Ducati reliability?

[hazza]

So ive seen a ducati monster 600m (2002) going for a grand. Its a cat D repaired in 2006 and has been in use since, so im presuming it should be okay? Anyway what are they like reliability wise? Id be using it for teh commute to work everyday so id need something that will start in the morning when i do. Its one of the older carb'd bikes. The dark version.

Any thoughts?

Ta.

Harry
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[DrDonnyBrago]

[hazza]

IL4's do nothing for me. The Ducati name also does nothing for me, but the sound of an Air-cooled v twin and exposed trellis frame does!
I think the v twin would suit me, as im not into absolute top end performance, i much prefer the sensation of low down power/torque rather than a high revving engine with lots of gear change work.

Obviously with the reputation for poor reliability i was just a bit concerned as to wether it is horribly flawed and unreliable. Also with regards to the SV, ive heard the finish on them isnt too good?\

Ta

Harry.


*edit* Ive never done valve clearances, but 'how hard can it be' on an air cooled simple v twin? And the rest im happy to do i.e oil and filters air filters etc.
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[temeluchus]

Im not sure a monster 600 would keep an SV650 in sight.

I havent had a Ducati personally but a few pals have. No serious problems with them, but they did maintain them properly.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[GeneralXcepti...]

I repaired one over last winter although it was a bit older than the one you are looking at. Mine had done 32k and needed the valves looking at and quite a few other things (it had been neglected though).

Valve clearances aren't that hard but can be quite expensive and time consuming because there are two different types of shim per valve. They are fairly expensive shims too and the closing shim is a pig to measure accurately unless you have the right gear.

Timing belts are easy to do yourself and should be done at a max interval of 2yrs.

Performance is nothing to write home about but they handle really well because they're so light. Have a lovely sound to them too, although they sound broken at tickover

[temeluchus]

few interesting vids from this guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vzPZ84ZRjU
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[garth]

They're not quick, I raced one. 50bhp is your lot really for a 583.

Really simple engines though and I'd own another.

Won't keep up with an SV650, well ridden it may do. Here's my old one on track, camera is on a ZX10R https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clx7cMO-V9M
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[hazza]

Its done 26 thou, and has some ducati service history, its just cosmetically neglected. Speed isnt really an issue, id just like something faster than the 250 i currently ride. Its fine for what i use it for, but long rides two up it isnt really ideal!

Ive just read your resto thread GeneralXception, it looked great when you'd done!

whats the MPG like on them?

Thanks for all the help, much appreciated!
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[garth]

Mine wasn't mechanically noisey at all. Wet clutch on these ones remember.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[rac3r]

On my second Monster now and love em! I think the m600 were known to be noisy because of piston slap, why not pay a little more and go for an FI model or a 900?

Head over to ukmonster.co.uk there's loads of info there
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[McFlufferson]

Ducati Monsters give me the horn, so I would say go for it. They're my dream bike (any size don't care about speed just WANTONE). But I'd get all school-child-giddy if I could actually afford one and wouldn't bother stopping to think if it's reliable or cheap to run.

Which may or may not go towards answering your questions..

[hazza]

[DrDonnyBrago]

[hazza]

[GeneralXcepti...]

[rac3r]

There is a 620ie for sale for £1700 ono https://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=41770
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636