Is there much performance difference between......?

[diamonddog-2]

Hey, y'all.    I'm looking at 2 bikes that might fall into a more moderate price range for me.   Figure both bikes are pretty much stock except for aftermarket exhaust  [Termi, Leo V. etc.]. Comparable mileage, probably around the 12K to 20K range.   

Early to mid-ish 2000 fuel injected 900 [no S model] or a S2R 800     Any strong performance differences between the 2 bikes?   Just checking out the differences between the 2, pluses and minuses, to help clarify which one I might go with.  [  Candy is dandy but quicker is slicker! ]  Still hoping to see the prices come down a bit.     One guy mentioned something about lash springs that might need replacement at 12K on his 2000 M900: per a Ducati tech guy that he had been talking to.... but I don't know much about that.  He stated that there hadn't been any problems so why spend the money.   

Thanks!

[the_Journeyman]

The 900 should have a little more grunt low in the revs and has a smoother torque curve.  IMO, I would go with the M900, but that is personal preference.  The S2R  could have better suspension, but it still may need to be adjusted to you.  Appearance is different, two pipes on one side for the S2R, and one on each side for the M900

JM

[diamonddog-2]

Got it. Yeah, I'm kinda liking the more traditional/classic lower hung twin pipes of the 900 over the higher exhaust pipe profile, dual on 1 side, but that's just personal preference. Not a deal breaker.

Thank you!

[Speeddog]

900 will have more age related deterioration.
If both bikes have lived indoors and been taken care of, not much in it.

Assuming that both bikes have the original suspension, 900 has better forks, rear shocks are pretty much the same level of meh.

900 will have a steel tank, S2R plastic tank.

Aftermarket parts support is better for the S2R.

S2R has the immobilizer, 900 does not.

Do both bikes have comprehensive maintenance records?
Fresh tires, driveline in good condition, valves recently adjusted and cambelts replaced?
Brake pads and rotors good?

I've had customers come in with 'new to them' bikes that they got a really good deal on.
Then, after new tires and driveline and some brake pads and maybe a brake rotor are installed to replace the shagged out stuff, and a full service done to remedy neglected maintenance ......
They've got a bike that's sorted and ready to ride, but the 'good deal' part is gone.

[diamonddog-2]

Thank you. Yes, I hear that!    I've been searching for a Monster that has good maintenance history/records that come with it. Seems kind of rare from what I'm seeing. I'm sure as sh*t am needing to see good tires, brakes, chain, sprockets, brake pads, no noticeable vibration on the braking end of it and a reasonable suspension with no oil leaks before I'd consider buying it.  Belts shouldn't be an issue to replace. Recent valve adjustment and fuel filter would be nice to see.  I had 22 YEARS worth of records for my old BMW. It was a thick file of almost every receipt, right down to oil and filters, that either I did or had someone else do.  I guess I'm weird like that. My '02 Aero has a expanding file since I got it only a year ago!

Let's say there's no paper trail but it's claimed that pretty much all service has been done at a Ducati dealer/service center in a different state. Would a local MN. shop be able to look at the records and tell what all has been done, using the VIN?  If I have the VIN, can I call a dealer to get records or is it only done dealer to dealer?

[ducpainter]

S2R has a SSS, 900 has a DSS.

[koko64]

In the end it might just come down to the style you prefer and deal with each bikes needs. The 900 has the iconic dry clutch. As long as they aren't absolute lemons they will just need a bit of love which is part of the fun. I think the 2000-2002 M900 (2000-2001 even more so) are the best 900 models and have real tuning potential. The whole Ducati thing usually includes giving the bike a good service when you get it, just to be sure.

[diamonddog-2]

Sorry, I don't know the difference between a SSS and a DSS.....?   

I'm in agreement with you, koko64.  Whatever bike I end up with, there'll be some service that'll need to be done to it.   I kinda like doing as much service as I'm able to do and getting to know my bike.  Hopefully I DON'T pick a lemon.

[kopfjäger]

Sorry, I don't know the difference between a SSS and a DSS.....?   

Single Side Swingarm
Double Side Swingarm

Lots of good information here from Brad, on both engines, with and without mods.

http://www.bikeboy.org/performance.html

[diamonddog-2]

....right after I responded, I realized what the letters stood for   

Thank you, I'll check out the bikeboy posting!

[diamonddog-2]

....what's a immobilizer?

[diamonddog-2]

....never mind. I realized what it is. Nice option but not performance related.

[koko64]

Some say they bugger up and leave you stranded.

[DarkMonster620]

Some say ~~~

yes Jeremy . . .

[koko64]

Bollocks!