[mattnyu99]

Sup ladies and gents,

I am selling my 350Z and rather than buy another car, I have opted to get into a brand new Monster 620 Dark. This is my 1st bike and I am only starting to register for the MSF course in New Jersey. I want to ride responsibly and avoid the hospital at all costs.

With that said, I wont be riding 7 days a week. I have no need for a car because my gf has one. In fact, everyone i know has a car. I just needed some trasportation around NJ and my quick trips into Queens NY. Mostly at night and weekends.

I was looking at the Suzuki SV650 as well as the Yamaha R6.
But I have always wanted to own a Ducati for its prestige, racing heritage, and style. So I looked into the Monster 620 Dark and it seems for the money, you really can't beat it. Is this a good bike to start out on?

I am not a speed demon. I used to track my 350Z with NOS at the race track, but on public roads I really drive carefully and slow. I am great with my eyes/awareness but I know riding is completely different from driving a sports car. I am basically asking you guys for advice on #1, what to look for as in accessories for the monster on my delivery, and #2 riding tips for a newbie.

Here is what I am looking to walk out the dealership with:

Ducati Monster 620 Dark
Shoei Viking TC-5 black (For Me)
Shoei RJ-Air Platinum (For passengers)
Loud ass horn
Better Mirrors
Leather jacket
Gloves

OH AND WHAT INSURANCE COMPANY IS GOOD IN NEW JERSEY. I AM 26 AND HAVE A CLEAN RECORD.

Thanks!

 

[MagnusVer]

Hey, welcome aboard bro! Where in NJ? I'm in the Morristown area.

I'm not saying a 620 isn't the right bike for you, but at least give some thought to an 800 or a 1000 if you're buying new. This was my first bike (street) also, and I'm glad I went with a 900 and not a 600/620 at this point. I've seen similar comments on this list, so at least consider it... even though you're not a speed demon, speed isn't the only thing you're buying with the bigger bike.

Common accessories at the start are exhausts, aftermarket seat, add a few teeth to the rear sprocket, and of course, lose those ugly oem mirrors!

As far as riding tips go, you are taking the right first step with the MSF course. Once you get on the road, just go easy, know your limits and stay within them.

Insurance companies in New Jersey... try Rider www.njrider.com and Foremost.

Good luck.

 

[froggert]

at this point in the season, your best shot at msf may be to get your permit, sign up, and walk-in to every class trying to replace a cancellation.

ducati insurance in nj is messed up. all ducatis, monsters and st's included, are considered sportbikes and bikes above 750cc cost roughly twice as much as ones below. www.njrider.com has an online rate chart, but foremost is about $200 less per year for me.

at first, ride early in the mornings or at night when there's less people on the roads and you can concentrate on developing your riding skills. parking lots are great for practicing turns, braking, and clutch work. assume that no one sees you and that every car has a bad and unpredictable driver, because chances are they do here in nj. and consider joining the local ducati club at www.desmoducati.org

best of luck.

 

[Guest]

I bought a 620 dark back in March, got my permit in april, took the class in May, and then got my license shortly after. The ducati is my first bike and I love it. I don't know how much you weigh, but I am 200 lbs and 6' 2", those stock springs just really didn't hold up too much, at my first service I replaced both front and rear- HUGE difference. The bike feels much more planted and secure. In addition to that, I have only done the sil high mounts - much better noise and looks.
I don't think that you could go wrong with a sv-650, have only heard good things about them, but they don't have as much character or soul. Your call.

If going over 750 is going to jack your ins, then the 620 might not be a bad idea, I think that at some point in the next few years I'd like to get something more powerfull, but seeing that at this point, the bike is so much more capable than I am, the power can wait.

As for safety gear, buy the best stuff you can afford.

The MSF class was great I thought, as I had no real idea of what to expect other than the fact that I knew I would love riding my bike (bought the bike first, then signed up for the class and so on...)

And to be honest, I don't have a problem with the mirrors, but then again, I have only been on my bike, so I might not know what I am missing.

Best of luck.

 

[mattnyu99]

Thanks for the welcome and pointers.

 

[test-reg]

Matt, ibought my bike at Cycle Connection and they have been berry berry good to me. make sure you get to know Coutry Joe. it ain't no BCM, but they can do competent diagnosis and repair. they spent over 3 hours on the first service, and took care of all warranty problems to my satisfaction. the bike is now about 2.25 years old, 14.6K miles.

enjoy and ride safe

 

[Guest]

An R6 for a first bike is a death wish.

