AI Damage2005 Ducati Monster S2 R: common problems
Owners of the 2005 Ducati Monster S2 R filed 28 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and fuel/propulsion system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 28
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 86% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 14% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 24 complaints (86% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints (14% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 28 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Plastic gas tank has expanded and warped, causing tank vents to stop working effectively. Gasoline now leaks and sprays extensively from the top of the tank, covering the tank and surrounding areas with gasoline. Gasoline also leaks extensively from the overflow tube onto my garage floor.
My motorcycle is now dangerously defective, a fire hazard, not suitable for use and would fail a safety inspection making it unlawful to operate on hawaii roads.
After several tank replacement by ducati the problem persists. Tank keeps swelling and puts stress on the latch so that it can't be unlatch to get to the battery or for service . Tank also doesn't sit firm on frame at pik swelling time . Tank also leaks fuel at bottom around seal while swelling is at max.
Swelling fuel tank is creating an unsafe condition where tank may split resulting in failure, fire, or other hazard. Swollen tank is also pressing against other systems and could cause failure to start, failure or front wheel to turn completely, failure of seat locking mechanism to completely engage.
The expansion of the tank can cause a leak of the gasoline causing not only a damaging effect on the environment but also a serious risk of fire and injury to me. Also the tank can cause pressure to the rear seat latch causing it to pop off during riding thus causing a crash and injury.
I have made no modifications to the fuel tank or fuel pump. I took the bike to the dealer who submitted a claim to ducati north america (the importer/factory). To date, I have not heard back about the claim. I am very concerned as to the safety of this motorcycle now.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,081 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 19% most complained about).
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ducati Monster S2 R?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 28. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (11%), smoke, burning smell, fire (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 Ducati Monster S2 R?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2005 Ducati Monster S2 R from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2005 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.