Hi you all!

I got my first bike about 4 years ago. I had a 2005 kawasaki zx6r. It was lots of fun. To make a long story short, I am finally able to get and ride a bike again. I am planning on commuting to work on the bike as much as possible. I am also interested in taking the bike to the track. I am really digging the ducati monster and have come across two similar priced ducatis.
A) 2005 Monster S2r 800 cc. With the exception of the enlarged deformed tank due to ethanol that is about to peel, the bike is well kept and has a termignoni exhaust and some sort of special ECU unit. It has 7k miles and all proper maintenance and good tires. Due to the expensive tank problem I figure something between $3.5k and $4.5. If the tank is ok then $5.5k
B) 2002 Monster S4 916cc. The bike has good maintenance records and has 18k miles. Also has termignoni exhaust though I believe just the slip on. Lost of graphite parts and clean looking. I also just discovered what a dry clutch is; pretty awsome looking machinary as it can be seen through the cover. The dry clutch is pretty loud and did not get to ride the bike but I plan to test ride it saturday with cash in hand.. He offered it to me for $5.2k.

I wouild like to use the bike to commute and put plenty of miles on it. I am also looking at taking it to the track which I have never been to before . Because I am interested also in track, I have been looking at 05 zx6rrs and z1000 though am leaning toward the monsters. What's your guys' opinion. Thanks

I'd buy the S4 in a heartbeat.

Good luck and post pics when you make your choice.

Hmmm... that's a bit tough. If you plan to put a lot of miles on it.. I might lean towards the 800 since it's valve checks won't be such a hassle. The Desmoquarto heads on the S4 are a PITA to check the valves on... And I'd ask if the S4 owner has had the rockers checked. They had issues with flaking chrome, which isn't cheap to sort out.

But beyond that S4.. yeah S4

Awsome.. appreciate the advice. I will be checking the bike out tomorrow and ask about the rocker (which I dont know much about). However, a good friend of mine recommended a friend of his who is a bike mechanic who happens to be the mechanic of the S4 I am looking at.Such said mentioned mechanic says its in really good shape and done all maintenance. Last check on it was at 13k miles. In case I get tired of the dry clutch sound I will see If I can get a cover for it.

Finally, got the red S4 pictured above! Awsome bike, sounds great. Such a different feel from my zx6r. Will be taking her on the homestead speedway track in mid April; already ordered the appropriate gear. On a bad note, while moving her to get her started she fell on her right side. scratches except for the bar end frame slider and my bar end brake lever tip broke, will replace it or file the tip so that It not look broken. Excellent bike.