So im about to pull the trigger on my first bike, 05 S2R 800. Is there anytthing I should be looking out for? It's the only S2R in my area right now for sale, so I dont really have much to choose from. Anything bad about the 05's? Any info would be appreciated! 

Don't limit yourself to just your town.  Look within a decent road trip's range.  Depending on how particular you are on color and stuff like that.  It's a big deal to me, not so much to others.  Of course I live in Cincinnati and was looking at road trip regardless.

I love my 05 800.  This is also my first bike and it's been a great little learner so far.  The throttle is smooth and forgiving, yet it will really go when you want/neet it to.  I've put about 3000 miles in 4 months and it just keeps trucking.   Maybe I just need to adjust the sag or maybe I need to oil my chain more, but I've had a few problems with my chain slapping on the rear swing arm.  Just something to watch out for.  Plus it's one of the last years (if not the last??) that they used an open loop exhaust system which reputedely makes for easier tuning and adjustment.  That is, if you're into that.  I say go for it, but on a stock unit, I wouldn't pay more than around 6.  I paid more for mine, but I wanted it right then and there, so haggling was out of the question.  Good luck!

P.S.- you will not find one ouce of buyers remorse in this bike, especially not as a first.  I can STILL just sit down, smoke a cigarette, and look at her from top to bottom only wishing I had the scratch to dump into a tig welder and some CF.

Quote from: fwtcc on July 28, 2008, 06:57:17 AM
Don't limit yourself to just your town.  Look within a decent road trip's range.  Depending on how particular you are on color and stuff like that.  It's a big deal to me, not so much to others.  Of course I live in Cincinnati and was looking at road trip regardless.

Thanks for the tips!

I have searched high and low within 500 miles and I cant find anything in my price range. Im not looking to spend over $6k, and this one seems to be perfect, except the color. It's yellow, but I think ill have it painted black 

Bump for more info! Are all the S2R 800's the same? 05-07?

Quote from: Dream on July 28, 2008, 12:35:09 PM
Bump for more info! Are all the S2R 800's the same? 05-07?

No.  Some are very cool, and others were painted some color other than matte black. 

Hopefully there aren't too many out there that haven't been modded.

But they did all start out being the same.

dark?.... DARK!?

Why!?, when you could get them perty white rims?  The red/white is simply sweet.  Period.  Topped only by the pearl/red s4rs.  The black/red 695 is pretty nice to, but, alas... no SSS.

Check craigslist often, check major cities, check this board and the old board, or any ducati board.  You may want to wait (not likely, like any red blooded American, myself included, you want this MF'er NOW!) until the season is over or ending when there will be a slightly larger used market.

Quote from: fwtcc on July 28, 2008, 03:23:27 PM
dark?.... DARK!?
Why!?, when you could get them perty white rims?  The red/white is simply sweet.  Period.  Topped only by the pearl/red s4rs.  The black/red 695 is pretty nice to, but, alas... no SSS.

I agree on EVERY word you said here!!! 
Plus i like the S2R black with the tangerine stripe .. badass!

I wish i had a red ducati for going out at nights with the girl.
thats okay thougt casue mine is GLOSS BLACK!!

And the best best color ever i the 05 S4R blue.

an 05 s2r was my very first bike as well.  as others have said, it's got a smooth, linear power delivery that shouldn't overwhelm you if you're wise with the right hand.  it's got stunning looks, and with a non-stock exhaust, the potential for stunning sound.  it's light, fun to corner, and has a relatively low seat height.

even though i live in san francisco where monsters seem to be the civic's of the bike world (ok, ok, maybe more like bmw 3 series...) mine drew looks all the time.  i loved my monster until the day she was unceremoniously taken from my garage.  so i guess the only downside is that they're too damn attractive.   

Quote from: Jarvicious on July 28, 2008, 06:58:25 AM
 Plus it's one of the last years (if not the last??) that they used an open loop exhaust system which reputedely makes for easier tuning and adjustment.  

Actually, all years of the s2r are open loop. I have an 07 and it's open loop.
I love mine, great for commuting and for the twisties.

No regrets about my '06. Plenty of power, if anything too much (seriously) but one day my skills will catch up. One of the most trouble free monsters made - and personally I think reliability in a vehicle is no small thing. And of course, it's ALL so pretty.

It can certainly be improved with mods - exhaust, mirrors, levers etc.

Some things not so great (which in fact apply to all monsters):

the seat - really uncomfortable, swapped mine for a DP Gel
gearing - it's just a little too tall for slow riding, 14t front will fix it up
stock bar - it never felt right for me - tried clip-ons then went to a high bar with risers before I was happy with it.

Other than that, I think you'll like it. I have no plans to upgrade. This is all the naked bike I need.

Love my S2r, (black with orange stripe)
check the usual, parts that have obviously been replaced,(ie looks newer on one side than the other) indicating it has been dropped, check the service books, I have heard about cush drive rubbers shagging out but otherwise nothing out of the ordinary that you wouldn't check on any other bike.

I have one of the first '05 S2Rs that came over -- the Acid Yellow version.  It was the first EFI Ducati I've ridden.

These bikes are not perfect, nor are they tuned the best.

However, with a little TLC, you'll get an awesome riding bike.  if you are "just a rider" then you'll enjoy the bike.  I have a friend who's not changed a single thing on his S2R except the oil,belts and tires -- he loves it.  He doesn't wheelie or race, but he does put it through the paces.  The bike performs just fine.

On the other hand, I wanted to squeeze more out of mine.  I put a lighter exhaust on it, cut the airbox, retuned it with a Power Commander, and upgraded the forks and brakes.  The bike is 11 lbs lighter and about 7hp more powerful.  It goes faster, but it's still not a motogp bike.

Also, the 800cc engine is a very mature engine.  They had a good bit of time to develop it and there have only been a few issues with them in the 800ss and S2r (valve stems was one issue).  Other than that,  I think it's a great compromise if you want good power but lower insurance rates.

I love the S2R and I would buy it again, but I would seriously consider the S2r1k if the price was close enough.  I like the S2r's wet clutch alright, but the 1k version has a lot more upgrades built-in.   

Plenty of S2R bikes around for sale too as they were a "beginner" bike for many folks. You can find them for cheap as people realize they are not selling something rare.

I've got an 06 S2R 800 with the only color they should be made in Red with white stripe. I take it next week for the 6k service. Absolutely no issues with the bike, still fun after 2 years and it gets a lot of looks. No major mods only a tail chop and mirrors, the exhaust will be next. If you don't need a ton of power but still want to have fun, this is a great bike to get.