did they come stock that way or was it removed?  I'd like to replace it if possible.....or mount SOMETHING to keep mud, etc. off of the swingarm/engine.

I spoke with a body shop guy who said putting that beautiful curved stripe on the tank and seat cowl shouldn't be too expensive or an issue that should keep me from getting this bike. It might sound silly, but I kinda really would like it on the bike. There's just the white logo on the tank sides now. He said that there's a vinyl tape that might work and be pretty inexpensive?

I wouldn't mind raising the bars slightly, maybe 1 to 1.5 inches. I saw some risers on ebay and not too expensive either. Any cable length issues with doing that?

I had read about some tank issues on certain years. The one on it seems fine. At this point, after so many years, would there be any concerns?

I figured I would put some bar end mirrors on it, sliders and a possible seat upgrade at some point. The seats [like exhaust systems] almost  ALWAYS need an upgrade, imo.

If there are any other issues I'm not considering, please feel free to bring them to my attention. I'd hate to miss something significant and regret it later. Like I said, the bikes a little outside of what I told myself the limit was going to be.....but what the heck.

.....also, any suggestions on getting my fiance to get on board with the whole 2nd bike idea?  I kind of figure, if I don't do it now, it ain't gonna happen any easier when we're married.

Anyway, thanks for letting me in the "cool kids" club. I'll try not to embarrass the forum TOO much.

Best wishes,

diamonddog aka Michael

[stopintime]

Welcome 

1. exhaust core is ok. Instructions somewhere. Search.

2. splash guard. Not stock. Search our sponsors for carbon.

3. original curved vinyl stripes from a dealer or cheaper straight stripes from anywhere.

4. risers. Usually an inch is ok - maybe need to reroute something.

5. tank swelling issues... search here and spend the night reading...

6. further mods as you go along

     BUT FIRST:
this bike most needs/deserves a service. Valves, belts, oil, fluids. Plus tires. Don't buy or ride it until that's done.

[diamonddog-2]

stopintime,

Thank you for the information. About the belts: is it an age issue? or something else?  It seems like the milage isn't high enough to warrant a belt change....but wtf do I know about these bikes?  I DO realize I DON'T want risk a belt failure on this bike.

The tires appear to be in good condition, but I gotta admit, I didn't scrutinize them as closely as I should've. I'll take another look at them before I pull the trigger.  Any suggestions as to a good tire replacement for this bike?  I figure it can't hurt to ask a Ducati guy. 

The fluids and filters shouldn't be a problem. Are there any off brand equivalent brands of filters that would work?  or just use Ducati brand....

Thanks again!

[stopintime]

Belts are an every two year thing, besides mileage.

There should be a manufacturing date on the side walls. Four numbers - first two is the week and the last two is the year. Anything more than ~two years is kind of enough. Check out the 'Tire rating' thread for suggestions.

The Ducati filter is good, but K&N and HiFlo are also good. We probably have a few oil filter threads as well.

Don't forget brake fluid 

[diamonddog-2]

Thanks  again for the clarification on both tire and belt age .... as well as filter info.   The cost of just getting into this bike and getting it on the road is getting closer to 4.5K    The $3500 purchase price seemed to be fair...but now?  I'm just not that familiar with Ducati pricing and what this bike might/should cost.

stopsintime, I see that you ride a S2R 800.  Do you find it powerful and fast enough to get the itch scratched?      I'm pretty sure they have enough get-up-and-go for most of us but I WAS a little tentative when I took it out for a spin.....but it did make me grin.  My roomie said his 620ie went just fine and had little trouble keeping up with some big twin Harleys.  I think I read somewhere that the S2R 800 top speed is around 135?   Sounds fast enough for me if that's true.

[stopintime]

My experience is that a stock 800 (mine is not) will reach 115 effortlessly and 125 after another few 5-6-7 seconds. 0-60 under 4 seconds is breath taking. Probably half a second slower on a 620 and half a second quicker on an S4R(S).

Low mileage bikes are often tempting, but since they usually/often are behind on maintenance they can cost more than just the purchase. The problem is that the seller thinks he has a jewel and asks too much. If someone not knowing what they're doing turns up - great for the seller, but often not as great for the buyer.

If ~3,000 is your budget - stick to it and ask the seller to reduce his price enough for a (semi?) full service and new tires. If he's not willing to do that... consider looking for a maintained bike with less hassle....

[DarkMonster620]

Desmo service plus suspension revamp and ALL FLUIDS IS A MUST

Low mileage does not equal perfection

[diamonddog-2]

You guys rock. Everybody else sucks.

Since this bike wouldn't come with a stand, I called the local Ducati shop to see about getting a quote for tires and mounting. I also asked about a valve check/service. [I read somewhere that the valve service isn't all THAT difficult to do if I were to have the feeler gauges and the Ducati valve adjustment kit - worth the price!]  I think I could handle the belts, fluids and filters. Suspension service?  Not sure what's all involved with that and if I would need any specialty tools?   I can sure 'nuff drain fork oil and replace it. Rear shock? What's involved?

