Need help deciding on Monster

[Heidler16]

Hi guys,
Im new to Ducatis and I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinion on a Ducati im thinking about purchasing. Heres what I know about it, its a 1999 Monster 750ie with 3000 miles.It has a reconstructed title the seller told me it was wrecked and he rebuilt it, its 100% mechanically sound with no shakes or anything of the sort but the cosmetics arent the best. It has some dings on the tank and the paint is all chipped up. He is asking 2400 or best offer for it. Does this sound like a good deal? or should I ask for less?. Also I was wondering if you guys think the 750 will be powerful enough for me? I've grown up riding motorcycles so its not like a first bike.
Thanks for in advance for any info you guy have!

[polivo]

Real hard to say whats a fair price.. once your talking salvage title?

[JTP]

that sounds like considerate cosmetic damage on a bike with a salvaged title, that's 12/13 years old. personally there's no way i'd buy this bike unless i was really strapped for cash, and/or it was my first learner bike, and even then i wouldn't pay $2400. and if you'd grown up riding bikes, you'd know how much power the 750 has. how big/tall are you? what are you using the bike for? how much work you want to put in?

[Heidler16]

Thanks for the replies guys I guess I should of said I've grown up riding dirt bikes this would be my first road bike. And yes I am kinda strapped on cash that's the reason I'm considering this bike. What I'd be using the bike for is a daily driver in the summer. I'm will to do cosmetic work that's not a problem I was just wondering that's a fair price as I think it's a little steep but I'm not to sure of the value.

[markk900]

Couple of thoughts: first, in 1999 they didn't have an "ie" model - still all carbs. Second, since you are comfortable with cosmetics then I'd ignore that aspect and really go over the bike for mechanical issues: make sure its straight, that it truly is "100% sound". If so, given the current prices I'd still say $2400 is high but you should be able to talk him down.

I doubt you'll have problems with the level of power if you do get it....especially if this is your first road bike. But I am biased since both our bikes are 750s (but I recently sold a 900).

BTW: I thought you couldn't license a bike with a salvage title in some states. Even if you could you better check whether your insurance company will cover a bike with a salvage title.

[Heidler16]

Thanks for the reply mark I will try and talk him down on it. And I wasn't aware of that issue with salvaged titles but I will definatley look into that further.

[philb]

Originally Posted by markk900

Couple of thoughts: first, in 1999 they didn't have an "ie" model - still all carbs. Second, since you are comfortable with cosmetics then I'd ignore that aspect and really go over the bike for mechanical issues: make sure its straight, that it truly is "100% sound". If so, given the current prices I'd still say $2400 is high but you should be able to talk him down.

I doubt you'll have problems with the level of power if you do get it....especially if this is your first road bike. But I am biased since both our bikes are 750s (but I recently sold a 900).

BTW: I thought you couldn't license a bike with a salvage title in some states. Even if you could you better check whether your insurance company will cover a bike with a salvage title.

A salvage title should be able to be licensed and registered anywhere. Most insurance companies might balk at full coverage for a salvage titled bike, but it would be kind of silly to buy full coverage on a bike that's only worth that anyway. The title shouldn't affect the ability to get liability insurance, which is all he will need to legally operate the bike.

OP, the power will be fine; the 750 has plenty of grunt, and all the power you need in real life. The price does seem high to me, and you'll want someone who really knows Ducs well to give it a thorough mechanical lookover, including such things as whether the mixture screws on the carbs are working or frozen, the condition of the fuel pump and taps, all hoses, brake and clutch components (cylinders and lines as well), and so on.

If you can't talk him down a bunch (I'd say down to about $1500 or so), I'd keep looking. You can find better examples for what he is asking.

PhilB

[JTP]

philb hit it right on.

[65218]

Again, factor in service prices. I just picked up a salvage and went through it this weekend. Just parts: new belts, valve shim kit, oil/filter, brake fluid, tires, other incidentals cost me $800 before I put any parts on to fix the damages. And I spent a long day fixing it. Also factor in that even on a "solid" bike, you're dealing with what ever hack with a wrench and a hammer, trying to knock out the work as fast a they could, did to it over the years. Even a dealership maintained bike could be pretty rough when you get into it. If you don't maintain it- things go all pear shaped in a hurry.

So, Keep in mind Duc's are more expensive to maintain than most bikes and If you're strapped for cash, a used SV, CBR, magna, i.e. Japanese bikes might be a better choice.

[Heidler16]

Thanks guys I decided to pass on this one and keep looking hopefully I will find something a little better.