[Guest]

Hello. I am a newbie to this site and to owning a bike. I have been obsessed with the monster since it came out. I have not purchsed one as yet. But have found one in Dallas Tx for $2950.00 (99 Monster 750 has cosmetic damage only) 3x3 dent in tank. Does any one have any comments on:
1. Is this a good first bike, should I get a 620?
2. The maintance horror story frighten me are they really that bad.
3. I have been told I should get a Suzuki sv650. But I have sat on the Monsters ( haven't been able to drive one yet) and they feel soooo good.

Thanks.
Paden

 

[Stu Pedaso]

The size/hp difference isnt really all that much between a 620 and 750. Depends on your size and what not. I got my 620 because I got an amazing deal on it. If I were to buy another, I would shoot for the 800 or 1000. I am 210# so that would get my blubber scootin down the road a little quicker. As far as the dent, no big deal. You are probably going to drop it once or twice any way. Just make sure they have service records on the bike. If its been neglected, you will end up having problems. Just like anything else out there, Its a matter of luck for getting a worry free machine or a lemon. Its your first bike so go for it. You are much better off than getting a rice rocket. These are fast, but not so fast that you will have a death wish. The SV is a nice bike, but you will probably end up paying the same for either one. So long story short- I say get the one that says no SCREAMS "I got taste"

 

[don_zielke]

Hi Paden,

I think a Monster 750 will be fine as a first bike. You just need to keep your wits about you at all times. Have you taken the MSF basic street skills course yet? I would recommend you take that asap if you haven't.

If you are worried about maintenance, buy the SV. The fact is that Ducatis DO require more maintenance as compared to the SV. How mechanically able are you? Are you willing to learn how to do your own maintenance? If you are not able, you better be aware that trips to the dealer are not usually inexpensive. The 6K valve service intervals are not cheap. $300-500 each from what I've been told (my monster 750 only has 4700 miles on it, haven't had my first major service yet either.

I personally love working on my own bike whenever I can, and look forward to learning new stuff (and buying new TOOLS! ;D), so the "maintenance horror" doesn't scare me at all. If doing routine maintenance yourself doesn't scare you, buy the Monster.

FWIW, YMMV, yadda yadda yadda.

Thanks,
Don Zielke

 

[MonsterHooligan]

1. Is this a good first bike, should I get a 620?
2. The maintance horror story frighten me are they really that bad.
3. I have been told I should get a Suzuki sv650. But I have sat on the Monsters ( haven't been able to drive one yet) and they feel soooo good.

1. that would be a better first bike than the 620 because it already has the dent in the tank you were going to get the first time you dropped it. it lessens the trauma if it already was screwed up.
2. ducatis need to be taken care of. valves need to be checked every 6000 miles (costs $3-400), belts changed every 12k (another $100).
3. every time somebody tells you to get a SV650 instead of a Monster...punch them in the mouth ;D

 

[ScottRNelson]

Buy the bike, it's a good deal.

Leave any dents and scrapes alone until at least next summer. Then when you manage to drop it when you get into some awkward situation, it won't bother you so much.

As for maintenance, I take mine in to a dealer every 6000 miles to have the valves adjusted, belts tensioned or replaced, and so forth. I change my own oil because it's so easy. I also lube my own chain. Other than taking the bike in every couple of years (I average about 3000 miles per year), it requires no more maintenance than an SV650 would.

I guarantee you'll love the Monster more than any SV650.

 

[Robert_Bowman]

If you're a new rider, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Beginning Rider course--it's fun, you learn a lot, and you may get an insurance break.

 

[AllyCat]

buy the monster, the suzuki is nice. You will enjoy the monster more. BTW, you need a 900

 

[iamic]

I bought a 750 for my first bike too - no regrets, nothing but smiles ;D

 

[Griffy]

What a relieving topic--sort of like an AA meeting. Allow another 1st bike, 1st Duck guy to introduce himself. My name is Griff, I live in central Virginia, I've lusted after Ducatis for years, and I just recently bought my first bike, a 2000 Monster 900S. I've ridden friends' bikes off and on since I was a kid (dirt bikes, mostly) and I'm having the time of my life getting to know my new ride. Man, that V-twin sound <sigh>. I've got the MSF class scheduled for next week, should be a lot of fun. And this message board is an awesome resource. I look forward to "meeting" y'all.

 

[AllyCat]

Congrats, on your new bike. Hope it lasts you a very long time

 

[peter2]

My first bike was an SV650, which is faster and therefore less of a beginner bike than either the 620 or the 750. However, if I would have bought a Monster as my first bike, I would still have it. The SV650 is nice, albeit with a mushy suspension, but it's no Ducati.

I think a 750 at a good price because of a dent in the tank is an excellent first bike. It's easy to ride and you won't feel suicidal when you drop it.

 

[Guest]

;D
Thanks to all the comments. I am weighing the choices. I really want the Duck. More than likeley I am going to get it. I am going to see if a friend of mine will go and look at it for me, 'cause my wife and I live in Amarillo which is about 358 miles away from Dallas. As far as mechanics, I don't mind trying new things, and from what other members have said the oil changes are easy, I will buy a manual. I look forward to being able to gain more knowledge from the Monster Family.

 

[kensai]

3. every time somebody tells you to get a SV650 instead of a Monster...punch them in the mouth

 

[02s4monster]

I just bought my first Ducati, had an '87 honda magna as first bike for 4 years, trying to save up the bucks for the dream bike... Looked at Aprillia, Triumph and jap bike too. In the end, it was my insurance co. that helped me decide to get the Ducati, not that I didn't want it... I got the S4, brand new '02, for just a couple hundred more than an '03 1000. I have already experianced the problems of owning a fine piece of Itialian art though, bike stayed in the shop for a month on the 600 mile service due to leaking clutch master cylinder... I think they actually had to mine the metal to build another one. But, on the way home from getting it back, I almost got dehydrated from all the drool!!! (and the fact that it is HOT as hell here in AZ)... But I must say that I love this bike! can't wait to get a set of termi's!!!