Hi all,

I'm extremely new here, just joined today...

I currently ride an '05 Vmax 20th Anniversary edition and am about to trade it for a 2010 Ducati Monster 1100. I just wanted to ask you fine folks what I should look for then checking the Monster over? Any telltale signs of abuse? Any glitches or hiccups I should be aware of? I know it looks to be in excellent condition, has 45000 Km on it, a CF Termignoni exhaust system and corresponding ECU, steering damper, CG open clutch basket cover and that's about it.

The owner did mention the only issue he noticed is that it is easy to lock the handles but hard to unlock and he isn't sure if it's the key or the switch. Would this be the ignition switch or does the Monster have a lock that's on the headset/frame? Is it something I should be concerned with? How much would it be to replace the ignition switch?

I asked about an hard starting or oil leaks as I've read some info on it (correct or not ) but it starts fine and no leaks.

Any other information or tips anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated. While I'd love to start riding a monster, my Vmax is mint and plenty of fun as well No, I can't have both bikes at th moment (she won't let me )

Thanks for any info/help...

The only thing you need is Botox to stop the insane looking grin that you get from riding it!

Service records!  The timing belts should be changed every 15K miles or two years, whichever comes first.  Otherwise, same as any other bike, oh, code card in case of immobilizer failure unless it has been defeated.

Can't help you with the ignition switch over the interwebs, except the first thing I would check is the steering stop adjustment, yes, it has a lock.

^^ What Howie said.

Grab an owner's manual from Ducati's website: http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do

Maintenance schedule is in there. If you don't do the work yourself, the bigger jobs aren't cheap at dealer prices.

Thanks for the info all...

Welcome. Rule of thumb, I consider cosmetic appearance as a sign of how loved a bike is. Although that can hide a scam, a rough looking bike makes me wonder how rough the servicing has been. Service schedule records were emphasized because they count for alot with the Desmo system. Higher kms but correct servicing is often better than low kms and neglect. Listening to the bike run pull in the clutch to quieten it so you can hear the motor. Hopefully all the steering lock needs is an adjustment by backing off the two bolts on the lower fork clamp. Checking the reputation of the workshop that did servicing can help ease your mind or warn you off.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thanks again all for the great information. After all was said and done I picked up the Monster 1100 today and took it on a 3-Hour maiden voyage to home Pretty happy with how much better it handled on the highway than I expected and very much looking forward to having some fun on it for sure

Congrats!

Pics or it didn't happen. 

What he said! ðŸ"·ðŸ"·