[evilfij]

Sorry I am a Dumb A** Newbie

I am looking for a monster, not really sure about them but I have the following questions:

Is there a great advantage to the fuel injected models?

Are the less powerfull models eaiser to ride?

This will be my first real bike, and I am on the young side (25) is a monster not the best idea?

The prices seem to be all over the place, where are some good places to look for a good bike at a fair price?

I have seen some bikes but they are out of my area, how bad is it to have one shipped, cost and hastle wise?

Is there any guru anywhere near me who would like to take a newbie under his (or her) wing (I am on the mainline outside philadelphia)? I saw the SEPA club but the website was down, or better yet someone in the area have one for sale?

If you were in my situation what would you buy? My initial thought is a used 02 620 dark or an older 600 I had my eye on this one, thoughts?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=49988&item=2436334553

watching ebay the prices for the 600s and 620s seem quite low, especially related to the bigger engined models, is this where they normally sell? Is a 3000 budget realistic (not that I could not spend more if need be)?

Maintaince and repair how bad is it? I plan to DIY everything. Is there anything particularly challenging or expensive? I am pretty confident with valve adjustment as I have some older land rovers which require valve adjustment so how much different could it be.

Anyone have a link to a prepurchase common issue checklist?

Anything else I should read (I went thought the FAQ and tried to search).

Cheers
Ron

 

[Reckless_Kelly]

Congratulations, you've chosen what could possibly be the best beginner motorcycle (at least in my opinion). The new 620's have almost the same power as the 750's did 2 years ago, so the power issue shouldn't be a concern, the 600's however were down about 10-15hp (46, I think). As far as pre-purchase technical questions, go to http://www.ducatitech.com, there is a really good FAQ section and great instructions on how to adjust the valves, plus when you're ready for more power, he details some of the easier mods for the air cooled motors. Not to mention, he is a poster on this board.

If you can swing it, I'd look at the new 620ie with the 6-speed tranny (the older ones have a 5-speed), and the new clutch, neither of which will seem really important in the first couple of months of ownership, but when you start REALLY learning to ride the bike, both with be appreciated.

As far as being a DIY kinda guy, good for you, my bike hasn't seen the inside of a Bike Shop in almost 4 years, and has been a breeze to maintain. You may want to have someone experienced around when you do your first valve adjustment, but get a manual and everything else should be a snap.

As far as the "Are the less powerful models easier to ride" question. Not really when you talking about that size bike. the v-twin engine layout provides smooth torque with no horsepower spikes (like most Jap bikes) which translates into smooth, predictable acceleration instead of "warp speed cap'n Sulu", which can catch you off guard.

As far as Ebay pricing, it will vary, the 600/620's that are out there are being trumped every year by the new model, so the pricing will be low, remember that if you buy a new one. Buy a bike that you will want to keep around for about 3 years at least, that way you won't have to try and sell it in a year and take a huge loss, just so that you can get the one with a little more power that you wish you got the first time around.

 

[900Steve]

ron, welcome to the DML.

everyone is has been a newbie so dont feel bad about it. im still rather green compared to most of the ladies and gents here. but im going to try and throw my $.02 at you.

my M900S is my first bike, i dont think age makes much of a difference as maturity level does when it comes to riding. for me, i dont think the bike is too much for me. will i ever ride it to 10/10 or even 9/10 of what its capable of? probably not anytime soon. from what i heard, buy what you like, not what everyone tells you to buy. if i didnt do that, id be riding a CBR600 right now and wouldnt be enjoying myself as much as i am.

as far as your other questions, i think they are all answerd somewhere as threads in here. search for some threads on changing jetting vs. tuning a fuel injected bike and you will see how the mods will affect each system and what kind of work needs to be done to ensure the bike is running correctly/optimally. and you seem like you can handle a good chunk of the maintenance yoruself if your familiar with the type of work, but the desmo-action is a bit different than valve/sping combos.

im sure you'll find everything you need here. keep us posted whichever way you go.

-steve

 

[evilfij]

"Ducatis break in strange ways and the owner must be tolerant of this . . . It takes a sick kind of person to own a Ducati. I'm one of the afflicted."

Humm . . . perfect.

Thanks for the input and keep it coming.

Ron

 

[Lead_Teeth]

My recently purchased 2001 Ducati Monster 750 is my first street bike. I've ridden dirt bikes growing up and I recently took the MSF course, but I am very much a beginner. This bike is absolutely perfect for me and I highly recommend it.

It allows me to plant both feet firmly on the ground, it is not too heavy and it "fits" me extremely well. Plus, it is ridiculously fun to ride- handles great, is fast, and sounds so nice.

I'm glad I went with the 750 over the 620. Don't be scared of a bigger bike- if you're safe, you'll grow into it quickly. But really, you'll be happy either way, and you could have some extra money to trick it out if you go with a less expensive 620.

Welcome.

 

[kommodo]

The monster, any except possibly the 600, is an excellent choice for a first (or last) roadbike. It has enough power to have some fun but not so much to get you in trouble as easily as some of the other choices available. Street bikes are mainly about looks and ridability. As far as ridability goes my 750 is really easy. A 2-valve 90 degree v-twin is really the perfect road motor, relatively flat torque curve and minimal vibes. That said, if you are looking to be Rossi on the road the monster isn't for you. I like mine because it will go quick enough when I want it to but it does have limits, i.e. it has more self control than I do. My S*zuki is perfect for the track but useless on the road, plus it looks like everyone elses.
As to looks the monster is really unique. I dated a woman for a while that who was accustomed to H*rleys. She was amazed that whenever we'd stop people would always come and admire and want to talk about the Ducati. She said that never happened with milwaukee bikes. After a while you start changing the bike to suit you. With mine I've added under the triple tree clip-ons, under engine exhaust, custom paint, some carbon fiber, different sprockets, re-jetted, extra front caliper, raceteched the forks, and plan on doing more. My S*zuki only got race bodywork(crashed a number of times) and suspension work. It's no longer road legal and that's alright.
The Ducati parts issue seems to be resolved as it only took a week to get the last parts I ordered. Valve adjustments are an issue but if you can do it your self it's not. Finding a good mechanic is important as it is with any bike. But as too size, 620,750, 800, 900 or 1000, I think you'll like any of them.

 

[evilfij]

What is the general consensus about fast by ferracci? They are the closest dealer to me (30minutes or so). Nice to have some back up if I ever face something I can't figure out.

How about the 600? They seem to be ~$2000 less than an 02 620, but it the lack of power an issue? Anyone have a 600 and care to comment?

I am leaning toward an 00 (I guess they made some limited edition 600s in 00?) or 01 600 dark with a tank ding of some sorts as I figure I am going to hurt it myself anyway.

Ron

 

[Reckless_Kelly]

As far as FBF goes, I've had good experiences in the past with the parts people (haven't needed to order anything in a while), But I've heard that since they acquired MV that have gone downhill on the Ducati side.

The 600's are not just a little underpowered, they are REALLY underpowered and seem to have several carbueration issues. If that's what you can afford for now, then plan for a big bore kit to bring it up to 675cc fron FBF to make the power you will probably want. Then of course there is the carb tuning issue. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Guest]

North American Warhorse is in Scranton PA. They are having a Ducati open house Saturday the 25th of this month. They have a few left over Monster in the shop. They offer great deals and great service. It would be worth the ride up from the Phili area. Especially if you call first and see what they have. Ask for KEN. 570 346-BIKE.
I have sent many people there. If you call first they will offer you a great price to make the trip worth while, Make sure they know your coming from Phili when you ask your questions. Maybe I will see you at the open house. I usually work events like this for Warhorse. THey like having a photographer around.