Hi, my first post here… I'm hoping to buy my first Monster next spring and could use some advice. The list is short - an 821, but I don't think I'll be buying new. So, when shopping for used is there anything in particular I should be looking out for about these bikes? I'd really like the newer model with the TFT display, but funds might dictate I go for the older one - in which case are there any other big differences I need to be aware of between the two versions? It might also seem to be an obvious question, but would I be better just buying an ex-demo from a main dealer? I'm sure these are pretty newbie type questions, so bear with me…
Welcome. If possible I`d try to do a deal now rather than wait till spring when prices will inevitably rise. Whenever you do it haggle hard but always be polite and friendly, its amazing how much difference it makes if you smile at people and tell them you really want to buy from them but just need a little more help rather than turn it in to a battle. I bought an ex demo 1100 monster a few years ago and got a great deal, a good way to go IMO. Good luck, the 821 is a great all round bike.
Good advice. Buy now if you can and you will save a good bit. Come spring with longer days and better weather prices rise. If you go the dealer route then be careful. If not a Ducati specialist then there always is a risk that the they might not know a good bike from a piece of shit. Don't discount buying private. Just do all the normal checks that you would do with any bike. I would assess the seller as much as the bike. I would say that in addition to the normal checks that you would make on any bike, you want to see the bike with a cold engine. It should start almost instantly and the choke should allow a steady tickover of about 2000 rpm. Then, when warm, with the choke off, a very steady 1000 rpm or thereabouts. Owners may have a preference for a faster or slower tickover but it should be steady and not stupidly fast.
@plingboot Maybe you can do a deal now, pay a deposit and collect in spring ? Worth asking and if a dealer has one to sell they may agree or suggest a compromise on February . Crap weather now, plenty of second hand 821s available, a buyers market.
Hey Plingboot, welcome I am also in the market for a Monster 821 and planning to buy before spring. In fact I bought a bunch of carbon bits for a Monster 821 last Monday, there was a huge discount at Ducati Manchester (Cyber Monday) and I just could not resist , even though I don't own a Monster (yet). If you buy a used bike not older than two years, you can buy additional warranty: Ducati Ever Red.
Never realised that the Monster 821 had a choke! The latest models (two 2018s in the family) certainly don't. Only problem with them seems to be that the rear brake needs bleeding every 800 miles or so.
Yes I assume that it is part of the automatic function of the ECU and the injection. It ticks over at 1000 rpm all the time, cold or hot.
I didn't realise who sophisticated it was. I don't think that the owner can do anything with tickover speed. I was thinking about my older bikes where the owner has a bit more say in things. Very lever though!
Welcome, I'm ponying in late, chugging slow n low. I got my yellow 821 ex-demo in October. I got a good deal, a nice chunk off and its first service complete. Plus the engine was worn in and the slippy rubber off the tyres by all those test riders. I alarmed it and were now a happy couple. It was cold and crisp this morning and a few months in I smile and find any reason to take the long way round. Did you get one? What one?
Hi plingboot, the only real complaint by many with the older 821 is that there is not a lot of room for your feet due to the stock rear foot pegs i think this was rectified on the latest model. I've never found it to be an issue to be honest (size 9s) but you may see some rubbing from the riders heels - there are after market rear sets available which rectify the issue. The Termi's sound lovely so if you can get a bike with some fitted it's well worth it in my opinion, you also get the benefit of an remap. The older bikes have a bit more grunt than the newer ones due to the later ones having to meet stricter Euro emissions (marginal and only worthy in a game of top trumps and i doubt noticeable in the real world). and the lights are better on the newer ones as they are now LEDs. Other than that it's a solid bike choice - love mine it's going no where. I've put >2k on mine last year and no issues what so ever.
Only the rear light and the parking light at the front. On the 821 the dipped beam switches on at the front with the engine running anyway, the 1200 does not. One problem with them is the shite rear brake that needs bleeding every 500 miles. I look after two 2018 821s, one is the wifes and the other belongs to my niece.
Hi plingboot. My wife bought an 821 Monster ex demo from Ducati Glasgow and got a really good deal, they even fitted the Termis. Had no problems with the bike, she even rode it to Aragon for the MotoGP. The fork leg reflectors are off now.
Thanks for the continued feedback. No news on a purchase yet - unfortunately it'll definitely not be before spring.
