Ducati Monster Forum

Looking for a Duc to ride around a beach community in So Cal.
NOT a freeway bike, no need for big speed.
Ease of maintenance, reliability, new or used mint is fine.
Classic resale value would be a plus.
Have had a 250 Yamaha and a big Harley. 20k total experience.
What Ducs would fit this category?
Thanks

If you're looking at older Monsters, you may want to try out the M600, M620 or M695. New, the only bike that fits your criteria is the 696. Next bike in the lineup jumps up to an 1100.

maintenance is easy, but frequent. be prepared to invest time as well.
the 620/695, and honestly probably the 750 and early 800's fit the bill.

I'm not sure what you're referring to with frequent maintenance. Aside from oil changes and the 6/12k services, there's nothing out of the ordinary. People always complain about how often and costly services are, but honestly I haven't shared the same experience - well, the cost I have a little - valves and belts aren't cheap to have done, but that's really it and they aren't that frequent.

Check out the Monsters For Sale section.

We've got an M600 that's been rock solid. It's a 2 valve, air cooled, carbed motor, so it's about as simple as Ducs come. I've never had to take it anywhere for service through one valve adjustment (it helps to have a friend handy who A) knows the drill & B) owns a shim kit) and belt change, plus a bunch of oil changes. If you can do your own work, it' all pretty straightforward and really not that pricy. Pretty much any of the 2V carbie Monsters would fit the bill, be fun in the city (especially if you swapped the 15t front cog for a 14 as many do and we will when it's time for a new chain) and not at all out of place on the highway.

The M600 bikes tend to be notably less expensive than a bigger-displacement Monster of similar condition & age, because they're generally considered beginner rides, but it's AM's bike & has plenty of power for what she wants.

By comparison, it's pretty expensive to own a Ducati compared to any other spring valved bike.  I guess it really depends on how many miles/how hard you ride her, but mine's been a pretty expensive endeavor.  8-10k a year means one or two valve services a year (even on a 2v they're not cheap unless you do it yourself) compared to 15k+ on your standard Japanese. 

I'm not saying you shouldn't keep up with the justification (I have two bikes that need valves done ever 6k) but don't kid yourself in thinking it wouldn't be cheaper just to go buy a GSXR for 4k and be done with it. 

That being said, if you can afford it buy the Monster and never look back. 

how come the valves have to be serviced so soon? what causes it or do they do, start leaking, etc..?

                 I am selling my 2001 M600, and I reside in Costa Mesa.  Here is a

                   Photo for you to look at.  I will include orginal exhaust.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3063929106_4e0c15c099.jpg)

it's due to the desmodromic valve system. in short, the valves open AND close on a camshaft/rocker system, rather than opening via camshaft and closing via spring. it allows our twins to rev pretty high (for a twin), but also requires maintenance to keep things in spec.
thats the REALLY short version.

I am also selling my monster (2002 620) in Socal. I pm'd you the details if you are interested.

I freaking love my 620, it's the perfect city commuter, fun, zippy, handles great and everyone looks at you like  :o HOLY F$%%%%%%K! What was that? Especially in Milwaukee where every other bike looks like every other bike, which looks exactly like a Harley.

+1 to that... I'm just outside Milwaukee, gotta love the looks you get