Ducati Monster Forum

Hi! I'm a new rider (been riding for a measely month now).
I currently ride a ninja but I am totally in love with the 696, however, short of selling an organ or my citizenship, I am a poor college student who will probably never get to sit on a new one (or even a used one) for many many years.
Which got me thinking, how did you end up getting your 1st ducati? AND is it true that it's expensive to maintain?

Hey, you don't really need two kidneys....  ;)

I rode around on an 82 Nighthawk 650 for almost a year before I upgraded to my first Duc. I bought used from a local seller that I think I found on craigslist.

I had lots of assistance from an experienced rider friend, testing out the Duc, and helping out with the huge wad of cash such a purchase requires.

 

that's what I keep telling myself.. (about the kidneys that is).. that or sell some eggs HAHAHAH :P

When I moved to CO four years ago, I didn't know anyone and it just dawned on me that I could get my own bike to ride around and explore the state.  I'd ridden cupcake with friends/boyfriends for a long time and we also grew up with small bikes (50 & 80cc). 

I first bought a Yamaha V-Star (it was inexpensive and reliable).  Rode that for less than a year without that "holy s#%* this is a blast" feeling as I was expecting.  It was just...meh.  A client mentioned that another vendor of his was selling her Ducati and my ears perked up.  Bought the bike, gained a friend and then 2 years later began working for her.  Oh and I found a super cool b/f through the DMF plus met a bunch of other great people through here too!   [thumbsup] [beer] [moto].

I started out riding on a GS500F I picked up after the MSF class.  I had fun on it, but was a bit intimidated in parking or hilly situations as it was just a little bit tall and top-heavy for me.

Then several months later, I went to the International Motorcycle Show and sat on many of the bikes.  When I got to the 695 it was love at first sight sit...it just fit me so much better than my Suzuki, plus it looked so hot. ;)

It didn't take me long to make up my mind and buy one (my company was acquired and cashed out our stock options...first time I ever had any that were worth anything).


Me too except my b/f is now my husband. :)

it definitely doesn't feel like what i always thought a motorcycle should feel like when i ride around on the ninja...
i'm just going to have to make my mind up and buckle down and get one it sounds like :P

Highly recommended, however if you're incurring student loans, the thought of adding another loan (if you can't pay for one outright) would make me nervous in this economy.  Definitely great deals out there with pre-owned bikes.   Consider all your options before impulse buying.  (Buzz kill, aren't I?!)    ;)

pre-Monster, I owned several bikes... it's always best to put as much $ down as possible on any vehicle purchase. However, just remember a motorcycle is a toy (and most people who own them treat them so). Be sure you're happy with what you want to buy.

I had a Honda 70 Elite - but it doesn't count.

I owned a 1995 Suzuki RF 600 (new) - was a nice motorcycle but compared to the next bike I bought I was glad to trade up. I sold the Suzuki for cash and used the cash for my next purchase.

Next ride I had was a 1994 GSX-R 600 (used) - I really liked it but was really heavy and I got used to the upshift/downshift thing a lot - a lot of work cornering it since it was a huge pig.

Bought a Suzuki VX800 (Maurader - new) - ended up financing this one - sold it for cash eventually. After riding this, it got me interested in the V-twin engines. I really liked the sounds and torque (and less shifting!!) - but it was a cruiser.

Bought my 2000 Monster 750 (new) - I think i had some $$ set aside for this one and used the cash from the other bike to put down on it. I modded this a lot - and the next bike I get I will leave stock. I bought it primarily b/c it was the only bike I could put 2 feet down on the pavement (not flat footed though) - I'm 5'1 so I'm like tinkerbell on the motorcycle. It is a very fun ride. Differences (besides the L-twin engine vs in-line 4) mostly the clutch - which is hydraulic - you'll be able to tell the difference right away.

I suggest trying out someone's ride if they'll let you. I'm in Northern California - I'd let you try mine out if you were near.

