Hi All,

Name is Josh
Location is Northern Virginia
I've got a fleet of bikes that currently includes
- TL1000S for the street
- XR650R for the desert
- DR250SE for the wife (and my city commuting)
- CR250R for MX and off road
- CRF450R for MX

I got my start with bikes when I bought a basket case YZ80 when I was 11yrs old.  Spent the winter rebuilding it in my mom's laundry room and the rest is history.  Now I've done over 130k miles on the street and have done almost everything there is to do off road.

I haven't got a ducati yet, though I'd quite like to add a MTS1200 and Hypermotard to the garage eventually for myself.

My reason for pestering you good folks is that I'm considering getting a Monster 620 for my wife.  She's been riding for five or six years now.  She started out on my VF500 then took over on the DR250Se when I had to sell the VF (school).  I'm out of school for good now and its time she had her own street bike again.  She likes the look of the monster and the size/weight/power is about right for her.  I'm also firmly convinced that street bikes should have 90 degree 2cyl engines so there's that taken care of as well.

I've come across a 2005 Monster 620 for $2500 that's got 7k miles, full service records and needs a little TLC - a few little scratches here and there but nothing major.  (owner says it tipped over in his driveway and from the damage I think that is accurate - scuff on the end of the clutch lever, broken left foot peg).  It comes with a new footpeg, chain and other bits.  The most immediate problem is that the key won't turn.   The owner said it'd been sticky for a while, but that now it won't turn at all.  He said the security bolt that slides out when turning on the bike is stuck.  Any thoughts on this?

Here's the machine in question










Any comments about things to look for generally, whether this is a good value and the key/ignition issue specifically would be most appreciated! I'm mechanically inclined and have done most all repairs/rebuilds there are to do on bikes, but have absolutely zero experience with ducatis specifically. I'm aware of the unique valve actuation and timing belts, but that's about it.

Hello, another NOVA person here. South Arlington to be more specific

Well at $2500 it's a good looking deal, but that key thing... You might to a little researching about stuck barrels like this. There are specific key lubes - though I don't know how much good they are if it's really stuck as they are usually dry lubes. But you could try shooting some Electrical switch lube in there. I'd hesitate to shoot  WD-40 or anything like that in there as it is a switch.

Other things to note - This bike should have 3 keys. Two black 1 red. Make sure they are all there, and the code card. IF the red key and card are missing, that's a problem.

From the photos this bike was made in the later half of 2005, which means it's got a plastic tank. There's been issues with the plastic tanks expanding due to water held in the ethanol in the blend gas. Check threads on here for details about the swelling. In some instances it's a hassle, others it's a real problem as the tank won't sit right, pushes against the key way etc.

There should be a red cowl for the seat for this model. If it's missing, it's far fro ma deal beaker, but it did come with one from the factory

If you do get it, and opt to install the new chain - I'd suggest a 14t front sprocket and and the factory count for the rear. A 14t was the best value dollars spent on my 620, especially if it'll be a commuter.

Oh and both the rider and passeger pegs are the same. The riders has a spring to hold it down, and the passengers has a ball and spring detent system to keep it up. If you remove the passenger one to swap, keep a hand cupped around the pivot when you pull it from the rearset. The detent is two ball bearings with a spring in the middle that loves to shoot across the room, right under something big and heavy.


Oh and another thing - we've got a local section for the DC Metro + area
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=20.0
Come and drop a line there too

Awesome info, thanks!  I'm in Annandale and work at 17th & K in DC.

I was wondering about the seat cowl - I've seen those on other monsters but didn't know if they were factory or a DP accessory.  I'll ask about that.  I'd heard about the keys at some point on ducatis and appreciate the reminder on that point as well.

14T on the front is one down from stock I presume?  I've heard they were geared a bit tall so this makes a lot of sense.

Very helpful on the pegs and tank as well.  I wasn't sure if it would have the plastic or steel tank.  I'm aware of the plastic tank issue only because I've been following it for completely different reasons (relating to legal theory and a paper I'm writing). 

I think I'm going to go look at it in person tomorrow morning and probably bring it home if everything checks out ok.

Yeah the cowl is factory, unless it's a dark model.. which that's obviously not

Yes, a 14 front sprocket is -1 in front. The gearing isn't super tall, but it sure helps. It allows one to use more of the low end of the RPM band effectively. Especially nice when doing a lot of starting, like in city traffic.

