I am re-posting this from another section as suggested by a member here.
Hi, my name is Jimbo. I am from Midland, Texas. I am thinking of getting a Monster. Never owned a Ducati before but a couple of friends have them and have convinced me to go Italian. I recently sold my Honda cbr 954 and want something less supersport and more standard. I think a Monster might be the ticket. I have rode a 998, 999, 748 and a Hypermotard 1100S and like the ergos and attitude of the Hyper but they are outta my current price range.($3500-$4500) What can I expect from owning a Ducati and what do I need to be aware of, maintance wise, parts wise, problems, etc. Which Monsters should I be considering? I am thinking 98-02 750 monster or maybe 900. I am an older rider and have a lot of experience. I been riding for 30 odd years and have owned many bikes, most recently an 86 VFR and 02 CBR, currently have a Suzuki Savage based bobber (pics) but want something for the twisties and maybe rode trips to Texas hill country, Big Bend area, and maybe a track day in there somewhere. Thought i would ask some guys opinions that own and ride Monsters any input would be helpful.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/bike%20pics/DSC00011-1.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/bike%20pics/DSC00013-1.jpg)
My vote is for a 2000 M900ie.
There was no immobilizer on that year bike, and it has fuel injection.
The 900's are pretty much bullet proof. Plenty of parts are available to upgrade the look and the performance.
900 is also higher on horsepower and torque due to better flowing heads and cams.
It's a pretty good value IMO [thumbsup]
Quote from: Monsterlover on April 23, 2009, 09:53:25 AM
My vote is for a 2000 M900ie.
+1
It is hard to go wrong with any of the years / models you mentioned but the 2000 M900 is one of my favorites right behind the S model.
There is not much to look out for in those years other than service records. If the owner doesn't have documentation then expect to do a 12K service on a bike of that vintage. If you built that bobber I would guess that you could do all your own service on a 98-02 Ducati Monster. They are pretty simple.
The bobber looks great BTW. I also had a 1987 VFR, another great bike.
your budget is perfect for a 750-900 in almost any year.
I picked up a 2002 750 for right inside your price range and i couldnt be happier. If possible i would suggest getting 2002 or newer, as those models have a few little improvements, and it seems (from my searches anyhow) that more aftermarket parts are available for those years.
But as was said, you cant really go wrong. Good luck!
-check to make sure the hinge under the rear of the tank does not leak fuel
-check the verticle cylinder base seal for oil leaks.
check desmotimes.com for the LT snyder book, which details how to do your own 2v motor valve adjustments.
Quote from: jimbonerz28 on April 22, 2009, 08:04:49 PM
what do I need to be aware of, maintance wise, parts wise, problems, etc. Which Monsters should I be considering?
Go 900 - at 750 probably feel a bit anemic to you. IF you can find a 2000 900 S grab it. the 2000 S had some extra nice suspension goodies that the 99 or 01 didn't like an Ohlins rear shock. Starting in 2000 the 900 was injected, but the smaller monsters didn't get injection until a couple years later on.
A little hunting around on here might help you form a battle plan. If you're looking at an older bike, there will be all the normal bike maintenance, that I'm sure you're familiar with, that you would want to make sure is done. For ducs, you also need to check on the Cam belts. The book says they are a 2yr/12k mi replacement item. SO if you find a low mileage bike (under 12k) it's possible those belts are old as sin and need to be replace pronto.
As mentioned - 900 engines are tanks. That's what was used to power the Elefant Paris-Dakar bikes. They don't need any special looking after outside of normal service.
The tank hinge weak point was covered... but that's common to all older metal tanked monsters. Really.. 900s didn't have any oddities late in their run.
I'm biased, but agree on the '00-'02 900ie. ;)
I think one advantage to an '02 is that they came standard with adjustable suspension, whereas earlier models did not (unless it is an "S").
I also like the '00-'01 900's but I'm biased.
Did the '02s have immobilsers? Or were they sort of leftover '01 stock sold in '02?
Quote from: Fresh Pants on April 23, 2009, 03:04:45 PM
Did the '02s have immobilsers? Or were they sort of leftover '01 stock sold in '02?
Yes, '02's have the immobilizer.
Thank you all for the information. It is much appreciated.
I am looking at a couple I found in TX\DFW area. A 97 900 w/19k for $2900 but I am a little iffy about this one seems kinda cheap and don't know about the service schedule. Also a couple of 750s--A 98 750 w/19k $3500 Had complete dealer service at 18k--and a 99 750 ???k $3500 new tires,brakes,timing belts,battery. I am still looking.
Not to concerned about the power aspect, my 954 was way more power than I used (except every once in a while [evil]) and my old 700 vfr was enough power but not enough to get you in trouble [moto].
Anyone have a nice one they wanna sale in Texas. I am going to be in DFW at the Pate swap meet (Tx Motor Speedway) next weekend and will probably go home with a bike.
Seriously, get the 900.
