Edit: this thread is being moved from "Introduce Yourself" as it is quickly becoming a build thread.

Hi everyone,
This is my first post on DMF since I just purchased my first Ducati yesterday!  I have wanted to get into riding since I was in high school but never had the opportunity (no money, too busy, or didn't have approval from my significant other).  I finally convinced my wife to let me get a bike 6 months ago, so I took the MSF and bought a 2008 Ninja 250R.  I have ridden everyday since then and am completely infatuated.

I love wrenching on things and have wanted to pick up some kind of project.  Late last week I came across a Craigslist add that I couldn't pass up: Ducati Monster (Dark Edition) w/ 900 miles. Bought it from the original owner who dropped it going 15mph.  It hasn't been started in 7 years so its going to need some minor engine work to get it going. Will also need some cosmetic things (new gas tank, new tires, new muffler, turn signals, etc.).  Picked it up for only $500.

I am passionate about getting this thing street worthy again.  This things needs some life breathed back into it.  Any maintenance advice or source for less expensive used parts would be greatly appreciated.  And of course this thread would be incomplete without some pictures:





Looking forward to getting to know you all.
Joshua

I'm not the best to tell you what needs to be done, but after seven years.....
(tires, oil, oil and air filter, cam belts, fuel lines, carburetors serviced, seized engine?, battery, fork and shock service, seals, gaskets, bearings, clutch and brake fluid +++ )

This bike seems to have been lowered - also the seat might have been shaved down(?)(side shot picture will show)
The hoop over the swing arm can be adjusted - the forks are mounted higher than stock (can be returned to stock)
If the shock is still working it might need adjustment from the previous owner (short person? = light weight person?)

DanMoto for best deals on new carbon fiber exhaust.
Ebay or here for a new tank.

Good luck - keep us posted!

Welcome

Yep, you've got some work ahead of you, but a purchase price of $500 will take some sting out of that.

stopintime hit the replacement items. Obviously those can be handled in an order to spread out the cost and some won't be needed until you get past another step. First on the block would be new battery, cam belts and carby/fuel system bits. be sure to drain the tank 100% (FSM knows what's in there) and have a good look for rust. And be sure to have the lid off your airbox and look at and under the filter. It's not unheard of for critters to take up residence.

For parts, we've got a thread devoted to OEM alternatives and there's a couple of the site sponsors who carry a lot of part or have made their own. 
Also, we've got a parts for sale and parts wanted section that should be helpful.

Shouldn't be too bad to bring it back - just might take a while. When you hit a question, plenty of folks here to help

Aside from the fact that it hasn't been started in 7 years.... It looks clean.

Perform every single maintenance there is as the bike's engine hasn't been broken in.

Wow, I thought I stole my bike.
The MotoCorsa shop has good guys and a rad gal that know their stuff.
I am up in Seattle and the Seattle guys have helped me so damn much.

If you need anything.

In the spring hit me up for a ride.

TR

Quote from: take risks on November 12, 2012, 12:22:36 AM
Wow, I thought I stole my bike.
The MotoCorsa shop has good guys and a rad gal that know their stuff.
I am up in Seattle and the Seattle guys have helped me so damn much.

If you need anything.

In the spring hit me up for a ride.

TR

Hi TR,
Dang I am bummed that I just now saw your post.  Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into MotoCorsa.

BTW I am up on Whidbey Island every year for the whole month of June.  Maybe we can hook up next year for a ride once I get my bike up and running!!!

Joshua

Made some small progress on my rebuild:

-Purchased a new gas tank.  Currently at the painters to have it prep'd for paint.  Not sure on the color yet but it won't be black

-Installed clip-ons which you can see in the pix.  Love the look and feel.

-Picked up a new headlight from a KTM Superduke.  Going to retrofit it to the monster.









Wish I had more time and money!!!

QuoteWish I had more time and money!!!

Who would not??? 

Bill Gates?

But that's the common cry for most of us.

Progress pictures:





Question: do I keep posting my progress here or should I migrate my build thread to Accessories and Mods?

Do as you please, but Acc & Mods get more traffic and attention and is more suitable for questions you might have as you procede with the work.

You can move the whole thing with the 'Move Topic' button down left at the bottom - the title is fine as it is, but to avoid confusion add (with the edit button on your first post) one line about the move.

Very nice tank

Quote from: stopintime on January 12, 2013, 03:36:41 PM
Do as you please, but Acc & Mods get more traffic and attention and is more suitable for questions you might have as you procede with the work.

You can move the whole thing with the 'Move Topic' button down left at the bottom - the title is fine as it is, but to avoid confusion add (with the edit button on your first post) one line about the move.

Very nice tank

I think I am ready to make the leap to Acc & Mods.  This build is gaining momentum and I may need help soon with some things.

Thanks for the compliment.  Yeah I'm loving this tank.  Just trying to figure out which color I want to go with and who is going to do the paint work.  I want to do the painting myself because of a lack of funds, but I also don't want to screw it up either.

Quote from: stopintime on January 12, 2013, 03:36:41 PM
Very nice tank

+1
Looks great!

Glad the tank worked out for you Joshua!

Quote from: The Bearded Duc on January 12, 2013, 04:51:10 PM
+1
Looks great!

Glad the tank worked out for you Joshua!

Yeah thanks for hooking me up with such a great deal!  I was pretty surprised by how deep some of the dents went but my body guy had no problem pulling all of them out.  Can't wait to get some fresh paint on it.  Can't decide between a dark grey or bright red....

Some variation or red might look pretty sick with that black frame!!