Hi All! I'm new to the forum and am hoping you can offer me some advice? I have been to look at a Monster 937 (21 plate) at a Ducati dealership and the bike is immaculate/ 1 owner and only 400 miles! However the bike hasn't had its 1st service and is 5 years old. The sales guy said that it was owned by a lady that never used the bike (this could obviously be nonsense). Anyway, how much of a red flag is this? They will obviously service it before selling but is this too risky?? Thanks! Nick
Probably @nelly is the person to best advise you. The initial oil the engine gets for the run in period has a life, 1000km or 6 months but if the bike hasn't been used, I'm not sure how this oil breaks down over time. See what Neil says. Andy
Not sure what you're concerned about. Is it that the bike's been sitting for a long time or that it hasn't had its first oil change? Perhaps send an email to the dealer asking what they're going to do to it so that they can reassure you.
I'm quite a nervous buyer but it wouldn't really bother me, so long as the bike is mint and they undertook to do a full service before delivery.
Thanks for responding! I guess my concern is that although it has done only 400 miles its the amount of time that it has been sat with the original oil in the bike. They have said that they will service the bike before its sold, but will there be any damage to the engine with the original oil sat there for 5 years??
Thanks for the response. I guess the other thing i'm concerned about is the service plan for this model states that the belt needs changing after 5 years. Will this require doing if the mileage is so low at only 400 miles? The dealership just stated that 1st service is all that would be done. @nelly it would be great to hear from you also! thanks
Belts are mileage OR time, whichever comes first so yes, belts need replacing. Not filled with confidence by the dealer you visited and that is going to stay in the back of your mind. Plenty of the 937 Monster to be had, many of which will have a better pedigree. If memory serves, I think Neil is selling his own 937. Andy
Oil can't damage an engine that's not running. However, it sounds as if there'll be no oil on all the necessary surfaces if it's been standing for years (??). That's not really a problem if you're recommissioning it, but - as I mentioned before - you'd need reassurance that the dealer is taking this into account... Or perhaps it's been ridden regularly but very little, which would be a much better situation for the engine. As above - 937 belt change is at 5 years for this mileage.
Everyone is helping as best they can, but purchase price is also within this equation. This may not help in the slightest but i have left several bikes for 5 years plus and then decided to run them, with no problems at all. As said, precautionary checks can be made/belts and fluids changed and the bike will most likely be fine. It's only when a bike is stored badly that you need to be careful. Are there signs of advanced corrosion on fixings or "whiting" of aluminium?
If the bike is 5 years old and still on original oil, then purely based on the service schedule, it will need an oil service, timing belts, brake fluids and coolant change. Belts are 5 years or 18000 miles. Brake fluid every 24 months and coolant 48 months. And yes, I’m selling a tidy 2023 Monster 937
Sounds as though it mignt need recommisioning That's a very low mileage bike for the year. Oil change, filters, belts and fluid change and a turn over without the plugs in, to lubricate all engine internals before you attempt a start. If the dealer has this in hand all well and good. If not I am sure Nelly could get it into a state of fine fettle before it turned a wheel in anger. Other things to consider if it has been sat unused for so long would be tyres (flat spotted if not on paddock stands) dry bearings, lack of grease (swingarm pivot, headstock, rear hub), cush drives, calipers, pads, battery SOH etc. All run of the mill stuff, but for peace of mind you might want to establish with the seller, a point by point checklist of the bike and catalog all the work they have carried out so you can be sure nothing is overlooked. I would focus on the primary systems such as the hydraulic, electrical. lubrication, braking, steering and suspension systems. These are the fundamentals and need addressing and/or checking before you part with any money