Forget the 750. The word anemic is a good description. The Ducati 900 twin isn't even close to what the Honda 954 engine would do. It's not apples to apples.
;D
Nice bobber. [thumbsup]
Quote from: Monsterlover on April 24, 2009, 04:13:31 PM
Forget the 750. The word anemic is a good description. The Ducati 900 twin isn't even close to what the Honda 954 engine would do.
Of the more modern monsters, the carb'ed 750 has power/torque numbers similar to the 620. My 620 was great fun, but for an experience3d rider, it might leave you feeling a little flat, and you'll be shifting a bit more often than w/ a 900.
I went from a 620 to a '00 900S. The injected 900 has good low end torque that makes it quite fun. Sure, it's not going to win any top speed contests... but in the tight stuff the lightness of the aircooled bike and the grunty torque make it a fun ride.
Well I did the opposite of what most other riders have done. I had a 97 M750 and sold it for a 03 M620ie. Being fairly short and spending most of my riding in the mountains of TN and NC on the tail of the dragon I truly love the M620. It is not fast and does not have the power of a 900 but when I am throwing it around the curves which can be very tight in the mountains it performs just how I like it.
I think what is more important is finding a bike you trust and feel confident on. Its useless have a bike you are afraid of.
That post reminds me of some of the fun I had on my 620. One thing that hasn't really been mentioned is clutches. The newer wet clutch bikes like the 620 have an Adler power torque converter clutch, a flavor of slipper clutch. It makes for easier down shifts at speed as the clutch will let slip until the engine revs match the gear/speed which is handy in the tight stuff - also means you left hand doesn't get the same work out. That and the clutch pull on the ATPC is a lot lighter than a dry clutch bike. And as noted, the 620 is light light which is nice
You could probably find a 620 in your price range - so you might want to add that to you watch list.
Quote from: love2bike on April 26, 2009, 07:20:56 PM
Well I did the opposite of what most other riders have done. I had a 97 M750 and sold it for a 03 M620ie. Being fairly short and spending most of my riding in the mountains of TN and NC on the tail of the dragon I truly love the M620. It is not fast and does not have the power of a 900 but when I am throwing it around the curves which can be very tight in the mountains it performs just how I like it.
I really really enjoy my little 62HP M750 in the same areas you're talking about L2B. A lot of it is I simply trust and understand the bike. [Threadjack] What are are you in L2B? [/Threadjack]
I do agree with everything mentioned about the M900. The injected 900 is a reliable a very fun motor. I would venture to say with the quickness of the dry clutch and it's nice low-end power, it could overwhelm a new rider. The 620 nearly matches the HP numbers for the M750 while the 695 passes it.
JM
I also found an 05 620 for $4000. It has 2,700 miles. this is the bike I think I am gonna buy. I read alot of reviews and rider opinions about the bike and it seems a good choice. Does the 05 have injection and a 6 speed? I think thats what I understand, but can only find reviews on older model 620s with 5 speeds.
It looks to me on paper that the newer 620 is almost if not the same on power as an older 750 and maybe a little lighter.
The only 900 I have found in my area is a 97 and has some scrapes on the front fender and the tank. It has seen the driveway up close.
How can I tell the Dark models from the black ones? Are the Darks all flat black? Do the Darks have cheaper brake and suspension parts?
One front disk is the clear sign for a dark
Quote from: ArguZ on April 28, 2009, 02:06:56 AM
One front disk is the clear sign for a dark
Also the single disk flavor had a 5 speed gear box in many cases. But there are 6 spd dual disc Dark 620s. I had an 05 w. dual discs and yes any 620 will be injected. They were introduced after/as Ducati transitioned all the monsters to injection.
Darks have the same suspension as the 'normal' 620. They didn't come stock w/ the seat cowl or front fairing. Also their top triple had risers cast into them, as opposed to being a separate piece. Those items combined with the less costly paint job made the Dark models a few hundred less than the 'normal' ones. Engine, suspension and brakes were same same between all the 620s - save for the more rare single disc flavors.
Most (but not all) Dark were painted a metallic black on the tank - and not clear coated. W/othe clear coat they look matte. Ther are some out there with other colors - I know they made a silver Dark.
One thing to note is that in 05 there was a transition. 620s made in early 05 had a metal tank and better 4 piston calipers mater to 320mm rotors. Later 05, like mine, saw the introduction of the plastic tanks and those bikes got 300mm rotors and 2 piston calipers.
I say go with the 620.
I have a Dark 900 and love it. The parts on it are, as yuu mentioned, more basic. Think of the Dark as having the "middle" settings on a "regular" monster. So if you buy bikes and leave the suspension where it's at from the factory, then perfect. The dark has that. If you like custom paint jobs, great, the dark is easier to paint over. The Dark was the factory's nod to the custom market and the idea was that people could save by not paying more for parts they were just going to switch out anyway. Like a lot of people on this thread have said, they're easy bikes to work on. Don't like something on it? Change it out for a part you do. There's a lot of aftermarket support out there for these bikes.
