Yo yo!!
So, I finally purchased my first Ducati. I guess I shouldn't say "finally" since I wasn't really looking for one in the first place. I'm a casual fan but didn't have specific plans to own one any time soon.
I started off by looking for a cheap project. I've had bigger bikes before (FJR, Ninja 1000) but I've come to learn that speed doesn't do it for me. I miss the torque of inline/V twins and ride around town mostly, with occasional commuting and blasting through the mountains. I still regret selling my Ninja 650 streetfighter last year and had been scouring craigslist, looking for another one of those. Then Ducatis came up at work one day so I thought I'd do a search just to see what was out there.... and next thing you know I'm jumping on a deal for an '06 S2R 800.
First, the bad:
- high-ish mileage, 55,000
- due for service
- clearly been dropped once or twice, heavy scratches but no major dents/damage
- rode it home with a VERY loose chain and it chafed/gouged the swingarm. it doesn't look like it has been doing it for long (it was dark but I should have checked this before riding it... derrrr.)
Now the good:
+ bought from original owner (nice guy, knew his stuff, had a lot in common)
+ 90% commuting miles
+ complete service records from a local and reputable Ducati dealer, dating back to original purchase
+ NO tank swelling
+ newish tires
+ came with new OEM exhausts, a set of heads, and some other misc. parts/tools
+ PRICE!... picked it up for $2,950
The only major scratches are on the front fairing, the seat cowl, and the clutch cover. I'm the kind of guy who likes working on his own stuff unless it seems too big to tackle. I have been reading/watching videos about the valve maintenance and it doesn't seem too bad. I don't know a lot about motors but I worked on planes for the USAF for 12 years. I should be able to handle it.
I changed the plugs adid some other small stuff last night. I am going to try to find a spanner to adjust the chain and pick up some Seafoam on the way home from work tonight. After that, new springs and other maintenance stuff will be adressed.
For the long term, I'm thinking a set of Suburban Machinery bars (had them on the 650 and loved them), bar end mirrors, low mount/weight exhaust and a few other things. I love modding but tastefully so and over a long period of time.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-obNZq56jwg8/UcMWrag-vCI/AAAAAAAAAfg/eJ44ZJ8EeNA/w925-h694-no/2013-06-20)
Not the greatest photo, I'll have to take more.
Lastly, I have been a member of several forums and I know there is a lot of knowledge that can be found in places like this.
Welcome, good choice, my brother has one.
Welcome and congrats on a deal on that S2R.
I have have one myself, but in black w/ white stripes and rims.
I'm jealous that you dont have the tank swelling issue on yours. [thumbsup]