I've seen a 2006 800 S2R for sale and I'm interested. I've always fancied a Monster. My experience of Ducatis is limited to my current Multistrada V2S and my Diavel back in 2011, so not much that's comparable to the 800. I know about the potential expanding tank issue, but what else would you advise me to look for specifically for the S2R? All comments and advice gratefully received. Ta
Around that age probably maybe belt changes, and charging and reg rec checks to make sure it charges correctly. it will feel properly old and tractor like compared to a new V2S but that’s part of the charm!
There was a 4 part series of articles in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics a couple of years ago where the owner of an S2R upgraded his bike to address some of what he felt were cost saving measures in the bike’s original specifications and not in keeping with the ‘R’ included in the model’s name. He swapped out the forks for a pair from an ST2 and added Brembo 4-pot callipers and 320mm HPK discs. He also had some issues with the APTC clutch but managed to fix them and was full of praise for it. The finished bike does look a lot better with the improved front end.
I have had mine for 7 or 8 years now, absolutely love it. Looks great, goes well, what's not to like? The "cheap" parts everyone talks about are the suspension and brakes, they are good just not great (but any 20 year old bike would probably benefit from a suspension refresh anyway) Mine has ST4s forks and ohlins rear tweaked by MCT, with 320 disks and gold line calipers plus lots of other bits so it's not standard. Plenty fast enough and fun around the twisty bits. Other than the swelling tank, the only other issue I have had is where the fuel pump wires enter the tank. These can come adrift in the middle so the fuel pump stops working, fairly easy fix if you can solder and happy taking stuff apart.