Legal theory eh? Check out the plastic tank thread. It was started by Ducatiz who's a lawyer and might have some useful info for your paper.

Thanks I'll have a look at that thread 

I just brought it home.  Has the red key and all records since new (I bought it from the original owner).  Key will turn enough that the steering lock retracts, but not all the way to the ON position.  I'm off to the garage now to see what I can do there.

don't use wd40 in that lock

it will gum it up to hell

take it off, and use a dry lube spray to clean it.  soak it well.  the liquid goes away and leaves a non sticky film. 

nice bike, 620 is probably a bit under your experience power-wise but it is a fun bike.  lighten it up and have fun

Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to pleasure/pain of Ducati ownership.   

As Ian (Mr. Panda) said, come look us up in CAM (Capital Area Monsters) and say hello.  We'll start the weekly meets back up soon now that the weather is getting better.  Looking forward to meeting you.

I was wondering what CAM stood for, got it now:)  Whenver y'all start up let me know.  I ride every day regardless of weather. If its snowing a lot I'll be on the dual sport bike though

I'm not sure what I did, but it works now.  I didn't even get around to spraying anything at it:)  
I noticed that the oil pressure sensor was unplugged and full of water (it sat out in the rain recently the PO said).  With the bike running the oil pressure light is on, but it sounds very nice.  I'm guessing water got down into the switch and shorted it internally - anyone deal with this before?

It does have the plastic tank issue and the tank was pressed against the ignition cylinder (possibly contributing to the problem). I temporarily fixed it by moving the tank back about 8mm (increased the length of the slots for the rear mounting bracket).  Now there's just a tiny bit of clearance.  Any further back and the seat won't fit though.

I swapped the passenger peg out for the broken rider peg so that's fixed for now.  I also fitted the solo cowl - looks even better that way I think.

The clutch lever is bent pretty badly so I need to replace that, then it should be rideable.

One of the clear plastic gauge covers is cracked.  Any clue if these can be replaced without replacing the whole cluster?

Also, it turns out its a 2006 model.

For the oil pressure switch - just blow it dry gently put some dielectric grease in and connect it back.  It's common for water to get in the connection and send a weak low pressure signal. The actual switch is sealed so it won't be ruined.  You just need to dry the connections

Quote from: bikepilot on March 12, 2011, 01:27:05 PM
The clutch lever is bent pretty badly so I need to replace that, then it should be rideable.

One of the clear plastic gauge covers is cracked.  Any clue if these can be replaced without replacing the whole cluster?

I'd suggest ebay for both of those since original Ducati parts can get silly expensive!!

"You need a new instrument cluster, ok, give me your first born! Oh lever, that is cheap, I make you a deal, just gimme left testicle!"

Actually you might even want to try bending the clutch lever back. It doesn't look that bad in the photos.

If you need more help with the bike, you can check out the "Accessories & Mods" and "Tech" boards, lots of good info there. Probably more people than you would expect have had the same (or similar) issues.

Cheers and Welcome!

Thanks sad panda, that fixed it 

Thanks mad king as well. 

Is there a go-to place for ordering (oem) parts online that has a microfiche up?  I'd like to see if just the cluster glass (well plastic) and surround is available as a separate part.

Ducati Omaha.

Colemans in falls church can also get you parts. That's where i go for small parts. Not exactly good economics to buy a pair of exhaust gaskets for $5 and add $6 shipping

And you're welcome for the pressure switch. But that was an easy one. The false pressure light right after a rain or wash is super common

Thanks.  A buddy of mine is a sales guy now at Colemans in falls chruch - I'll nab most stuff there, but its really helpful to be able to price things out and look everything up on a partsfiche first.  I've not had the best luck with parts-guy competence there (buying stuff for japanese bikes).

I just came in from fiddling with the bike for the afternoon.  It is now clean (took forever to wash it), chain lubed, brake and clutch fluids flushed/blead and I started in on fixing a non-operative front brake switch.  Took it apart and it looks fairly clean, but the light works when I jump the wires at the connector so something's not right.  It started getting a little dark and cool in the garage so I'm done for now:)

Since this is still all in the intro thread, here's a pic of my ugly mug

Welcome!

If you're looking for OEM levers, I have 2 levers off my 695 that are black.  If you think they'll fit,  you can have them.