[ddicosmo]

I have decided to take the Ducati plunge and have found two good (what I believe to be good that is) deals on two Ducati bikes:

- 2004 Monster 1000S ie with 4,900 miles fully stock. The price is $6,500.
- 1999 SuperSport 900FF with 13,000 miles, corbin seat, FSF pipes and carbon fiber clutch cover. The price is $5,000.

Both bikes are yellow and in great shape (the Monster is actually Mint with all paperwork and the SS900 is in very good condition with a couple scratches on the lower fairing and the dealer just did a full 12k service on it).

Both are great bikes and both are similar (but much superior) to two previous bikes I've owned in the past (a 1998 CBR 600F3 which I still own but will sell if I buy the Duc, and a 1986 Yamaha Fazer 700S). I just can't decide which one to buy. I don't know which one is the better deal. Since you guys are Ducati experts, can you provide me with the pros and cons of each bike and which one you think is the better deal?

Thanks!

 

[bruce19]

The better deal is the one that fits your riding needs.

bruce19

 

[ddicosmo]

I should have been a bit more specific about what I'm looking for in a bike:

First of all, I really enjoy having a sportbike since I do 1 or 2 track days per year and I like the feel of a nimble bike in the twisties. However, I also use my bike in the spring, summer and fall (I live in New England) to commute to work (30-35 minutes each way). I found that my CBR600F3 was a bit uncomfortable on my commute after a while even though these bikes are not that aggressive. My lower back and wrists wound hurt after a while. So I was thinking about getting a bike with a bit more relaxed riding position (Hence the Monster). The problem is I don't want to give up the sportbike feel either. So hence my dillema. I really don't know which bike to get. I even thought about getting an ST but that may be a bit too tame for me and I still want to be able to do track days. So I guess the best thing would be to get both bikes but I can only afford one.

 

[butch]

That Monster sounds like a smokin deal. But I agree with Bruce the deal is the one that fits you better. Sounds like a few test rides are in order.

 

[RotoRooterGuy]

I have decided to take the Ducati plunge and have found two good (what I believe to be good that is) deals on two Ducati bikes:

- 2004 Monster 1000S ie with 4,900 miles fully stock. The price is $6,500.
- 1999 SuperSport 900FF with 13,000 miles, corbin seat, FSF pipes and carbon fiber clutch cover. The price is $5,000.

Both bikes are yellow and in great shape (the Monster is actually Mint with all paperwork and the SS900 is in very good condition with a couple scratches on the lower fairing and the dealer just did a full 12k service on it).

Both are great bikes and both are similar (but much superior) to two previous bikes I've owned in the past (a 1998 CBR 600F3 which I still own but will sell if I buy the Duc, and a 1986 Yamaha Fazer 700S). I just can't decide which one to buy. I don't know which one is the better deal. Since you guys are Ducati experts, can you provide me with the pros and cons of each bike and which one you think is the better deal?

Thanks!

Firstly, everything is negotiable, are those the bottom line prices on both? If from a dealer, you have not purchased, considering this is February, and that no dealer negotiates final price until you are ready to sign, I suspect either bike can be had for $500 to $700 off the price, if not more. No dealer I know of advertises bottom line, no haggle, pricing. [unless part of some promotion, but even on those sales they deal price].

That said, from a dependability standpoint, an important factor, the 2004 is the better way to go. That's practically a new bike. Maybe it still has some time on the two-year factory warranty?

However, if you can get the 1999 Supersport for $4500 or less, 13k miles is still pretty low mileage for a bike, so it may be a good deal also, the trade off being it is a 1999 versus the 2004 Monster. Keep in mind, however, that 1999 means it is a seven year old bike. That is getting old in many rider's minds and resale value may be affected [see below].

Bottom line, both can be good deals, all things considered. So that simply leaves your making a personal decision, one that no one else can make depending on what and how you want to ride, for reasons important and intimate to you.

One thing that you may want to factor in, that can tip the scales in either bike's favor, is resale value. Get the price low enough, ride the bike, and if it is not for you, simply resell it and get all your money back, or maybe a little less.

To have this option you would need to get the bike at a low enough price so that you could sell it later for little or no loss. Either bike, if you get in it right [on price] may give you the option to sell it later at no loss. [Maybe should not refer to any lesser selling price as a "loss" since you will have used the bike for at least the 2006 riding season. One should be expected to pay for that ].

 

[Bill_Anderson]

I even thought about getting an ST but that may be a bit too tame for me and I still want to be able to do track days.

