Just getting started - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

Cooper75 · 03-12-2007, 02:18 PM

Hello all,
Just come across this site about a week ago and decided to drop in.
I've never ridden before, but completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic course in the fall of last year.
I've done enough bike comparison to know that I will be buying a Ducati Monster, but am on the fence about which one in particular.
As I said, I'm a new rider, and the 07' 695 seems quite appealing to me (both price and style).
I am 5'10" and 205lbs.
Any suggestions?
As well, if somebody is wanting to sell used, let me know.

Thanks and this looks to be a fun and informational area.

Yoda9 · 03-12-2007, 02:46 PM

Hello and welcome. The 695 seems to be a pretty nice bike for the price, but I don't have any FHE with it though. If you haven't yet, you may want to check the classifieds on this site for used Monsers for sale. I bought my M900 used at TT Motorcycles in Clinton Twp, so you may want to check the local dealers for used bikes as well.

Ryan

ItsaDuc · 03-12-2007, 08:12 PM

If its your first bike, like most will say, start small and go/learn from there. I've heard nothing but good things about the 695. If you look around, you can prolly find a good price on a used 620. this site is a wealth of knowledge and plenty of ppl to help answer any question you may have.

good luck in your search,

Erik

mcdowellcb · 03-13-2007, 12:36 AM

You should get what you want, but sport bikes tend to ..shall I say .. make you ride sporty ( more so then say cruisers ). Which may include painful leasons if you had a beautiful gleaming Ducati ( ie crying or holding your head wondering what just happened and why your new bike is on its side ) You may want to get something used for a season ( even if its not a ducati ) just to get some experience and any bumps or scratches wont be as bothersome. Then pick up your new ride the next year. Any Ducati you will love. Good hunting.

Cooper75 · 03-13-2007, 09:08 AM

Thanks to everyone for their input.
I'll keep you posted on the status...

Dem

nllm_oo_mlln · 03-13-2007, 10:21 AM

the 695 was my first bike last June-- and still is knock on wood.

I love it, it's very forgiving. the atp clutch has saved me a few times. my only niggle about the bike is the forks which are quite soft and not adjustable. it's not something you notice when you're learning and in order to step up you either have to go used , upgrade or buy a s2r 1k.

I'm around 5'8" & 160#'s (170 with gear) and the power is adequate for me-- actually its damn quick, quicker than this newb needs to go

punker248 · 03-13-2007, 12:21 PM

Congrats on completing the MSF, and welcome to the board.

I agree that the 695 should be a good bike for a beginner, but am also of the camp that believe new riders should probably ride a cheap older bike that they won't become emotionally attatched to for their first season.

So If you're really interested in a Ducati, you should be able to get a decent used 620 for 3 to 4k maybe less.

Justin

mark111 · 03-13-2007, 03:00 PM

I agree about getting a used bike. I think a used 620 would make a perfect first bike and then you could upgrade next season. You most likely will drop your first bike doing something stupid like parking, putting your foot down on gravel/oil, or forgetting to take a lock off the front wheel (I've done all of the above). My guess is that next season you might want something bigger anyway. All of my low speed drops were within the first year, and it's really painfull to scratch up your brand new bike.

Yoda9 · 03-13-2007, 03:07 PM

You should definitely get a used 620 and ride it for a year and then sell it to me really cheap ;D Try not to scratch it too much....

All joking aside, I would seriously look at cheaper used bikes unless you are dead set on buying a brand new bike. You can always upgrade later.

Ryan

Cooper75 · 03-13-2007, 04:21 PM

Once again, I appreciate all your comments.
I am pretty ambitious in wanting a new bike (of course), however the points that all of you bring up are a ringing endorsement to getting something used.
With that said, I'm having some difficulty in finding a Used 620 within the area.
I've researched "Monsters for Sale" but have come up with very little.
I've also contact TT and Rosenau, but they don't have much to offer at this time.

Any of you wanting to unload a bike?

Thanks Again,
Dem