hey y'all.... im totally a noobie in Los Angeles and was wondering whether this bike, any year or model, with mods or without would be a good first bike... i would not buy one new, ive looked at everything else thats out there and I really like the way this one looks to the eye. As for feel and comparisons to what a noobie rider should be riding around on, i have no clue any advice would be greatly appreciated
An older (98) 750 monster was my first street bike - it was by accident, just happened to be in my price range. It proved to be great, light weight, low seat, docile powerband, great sound, a great ride. It was my wife's first as well. If you find one that has been taken care of, they are reliable, fun, and cool, I would pick one again in a heartbeat.
http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2613.0
You started at the right place! [thumbsup]
A few things you should know about the monster to start before you purchase.
It is not a Japanese rice burner. It is a fine Italian piece of machinery that should be treated as such. To clarify, you may have less major maintenance on a ninja, but you will have a lot of minor maintenance that the Ducati does not have. Most people are scared away by the 6K maintenance, overall the maintenance costs average out fairly close though.
For new rider-ability it is excellent. You will find yourself feeling stable and a comfortable riding position. The fairly low seat height also lends to a comfortable feel at stops for the less than coordinated.
Overall I feel it is a great starter bike. The 620 or 695 (newer version of the 620) are both great for starting and can be found for reasonable prices.
Most of all you get a 24 hour service department always willing to help with even the oddest questions, located right here. This group is amazing and always willing to help.
Good luck on finding a new ride and we want pictures and donuts when you get one! [beer]
I think the smaller Monsters are good 2nd bikes. Get something small and used to learn on and drop a bit (http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=3151.0).
You will build your confidence and become a better rider quicker that way.
Nobody ever has trouble selling a good used beginning bike, and then you will have a better idea of what you want in your next bike.
S2r800 was my first bike, and if I could go back and pick a diffrent bike, I wouldn't. I still love it.
If you don't mind dropping your fine italian beauty, then go for it. As a noob, you're gonna drop your first bike. My suggestion would be to get an old beater ninja, learn the ins and outs of riding, then move to a Monster 695 or so.
Edited to fix spelling. I no speel gud.
Quote from: JBubble on June 03, 2008, 08:20:14 PM
If you don't mind dropping you're fine italian beauty, then go for it. As a noob, you're gonna drop your first bike. My suggestion would be to get an old beater ninja, learn the ins and outs of riding, then move to a Monster 695 or so.
+11tybillion.
Also the beater is cheaper to fix, and far less upsetting when you drop your $800 special.
Quote from: someguy on June 03, 2008, 08:21:16 PM
+11tybillion.
Also the beater is cheaper to fix, and far less upsetting when you drop your $800 special.
Started out with a brand new 620, to damned scared to drop it... Still hasn't happened ;D
Quote from: mossimo on June 03, 2008, 08:25:15 PM
Started out with a brand new 620, to damned scared to drop it... Still hasn't happened ;D
Starting out with a little beater you would be more likely to be having fun instead of being scared ;)
Scared was a side effect of fun, but I see where you are going. ;)
Power wise I think they are good beginner bikes. The problem is repair and maintainence is kinda on the high end for a first bike. 1st bikes do tend to see quite a bit of abuse.
Yes. An '01 S4 was first bike. [thumbsup]
I bought a 620 here in Oz about 18 months ago.....
At the time I was also in charge of my brothers road/trail Kwaka.
Spent more time on the Kwaka for the first 3 months then moved onto my Monster once I felt more comfortable.
It was a good step using the other bike just gave you time to get used to being on the road...
Cheers
Matty...
Sure! My first bike is a Monster 800. I got the frame sliders so my baby isn't hurt too badly when (if) I drop it. The main problem is if you dent the tank with the handlebars - it is the most common problem I see on used monsters and the tanks are quite expensive to replace. The extra cc's are not a problem as the power delivery is fairly linear with the L-twin as opposed to a 4cyl bike which revs much higher and power comes on suddenly.
I'm a noob also, 6 months 3000+ miles. The only other motorcycle I ever rode was the few hours on the MSF 250's. I almost dropped it the other day cleaning my chain, but luckily I was able to jam my leg under to slow the fall and prevent a 'drop'. I can see where the scared part is not that much fun...currently looking into getting a beater for the commute to work.
How about getting a beater AND a Monster, ride the beater till you get comfy while modding the Monster then sell the beater, and use the money for more mods!!