Get an ST! A tame bike it ain't. Remove the hard bags, raise the adjustable tailpipes to the high position, and you have a track bike. As proof, I have attached a photo of two ST4s's (not mine) doing a track day. When you are not doing track days, you have a daily commuter and a transcontinental sport touring machine.
Hey, you guys knew I was going to say that!

 

[bruce19]

I should have been a bit more specific about what I'm looking for in a bike:

First of all, I really enjoy having a sportbike since I do 1 or 2 track days per year and I like the feel of a nimble bike in the twisties.

Can't comment about Monsters, but the SS is not what I think of as a "nimble" bike. I'm assuming by that you mean it can be flicked around at will. My pre-98 SS's were the kind of bikes you set up for a corner and then it felt like it was on rails. But, "flickable", it was not.

bruce19

 

[amullo]

The Supersport seems to be the obvios choice of the two if your only going to have one bike.

But I´d think real long and hard about the 900 engine. Sure, It´s a great engine, but the 1000DS engine is SOOOO much nicer that it´s scary.

The Supersport is a good bike on track, VERY nice in twisties and okey in town. But it does have some lean forward, so a commute might be abit hard if your riding in the city.

The Monster is a great commute, great twisties and moderate pace track bike. You CAN change some stuff to go faster on the track, but if you normally get a knee down, your going to be dissapointed when taking it to the track, compared to the SS.

A ST4s might be just the thing. the same engine as the Superbike 996, but with a more upright position and Öhlins suspension. This bike has a bigger "tourer" badge then it deserves. It´s as much a touring bike as a Honda VFR. If it was a car, you would see it fit with the big GT cars like a BMW M5 and so on.

One thing to look at is the Multistrada. These bikes aren´t really "pretty", but they are damned fun to ride. I´ve had my ass handed to me by one multistrada rider at the track (And i consider myself pretty fast, being in the middle of the fastest group on track). They work extremly well bort in city and they where designed to do twisties. Longer rides with paniers is also among the things the bike does well.

Sorry.. I just made it worse!

Bottom line.. Try a Monster and an SS, but keep an open mind about the ST and Multistrudel.

//amullo

 

[rz33v4]

An SS with bar risers ans a Corbin or Sargent seat would be the better all-rounder, especially if you want to ride to work daily and do an occasional track day.

Don't discount the wind coverage from the SS full fairing versus that little fly screen on the Monster. The SS piece really works and allows effortless cruising at 70-80 MPH.

Have you looked on E-bay for a used 1000SS? My brother bought a brand new leftover 2004 last year for $9500 out-the-door, but there are also good deals on used bikes if you are patient.

 

[grinder96]

I opted for the ST4S because of the engine, the stock suspension(on the 'S' model), the versatility and the fact its a wolf in sheeps clothing. Take a closer look at the ST line and read some more reviews. The ST4S has the 996 superbike engine tuned with slightly more torque and is anything BUT tame!!! It will do everything you mentioned you wanted in a bike!! Track days, bags on for commuting, sportbike feel.

The only problem I can see is some people say it has an aggressive riding position, more so then some current sportbikes if you look at the ergo's. It doesn't bother me a bit, but some who have commented have curred this with bar risers!

The ST4S has been discontinued and replaced with the ST3S. But you can find 02' to 05' ST4S's used all over. head over to the Sport touring forum and fire off any questions you may have they are always willing to "guide" you in the right direction.

Sorry to confuse your selection process but it sounds like you want an all rounder, and if thats the case then your looking at the wrong bikes....do some homework on the ST!

 

[zooom]

both are decent deals.....but you should definitly ride both....the SS is a little harsher position wise than a 600 F3 depending on your physical stature....personally...I'd be lookin at the Monster....but what Amullo says is pretty on target...

The Supersport is a good bike on track, VERY nice in twisties and okey in town. But it does have some lean forward, so a commute might be abit hard if your riding in the city.

