2018 marks 25 years for the Ducati Monster, and it’s had quite a run during that quarter-decade. In 2005, the model line was updated with a new king – the S4RS Testastretta (999 Superbike motor/Ohlins suspension) and the S2R desmodue (2V Desmo motor). The latter borrowed the styling from the former but it offered similar amounts of joy for a much better price with the 800 or 1000 2V motor. As Bennetts puts it in their buyer’s guide, the S2R 800 is a ‘slightly more modern Monster that still retains the old bike’s overall feeling of naked elegance.’ This example takes all the good stuff that led VisorDown to call the S2R one of the “Top 10 Big Fat Streetbikes” and takes it a step further with $7,000 worth of aftermarket goodies.
The 803cc motor was good for 77 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque – they aren’t the usual power numbers you’d expect from the Italian firm, but the powerband was well-suited for street duty. It didn’t hurt that the bike weighed just under 400 pounds dry. Back in 2011, Cycle World called it a Best Used Bike.
This example is said to be a 7/10 cosmetically and a 9/10 mechanically. It has over 18,000 miles and the seller adds to that daily with his work commute. The list of modifications is extensive, but the highlights include a rebuilt GSX-R fork conversion that was tuned by Dave Moss, Brembo M4 monoblocs, Brembo RCS brake and clutch master cylinders, Arrow full exhaust, Corse Dynamics intake kit, Power Commander III with dyno tune, Motovation fork and frame sliders, stainless steel brake lines, and more. There’s a lot of money that’s been thrown at this bike, and I think the only miss was the smaller headlight, which looks like it’s been angled too low. Other issues that the seller notes include a tank that is scratched up on the left side and swollen (as many Ducati tanks were from this time). It also needs an oil change now and will need a major service this year.
Find this Monster S2R for sale in Chicago, Illinois for $4,500 here on Craigslist.
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