As far as upkeep costs (repairs, services etc) - they're not inherently high because they're Ducatis... it's because of the engine design. You'll see this apparent in the auto industry as well. V8 engines or V6 engines vs the in-line engines (no matter if they're cars or bikes) will always require more maintenance. Higher torque values require shorter intervals b/t services - the less power the bike has, the longer you can go without the service (in general, all things considered equal). You can do alot of the servicing on your own (chain tension, oil change) - the valve adjustments you can do at home if you like working on vehicles. I'd recommend if you're on a budget and wanting to not take it in to the dealer or someone to do it for you ($350 for valve adjustment - maybe more... not sure of the current price right now) - have someone help you who's done it before. They have videos and  valve adj. kits that have the parts you need for it.

I always coveted the Monster, but my boyfriend (now husband) told me I had to get a bike I didnt mind dropping to learn on. 

I rode a 1981 Honda CB400T for about a year before upgrading.  A friend knew I wanted a Monster and was keeping an eye on local PA forums and finally found one.  It was 4 years old with less than 2000 miles, and was well below KBB and definitely a couple thousand less than new.  I was in graduate school and had just finished paying for a wedding when I decided to get it.  I got a personal loan since I didnt qualify for a used vehicle loan - the bike was one year too old for a used vehicle loan.

I just slowly paid it off throwing more at it when I could.  January 1, 2009 I made my last payment  [moto]

If you live in MN you can ride mine. Poor thing sits too much.

Years ago I saw my first Ducati Monster and kept saying, some day.
On a rainy Saturday last fall, we were out to lunch with the kids; my husband took a much different route home than usual and we ended up at Trebour Motorcycles in Ledgewood, NJ. We all rushed in from the rain and began walking around the shop. My husband asked the sales person if they had a White 696 (of course they did). We walked over and took a look, but I didn't want to tease myself by sitting on it. My husband saw my apprehension and said, "Right now, if you want this bike, I'll buy it". Silly me, I said, No.
He immediately said, "OK kids. let's go". My jaw dropped, I said wait! He looked at me and said, "Right now, if you want this bike, I'll buy it, TODAY". I understood, he wanted to know if I really wanted it; I said yes!
At that moment I thought I heard a chorus of angels singing, but it turned to be the sales manager.
I have added a few accessories to the bike since, and a new wardrobe for me of course; I love my Monster.

 [laugh] [laugh]

Great stories - especially the chorus of angels...   ;D

I got a Vespa about 4 years ago and it was fun and easy, but it didn't handle like a real bike (I'm a long distance cyclist and have raced bicycles).  When I took the MSF course for my scooter license, I noticed that even the silly motos they had us on for that handled better than the Vespa.  So I sold the Vespa to my father in law and got a Triumph Bonneville, which was my idea of what motorcycles "should" look like.

After riding the Bonnie for a couple of years, including a several-day trip, I started to realize that it was a bit cumbersome and just didn't handle great.  This was especially apparent after I crashed my bicycle at the beginning of last year and broke my shoulder - I was left with some residual lack of strength there (and I am terrible at sticking with the weights/PT).  And I started noticing motorcycles and getting a better idea of what other sorts looked good.

I rode the 696 and bought it the same day.  We really like our local dealer (having bought 3 motos there now), and the took the Bonnie in trade and I left with a shiny new Monster - which I promptly low sided at the end of my first long ride, requiring an upgrade to termis.   [roll]

It's a great bike - easy to ride from the first day and we just keep getting better acquainted all the time.

saw it at the dealership and fell in love with it.  a couple weeks later, my husband took me to another dealership and had the bike ready for me.  ;D

i too saw the parting of clouds and the beam of light coming down from the heavens onto this bike. did i really need to buy it? probably not. do i love it and haven't looked back since? most definitely.
(http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs252.snc1/9925_1211096008217_1553251290_559858_5743348_n.jpg)

Wow!!  Congrats shelbelle!

