Hi all,
I am in Australia and have loved monsters for some time, have been working hard and saving and am about to purchase my first Ducati monster. I am happy to pay what they are worth, but want to educate myself so that it is money well spent.
I have been looking for a second hand Ducati 900 monster for some time, and have come across alot of japanese imported Ducati monsters.
Initially, after to talking to some riders, I was warned not to purchase a Japanese imported bike due to the bikes having different parts to the standard australian ones and the added cost of importing parts that suit, but the dealer assures me that the Ducati's are the same world wide as far as parts go, and there should be no issues.
Can anyone shed some light of the subject, I am keen to get some independent advice as I am seriously considering a purchase. Also is there any other issues with these bikes compared to the australian purchased ones?
Thanks
Good to see you made it here from Netrider, I was the one who directed you here, Don't forget to pop in and say hi on the Oz Monsters board, Just click on Listing on the left and click on Oz Monsters.
Sorry I can't help with your query, but I am sure some knowledgeable people shall be able to point you in the right direction soon. [thumbsup]
Welcome to the board ;D
Japanese monsters are similar to most European models I believe which are different from US models.
It is not true that monsters are exactly the same world over, they differ in emissions equipment, speed and temperature readout units for a start.
Having said that, most of the other parts are interchangable, off the top of my head, the ECUs and clocks are different.
cheers mihama,
yeah thats what I had beeen told but just wanted to check. Good to diccover this forum, moto people are always more than helpful
arnt jap imported monsters 400 cc or something like that?
I am actually moving to Japan next week. I have friends over there and they all recommended to me to keep it here in storage due to all the bs. I know I would have had to sent it to have a special brake test (bs imo) mongst other things. Not sure on a Jap specific Duc, but most of the bikes they have there are 250-500cc. Once I get there, I can pm you or post up for everyone else
the only problem with an imported Japanese monster is that they only come in yellow. Get it? I'm Korean so I can say it, all you others can't.
Quote from: Bbrent on July 26, 2008, 05:00:35 PM
the only problem with an imported Japanese monster is that they only come in yellow. Get it? I'm Korean so I can say it, all you others can't.
sorry you can't say that... [moto]
for the main reason that i have regular yellow 620 monster in the US and as is well known in ducati circles a yellow ducati is by far the coolest ducati color made so obviously its the best color to have... and yes it even goes faster than a capirex 620 at OVER 140mph. [laugh]
oh yeah and the tri color bikes are not as cool as a yellow bike, that's just a given. ;D
The issue would be Aussie import rules if there are any. The bikes are going to essentially the same a few differences as stated in ECU, power output etc. Japan is a stickler for HP rating on vehicles for determining registration class. Most people don't import to Japan because of the brake inspection which must be done on mainland Japan and costs a bit (like $1000 US I have heard)
I would check if theres any import costs/inspections etc before you commit the $.
cheers,
i am however buying from a local buisness that has already imported them and made them compliant, the only problem is there is no service history or any info on the bike,I have riden it at checked it though. It comes with 3 months warranty and new tyres
I would suggest if you are going to purchase a bike with no service history, take it to a Service Tech and get it serviced from top to bottom, belts, oil, valves, filters, the lot That service might be expensive, but at least you'll know that everything is ready to go and it should OK.
I think enough people can tell you on here about people buying 2nd hand bikes and having horror stories of broken belts and other problems.
But you have to weigh up if your happy with a bike that has a questionable service back ground.
Also not a bad Idea if you can to let everyone know what model your looking at so you can be advised of any problem areas to look out for.
Hope this helps [thumbsup]
Quote from: 55Spy on July 26, 2008, 08:21:50 PM
The issue would be Aussie import rules if there are any. The bikes are going to essentially the same a few differences as stated in ECU, power output etc. Japan is a stickler for HP rating on vehicles for determining registration class. Most people don't import to Japan because of the brake inspection which must be done on mainland Japan and costs a bit (like $1000 US I have heard)
I would check if theres any import costs/inspections etc before you commit the $.
The brake test on bikes is for 2000 and newer bikes....and yes they have to go to mainland and is anywhere from 1k-2k U.S. dollars. There are ways around it for Jap bikes...ie Honda, Yamaha....have Honda USA Honda Japan submit letters for the inspections and you can prevent it.
Quotei am however buying from a local business that has already imported them and made them compliant
Don't know how old the bike is but Ducs in Japan are treated as luxury items, likely to be ridden in good weather, low mileage and well serviced.
There are some who "use" their bikes, on a circuit, in all weathers etc. so normal checks apply, check for crash damage, excessive corrosion etc.
Ask the shop about any warranty and if the required maintenance has been carried out, i.e. belts every two years.
Also special check!! It is likely the bike will be fitted with a multitude of aftermarket parts, rear huggers, open clutch covers, different handlebars etc. Check that you are happy with what’s fitted. I say this because they may be a source of trouble, or worse than the original. Badly fitted rear carbon hugger worn through by the tire, clutch cover breaking in a crash or letting in water that rusts the clutch, fake carbon look mirrors pealing etc. seen it all.
An alternative will be if the original owner removed the custom parts and sold them seperately on ebay before selling the bike. So look at all parts to gauge condition, just cause the exhaust looks mint i.e recently re-attached, doesn't mean the bike as a whole is a safe purchase.