And if you cruise the "parts for sale" section of the forum you'll often be able to find used parts that let you "upgrade" your Ducati to whatever you want it to be.
Whatever you decide to get, make sure it plasters a smile on your face. That's the most important feature of any bike.
The single disc on the dark isn't always a bad thing.
depending on what you are gonna use it for. The other disc and caliper could just be extra weight to lug around.
the difference in acceleration is definately noticable.
The budget you mentioned should stretch to a 695. which is he one i would have out of the newer monsters.
I'm not a fan of the single sided swing arm.
Quote from: weemonster on April 28, 2009, 05:20:58 AM
The single disc on the dark isn't always a bad thing.
My M750 is the single-disc variety. It has the better brakes & stopping ability than a lot of twin disc bikes. It will (yes, it's 20ish pounds lighter, but still) outstop my dual-disc 900SS both solo and 2-up. Downside is it's more likely to heat up in some seriously aggressive riding where you're on the brakes a lot compared to the dual-disc bikes.
JM
Alright, I got back last night with my new Duc. I picked up a 97 M900 with 19K.
Second owner bike and got some service info from local dealer with good news.
This bike is almost unchanged, still has factory rear fender but has had a 520 chain conversion.
Payed $2800, not bad deal but it does need new tires and a new clutch.
It needs a TLC to be top notch but I am very happy with it.
It is a smoke gray metallic color with silver Ducati letters and gold outlines, is this a factory color? Does not look to have been painted but I haven't seen any this color before. I will get pics asap. It has quite a few carbon fiber pieces I believe are stock.
Thank guys for all the info I am well on my way to being a very happy Ducatiist.
Congrats! Good luck fixing it up, looking forward to pictures. [thumbsup]
Quote from: jimbonerz28 on May 03, 2009, 10:27:34 PM
It is a smoke gray metallic color with silver Ducati letters and gold outlines, is this a factory color? Does not look to have been painted but I haven't seen any this color before.
Gold outlines? Hmm that's not stock that I know of. I would not be shocked at all to hears it's been repainted. Monsters (with handle bars) common get the 'Ducati Ding' from being tipped over at some point. In that event, the stock bars will hit the tank, denting it. Not too badly usually... but still denting it. An 11 year old bike may well have seen a tip over at some point and then got fixed up. You could go to an autoparts store and get a body filler tester. Basically a magnet in a tube with a scale marked on it. You place said gizmo on a body section and pull away until the magnet releases - then you look at the scale and note it. Longer the magnet holds, the more metal you've got - body filler will lessen the strength of the magnetic attachment and you'll see a lower number on that scale. A little probing around where the bars might contact your tank might reveal there's some filler underneath.
Either way - congrats on the new ride. I picked up a '00 900 with 18k a little bit ago - and now we're rapidly working towards 30k w/o a hitch.
Give it a little TLC and that 900 should run a looong time.
Silver "Ducati" with gold outlines was a stock color for older Monsters.
You can see a write up of the 97 Monster 750 here:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/first-impression-1997-ducati-m750-monster-14353.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/first-impression-1997-ducati-m750-monster-14353.html)
It also includes photos of a bike with the factory paint job. There are obviously differences between an 900 and a 750, but the paint job was the same.
Quote from: erik822 on May 04, 2009, 08:33:08 AM
Silver "Ducati" with gold outlines was a stock color for older Monsters.
You can see a write up of the 97 Monster 750 here:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/first-impression-1997-ducati-m750-monster-14353.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/first-impression-1997-ducati-m750-monster-14353.html)
It also includes photos of a bike with the factory paint job. There are obviously differences between an 900 and a 750, but the paint job was the same.
Oh *that* look. yeah dur... ignore my comments. I was thinking it was the newer Sans Serif font.. not the older serif look...
Here are some pics of the bike. I dont think its been repainted, if so they did a good job. I am really happy with the bike. First bike I have been excited about riding in a while. [moto]
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02564.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02565.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02566.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02568.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02569.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/JimmySix/my%20bikes/DSC02570.jpg)
I think I am going to go all black motor w/gold pullies,clutch,ect. and carbon fiber cutout covers, gold frame and wheels, dark charcoal paint w/gold or white racing stripe and older Ducati tank logo to match. I kinda like the one (same scheme) that was in the monster challege series but with a few things different.
Nice looking bike. That Monster has a few little extras. In '97 the Tachometer wasn't standard, and the carbon fiber pipes are definitely a part that one of the previous owners added. The paint is either original or the original style.
I, for one, think you got a pretty sweet deal.
looking good. It looks so good that it doesn't matter if the paint is original or not.
Its not got all its tank decal tho. its the period lettering but i should have monster underneath the ducati.
But it is an almost 12 year old bike and newish paint is beter than scabby paint and chips and dents everytime.
Nice unmolested monster there .
SO GET MOLESTING !!!!!!
Those are stock decals, and are no longer available.
The 520 chain was standard on the M900.