japanese imports

[newrider]

Hi all,
I am in Melbourne and have loved monsters for some time, have been working hard and saving and am about to purchase my first Ducati monster. I am happy to pay what they are worth, but want to educate myself so that it is money well spent.
I have been looking for a second hand Ducati 900 monster for some time, and have come across alot of japanese imported Ducati monsters.
Initially, after to talking to some riders, I was warned not to purchase a Japanese imported bike due to the bikes having different parts to the standard australian ones and the added cost of importing parts that suit, but the dealer assures me that the Ducati's are the same world wide as far as parts go, and there should be no issues.
Can anyone shed some light of the subject, I am keen to get some independent advice as I am seriously considering a purchase. Also is there any other issues with these bikes compared to the australian purchased ones?
Thanks

[DUCMONROB]

Sounds like the dealer will tell you anything just to get the sale!

Different countries have different emission and power controls.

I would find out the Australian specs and look over the grey imports for any differences.

I would firstly look at the carburettors, brakes, wheel widths.

I have a 900 manual which also gives you a breakdown of what the engine number/ frame number prefixs mean.

If you need that let me know.


Rob

[newrider]

thanks rob,
yeah if you could send me those specs would definately help, thanks for the help

[dragonworld.]

For the bike to be able to be registered here it wouild have to cpnform to the local Laws/ADR's etc. There is a fella out Lilydale way that imports these things and one of the fellas at work had a look at them and they dont look too bad!! [moto]

I'd be concerned with corrosion with these imports!! Have look at an imported Babyblade at see the oxidisation on the ally parts and in particular the brake pistons and inside the tank. The shit inside the tank eventually leads to big fuel system problems (Worked on a few of these ) And in worse case the valves and rings have corroded also and of course the motor was eventually a bucket of scrap. (Buyer beware!! )

Depends on how they come over here, but a lot of the time they come here strapped to the deck of a ship open to all the elements. (I've seen them offloading here on the docks )

Bottom line is get it checked before handing over the hard earned. Caveat Emptor.

[slowpoke13]

If you do end up with one from japan (this goes for anyone) and need specific parts you can't find, let me know and i'll see what i can dig up.

[newrider]

thanks heaps for all the advice,
hey dragonworld getting it checked is a really good idea cause i am a bit worried,especially after what you said, where can I get someone professional to check it independantlly for me, happy to pay someone to do a proper check

[DosVerde]

Hi NewRider,

How much are you looking at spending on a Monster (if you don't mind me asking) ? Are the imported ones that much cheaper to make any hassles, (real or otherwise) worth it? Maybe spend a bit more on an Australian delvered Monster with service history so you can just get out and ride without any worries. Are you coming up from a 250? Maybe a 620 or 750 would be an alternative if you can't find a 900 at the right price.

Just some food for thought from a fellow Melbourne Monster rider  [moto]

Cheers,

[newrider]

nah,
was riding an Xr 600 before this, not really interested in anything lower than the 900 because believe for the cost the lower cc s are not really worth it. This purchase is hopefully going to be the bike I keep for a long while.Probably looking at spending anywhere between 7500 to 10,000. Would much rather buy an australian one with a complete service history, and the japanese ones aren't any cheaper, it's just that there is not many australian ones around for sale at the moment. Well not in Vic anyway.

[ace70]

What vintage are you looking at?
For that sort of price you should be able get a good local bike with decent kms up to the 2000 model.

And to tell you the truth for that sort of price i wouldn't touch a Duke without a good service history, hey i would even want to talk the mechanic who worked on the bike.
And i bet the importer would not be able to give you a service history, even if he could, it should be in Japanese!!

I remember seeing an imported 1998 900M with low km from one of these guys, would have had the smaller valves and 750 cam from the '98 model, and the guy was asking for big money.
Problem is here these bikes don't like to sit around either, ie. when have the belts been changed, how often has the oil been changed in its lifetime, these are big things when it comes to the Desmo engine.
A belt letting go while underway is not a pretty sight, and not good for the hip pocket...

Lots of things to consider

[newrider]

yeah Ace,
Great advice, um would love to get something between 1996 and 2000. Yeah it is a lot of money,and as excited as I am to get riding I think I need to have to just be patient and wait for the right one to come along. There is no service history on these bikes,I have already asked,and like you said,it is a big risk not worth taking.The guys there were quite helpful, but they are definately asking top dollar, no negotiating.

[ace70]

Newrider,

I think its a good idea to wait,

I would call all the local and interstate workshops (smaller non factory supported workshops), such as Bob Brown Ducati, Gowanlochs, and ask those guys if any of their customers are selling. They sometimes have notice boards in the shops.

Also get onto the different Ducati club websites around the country, here is the link from the Victorian Ducati owners club- http://www.docv.org/links/clubs.html
and see if they have any for sale, usually a good chance of a pucker one from a club member.

Just be patient, they're out there,
I picked up an older one (1995) that needed a fair bit of work, but i'm very happy with the "old school" model 

[newrider]

just want to say a big thanks to all that posted on this thread and gave me some great advice.
I have just put a deposit down on a 2000 matt black 900 monster thru a private sale.
The bike comes with heaps of extra's and full service history, and has only had 2 owners. One of which is now having a kid so reluctantly had to sell his pride of joy. I fell very confident that I have made a good buy and the bike has everything I wanted.Plus it was the same price i was looking at spending anyway.
I was also more than happy to hand over hard earned cash to a bike enthuiast who can't do enough to help me get on my duke and look after it correctly.
I am stoked, i pick it up today.
So thankyou all for your help, your advice was well headed, especially Ace, and has it has had the best result
Wish you all safe riding,
see you on the road

[Betty]

see you on the road

.... see you in the 'show us your ride thread'

Congratulations, enjoy your new baby.

[monstermick58]

Whoo Hoo!! Hook up with some of the lads down your way, and post your ride up, you are gunna enjoy this mate!








                                                     Mmick

[bazz20]

just want to say a big thanks to all that posted on this thread and gave me some great advice.
I have just put a deposit down on a 2000 matt black 900 monster thru a private sale.
The bike comes with heaps of extra's and full service history, and has only had 2 owners. One of which is now having a kid so reluctantly had to sell his pride of joy. I fell very confident that I have made a good buy and the bike has everything I wanted.Plus it was the same price i was looking at spending anyway.
I was also more than happy to hand over hard earned cash to a bike enthuiast who can't do enough to help me get on my duke and look after it correctly.
I am stoked, i pick it up today.
So thankyou all for your help, your advice was well headed, especially Ace, and has it has had the best result
Wish you all safe riding,
see you on the road

well done and welcome to the monster family  [moto]