What do I buy, HELP needed

[heaven140_0]

Hi, new to this and looking for good quality advise. Sold up some 10 years or so and rode Kawasaki ZX9 and ZX7 and now looking and getting back on two wheels again. Ducati Monster has caught my eye especially the S2R for looks, looking to speed up to 3,500 (depending on her in doors) is the S2R worth going for or is the 900 or 1000 better bike. Can you help guide me to the right purchase for summer fun in the sun.

[Nickj]

S2R .. I'd have one as for the 1000 you'll find the people that have them will say oh yes get one, the ones that don't will be 50:50.
I'd say you want a nice classic 750 or 900 carbie, but that's just my bias showing.

They're all good, there's one that's just right for everyone

[Grumpy]

Having ridden a fellow forums members S2r 1000, I would say its a very nice package, try one at a dealers, you will be pleased with the bike.

[Capo]

1. Buy the S2R
2. Come to the weekender and meet the folks here.

[Stafford]

1. Buy the S2R
2. Come to the weekender and meet the folks here.

Can't argue with that.

Which S2R are you looking at 800 or 1000?

[heaven140_0]

Was looking at the 800, not looking for speed but fun. How often do the cam belts need changing and service intervals.

[Zimbo]

The S2R800 is a very very smooth bike, nice power delivery, revs easily and without fuss, plenty fast enough for a rider getting back into it all!
The 1000 has a "snatchier" clutch action and enough power to catch you out by lifting the front wheel in the lower gears.
If it's a smooth fast ride you want, get the 800, if it's outright "grunt" that makes you smile, get the thou.
The 800 has a nice light slipper clutch, wet, the thou has Ducati's traditional, rattly dry clutch, which is quite heavy.

Servicing is straightforward, cam belts every 2 years or 12,000 miles but they're cheap and an easy DIY job on the 2 valvers, oil change every 6,000, and an occasional valve clearance check.

[Liz]

The S2R800 is a very very smooth bike, nice power delivery, revs easily and without fuss, plenty fast enough for a rider getting back into it all!

As Zimbo says, a good all round bike - get one!

[Dave G]

I agree with Zimbo.
Worth bearing in mind is the suspension on the 1000 is adjustable and of better quality whereas on the 800 its pretty basic unadjustable stuff.

That said I'm happy with my 800.

[Zimbo]

I agree with Zimbo.
Worth bearing in mind is the suspension on the 1000 is adjustable and of better quality whereas on the 800 its pretty basic unadjustable stuff.

That said I'm happy with my 800.

True, the 800 rear shock is adjustable but the forks are not. Having said that, the forks on the 800 feel good, well controlled without being too firm.

The 800 brakes on the front are also different, slightly smaller 300mm discs and 2 piston callipers whereas the thou has 320mm discs and 4 piston callipers, this might make a difference on a track day perhaps, on the road I've found the 800 brakes to feel good and have plenty of stopping power. If desired, the brakes on the 800 can be upgraded to the same as the thou quite easily, the bigger discs and 4 piston callipers bolt straight on.

[Dave G]

The 800 brakes on the front are also different, slightly smaller 300mm discs and 2 piston callipers whereas the thou has 320mm discs and 4 piston callipers, this might make a difference on a track day perhaps, on the road I've found the 800 brakes to feel good and have plenty of stopping power. If desired, the brakes on the 800 can be upgraded to the same as the thou quite easily, the bigger discs and 4 piston callipers bolt straight on.

Thats what I've done on mine, the OE ones were fine and just need a tad more pressure than I was used to as I had become used to the goldline brakes on a 916 before this and liked the fierce bite from them.

[Liz]

Stafford's just upgraded the brakes on my 800, MOT next week so will try them then!

Also, the UKMOC track day at Mallory last July was a great buzz!

[Funkatronic]

this one (http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=43603) might still be for sale and it looks like a good buy as its has good extras such as exhausts power commander, crash protection etc

i have only seen photos of this bike but it looks like its been loved and well within your budget

[Zimbo]

this one (http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=43603) might still be for sale and it looks like a good buy as its has good extras such as exhausts power commander, crash protection etc

i have only seen photos of this bike but it looks like its been loved and well within your budget

That one's gone I'm afraid, I know this because it's in my garage .....

[Liz]

Gilps is selling his? See appropriate 'for sale' thread. A very well looked after S2R800.....

[JMo]

Gilps is selling his? See appropriate 'for sale' thread. A very well looked after S2R800.....

I was just going to say the same thing - very tidy murter, lots of nice extras too...

Jx