The Monster is a great commute, great twisties and moderate pace track bike. You CAN change some stuff to go faster on the track, but if you normally get a knee down, your going to be dissapointed when taking it to the track, compared to the SS

 

[ddicosmo]

Thanks to everyone here for the great advice. I have indeed looked at the ST4s and absolutely love the bike but all the ones I've looked at have been quite expensive used. I'm looking to keep my budget at around 6k for a used Ducati and that is why I'm really leaning more towards one of the two bikes I mentioned. I considered a used ST3 but I have not been able to find any good used deals on those. I know for a fact that the 2004 monster is a really good deal since it is almost new, was owned and babied by a respectable adult doctor and is probably the better of the two deals. However, the SS is probably the better bike for me after having changed out the stock bars and added risers as people have suggested. The only qualm I have about that bike is I don't think I'm getting as good a deal on it as the monster and it is also quite a bit older with 13k miles. Even though I'm buying the bike through a ducati dealer, I have a feeling that the previous owner was younger and did not take care of the bike as well as the guy who had the monster. Finally, I really wanted a red ducati but it seems that yellow is all I can find especially for a good price. Am I being impatient here? I just feel like if I don't jump at one of these opportunities, I may not have another for a while and I really want a ducati to ride as soon as weather permits. I feel like I might miss the boat here. Thanks again for all of your help and great advice.

P.S. - By the way, is now a good time to buy a ducati (February in New England) or am I buying at a bad time? I am willing to wait another season to get a good deal and really find what I want (that is hopefully a red ducati and taking my time finding the right model that fits me well) if now is a bad time.

 

[amullo]

Just to make something clear about what i said earlier.

You might want to take a long hard look at finding an SS with the 1000DS engine if you decide on that.

Here is a comparision between a 900 and a 1000 engine. Both out of SS´s

Red: 1000DS
Green: 900IE
Stock

Mufflers and airfilters on both
Red: 1000DS
Green: STOCK ST4s

Ohh.. and this is the 1000DS compared to a ST4s 996..
If you feel that the ST´s is to "tame"
Green: ST4s
Red: 1000DS SS

 

[RotoRooterGuy]

Thanks to everyone here for the great advice. I have indeed looked at the ST4s and absolutely love the bike but all the ones I've looked at have been quite expensive used. I'm looking to keep my budget at around 6k for a used Ducati and that is why I'm really leaning more towards one of the two bikes I mentioned. I considered a used ST3 but I have not been able to find any good used deals on those. I know for a fact that the 2004 monster is a really good deal since it is almost new, was owned and babied by a respectable adult doctor and is probably the better of the two deals. However, the SS is probably the better bike for me after having changed out the stock bars and added risers as people have suggested. The only qualm I have about that bike is I don't think I'm getting as good a deal on it as the monster and it is also quite a bit older with 13k miles. Even though I'm buying the bike through a ducati dealer, I have a feeling that the previous owner was younger and did not take care of the bike as well as the guy who had the monster. Finally, I really wanted a red ducati but it seems that yellow is all I can find especially for a good price. Am I being impatient here? I just feel like if I don't jump at one of these opportunities, I may not have another for a while and I really want a ducati to ride as soon as weather permits. I feel like I might miss the boat here. Thanks again for all of your help and great advice.

P.S. - By the way, is now a good time to buy a ducati (February in New England) or am I buying at a bad time? I am willing to wait another season to get a good deal and really find what I want (that is hopefully a red ducati and taking my time finding the right model that fits me well) if now is a bad time.

I mentioned in my post that this being February was a good time to buy. Buying season does not start until about April.

You are correct to be concerned about the SS having been abused by the prior owner. So nothing wrong with jumping on a good deal with the Monster. You can do a color change through eBay if the yellow really bugs you.

Remember, if you get the Monster at a low enough price you can always sell it after the 2006 season.

But, key is to get something that will make you happy. If red is what you want and the sportbike feel is what you are looking for, then wait. The deals come along at some point. Always do.

Could give you some tips on where to look in your area, but your profile has NO INFORMATION at all about where you live, etc. So, your loss.

 

[duc97sp1]

It all depends on your riding style, available $$ and what shakes your tail feathers.

I have a '97 900ss/sp that fits my needs very well. I commute about 30 miles r/t to work, do a bunch of track days every year, weekend day rides and a few 2-4 day trips as time allows. This summer I hope to do my 1st Iron Butt SaddleSore run on it.

Touring mods include Helibars, LaminarLip, custom Sargent seat and a heated vest & gloves for spring & fall rides. Also have 39mm Keihins, RaceTech suspension upgrades and 39t sprocket. Throw on a tank bag, a set of soft bags, and maybe a tail bag and I'm gone. Doesn't get much better on the back roads than a 2 valver. Loads of stump-pulling torque, plenty of straight line power and it handles like it's on rails. 400+ mile days are easy. Great stuff!!

For track days (and most summer riding) the LaminarLip comes off, Helibars are lowered a bit and sometimes I use the stock seat. Set the suspension a little stiffer and I'm gone. Oh yeah, no heated stuff either.

