Hello from Tarzana, CA...
Just got my license one month ago and I was looking for a beginner bike. I believe the Ducati 620 is perfect to start. I was going to buy a Suzuki SV650, but the opportunity to own this Ducati was offer to me today. The mechanic that I go to fixing my dirt bikes is offering me a 2004 Ducati Monster for $3200.
Any advice on what to check for. I know it will need a back tire soon.
Welcome! The 620 is a fun bike. Not quite the performance of the SV, but its much prettier [thumbsup]
$3200 is a great price. Get maintenance records - when were the belts done last, when were the valves last checked etc (this stuff is a bit $$$). Make sure it has a red key, key/code card and two black keys (red key is the critical bit, if you've got it you can get replacement black keys). Clean, non-slavage titles are good too.
Can you negotiate the price. I should state that $3200 is a great price assuming good condition and nothing crazy on the mileage.
But can't hurt to ask for lower, right? unless he's a good mechanic and you don't want to burn bridges I guess.
Personally, I would just ask for $3000 or $3200 with new tires. If he doesn't budge since its a good price, at least negotiate he mount and balance the new tires for free at least since he is a mechanic.
If he still doesn't budge, just buy it. You'll still be happy, although you may see him sooner than if you buy a SV.
+1 on the records, make sure belts and valves done if it got some miles. Keys are important, and make sure it was never written off by an insurance company.
This last thing may not matter much to you but let me explain. If the bike was totaled, it will probably have a salvage title. However, some bikes are stolen, owners are paid and the bikes are found AFTER. In these cases, insurance may value the bike lower if something were to happen. I don't think it devalues the bike much but another point to negotiate on. There's a website you can check but I don't have the link.
Enjoy, post pics when u get it!
Thanks for the advice. It was actually a 2002, I still want it
He wanted $3800 at first since he added Leo Vince exhaust and a windscreen, but then he said give $3500 right know and its yours.
Call him back later in the day, asked him to lower it to $3,200, and he did hesitated and told me, ok since your are "blah blah blah" I'll give it to you for $3200. He did mentioned He would give me a good deal on tire exchange, fender eliminator kit and LED lights exchange.
I didn't want go any lower on the asking price because I want to be fair with the guy, and want to keep a good thing going with him.
I did save up to $5000 to buy my first bike, so I don't mind paying $3200 for a 2002 ducati Monster.
I do not feel feel like I'm losing $3200, but I do feel like I'm gaining something amazing. First bike a Ducati, never in my right mind I would've imagine.
Checked records on the bike and it's not Salvaged or crashed in any way. Bike only has 9,626 miles.
it looks exactly like this...
(http://nationalmotorsales.com/image_upload/1234976592_DUCAT.jpg)
Minus the aftermarket seat.
I forgot to mentioned that it it a 2002 M750
I just realize that he only has one black key.
I've been reading about the red key issue and it's scaring me money wise.
Should I expect a nightmare?
You don't need to double post.
There are a bunch of threads on red keys. I'm not expert, but best I can tell your options are to have the ECU modified to eliminate the immobilizer (~$250 I think) or replace the gauges, key cylinder, keys and ECU (I might have this a bit off, not sure, whatever it is its way expensive - ~$600 on ebay, lots more new). You can ride it for a long time with just the black keys, but there are limitations for servicing and repair and key replacement without the red key and/or key card. If its got a the keycard but no red key that's probably not as much of a problem as I think you can get a red key made from the keycard. Anyway, I might be a bit off on it but that's the very general rundown. Short story is ducs missing red keys are a pain and should be quite a bit cheaper than ones with the red keys.
Note, I don't know what year they started with the red key nonsense. Maybe 2002 is old enough that they didn't have the immobilzer system. Check into that.