I'm going to stop short of saying you *will* drop your first bike, but I will say prepare yourself to pay for dropping it, if you want make it your first bike. If you really want to be pragmatic , calculate the cost of dropping a Monster and dropping a beater bike. If you can afford it, don't let the possibility of doing something, um, "expensive" stop you from getting a Monster.
Personally, I think it is a great first bike. One, riding a bike is basically a reckless impulse of a hobby . If you are going to do it, you might as well enjoy it at all levels, especially (and not excepting) your first bike. You should not compromise on the basis of your experience level if you don't have to. I think the entry level Monsters fill that niche pretty well as beautiful, but relatively low-powered machines.
Two, on a practical level, I think a twin is a perfect first bike, much more tractable than an inline four (GSXR, CBR, ZX etc) The power comes on in a really linear way - you are not going to be ambushed by horsepower the way you will in an I4 at 12k RPM.
Good luck, welcome to the forums, and don't do anything "expensive", no matter what bike you get...
If money is an issue and you want a Monster, look for a good deal on one tith a pre-dinged tank.
what's between your ears is more important than what you put between your legs.
..ok...start your jokes...but you know what I mean, behavior and attitude is more important than cc's.
I dont want a beater and I feel fantastic on my shiny new 695
I I drop it, at least I dropped something beautiful ;)
I tested the 800 and 1000 before and both felt a little too much.
So I got the 695 and will spend a lot time polishing and loving her.
But I have to add I am mid 30 and power like this does not belong in the hands of people under 25
250er Ninja will save you ass by not intimidating your skills, temper
Quote from: mossimo on June 03, 2008, 08:25:15 PM
Started out with a brand new 620, to damned scared to drop it... Still hasn't happened ;D
i too started out with a brand spankin' new red 620
i dropped it once, the first day i rode it... on a friends dirt driveway, damaging only my ego ;)
been riding it for 3 years now...
and, if i bought a beater to start off on,
i wouldn't have met some of the nicest people ever :)
Quote from: ArguZ on June 04, 2008, 03:58:27 AM
I dont want a beater and I feel fantastic on my shiny new 695
I I drop it, at least I dropped something beautiful ;)
I tested the 800 and 1000 before and both felt a little too much.
So I got the 695 and will spend a lot time polishing and loving her.
But I have to add I am mid 30 and power like this does not belong in the hands of people under 25
250er Ninja will save you ass by not intimidating your skills, temper
What about if I'm responsible, self-conscious, and not a show-off? I'm only 20 but I hope to soon be getting a 696 as my first bike. I plan on taking it easy and staying safe, avoiding as much stupidity as possible.
What I'm curious about, is how most people drop their bikes. Is it in the parking lot/driveway? Stop-lights? While on the bike or just standing next to it?
I'm trying to figure out what to make myself more aware of to try to avoid, if it in fact seems like a problem. Is it like, people that aren't used to bicycles that usually drop their motorcycles? Like, some balance issue?
I'm just all too confused! I seek enlightenment. :)
Quote from: SolidSnake3035 on June 04, 2008, 04:51:16 AM
What about if I'm responsible, self-conscious, and not a show-off? I'm only 20 but I hope to soon be getting a 696 as my first bike. I plan on taking it easy and staying safe, avoiding as much stupidity as possible.
What I'm curious about, is how most people drop their bikes. Is it in the parking lot/driveway? Stop-lights? While on the bike or just standing next to it?
I'm trying to figure out what to make myself more aware of to try to avoid, if it in fact seems like a problem. Is it like, people that aren't used to bicycles that usually drop their motorcycles? Like, some balance issue?
I'm just all too confused! I seek enlightenment. :)
my incident was a oversight by me [roll]
my friends driveway was worn on the outside from car tires, and there was a huge "hump" in the middle...
when i went to put my foot down, the ground was 4-5 inches lower than i had expected.
once it started to go over.... there was no stopping it. it was a nice gentle drop though...
i am one of those tippy-toes riders, and i learned something very important from that day...
alwayz, alwayz plan ahead ;)
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 03, 2008, 09:04:10 PM
Yes. An '01 S4 was first bike. [thumbsup]
As is mine. But it all depends on previous experience. I had 2 dirtbikes when I was younger, which helped my skill level immensely, and have ridden numerous Jap I4's and other bikes which belonged to friends/relatives....The S4 is the 1st bike I actually ever purchased on my own (and yes, I did drop it!! :-\ ), but certainly not the 1st I've ever ridden...