The white color is really pretty. I also like the tail chop and I'm waiting to get it put onto my bike next week. My son rides a Monster and when I said I  thought I might like to get my own bike and learn to ride my son said I would love the 696. So, my dear husband called the dealer nearby and the bike was delivered in two days.What a surprise and I love it!! :)

I started riding a on a Yamaha XS400 cruiser.  I hated every minute.  Sitting so far upright felt unatural to me.  I sold the bike for various reasons and was bikeless for over a year. 

Then this handsome guy with a Yellow ST4 started at my school.  I chatted him up about riding, etc.  We started hanging out and I finally got the nerve to ask him out for a date....

Next thing I know, he has me riding again on his ST4.  He gave me the MSF course for my birthday and we went to look at bikes.  I was a bit aprehensive because as a grad student I didn't have the $$ for a moto, but he told me not to worry about it.  We looked at tons of bikes, everything but a Ducati. 

Then one day we stopped into the Duc dealer for a part or something...and there was a 620 in the back for service..that I noticed from the sales floor.  I asked the dealer if I could sit on it...and it was a perfect fit.  I had the biggest  ;D .  It was settled then; I was getting a Monster 695.

He also had the dealer throw a 999 in for himself.  I couldn't believe it...I was going to have a Duc of my own. 

Me after the maiden ride home: 

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn43/Desmodiva/Monster/1stDaya.jpg)

It was a pre-engagement present.   [moto]


The Monster was upgraded as a wedding gift: 

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn43/Desmodiva/NewRide/left.jpg)


The Yellow ST4 that started it all is now mine,  B upgraded to an ST4s. 

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn43/Desmodiva/STPR2009/P1010001.jpg)

My bike was a total surprise for me!!!  I have always wanted to ride but had never put the time in to take any classes or even look into it. I never imagined I would actually do it. This past July my husband and I had our 3rd anniversary  [wine] . To my surprise, he purchased me a 2009 696 Monster  [clap]. I was shocked  :o and amazed that I had a bike now. He had the Mediterranean Blue put on her and the Pearl White was in another "gift" box. He also had already enrolled me in the MSF classes, so I had no excuse to get started. It truly was the best anniversary gift ever. Since then, I have been trying to get out and ride whenever possible. A very new rider now of only 3 months, but loving it. I have gotten more confident and riding on my own.

Very happy that I found this forum and am getting lots of great information to use. Lots of advise that is really helpful to a newbie rider.  [thumbsup]

Very nice, congratulations! The blue is very pretty! I am also a newbie and having lots of fun learning to ride. Unfortunately it is about to come to a close as we will be in snow soon. I'm thinking about riding around in my garage! I can't imagine waiting until next April but looks like I will have to. :( Have fun!

I bought mine after having a TL1000R (suzuki's v-twin bike) and a Honda 599 (built with Ducati parts!) and realizing I loved the v-twin motor, but really liked the naked styling.  Sold both of those bikes and bought my S4R, named Napoleon.  I've never looked back, buying a second ducati last month.  I'm addicted.   ;D

my ducati was my first bike.

it was a bronco with a whopping 125 cc

i almost never bought another ducati as a result.  it was a pos and i had no dealers nearby to get parts.

cost me $100 bucks.

How did I get my first Ducati?
Good question.
I went to the Intl Motorcycle show in Seattle WA to look at the Triumph 1050 speed triple.
They would not let me even sit on it, so I went to the Ducati stand and before I knew it I was sitting on a monster.It was a good fit as I have short legs.
I bought an S2R 800,that was in 2005.
It is my 18 or 19th motorcycle.
My first was in 1979, this will be my last for a while.........I like it.......I like it a lot.

