'97 M 900

[PWGflyboy]

I have a chance to buy a 1997 M 900 from my local dealer. The bike appears to be in great condition and has only 4500 miles. The dealer also sold it to the original owner and has maintained it as well. The dealer is a very reputable, trustworthy guy and I have purchased 2 bikes from him previously.

There are a number of extras and carbon fiber bits and pieces, Corbin seat, tach kit, aftermarket pipes, etc. I road tested it today and it certainly seems to run well.

The price is a bit rich but at least, I know that it was adult owned, properly cared for and ridden very little.

My question is are there any things specifically I should look for in this model when making a purchase decision? Any advice or wisdom is appreciated.

Thanks

Kendall

[MonsterHooligan]

My personal opinion is that i would rather have a bike that is ridden and maintained than one that has sat unused.
On a 97 with only 4500 miles, you will likely need (if they havent been done) new belts, tires, and fluid changes.
Other than that there are no major issues with that year...i think there may have been a handlebar recall, and the clutch slaves had a tendency to fail on many monsters.
other than that., go for it and have fun

jeff h
monsterparts.com

[j.davis]

CK's Monster FAQ, http://www.ducatitech.com/2v/monster_faq.html
offers this information (and more):

While shopping, try to learn what a Marzocchi fork looks like. They're on all `96 through `98 900 SS/CR models and occasionally show up on Monsters with no rhyme or reason. If you find these are on your Monster, don't buy the bike unless you're willing to make some accomodations. Marzocchi forks really suck. Not rebuildable and not revalveable. All you can do to them is change the spring or the fork oil weight and level. No Race Tech goodies for you! Marzocchi fork caps have a very large hex on them, probably 27 or 30mm, while the fork caps on Showa non-adjustable forks is a 14mm hex.

According to the Haynes manual, M750s and M900s after VIN009915 have Marzocchi forks, but I think this isn't 100% correct. Note that many of this site's readers have written in with response saying they've got aluminum swingarms. Kinda like my "Pongo!", a 1997 non-S M900 with an aluminum swinger and Showa forks.

Certain year Monsters didn't exactly get the same motor as the 900SS... 1997 and early 1998 models got smaller valves for increased midrange torque. Supposedly in 1998, the M900 got the bigger valves from the SS engine.

[PWGflyboy]

Thanks for the responses. The fluids are fresh and the tires look pretty good and I will check the belts.

I guess I was unaware of the fork and engine issues but I will check them out.

Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Kendall

[Brooklyn67]

Yes...the Marzocchi fork are not great units - they're pretty old school, but they're not "that" bad. If you compare them to SBK fully adjustable forks, then "yes"...they suck, but with fresh oil and good springs - they will be fine. Unless you're planning to take this bike to the track, the stock front forks will perform just fine. After working on older BMWs and Ducatis, there are tweaks you can make to the weight of the fork oil, spring rate, and the length of the shims which will increase or decrease your preload. I guess the one benefit to non-adjustable forks is that you won't get caught up trying to dial in rebound, compression, and pre-load. If you're going to be riding on bumpy roads, you may consider a steering dampener, but otherwise if the bike is a good deal and it has not been abused...I'm sure you'll love it. The older 2V Monsters and Supersports are great. Oh, and if it has the retractable side stand - get the Nichols side stand bolt...you'll be very happy you did.

[PWGflyboy]

Brooklyn,

Thanks for the info and I am headed to the shop tomorrow to check out a couple of details. This is not a smokin' great deal at $5,000 but based on what I can find, not a terrible deal either if one considers the Corbin Seat, steering dampener, carbon fiber belly fairing, GIVI flyscreen, etc.

Fortunately, there is already a steering dampener installed and I have come to the conclusion that something is gonna have to be done about the spring loaded kick stand that retracts every time you look at it.

The thing about the front forks is I have never really had a bike that has fully adjustable front suspension. Currently, I have a Bonneville and a '76 KZ 900 and those are both pretty old school so this may make a great stable mate.

I guess one day, I am gonna have to spring for for a new Monster or one of the tricked out prototypes they have sitting all around the factory. I was in Bologna in July and did the tour, It was totally worth the trip but maybe that is a topic for another thread.

Thanks again,

Kendall

[Brooklyn67]

If the Truimph and KZ are what you're used to riding...you're gonna love this bike! I cut my motorcycle teeth on Kawasaki Triples, Yam. RDs, Old BMW twins, Ducati singles, etc. I got my first modern bike in '01...the 748S - it was unbelievable. I had to learn how to ride all over again - the brakes were amazing...the fact that I could pull the bike down with 1 or 2 fingers on the lever. However, it made me appreciate my older bikes that much more. I still ride my old BMW cafe bike to work every day and it cranks. When I got my '96 900 Supersport...LOVE. Took it for a 1,000 mile ride through NE the week after I bought it...it had the Marzocchi front end. It was flawless...until I got run off the highway doing 70 a year later..then they didn't look so good.

$5K isn't a great deal, but if it's a good bike, well taken care of...it's probably worth it. I just picked up my '94 Monster for $1,300..sitting for 6-7 years. I don't mind all the work it needs and I can modify it as I get it together...but it's work.

If you get the bike, I hope you have a blast on it.

[ThatKidFromTheOmen]

check the seals on the forks. and unless you can get documentation on the belts have them changed. it'll haunt you in your sleep if you dont know. also the battery is probably on its way out too.
got my '98 750 in the exact same condition except with no documents and have spent the last year or so slowly replaceing old bits. its still a ten year old bike regardless of the miles.

[PWGflyboy]

Well, it looks like I am close to a deal. The belts were changed and the valves were adjusted by the dealer when he took the bike on trade. He has agreed to address any and all cosmetic and mechanical issues and do a few special requests like a right side CRG bar end mirror, new ducati bikini for my best girl and change to a red billet clutch pressure plate so I think I am OK to proceed. There is an aluminum swingarm and the forks have a 14 mm hex so I guess that means Showa.

I have some cool photos but I think they are too big to upload. Email me if you want to have a look.

Any last thoughts before I proceed?

Thanks

Kendall

[PWGflyboy]

OK, I guess I had to re-size them to upload. Check it out.

Thanks

Kendall