I wouldn't recommend something as big as an S4 if you've never ridden before, as it can be twitchy at low speeds... Being able to utilize the entire powerband is what's cool about smaller bikes, so get whatever you're comfortable riding.... Good luck!!! [thumbsup]
-john
I'll jump back in and say this when I started out about 18 months ago on mine (620).
I was riding at the back of the pack with our group of Oz Monsters (Sydney).
Now with confidence and new Pilot Powers, I was well enough infront of a couple S4R and S's on a ride last weekend.
I'm very happy that I can ride the tyres off my bike without worry of gasing it up out of a corner and having to control the front wheel leaving the ground.
I have ridden a few of the other blokes's bigger bikes but I am still right happy on mine.
And no not once (as yet) have I come close to dropping it. Been scraping my boots with the new rubber at each end.
but not fear or hint of a drop.
Just a big ;D inside my lid every time I'm out...
Quote from: SolidSnake3035 on June 04, 2008, 04:51:16 AM
What about if I'm responsible, self-conscious, and not a show-off? I'm only 20 but I hope to soon be getting a 696 as my first bike. I plan on taking it easy and staying safe, avoiding as much stupidity as possible.
What I'm curious about, is how most people drop their bikes. Is it in the parking lot/driveway? Stop-lights? While on the bike or just standing next to it?
I'm trying to figure out what to make myself more aware of to try to avoid, if it in fact seems like a problem. Is it like, people that aren't used to bicycles that usually drop their motorcycles? Like, some balance issue?
I'm just all too confused! I seek enlightenment. :)
I'm another who's first bike was a brand new monster 620. I guess I'm in the minority as after 25,000 miles I never onced dropped it. (Though we've had some amazing low speed saves BTW--never knew my legs were that strong!!). Being very careful & planning your stops makes all the difference. I'd come from a lot of bicycling experience, so the feeling of trusting tires & commiting to turns was a pretty easy transition for me. I think slow speed drops are the most common. People tend to mess it up when they're parking, getting gas, trying to turn around (only to discover the limited steering lock). Like I said I've had some pretty close calls with dropping it, but my determination kept her shiny parts off the pavement.
As far as the lil' monsters being an 'ideal beginner bike' well, maybe. There were a few times when I wish I'd 'done that' to a beater bike instead of my beatiful monster, but all in all it's held up perfectly & has given me immeasurable pleasure because it was the bike I really wanted. If I were to do it all over again, I'd probably start with a lightly used monster instead of brand new for a first bike.
Remember, choosing a motorcycle is not a 'practical' decision usually. One must go with that gut feeling. Let your emotions guide you!
..and welcome!!
Quote from: msincredible on June 03, 2008, 07:51:04 PM
I think the smaller Monsters are good 2nd bikes. Get something small and used to learn on and drop a bit (http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=3151.0).
You will build your confidence and become a better rider quicker that way.
Nobody ever has trouble selling a good used beginning bike, and then you will have a better idea of what you want in your next bike.
+1 on the second bike theory; at least that worked for me. Though as it turns out, I never did drop the Buell Blast I started on (the previous owner did that for me, plenty, so it was cheap) but I did stall & drop the Monster pulling out of a parking spot soon after getting it, before I was really used to the fussy process of getting it warmed up
just right. [bang] Fortunately, a bent brake lever was the extent of the tuition for that bit of education.
For me, a simple, cheap bike with automatic choke, minimal maintenance, low $$ insurance and fun but forgiving handling was the right way to become a competent beginning motorcyclist (plus the MSF course), and ready for something with a higher fun factor AND a whole lot more quirks to it. After riding it for a couple of months, I added the purchase price to what I'd paid Maryland for tax & tags when I registered it, and sold it for that within a couple of days so it was essentially free.
Quote from: SolidSnake3035 on June 04, 2008, 04:51:16 AM
What I'm curious about, is how most people drop their bikes. Is it in the parking lot/driveway? Stop-lights? While on the bike or just standing next to it?
How can I drop thee? Let me count the ways:
http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=3151.0
Suffice it to say, there are a whole lot of them, and you'll probably figure out a brand new one before you're done.
I don't think Monsters are really bad first bikes, but I don't think they are really great first bikes either.
I have been riding dirt bikes since pretty young and that has really helped my skill on street bikes. Even so I still opted for a Ninja 500 as my first bike and took the motorcycle safety course. I paid $1000 for it because it wouldn't start, the carbs were varnished. I rode it for about 2 years (never dropped it but came close to downing it once when trying to take a corner and found some sand).
