Hello from SoCal

[ocmagnum]

Hello Everyone;

First of my best wishes for 2013 for all of you. Second, I like to cover my bases and have recently joined a number of Ducati forums, so this might look familiar to some of you 

My name is Rico and I have wanted to get back on two wheels (mopeds and 125cc back in Europe many years ago) for some time and decided that summer of 2012 was the perfect time to do it. So I took the MSF in July, got my gear the following week and bought a bike in early August. I am the proud second owner of a 2012 Ninja 250 and have put close to 3000 miles on it. The first couple of weeks were just parking lot miles, but after that I have been commuting on the bike almost every day and taking short weekend trip (25 to 75 miles) whenever possible.

Even before I got serious about riding, there were two bikes that I am lusting after; the Thriumph Thruxton and the Monster. I decided however that I wanted to start on a 250cc to get my feet wet and did not regret that decision one bit. There have definitely instances in the beginning when rider error entered the equation and a bigger bike might not have been as forgiving as the little Ninja. But by now I am feeling fairly confident in my abilities and my two dream bikes start calling my name louder and louder. I am here to learn as much as possible about the Monsters and I truly appreciate all the experience shared on this site.

I was initially looking at 696/796s, but have stumbled on a 2002 M750sie with only 1000 miles on her. Went to see and hear her (no test ride as it was raining) and she is in great shape. Only a minor scratch on front fork and another very small one one the duckbill. Husband had bought for wife but she never really got into riding apparently. Looks like I would be able to get the dealer to put new tires on her, or reduce the price accordingly. I have also gotten a copy of the "repair order" they did for the prior owner, prior to offering the bike for sale. Looks like the bike had been sitting for some time and fuel leaked from the bottom of the tank. So the summary of services is:

- removed fuel tank and pulled out pump. Cleansed pump and replaced all integral fuel lines and fuel filter, flushed out inside of tank
- removed throttle bodies and disassembled. Cleaned all internal components and fuel injectors prior to re installation.
- installed new timing belts
- oil change

No word on other fluids, but might be part of their prepping a used bike and not have it listed on the repair order. Will need to ask that if I decide to pursue further. Any comments on the history revealed by the repair order? Big enough a worry to take this one off the list or no biggie given the repair by the dealership (they sent me a complete list of items replaced, about $530 in parts)?

Sorry for such a long first post and thanks in advance for your time and guidance!

[herm]

welcome to the board. When does the repair order say the belts were last done? that is a time OR mileage thing, so may need doing again depending on how long it has been. also, i would be suspicious of that leak under the tank. the metal tanks are notorious for leaking at the point where the hinge is welded to the underside of the tank.

neither are necessarily deal breakers if the price is right for you, but both should be looked into so you know what you are getting.

lastly, post these same questions over in the "tech" section, and you will get all kinds of good advice on the bike.

[Curmudgeon]

Welcome! Nothing wrong with a long intro post; read mine.

Assuming you go for the Monster, be aware that the weight distribution is different on the bike you are considering vs the new, 696/796 bikes which are more nimble and more planted. Maybe ride 'em both? If you're stuck on this one, obviously have the dealer change the clutch and brake fluid with long-life DOT 4.

Maybe ride a Thruxton too and get that out of your system. Monsters and Bonnevilles are very different. Both have pros and cons. I have both, but if you can only have one, be sure it's THE one! 

[ocmagnum]

Thanks guys, truly appreciate the feedback.

The repairs, and changing of the belts were just done before the bike was put up for sale, so should be good to go on that end. While I hope this next bike won't be my last, good point about riding them all before making the pick.

Thanks again!

[Slide Panda]

Welcome - I chimed in on your price thread.

When you do find another steed, or get this 750 we always demand pix!