Ducati Monster Forum

After 3 years of owning a Ducati M750, I think I am finally going to get a bigger bike. 

Some info for you;

1) The monster was / is my first bike. 
2) The monster is my daily commuter (weather permitting) in New York, from Brooklyn to Manhattan in heavy traffic (I ride the subway in rain or snow)
3) I love my monster in the city, and in the country, but am not happy with it on the highway. (I feel like the front end gets too light over 85 MPH from wind force) 
4) I ride 2 1/2 hours each so often to go to inlaws house.

OK, the decision.  I just stumbled upon a GREAT deal on a 916.  It's a dream bike for me.  It's why I wanted to ride a bike to begin with.  And, it's why my first bike was a Ducati.  But, am I ready?  And, can I commute to work in NYC on it every (nice) day?  Should I just get a bigger monster?

Thoughts?

dont get a bigger monster, if your going to get another bike, get something different unless you really want a monster.

as for the 916, i never commuted on it, but i did commute on a 749.  Trust me. its not fun. it gets stupid hot, the 4v motor isnt responsive down low and its not friendly in the streets when ur use to a 2v.

i commute everyday from brooklyn to manhattan as well. and a Monster really is good mix between commuter and weekend riding. though it does commuting a bit better.

i understnad what you mean about the light feeling at 85mph. have you gotten your suspension setup for your weight? Do realize that you should change the fork oil every 2years/ 10,000 miles. and im sure your springs are dead from all the bumps in the city.

i

What he said... are you on the stock setup?

- Fork oil was cahanged last time 3 years ago. Was planning on doing it again this summer.

- Stock setup. 

Another one saying the SBKs aren't fun for commuting, or in traffic...especially the older ones.

You know, I think I already know the answer.  I was hoping to get surprised and get a whole bunch of people saying Go for it!  I commute on a 916 every day and it's a blast!!

I would love to have both, but I just can't afford that. 

+1 on no superbikes in the city/commute.

Get a hyper 796 if you want to stay in the Ducati family and commute without tearing your eyes out.

Why not a bigger Monster?  I have been commuting on an 07 S4R for a bit.. and while its def not the best commuter bike with its 4 valves and gobs of power, it does ok!

cause its a waste of money. Selling your 750, which sorry, but it isnt worth much anyway, just to get another monster? eh. in my book, unless your monster is on its last leg with replacing parts and all that stuff, and you just want another monster, id say dive into it. but youd just be throwing money away.

However if you HAD money, then forget what im saying. do what you want.

Many people commute on the sport class 600cc bikes, i know someone who commutes on his 1098. You could certainly do it. But its not fun.

And when i mean commuting, theres a fine line between getting on the highway and doing 30miles at 80mph, vs fighting taxi cabs, stopping every other block and then gunning it to make the light.

Off the line a 2v is more fun on the streets than a 4v. It just ups and goes and has a perk factor that 4vs dont have.

+11tybillion to what everyone else has said. I would just get your suspension set up for your weight and clal it good-you already have a great commuter in that bike, and it's not worth a ton, so when someone He Man's it, you won't be heartbroken.

And the superbikes are nut cookers-not fun.

My take:

Any bike you use for commuting shouldn't be your "fun" bike. I find anything I ride to work, every day, eventually becomes associated with well, work.

Although, riding to work is still better than driving to work, and YMMV, I recommend (as other have) a 2nd bike.

Wait for the New Monster 796, great looking bike and great specs.

Well thats why you feel light... Try some Clipons with risers and lowering the front just a smidge...

Sounds like it wouldn't be as much fun to own (given my situation) as I would have hoped.  I guess I'll pass on the 916  :'(

....bigger bike that's good for commuting ...... I'd suggest 2010 Kawasaki Z1000

naaahhh....Speed Triple!! or a KTM 950SM! or an Aprilia Tuono! or a Superduke!

Nah...KTM 990 SMT  [evil]

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/IMG_1265.jpg)

I am trying to keep that one for myself as that is what I am thinking I am going to replace my Cagiva Gran Canyon with....

The 750 is a great all around bike.  It really shines around town, but fits in comfortably on the highway and in the twisties.  I get the need-a-new-bike bug every couple of years, but the Monster is so versatile I can't give it up.  I tried the 998 around town, and like previous posters have said, the hot seat and the riding position are not good.  So it's now a track bike, and the Monster handles all other moto duties.