I sold it for $1600 and then bought my current Monster from a buddy who wanted to get a S4.
I think the most dangerous time for a new rider isn't right away when he/she first starts riding. It's that time a few weeks/months later when you get overconfident, you let down your guard and get sloppy. The sensitive brakes and the low end throttle response of a Monster could get a person in trouble real quick.
Those things being said.... if you can really discipline yourself to respect the bike and know your limitations I think the Monster would work as a first bike, they are just so damn expensive to fix if the unexpected happens. I think for 90% of new riders a Ninja 500 or similar is just a better overall choice.
Now for my new rider tips: ;D
GET A KICKSTAND PUCK. The first week a buddy of mine had his Ninja, we came out into the parking lot after a hot day to find his bike laying on the blacktop. Hot blacktop turns to mush and your kickstand spears right down into it. I got a puck right away after that and I store it in my underseat compartment.
No matter what bike though, GET GOOD GEAR. Don't look at price tags on gear, just buy what fits and protects you best. I have had several "close calls" and most were not my fault. Don't count on your skills to prevent accidents. More than likely even if you ride flawlessly, at some point a driver will eventually drift into your lane, fail to yield to you, pull out in front of you or rear end you and there will be nothing you can do about it. That's when your good helmet, boots, jacket (with back protector), gloves and cycle jeans or pants will be the only thing between you and a cars bumper and/or the ground.
Ride safe.
I just bought a used '05 620 as my first bike. I would have probably bought the '08 Ninja 250 if the dealers were not marking them up so much. I couldn't bring myself to buy a an '07 or older due to the dated looks. That being said, so far so good with the monster. I almost dropped it when I was maneuvering it into it's resting place and the kick stand got caught and pushed itself up without my knowledge. I don't think it has "too much" power for a beginner, but it has plenty of juice. The only negative comment I have is the cost of repair. My experience has been if something breaks it will cost more because it's a Ducati.
I am riding on my first bike an 06 S2R 800. I took the MSF class and found the 250 lacking that we trained on.
I will say this.....whatever the bike, ride within your abilities! Do not try and push the envelope. Like others have said, things will come in time. Take it easy and just enjoy the ride. I love my Monster and I have a big smile everytime I ride. Just be safe and do what you can to mitigate your risk while riding. You may learn to be the greatest rider of all time, but all it takes is a dumb ass on a cell phone...
i'd suggest a beater bike for a frist bike, here is why.
you can if you want to mess around, push it a lot more on a beater bike bc if you wreck it no big deal in a sense bc its a beater bike and the parts are easier and cheaper than any ducati parts even used are.
now here is another thing, when people are saying get a beater bike for a first bike, get one that costs maybe 1000 dollars so that it runs safely and if you look around you won't have to put any money into it.
use it for literally a month or two and sell it, with the summer coming around you can buy it now, use it for june sell it in july for exactly the same money if not more and the only money you used is for gas that's all, not even an oil change bc you probably wont' ride it that many miles.
in that time you can ride it in teh rain, get used to tryign some parking lot manuevers really push it on the slow speed stuff in an empty parking lot to get used to that, drop it there. then selel it and get a monster by mid july you have it all summer ..
perfect situation... you don't have to keep a beater bike for years and years like some poeple, just enough in a way to get out the initial motorcycle learing curve in that first couple of months if you really want to.
but do what you want. nobody is going to change your mind here.
Quote from: Fox on June 04, 2008, 08:39:09 AMI couldn't bring myself to buy a an '07 or older due to the dated looks.
They only look dated when you're not riding 'em. [moto]
Ive been ridding for 2 weeks now on a Honda Nighthawk and I dont really care if i drop it.
Once i get an 09 626...I better be out of the newbie phase because a little piece of me would probably die if I dropped it.
