Hi all, New user to the forum. I need your help to determine the correct model YEAR of a Ducati Monster 1200S that I am in the process of purchasing from an Irish dealer. This dealer imported the bike from Japan and the Japanse paperwork stated the bike as a 2020 model. However, when I went to an authorized Ducati dealer, based on the VIN they said it's actually a 2015 model 1200S first registered in Japan but with no service history. I tried to look up the bike details with the VIN but I got sketchy results. Perhaps some of you would know how to correctly determine the bike's model year and origins. The VIN is ZDMM603JAEB010936. I am also posting a link to the actual bike and I am 100% convinced it is a 2015 model, not a 2020 model. Any tips and guidance will be greatly appreciated. In my past years in the USA I owned a Ducati 996 (was stolen) and a Ducati MH900e. Thanks! https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/ducati-monster-1200s-testastretta-2/41048779
It’s difficult to say just on looks because of the possible cosmetic differences between a European model and a Japanese model. Quick wins to look for, the 2020MY had an up/down quick shifter, cornering ABS, Brembo M50 front calipers and a DRL. The UK model also didn’t have the crud catcher style rear number plate hanger. The VIN you have isn’t recognised by the Ducati web site safety recall page either. My gut reaction is that it isn’t a 2020 model because from the pictures, there doesn’t look like there’s a QS, there’s no DRL headlight, the rear mudguard is wrong and I think the front caliper looks more like an M4.32 than an M50. Andy
Hello. Usually, an authorised Ducati dealer can obtain bike details from the Ducati online systems, and this would suggest that what the Ducati dealer told you is likely to be correct. If possible, you could try asking another approved dealer to see if they corroborate the information obtained from the first. For an individual to obtain the information directly from DMH in Italy, they normally require proof of ownership before they will investigate. Since the bike is of European origin and after ~2001, it could have a Certificate of Conformity issued by the factory, and a copy of this may be included in the paperwork; in some countries it is needed for import/export? If not, duplicates can usually be obtained from the manufacturer, after payment of a fee; but this may need evidence of entitlement. I don't know about Ireland, but in the UK a CoC is often required as part of the process to register an imported bike, to show it complies with national requirements for road registration; although an alternative option may be available in the absence of a CoC. I realise this is only background information, but I hope it helps. The previous posts from experienced members should help with bike specification and appearance. Good luck. Tom. Some additional information in these links that may help: https://japaninspection.org/certificate-of-conformity-coc/ ; and, https://www.citizensinformation.ie/...o-live-in-ireland/importing-car-into-ireland/ ?
The model year situation has been resolved.Thanks for all the replies. It is in fact a 2015 model and the dealer was able to confirm the discrepancy in the year, which he also truly believed was 2020 as noted in his papers. In Japan the registration process is different, hence that led to confusion regarding the model year. As I looked at the features on the 2015 and 2020 models, the differences became more and more apparent, like the headlights, buttons on the grips, cover on the exhaust, exhaust pipe design and yes, no quickshifter on the 2015. The dealer is an honest person and this was a genuine error. Thanks again!
One more thing to mention - the dealer has been importing cars from Japan and only recently started importing a few bikes also, hence he was not up to speed on motorbike paper nuances. He has also learned from this experience. Thanks!
The BIG decision now for me to make is whether I should buy the 2015 model, knowing that it has lesser features than the 2020 model. The local Ducati dealer said the 2015 model cannot be fitted with a quickshifter. Here in Ireland the availability of used bikes is limited so I have to decide to buy the 2015 model or wait for something else to come up. Cheers!
Not for €11,000 I wouldn’t. Nearest UK bike in age and mileage for sale on eBay is up for less than €7000. Japanese imports usually command less, mainly because the service history on the older bikes is not traceable through the UK dealer network. Andy
Yes, the dealer has said the will re-list and reprice the bike. The new price will determine to a good degree if I decide to buy it anyway. You are 100% spot on, as in the Ducati database that the Ducati dealer looked up, there was ZERO service history on this bike. It looks great as you can see in the photos, but I agree, I would not want to pay more than €7500 tops.
If he paid over the odds through lack of model specific knowledge, I doubt he’ll have much room to re-price it and still make a profit. Andy
@SeanG_IRL, one point I missed, that Monster is due a valve clearance check at 30,000Km which, if done at a main Dealer, is likely to be over €1000. Ownership costs aren't cheap. Andy
