Hi All So I've always fancied a 1st generation M900 and with prices rising I thought now would be the time to bag one. Of course I wanted something that needs work, I like tinkering too much, so when this popped up on eBay I thought it might be worth a punt. I'm not a Monster expert but I noticed straight away that it had a steel swingarm instead of the correct alloy one, and the footrests were off a Supersport. I also noticed the rear end plastics were mostly missing and obviously the non-standard tank decals and lovely red Renthal bars! The non-standard parts were explained because the owner was going to 'turn it into a cafe racer'. Never mind I thought, I've got an alloy swinger in my stash (being the same as my 851), and I also happen to have some monster footrests, even though I've never had a Monster. Amazing how that happens. My plan was to restore it back to as close to original as possible and the clincher was that the rear of the frame has not been cut as a lot of them have. I paid far too much for it and I can't even blame alcohol; the auction finished at lunchtime and I was at work! Anyway, now I've got it home to say I'm disappointed is an understatement. The tank is a plastic one from a later bike and although it does mount up, the seat (which I think is correct for the year) doesn't fit properly around it. If I'm right about the tank then the pump will be no good as being from an injected bike it will pump at far too high a pressure for the carbs. Everything is loosely bolted together and the position of the oil cooler is wrong for a Monster. The forks are rough at best and the fly screen is from a Honda. Then there is the fact that 'M600' has been written on the top yoke in yellow marker, clearly this came from a breakers. Even the carbon SS mudguard is trashed. Its one redeeming feature is the underslung rear brake... My theory is that Whoever put it together had a 900SS and for some reason decided to re-frame it as a Monster, so probably the engine, wheels, footrests, brakes and forks are from the same bike. All the other Monster parts probably came via eBay, M600 yokes, steel swingarm, seat and wrong tank. The owner gave me the usual 'I don't know anything about them, I bought it off a mate' story and I'd already paid for it, so there we are. I've already sourced the correct bars, rear-end plastics and a matching lockset, my challenge is going to be finding a decent tank and forks. I've got a couple of pairs of 916 forks so I could go with those, but then I'd have to use the 916 wheel and the rear one won't match, and the only one that will match and fit the Monster is from a 900SSie so I'd have to track one of those down, and then the speedo drive would need modding... and before you know it I'm into another full-on project... If anyone can help with a decent tank (I mean one with no dents that doesn't need paint!) and/or some forks please PM me. Ta Darren
Wow! I nearly bid on that lucky escape by me the other half thinks I should finish my 996 rebuild first. I'm sure it'll work out in the end, have you had it running yet?
What did you pay and do you feel ripped off? If cheap enough sure it'll be good project You could put up a wanted on the ducati sporting club, as many monsters have had tanks changed and may have a tank or two laying around, also most have chopped out forks for adjustable ones so again someone may have a set of old ones if its non adj you are after
If you only payed 900 for it you've got a lot of money to spend on it. A minter would cost you more the 2K and well on the way to 2.5k
On the positive side you wanted a project and so wish 1 is answered. The SS forks were better than the monsters forks anyway if I remember correctly whilst looking identical apart from more silvered bottoms , so if this is the case, then bonus number 2. Oil cooler, - a simple cam cover will sort this out, and if you want braided oil lines then I can help you with that, but you can use your existing oil cooler just inversed. rear brake floating rear calliper, very good, or if you really want the fixed rear calliper I have a hanger from an SS which I think may fit ok. I'm sure its the same unit. Fuel, I'd definitely go with external pump if you can package it. like you say, a really nice satisfying restoration project -
" if you want braided oil lines then I can help you with that" Sorry to hijack Darren, but does that mean you can make up/supply lines, Sev? I'm after a set for my 750SS, as it happens cos the ones it came with are gazeboed.. Mick..
The steel swingarm makes me think it was originally a 600 or 750 that's had a 900 (possibly SS judging by the oil cooler) engine transplant. But the floating rear caliper and adjustable forks are pluses in my book.
Not if the V5 has been updated with the new number/CC, although there maybe a way to see it's previous identity, before any change? Ducati will give you lots of info on original spec. if you email them the frame no.
As duke said, floating rear calliper and adjustable forks are big bonus. Wonky, I have some braided hose and fittings so I can make up a hydraulic line. They aren't difficult to make up and the likes of earls will make them up for you. If you want an oem look with swaged ends any branch of pirtek will make them up also.
Most definitely your theory is correct. An 1995-97 SS motor, forks in an m600 monster frame. Quite the mashup! Makes you wonder what happened to the 900ss it came from!
With regards to the fuel pump pressure, I am using an injected bike tank & pump on my M900 and simply have a loop from pump back to tank with a 'T' piece to supply the carbs and it works fine with any surplus pressure simply returning to the tank. Also means if the bike's not used for a while it doesn't need to prime the pump as the vacuum ones do, and I know it can supply enough fuel for the FCRs.