Anyway, yes, the cost to get 'er back on the road, safely,  is adding up.   I'm pretty sure he's firm at $3500 but it never hurts to ask. You guys are correct about somebody else coming along without doing a little homework first.....the cost of getting this bike just begins once purchased.

The other bike I'm REALLY interested in is the M900S ie. Any idea how these 2 bikes would compare to each other?  Again, I don't need to go 150 MPH but I LOVE the look of the 900S ie and flying into - out of curves is more my riding style   Either way, I'm thinking a fuel injected 800 - 1000 is the way to go?....over a earlier carbureted monster?   I might be willing to travel from Minnesota to fetch the "dream" model.  Saw some nice ones for sale on the east coast, posted on CL.  I'm NOT in a hurry and would like to make sure I do all I can to get the right bike. I figure I'm going to see it sitting in my garage every time I walk through it.......I better feel good about how I got it!      Thanks again for whatever experience you can throw my way!

[stopintime]

A 900 might also need what the 800 needs. Unless it's already done. The best purchase is a bike with service records and all/most parts ~fresh. Higher miles isn't bad in itself, as long as it's been cared for.

If the bike you buy is good to go from day one - then you have some time to learn how to do the services yourself.

900 is similar in power, has better brakes, slightly better fork and the classic dry clutch.

[DarkMonster620]

900 = MORE TORQUE

[stopintime]

900 = MORE TORQUE

Actually exactly the same and just 1 hp more (at 250 and 500 revs higher on the 800, but...)

[koko64]

Welcome.

The 2000 900S has an Ohlins rear shock and extra carbon. 2001 has the 12mm frame bolts iirc. 900S models have extras. It went to the new frame in 2002. A Ducati with pipes etc already fitted saves a hell of a lot of $$.  The 900ie have hot oem cams. I like the 900ie as it has tuning potential. A set of hi comp pistons and wow.

Is the single sided swing arm S2R more desirable to you or the more classic looking 900ie? Then there is the plastic Vs steel tank choice.

[Blackout]

That sounds like a good deal. Check on ebay for a nice used exhaust system for half the price.

[diamonddog-2]

Okay, sooooooo that leads me to this question:  I've also looked at a possible early 2000's S4 with higher milage on it [is 32K considered high?] that's in my price range AND seems to have been cared for AND isn't in a different part of the country. The seller has service paperwork on it. This is the 4 valve, 916 liquid cooled/oil cooled  engine, I think. Are these significantly more powerful bikes than the 2 valve 800 - 900's?  I figure the torque is higher as well as the top speed but any idea how much more?

Are these S4's a lot more difficult [$] to service?... or maybe just the valve adjustment is more difficult?  I'm a little nervous about getting into an engine that's just so complicated that it might add to possible mechanical issues. A old Triumph mechanic once told me that the complexity difference between the 2 cylinder Bonneville and the 3 cylinder Trident was crazy and the tridents had "issues" because of it.....it's a different era and bike, I know, but still, the story has stayed with me.

Also, what IS considered high miles for a Ducati motor?  [My BMW K100RS had 54K on it and was considered low miles by K-bike standards] and at what milage point do you steer clear, even with proper and regular service?   It DOES seem odd that the low milage Ducati isn't necessarily a "good buy"   I had my beemer for 22 seasons and, I swear, I had put together a file that had pretty much every purchase receipt and service order over that time. I'm usually put off if there's no paper trail for maintenance.   I'm glad I took time out of the S2R 800 purchase to get a few things figured out. Unless he can compromise on the price, I think I'm going to have to pass on that one.    I REALLY like this place!   Thank you!

[diamonddog-2]

KoKo64: Thanks for the welcome.   YIKES!   well it's good to know about the tank issues. When did the plastic ones begin and end?  Are there issues with the metal ones?         I'd have to say both of the bikes have an appeal to me. The clean swing arm look and simplicity of wheel removal is what my eye is use to after the K bike, so the S2R has it there. I assume it also had a few more bugs worked out of it, excluding the tank issue? 

The early 2000  900's have some kind of a classic monster vibe going on for me, if you can dig it?....

Do I prefer the S2R or the more classic M900S ie?  or wait!  what about the S4?  I dunno, it's like: do I like blondes, redheads or brunettes?  YES!!  I just know that somewhere from around 2000 or 2001 to the 2007 years are the ones that seem to appeal to my eye and tiny brain most.  I guess that, pretty much, the less cluttered the bike looks the better...

I guess that, given a really good condition Ducati Monster that has been well serviced, has paperwork, has been properly accessorized AND is affordable, heck, I'd be proud to have pretty much any of 'em in my garage. I lean towards the fuel injected ones.