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

I was a poor student with a Honda cbr 125. I put 8,000 km on it my first season. Graduated in April '09, Moved out in July. In December, I sold the Honda in the parking lot of the Ducati dealership and used the money as a down payment on a red 2009 Monster 696 with 500 km on it! (saved me $3,000!!) Wait until you have a solid income, than look for a new one mildly used and finance! (not the most financially sound advice, but I have no regrets!) I checked out tons of used ones sold privately and the price of these bikes doesn't really change too much after the initial drive off the lot. (For example, on craigslist- a 2007 was selling for $7,000, vs. $9,000 for a barely used '09, $12,000 for a "new" '09, and $13,000 for a 2010.. or $14,000 for ABS. Also, buy in December/January, when all the next year's models come out. That'll save you about $1,000. Hope that helps ;-) be safe - ride your current bike as much as possible so you won't be afraid you'll put a scratch on your baby when you get it!

wow, this thread is pretty interesting, it's like a romance novel about bikes.  [clap]

had several bikes, all suzukis. actually totaled two of them, like a month apart from each other. but after a year or so on a gsxr 750, a friend let me ride his 749. it was incredible. the handling and feel of it were amazing. i'm tall, so height was not an issue. i went down to the local dealership and they weren't expecting to get any in, and of course there was a waiting list. i called several west coast dealerships, but was advised that i should have it shipped in the original crate and un-assembled. took me a lil while to find one, but i did. arranged the shipping and all. it was such an exciting process and i learned a lot of buying stuff out of state. i just remember the day i saw her sitting in her crate at the dealership. it was pure happiness seeing her unwrapped.  ;D

yeah +1

Do you remember this movie
Ducati Monster S4 - Catwoman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb4rovaOLXE#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
 [drool] [drool] [drool]

I dreamed so much of this bike, first time i see it, was in this movie; Catwomen. As child i was bike fan, (posters in my room was'nt Backstreet Boys but CBR, FZ and motocross stuff). So with this passion child hidden left deep in my heart, comfy sit in couch's theater i told to myself : one day i’m gonna have this dragon sound bike.(today when i'm lookin at the youtube post i realize the sound is not correct i mean not a real s4) In Spring 2009 wife’s friend gave me the chance to realize this dreams.  Because the fear, she use it maybe 3-5 times since she bought it at Ducati shop. Unfortunatly she only looked at how beautiful it was in is garage ( realize; a monster collecting dust in a garage [roll]) When she told me ok i’m ready to let it go, really i poured a tear and just after that i jumped many times in the air, it was the most beautiful day of my life yyaaahhhooo!!!! I anounced my old Katana on Kijiji, took only four days and was gone, three days later i saved the monster from the dust with only 1500km on odo [moto]. My dream came true on sunny morning 23 april last year. 8)

This bike just make the essence in my passion of motorbike and what is a motorbike in my philosophy. Monster change my life, like Catwomen.....
 (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4705909773_ae4087d5e0_m.jpg)

my uncle pointed me towards a Duc. I had a 250 ninja and i wanted to get something with a little more power and he said get a Duc..so we toodled on over to the dealership and i fell in love with it(it was also the last year they made the 620) i traded in the ninja and had them lower the Duc and off i went! Before that moment i had no clue what i a Duc was, so i hopped on and did some reading and here i am now....
Then after my accident i bought back my 620 and sold it to friend that is taking good care of it [beer] and move on up to my S2R1K ;D

note! i have never ridden a Duc until that day either, im to short to test ride anything...both my bikes were lowered before i ever rode them...it was totally fun getting use to the "were gone on the trottle" twist

hey you changed your member name!? Duc Mouse time is over?

oh no! a ole mighty Mod God is just having fun changing my name  [laugh]

Which "glitter" thing you wrote to get mod-god spell  [laugh]

32,692 posts ?
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39578.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39578.0)

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

ok now i get it!!!!!

 [laugh] gotta enjoy it while it lasts

My first ducati is a 09 monster 696 black. Ive been doing some research since they first came out. All of the specs seemed right...I did want a sport style bike. My last bike was a 96 1200 sporty (also black) and I wanted my next bike to be lighter and just all around a better fit for me. So one day, I drove up to Phoenix for service on my Mini and what? Theres a ducati dealer less than a block away! So I toodled on over and I saw her, sitting out front. A used black 696 monster with frame sliders and aftermarket levers with the racxing style rearview mirrors! it was love at first sight. I saw the salesperson and my payment was going to be ridiculously affordable, how could I say no? No, just finding the time to ride when I'm a professional cook 60+ hours a week, thats another issue entirely.... ;D