I have owned a few grey import bikes over the years most being 400cc and like my little 400's. I was sent a picture of the sweetest little 400SS and really fancied one but its rare for one to crop up. well about 2 years ago now on the bay low and behold the sweetest little 400 Monster cropped up. Yellow as I do like yellow. I could have cried as I knew the chances of another coming up where slim. A then friend knew how much I had wanted one and that I was struggling health wise said do you like it and I said well yes but can't afford it. He brought it for me and I sold my other bike that I was struggling with and paid him back. It looked ok in photos but have to say the poor thing was hanging a bit .... I got Carl at Harleston to give it a good look over it and he shook his head.. It also was a bit accident damaged with a bent frame . Most bits on it had damage except it had a nice paint job, so for near a year I sourced replacement bits like engine casings exhausts, wheels, reg rec was fried .. The list went on I was sorted to get it done up and my head gasket on my car went then suspension and the car ate all my money Luckily a friend said his friend could take on a late winter project and speak to him. So I did and he arranged to take it apart and reassemble for a fraction of what I had worked out. It was do able. So I carried on sourcing bit then when the bike was apart I ran all the bits I wanted to Aerocoat who powder coated it. Got seat covered locally. The paint job on the bike was to nice to spray over so I sourced another tank and mudguard and Dave at Tri Colour in Felixstow sprayed it for me. I was going to keep it yellow but I have to say I loathe the bronze frame. The frame was badly chipped , bent and had acid down it and the engine casings from reg rec failure. So it was either keep it yellow with a black or silver frame or go for something else. I wanted to keep it to a ducati scheme and I really loved the 99 Monster dark with yellow wheels and frame. So I went with that scheme. Any way here it is before and after. Its a fun little bike , a pig to start! but I love it. I think 2 are registered in the country one being sorned so looks like mine is the only one on the road .. maybe I am wrong Any way
Eeoow, that looks really good If you'd told me the colour scheme I would've poo-pooed it, but I really like that, well done :wink:
yes it was.. it had real character and as you have found it was nothing like a 600 in terms of handling or engine response. My main reason for selling was that I would eventually have worn out the engine as (I think you have also found?) it was impossible to ride 'in a leisurely manner' - and what a lovely sound at 11K.
Yes the monster has the same engine revvy little things Good fun to ride. I am being kind to mine . I use the 600 for longer trips . The 400 certainly different . Your SS was the exact one I wanted. I've seen the newer version and it's nowhere near as nice.
I certainly would have loved to have owned that the only problem I have is my height. But yes Its stunning and what I was looking for.But glad it has a loving home
Rare wee DUCATI 400cc MONSTER Needs Sold ASAP!! in Newtownards, County Down | Motorbikes & Scooters for Sale | Gumtree.com
I want to cry now ......... thats the other one its been sorned for at least the last two years... Typically I have not got the money to buy it it would have been nice to have the pair. In saying that it looks in good order however so did mine and to get mine ok has cost nearly 2 grand. Thats was MOT'd as well... So that one would need a big service and belts and I am sure a few other bits and bobs. They are nothing like an M600 They are revvy pretty quiet sounding. They are happy at 70mph but to be honest are not fast and very low powered. Its really a town bike.. But I love my one
Well tried to get hold of the guy ... he did not answer. I had sorted everything out this end just incase. Was serious.... have been waiting for that bike to come up knew it would as its been sat a while according to records. seriously unhappy..... No I didn't need one but like these little bikes and could of ensured I had one for many years to come. Would have been nice to be told sorry its gone....
I guess it now means working towards project dry clutch M600 . Its been a crappy old week. I can 99.9% say Father Christmas did not take it to Lapland for me as I have been a naughty girl. hmm I guess it will turn up.. have a gut feeling . Or someone will ticket it chuck it on ebay for double the money... Trouble is they are not keeper bikes as they are so underpowered people get fed up with 400's and pass them on. They often tend to have a bit of a history / life and not a great one. I would have kept as is and used it but kept it for its life, my cars not good and I am in agony driving the car somedays this little bruiser would have been a perfect solution as I know them now. I didn't want another 600
I didn't realise you had it that bad. I remember seeing one for sale earlier this year closer to you than me but it was much rougher than this one.
I thought only 2 where registered ... If you do see one poke me!! lol Id like something totally stock or return to for as cheap as , I have lots of bits and bobs here. Its a bit of a passion. There really is not any more bikes I want to own now or can realistically own due to my height. Also im looking at the future... sounds mad I know but got to be realistic. If something needs a bit of love then I am all for it.... Final bit in the jigsaw as eventually will be what I ride as the weight and stuff is perfect for me even on a bad day.
Are these 400s all Jap imports? If you're after another maybe find a grey importer? Also, not sure if the DVLA figures are accurate, there may be more than you think in the UK. Humbug
They are in Italy , Singapore , quite a few down under. Sadly will have to wait now.. I need to get another car then start downsizing my house stuff ... Loose ends and all that stuff... Not to mention both bikes need servicing this year belts... Seasoned Duke riders would loath the little one.
