[Tarik]

I don't mean to sabotage the other thread with the same title (almost), but I need to retract some of what I said in that thread, and it may shed some light on this common occurance of wanting to trade 620's in...
Remember I wanted a 748? Well, that still holds. My 620 is a blast to ride but I've always lived in envy of the bigger bikes. That being said, I was at the dealer last night and noticed they just took in a 2001 900Sie with 4k miles.
I'm about to pick it up tomorrow morning, unless something or someone convinces me, for good reason, why I shouldn't. Sure, this 900 is not a 748, but it sure is alot more bike and will satisfy in ways the 620 couldn't. I'm paying $8k for the 900 and trading the 620 in for $6k. Independently, I could probably do better on a 2001 900S. But between what I owe the bank and the deal we've arranged, It probably won't get this 'good' for another year or two after things depriciate more.
Things I noticed on my test ride of the 900: It's deffinately heavier. It's not as nimble through turns and doesn't stop as well as the 620. It tracks a little funny (squirley front end???), and part of that may be caused by low air pressure and a somewhat 'flat' squid-style patch down the center of the tires. I guess the previous owner didn't like curves.
Also, the bars on the bike are very narrow and tall and angled very weird. They're not the original bars, is all I know.
Personally, each time I ride with friends who own 900's, and I hear the dry clutch and the see the extras the larger bike comes standard with-sure, I aspire to it. I think this purchase may calm my 748 obsession for a while.
I don't think I'm saving any money on this deal, absolutely, but it's not bad and gets me on a bike I really like.
Also, as some may know, I've had some electrical glitches with my new 620 that at least once left me stranded on the side of the road in the pouring rain. That really pissed me off. I hold faith in the fact that the 900S without all the immobilizer boloney will hold up electrically and run well for years to come. It seems the 900 is a little more true tested to me.
Am I completely wrong in my assumptions/rationale on the trade/purchase of this 900? Has anyone ridden both the 620 and 900 and compared stopping/squirley-ness/reliability/electronics?
Thanks in advance
T.

 

[Guest]

I've ridden both, and I think you're doing the right thing. I know there are people that are completely happy with the 620, but the 900 is much better bike overall.

The only comment I have against that is that since the 620 being so light, it has a slightly higher fun factor than the 900 and my 1000. In fact, it was the 620 that got me hooked on monsters in the first place. It was a blast, but it lacked a bit on the top, even at 80-100km/h I felt it struggling. Afterwards when I rode a 900, all that went through my head when I twisted the throttle was 'yeah .. that's what the other one was missing'.

I don't know how much riding experience you have, but I personally think a monster of any size is suitable for a rider of any experience. The bigger ones are powerful, but the power is infinitely more manageable that your average japanese 600, which is what a fairly large number of sportbike riders start out with.

 

[Tarik]

I agree on the power issue.

 

[Mark1305]

I also think you are making a good move. You're addressing some shortcomings you perceived in the 620. And you are still going to be on a Monster. The 748 is a great bike, but I think a Monster is just more versatile. They have been proven to be suitable for everything from track days to long distance touring; from boulevard cruising to all out hooliganism.
Gotta love it! ;D

 

[krista_k]

i think the worn tires are a pretty big factor. also if they're underinflated. another factor are the handlebars. zina's 00 m900ie has these very wide handlebars, while my 97 m900 has cut back aluminum bars. her bike feels like a frikken Hardley Ableson wide glide in comparison.

i'm not sure $8k is that good a price for a 900ie. hard to say... the only thing making the sale is that the dealer is going to absorb your bike. you need to look at your bike's market value, the amount owed on it, and the fair value of the m900. NOW, you need to consider that they need to make $2k on your bike to make it worth while....

i rode a 620ie very briefly yesterday and thought it felt as strong as Pongo (my 97 m900) before i took him apart.

good luck!
chris

 

[Tarik]

Well, it's offical-I traded in my 620 for a 900S. I must admit-the bike has so much get-up compared to the 620. On the ride home from the dealer I took a few twisty roads and was pleased to discover the 900 is just about as flickable as the 620. Not as much, but it isn't a slug.
Brakes don't compare to the 620. Could it be added weight of the 900? they looked like the same brakes.
It sounds amazing. I'm very happy with my trade.
I'll post pix as soon as I throw the clip-ons on the bike ;D
Tarik

 

[CRASH!]

T Man,

I thought the dealer was going to put clip ons on for you?

Get the clip-ons, raise the rear height and you'll be amazed at how much more flickable it is!

If you're still not satisfied, you'll have to get the BST carbon fiber wheels ;D

 

[Tarik]

Mr. D,
I forgot to mention they swapped my back tire out for a new Dunlop 206 instead of the clip-ons. The tires were in stock, the clip-ons weren't. It all evens out I guess. And also I wanted to check in with you on recommendations on which bars to get. Also, I got a 6 month warranty on 'mechanical' equipment. It's not bad considering the original 2 year warranty on this bike expired in July.
I just got back from another twisty ride. Damn, I LOVE this bike. Endless oogles of power at any rpm and did I mention the dry clutch makes me giggle silly with joy
One of these cold winter weekends, when you have nothing to do, you'll have to swing by and help me dial this bad boy in. Suspension and other odds/ends you are privy to.
Thanks for the advice/what to look out for when I talked to you before purchase. I couldn't be happier.
Thanks everyone!
T.

 

[CRASH!]

There have been a number of clip-on threads on this board. YOu can try searching for them, though the search feature s*cks.

To me, there are only two choices; the cheapest (what I have) and the best. I don't see any reason to play in the middle ground because there's no additional adjustability there (less in fact) and, to me anyway, the easthitics, while different, aren't significantly superior.

Cheapest: "Redline" from MotoWheels (or elsewhere)
Best: Cycle Cat from various board sponsors including MotoWheels, or direct from Cycle Cat (same price either way I think). These are the most adjustable available and are a work of art. I will probably upgrade when I've exhausted all other possible upgrades (like that's gonna ever happen )