 

[Jasons03Corse]

I thought I would regret my 620 as opposed to going with an 800, but I haven't got a complaint in the world. I didn't buy mine for speed or racing or anything like that. I bought mine because I have always wanted a monster and the 620 fit me both financially and physically. I just wish I had a 6th gear. It's real easy to hit that 5th gear, and extra gear would be nice. But as far as cruising speed around town and what not. my 620 is perfect. FYI, my dealer threw in my helmet for buying the bike. I didn't get any maintenence included, but I got a Suomy Ducati S/S helmet for nuthin.

 

[Guest]

Hey,
I am fron Central NJ and am thinking of buying a 620 dark as well.

 

[Guest]

Watch ebay for dealer postings. Some put leftovers on to get rid of them. There are also some new m750 out there to. I think there is little difference between the 2002 and 2003 620. I went with a 2002 M900 left over a got a sweet deal at $8490 at Koups in Harrisburg PA. The one guy Mike realy know his stuff and all the sales guy are helpfull

 

[Guest]

I bought an '03 Monster 620 about 6 months ago. I just rolled 7000 miles today. This was my first street bike. I had a '97 Suzuki DR 350 which felt very comparable to the Monster. I have no complaints on this bike. I do need to get new tires though since I like to take off as fast as possible to get away from traffic and to show everyone that it is a true Duc (even though it s only a lil 620 ). I thought I would at least get 1 year out of the stock Pirelli's. :-/ The maintenance has been costly but I recently found a certified Duc Mech who works out of his garage. He is going to save me lots of money! You can't go wrong with this bike. The only thing is highway driving. It doesn't do well in the wind because it is so light, especially riding without a fairing in the front. I don't wear a helmet and it gets windy and loud on the highway! Invest in several locks too if you're going to have a Duc in that area! Good luck! I got mine for $6000 so you can deal with them. You also get a year free maintenance. I wish I woud have waited..hmmm..I take that back!

 

[Guest]

I am basically asking you guys for advice on #1, what to look for as in accessories for the monster on my delivery, and #2 riding tips for a newbie.

1) Accessories on the bike? Exhaust seems popular; Changing the sproket is good if you do a lot of city riding; Carbon fiber bits if you have any truly "discretionary" income to blow.

Instead of accessories for my 620, I've found myself spending a crap-load on safety gear (Arai helmet ($550); Marsee Jacket ($350); Kevlar Jeans ($125); Harley Boots ($150); Alpine Stars Gloves ($90)). Perhaps I became a bit compulsive, but I too want to stay out of the local ER as best as possible.

2) Riding tips: Try to ride early in the morning or during the weekday, when there is less traffic on the road. Night is a bit sketch b/c of the lower visibility for you and others. Also, even though the 620 may sound "underpowered," if you take it into the local twisties, you'll probably find it's way enough bike to get you through those turns (and then some). Anyway, take it easy and safe riding!

 

[MagnusVer]

Well, I guess I was wrong but I could have sworn I've read at least a few posts from people who went with a 600/620 who were sorry soon after that they didn't go for a bigger bike... I would at least test ride one though...

 

[Guest]

OK, let me hedge my earlier comment as I didn't mean for it to sound contradictory to what Magnus said earlier. I totally agree that a larger bike is worth at least a test ride and his choice is a pure judgement call on behalf of the rider. I was only addressing the particular power displacement of the bike and how it could be perceived by the beginning rider.

With my limited, personal experience with the 620, I have not found that the 620 is a machine that lacks power (e.g. isn't quick enough or can't climb hills). I know this is a relative statement but I still can toast BMW M3s off of stop lights and go (sometimes, too) hot in the canyons twisites. I'm not sure how much more a new rider would want from his first machine. Moreover, from other posts I've read, it seems no matter what size you are (6'+, 200+lbs), you shouldn't worry about the 620 not being able to pull your weight around (although you may have suspension issues, see above posts). Remeber, this is not to say that one won't outgrow the bike, or later want even more wheelie-happy torque. It's a question of degree, I suppose... just my $.02

Even from my biased position (I love my 620 ;D), I secretly yearn for a dry clutch and sixth gear (only avail on the bigger models). But don't tell anyone that. Especially my Monster...