Still looking, need advice

[Tscl300]

Hey guys, I'd appreciate any advice you can give on looking for a good year/model monster. I live in Birmingham, Al and have owned an FJR1300 and a Suzuki Boulevard C90. Looking to spend between 4&5k. Looked at a 04 S4R with 25k miles for $4500 (belts replaced, valves adjusted). Have seen a few 09 696's go for @5k, thinking about those as well. I was about to list all the models but I will just get to it. Any year/sizes to look for/avoid? Seems to be a lot of changes (ie air/water cooled, engine size) between years. What are some pluses/minuses compared to a Honda 919 (besides the fact that it is not as cool. I think I'm sold on the Ducati just based on that)?

[Nomad]

Get an M900, and put the extra 1,000 into mods 

[Slide Panda]

Well vs a 919 a biggy is twin vs i4

There's a wide variety of Monsters with associated variety of trim. S models have the nicest factory farkles. So a 900S or S4Rs will have nice kit (usually suspension and carbon) than a 900 or S4R.

That water cooled at 4 valve and make bigger power than the air cooled, which are only 2v. But water cooled ones are heavier, more systems and when it comes to valve check time are more expensive.

Post mid 2005 monsters got plastic tanks. The 'classic' monsters, pre 696, have had some real issues with the Ethanol in gas leading to swelling or warping of the tanks. I say real, as you can see the fuel tank, it's there vs the newer ones where the fuel cell is covered by plastics.

The bigger the displacement (in a given year) generally the nicer suspension. So that's something to ponder. A 2006 620 has lower spec forks, shock and front brakes vs the same year S2R1000 thought both are air cooled. Same goes for the current line - so if you get an older one you can get a bigger engine and better components for your price range.

I'll 2nd the 900 thought. If you want EFI, it has to be 2000 or newer. A 2000 900S is a tougher find, but they have some nicer bits not seen on the follow up years as they changed the frame from 2000-2001 and needed to use up some of the flash bits like a specal rear brake and Ohlins shock.

I've got one of the mentioned 2000 900S, that's coming up on 34,000 miles and runs like a top. Of course it's all dependent on maintenance for any bike - but the 900 is one of the toughest engines Ducati made. Earlier iterations where used in the Elefant Paris-Dakar bikes. Not as refined or powerful as some of the more recent air cooled offerings, but it's fun, visceral and won't let you down. And if you're a DIY sort, easy as anything to work on.

[Tscl300]

Thank you for the response. I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes- the 04 S4R with 25k miles or an 05 803 Dark with 11k. About the same price but the 803 is in perfect condition where as the S4R has a dent in the tank. Was told that the 996 will ride much smoother, which is important to me, and that the 803 has an especially rough ride. Any thoughts on this?

[Slide Panda]

The S4R will have better suspension than the 800. Now ride, well that's subjective and even the best suspension can be made to ride rough. But the S4R will have a better base line parts and more adjustment available on it's suspension. It's also got 30+ hp on the 300 and more torque.

Of course with the radiator and 4 valves the labor cost on a 4v is about double the 2v bike - so there's a price there.


Dents are super common on Monsters - there's a name even - the Ducati Ding. That 800 might well have a dent too - just been fixed. But maybe not.