Service history....help!

I've just been to see a bargain 2004 620ie Dark, it's done 11,500 miles and had a big service at 10k but the seller has no history before this. He bought it at just under 10k.

I know that buying a Monster with no history is a big no no but this one is a bargain as the guy is in a genuine rush to sell. Is there any way I can trace if the bike has any service history?

Alternatively, does anyone that knows their Monsters fancy paying it another visit with me and giving me their opinion? It's in London E2.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[Zimbo]

Personally I'm not too worried about history, as long as it's had the valves and belts done in the recent past. you can generally tell if a bike's been looked after by someone mechanically competent . . . .

[slob]

Dealer or Private?
...also make sure you get a red key as well as one or two black ones with any fuel injected Monster, you need the red one to program others to the ECU/immobiliser.
Also get the details in advance and spend twenty quid on an HPI check, a small price to pay for peace of mind if you're about to splash out a couple of grand on a bike that the seller's in a rush to shift.
I might be around at the weekend if that helps.

Are there key things I should look out for? I can't test ride as I don't yet have a license.

When he started it up it was a bit lumpy and actually died although restarted immediately. It looked clean although where the seat makes contact with the tank it had rubbed off the paint.

If I were to pay a specialist to give it the once over what cost do you recon I'm looking at?

God I need someone who knows what they're doing!

Slob, I think the weekend might be too late, I think he leaves the country on friday. If I'm wrong I'll let you know and hopefully make use of your knowledge.

I'll ask about the keys.

It's a private sale by the way.

[CK & AK]

As Slob says: Do NOT touch the bike without at least the red key.
With no service history, I'd set aside money for a full 2 year service - belts, plugs etc etc - not cheap but peace of mind & worth a good haggle off the price (£350 ish) - whats he asking? - shouldnt be more than £2,300 tops, or thereabouts, if not less (prob about £1,800 right now)

Maybe worth a call to Mike Dawson - if he isnt to busy he might go out for you? 07783 024248 (is very reputable independant Ducati mechanic).

However if all else fails DONT be pressured into buying the bike - there WILL be more coming up & maybe we can all look out for you in the next few weeks

C

[Pedro]

Originally Posted by Danstable

...... I think he leaves the country on friday......

This would make me think twice to be honest.

Thanks for the pointers. The bike is a 2004 620ie Dark with 11,500 on the clock, had the belts done at 10k about one year ago.

I've got him down to £1,800 which to me seems like a bargain if the bike is sound.

Rather than rushing into this one I may decide to stick with my scooter over winter, get my test under my belt and wait for another one to come along at the right price. Then again I have an itch and it seriously needs scratching!

Originally Posted by Pedro

This would make me think twice to be honest.

Having met the guy he comes across as a decent chap, lives in a nice flat and has a good job. He's emigrating rather than running from the law!

[singletrack]

If you can get a 2004 620 dark for £1800 with all the keys (especially the red one) I wouldn't worry whether it has a service history or not, It sounds like a bargain.
Good luck whatever you do.
I would snap his hand off if I knew where he was and I could get there before Friday

That's what I'm thinking, seems a bit of a bargain! So long as it runs ok and doesn't sound like a bag of spanners I'm guessing I could sell it on for a small profit if I can't arrange insurance for the price I need to get it for.

Correct me if I'm wrong!

Originally Posted by Danstable

So long as it runs ok and doesn't sound like a bag of spanners

It's a Monster, it sounds like a bag of spanners when it's running 'normally'

HPI check is a good purchase, and as everyone else has said, make sure you get all the keys.

Nice bargain btw

[singletrack]

Originally Posted by Danstable

That's what I'm thinking, seems a bit of a bargain! So long as it runs ok and doesn't sound like a bag of spanners I'm guessing I could sell it on for a small profit if I can't arrange insurance for the price I need to get it for.

Correct me if I'm wrong!

Make sure you do an HPI check and get all the keys.

What's the reg? I could try find if we have ever serviced it.

grrrr he's sold it

Never mind, there'll be more around....I hope.

Thanks for all the help.