Maintenance costs on the 2 valve air cooled bikes are the lowest of all Ducs which is cool. Pretty simple setup to work on if you're into doing your own maintenance, none of the fancy stuff like f/i (pre-99), water cooling, abs or all those valves. And it's been as solid as a rock, worst problem in 6+ years and 24k miles was a leaky clutch slave that I fixed for less than 10 bucks back around 3k miles. The 99 & up ss have f/i and some chassis/suspension improvements but the ergos are close to the sbk and I personally can't warm up to the looks. I'd love to have that 1000ds motor in my sp though.

That said...my next bike (someday) will be an ST. It does most of the things the sp does only better. It's more complicated, newer technology, more expensive to maintain, etc., but the hard bags and larger size are better for long rides and 2-up riding but also makes it's not quite as nimble in the twisties. Won't sell the sp though, that's a keeper.

So that's my .02. As others have said it would definately pay to look around at the SS and ST line and get some test rides. good luck!

 

[ddicosmo]

Hi rotoRooterGuy,

I live in NH. Do you have any recommendations on good dealerships there or where I can get a good deal? The problem I'm running into is that stock is quite low at all the local dealers and that there are hardly any leftovers to work out a good deal on.

 

[RotoRooterGuy]

Hi rotoRooterGuy,

I live in NH. Do you have any recommendations on good dealerships there or where I can get a good deal? The problem I'm running into is that stock is quite low at all the local dealers and that there are hardly any leftovers to work out a good deal on.

I live in San Francisco. I was going to suggest you check the nearest Craig's List or eBay. I have bought two bikes off Craigs and three off of eBay. Look at eBay and if you find something interesting, post us back.

Shipping is not an issue, as I have a professional shipper that can ship a bike coast to coast for $700 or less. I have used these guys three times:

http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/

On eBay, I'd start by entering "Ducati" as a search term, then "sort by highest price first" and see what pops up in your price range.

On my 998 I saved about $4000 off of what they were going for at the time.

See what there is, then get back to me. There are lots of tips and tricks to make sure you don't get burned on eBay. Generally, best to look for low mileage bike that a seller is getting rid of for a legit reason.

Here is eBay search under "Ducati"

http://search-desc.ebay.com/ducati_W0QQamp;sspagenameZhQ3ahQ3aadvsearchQ3aUSQQcatrefZC5QQfclZ3QQfromZR7QQfrppZ200QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ3QQftsZ2QQsacatZQ2d1QQsbrsrtZd


Here is the search term "Ducati red" a narrower search:


http://search-desc.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&catref=C5&fcl=3&frpp=200&amp%3Bsspagename=h%3Ah%3Aadvsearch%3AUS&from=R10&satitle=ducati+red&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fts=2&fsop=3%26fsoo%3D2&fgtp=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=94104&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=


Here is "Ducati red supersport"

http://search-desc.ebay.com/ducati-supersport_W0QQamp;sspagenameZhQ3ahQ3aadvsearchQ3aUSQQcatrefZC5QQfclZ3QQfromZR7QQfrppZ200QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ3QQftsZ2QQsacatZQ2d1QQsbrsrtZd


There are some members in here who swear by eBay, others who would not buy a bike sight unseen. By the way, eBay reports that their BIGGEST sales category is eBay Motors and vehicles. So, I'm not alone.

 

[st2lemans]

I've got a SS1000DS and a hot-rodded ST2 (plus a couple of hot-rodded Guzzi LeMans, one with a sidecar).

If I had to limit myself to only one bike, it would be the SS.

Luckily, I don't have to.

Tom

 

[RotoRooterGuy]

Telling you to look on eBay caused me to look too. What a hazard. If this is legit [seems so, but I always ask lots of questions of the seller] and if the selling price is right, meaning not the Buy It Now price, this is a tempting bike. During riding season it would probably go for $5500 to $6500. His negative feedback seems unjustified, so he looks OK.

In my opinion, these early 900 SS and SS SP are sleeper deals right now and will be collectors items in a few years. Lot's of people like em and they are becoming classics.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Supersport-900ss-1995-Ducati-900SP-SuperSport_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ49991QQitemZ4617809713QQrdZ1

 

[bruce19]

Hi rotoRooterGuy,

I live in NH. Do you have any recommendations on good dealerships there or where I can get a good deal? The problem I'm running into is that stock is quite low at all the local dealers and that there are hardly any leftovers to work out a good deal on.

You live in NH and you don't know about BCM? This is hard to believe. Get thee to Laconia, my friend. BCM is the East Coast Ducati place.


bruce19