[slickmonster]

Hey all...just wanted to first start off by saying that this BB is the best and contains tons and tons of useful information. As for me, I'm a newbie looking to take my license test in early March/April and get a new bike. I've always loved the way the Ducati Monsters looked and sounded, and have decided to buy one as a first bike. However, there are a few questions/problems that I am considering:

1) I'm interested in the 04 models b/c they have the new PTC system, which is supposedly really good and provides for more seamless gear-shifting. However, I was wondering if I should just buy a 03 model b/c it'll be cheaper and I could prob get a better deal. In addition, given that it is my first bike, I heard that "everyone" downs there first bike, and so I'm a little hesitant to spend the extra money (although not that much).

2) Refering to point 1, would it be suggested that I purchase an old bike, say off ebay, for a few hundred, maybe 1000 dollars, and use that as a practice bike that I wouldn't mind "ruining"...hehe

3) When it comes to gear, I really like the short, leather jackets like the Dainese Flash 2. However, I heard that if you fall (fingers crossed I don't), that the jacket can ride up, thereby leaving your lower back exposed to numerous feet of dragging upon "smooth" blacktop. Are the longer jackets recommended? Also, any suggestions on pants that I can wear over jeans?

4) As a first bike, is it too risky to go for the 800 (newer model), or even a 750 if the dealer has one still in stock? I'm new and have only ridden once or twice, and do not really know the power behind different bikes.

5) Anyone in the NJ area ever deal with Rizzon Motorcycles? Any good/bad points dealing with them? Any other good ones in the NJ area?

Any and all help/advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! Thanks again everyone...

Regards,

B

 

[MonsterHooligan]

I'd give the thumbs-up to #2.
When they are new, most people lose their balance and/or concentration while starting/stopping, and end up tipping the bike over. (um, i did it a couple times)
It's much less trauma if the bike was already old and scratched up.

I started on a 88 EX500. Liked it alot. also check GS500, SecaII, older standard JPN bikes.

 

[Fillmore]

1- It's been my experience that new features may not be all that they're cracked up to be in their first year. I've never thought that shifting was much of an issue to begin with, but that sixth gear is probably nice to have.

2- I'm kinda in-between when it comes to this point. It is a drag to drop a new bike, especially one with expensive replacement parts like a Ducati. On the other hand, motorcycling is all about your relationship with the bike, so you don't want something that rides or looks like crap, you just won't be happy. Have you thought about an older used Monster or SS? All the fun with half of the risk...

3- The obvoius answer here is to zip the jacket to a set of pants. That doesn't necesarily mean that you have to spring for a set of Dainese pants. You could just have a zipper added to either the jacket or pants that would match the other piece.

Also, a correctly fitting jacket, particulary if you have a back protector in it, shouldn't be overly prone to moving around on your body.

As for pants that you can wear over jeans, I like the Fieldsheer Highland pants. (Wearing them today, in fact) Lots of nice features, reasonable price.
http://www.fieldsheer.com/products.php?display=highland-pant

4- If you can get them for the same price, I'd go for the larger displacement bike. These are all air-cooled twins with nice flat torque curves, so if you can control your right hand, you shouldn't have a problem and the re-sale/trade-in will be better.

HTH,
--Fillmore

 

[Guest]

I also agree. An older cheaper starter bike 650 CC or less would make a good practive bike. Look for something light and CHEAP. Key Word CHEAP. One season of riding al old wreck will give you a bit more respect for your newer pricey ride. It will alos allow you the chance to buy a larger CC monster that will suit you for a longer period of time. Many people buy the 620 and wish they went bigger a year down the road. Get the practice bike. Learn to ride and then buy the 800 or bigger. Your money will be spent wisely. THe price of a new monster tank if you crash will most likely be more then what you pay for the learning bike anyway.
As for jackets. Just make sure to get something with a good back protector in it. That will keep it from riding up and do a better job in case of mishap.

 

[Lee]

I agree with the others.....a practice bike is the best way to go and can be picked up for next to nothin'. My wife just finished her MSF class and we bought a Suzuki LS650. Plenty of power (more than the Honda Rebel at least) and not too bad looking either. She's dropped it twice now but the accessory crash bars ($100) really did the trick. And to be honest...........I have a blast riding the dam thing. (Don't tell anybody, OK?)

Lee

 

[hsijgers]

I'm a noob that put about 850 miles on a (barely) used Ninja 250 and traded up to a (barely) used Monster 620. I dropped the ninja eight days after I bought it - dropping a new bike is a very real possibility and highly likely. So, starting with a practice "beater" might not be a bad idea...

I don't know if I'll feel like the 620 is under-powered down the road but for me, even the 250's power level was fine. Either one accelerates faster than the vast majority of the cages out there... ;D

I have a short jacket, but it zips to my pants (Joe Rocket Meteor 4 and Ballistic). I haven't had the "opportunity" to see if it rides up

Anyway, I think the 620 is a great starter bike and has penty of power for a beginner. Yes, you may decide you want more power down the road (as may I - heh ), but a slightly lower power level isn't necessarily a bad thing when you're developing throttle control skills.

Hope this helps you out

 

[Guest]

I dropped my m1000(11,000 dollar bike)with less than 600 miles on it. :-[ Not my first, second or third bike. Sh!t just happens. No point in worrying about it.

You never said if this was your first motocycle or just your first street bike. If you've ridden dirt bikes before, you already have a handle on the whole clutch/shifter thing. Then I'd say buy a nice bike that you'll love and respect in the morning.
If this is you first ever motorcycle, buy a little pile of sh!t that you have to work on, so you appreciate the times when you don't have to!

 

[bartmanS4]

I agree with MonsterHooligan and the others that have chimed in. A cheap starter bike is the way to go. Make sure it's cheao because you will definetly be moving on. My wife started out on an EX500 also and I think we picked it up for about $500. I've never downed a bike (knock wood) but I've dropped a few and you would be amazed how many Monsters out there have the dredded leftside tank ding. Doh! Just remember to ride YOUR ride. People get into trouble when they try to keep up with a more experienced group or individual rider. It is common for a new rider to haul ass on the staights to catch-up and go too hot into the next corner. Good luck, be safe

 

[geeniusatwurk]

yea i dropped my first honda nighthawk 2 hours after i got it. haven't dropped anything since. dont do it with a ducati, cuz she'll never forgive you...

 

[slickmonster]

Hey all!! Thanks a lot for your advice and suggestions. As of right now, I'm looking into a used bike...and I've seen a bunch of classifieds online, but haven't gotten around to checking them out in person. I was wondering, given that I'm a newbie and this will be my first bike, what I should look for? Obviously, there are ppl out there who are just trying to sell a bike and it could be a lemon. Is there anything in particular I should be checking for/asking about? I will probably have a friend come with me to ride it, but I would also like to know about some general bike things to check for. Any help is appreciated! Thanks again!!!

 

[mg]

Buy a used Monster, that's what I did. ;D

Match Jackets and pants from the same manufacturer, that way, the rear zipper will match.

Good luck