I just got back into riding with a 2007 S2R 800. I had bike's prior though. I started with a Suzuki SV-650, I think it is great to learn on. Cheapest/Best thing around for $4000, plus you can mod them and learn how to ride on a track with them. Which is what I did, buying a R6 in 2004. I had that, modded it up, tracked it a few times, then sold it at the end of 2005. I haven't been riding since. But this bike is fine for someone who can handle it. I mean the bike can rip, but it can just lull along. I think it depends on having a rider with self control. But with the ability out there you really just need to be careful. Haven't needed any maintenence yet, but I didn't even look into that cost (I am 25 and have a "real job") but I'm not concerned about it. But when I had my SV-650 I was more concerned. If you don't have income to dispose of INTO a bike, don't buy one that COULD have issues. Buy something that won't make you poor man. But the Monster isn't too much of a bad choice IMHO.
cg
Quote from: triangleforge on June 04, 2008, 08:21:28 AM
+1 on the second bike theory; at least that worked for me. Though as it turns out, I never did drop the Buell Blast I started on (the previous owner did that for me, plenty, so it was cheap)
Finally! Someone else who started on a Blast! Laugh away, but I loved the Blast as a first bike. I dropped it the 2nd day I had it while downshifting around a corner. The only 'repair' was to bend the shifter back into position. It would have been a different story on the Duc! As it turned out, a 620 is my 2nd bike. Couldn't be happier!
I started on my 695.. well, before that I rode a blast at the MSF class.
There are a few things that made it difficult as a learner.. the clutch on them (at least on mine) seems like its a on/off switch compared to the friction zone the blast had.. the brakes can bite you easily, the gearing is tall, so getting off the line takes more gas then you want to give as a newb crossing a busy intersection (more about how this cause my drop later)..
The things that I really enjoy on the bike as a new rider..
1 the suspension, its great, when going threw a corner it feels rock solid and very steady,at the same time the bike reacts easily and feels light so theres more confidence when going threw corners. when I had to make an emergency stop, it was all very predictable.
2 the brakes.. even though if your not careful they'll bite you, they work VERY well and just like the suspension, very predictable and not real grabby (the brakes on the buell, grabby as hell, and suspension would dive heavily)
3 seat hight, Its comfortable for me from stop to stop.
4 the engine.. its very smooth even from low rpms, and when it does come alive it isn't surprising, it feels like its supposed to and has enough nuts to be comfortable if your going threw a corner in a gear too high.
I'm not gonna lie.. I dropped it once.. pulling threw a stop sign, I didn't give it enough gas and too much clutch and stalled out with my feet up on the pegs.. going like 2mph I just fell over.. which brings me to my next part. the mods that have made my life much nicer.
Frame and bar end sliders. when I did fall, there was very little damage, just scuffed up one of the bar end sliders and ground a bit off the clutch lever .. I don't even think its bent, just a little ground up.. Saved my tank and bars I'm sure.
the next best thing I did was the 14 tooth.. makes riding at low speeds (where crappy drops seem more likely) much easier!
I should also state, I'm riding at 7k feet and higher, so theres a lot less power then at sea level. this bike is more then powerful enough for me.. I don't have to slam down to a higher gear to pass and stuff like that.
some times I think about what if I started on something less... but I kind of get this nagging feeling if I was on a piece of junk I might do things on the bike that aren't so smart (like when driving a rental car)
My 01 M600D was my first bike and the only regret I have about it is that it wasn't an M900. I'd have kept it if it was.
Monster as a first bike??
Why not? ...... Mine's the S4R [thumbsup]
'99 M750 is my first bike... had it about a year. Never dropped, but some close calls.
Once was in a tight 180 dgr left, uphill, and got a little wide, some gravel, and my right leg/boot got friendly with some bushes... :o stayed up, though. still don't know how.
Another time, there were like 5 RV's parked on the shoulder, blocking road signs and STOP sign at a 4 way intersection. Grrr. >:( By the time I saw the little white line it was too late. I sailed through the intersection with the rear locked up and shimmying side to side. Luckily, no other traffic.
Other than that, I commute 20 miles everyday on it, just got back from a long weekend trip up HWY 1 to Monterey. no troubles. Replaced the clutch slave cylinder ($200) and oil pressure sensor ($45)
Good Luck! [moto] [thumbsup]
Quote from: slyfox on June 04, 2008, 07:29:44 PM
Monster as a first bike??
Why not? ...... Mine's the S4R [thumbsup]
Because your first car shouldn't be a ferrari.
On TOB, one guy had bought a tricolore for his first bike.
He wadded it a few weeks later, because he had no idea what he was doing. Not saying it's the case with you, but I'd rather was a 30 year old $500 Honda than a bike with exhaust cans that cost more than that...
i am with the 620/695 crowd... great beginner bike. plus (depending on your age...) you won't get all crazy like you would on a sportier bike.... but the dropping factor is an issue. a good price on a well taken care of 620 is what you should be looking for. I am in LA... it is a unique place to ride. good for a monster....(agressive, but not stupid agressive) if you are a noob... there will be times you hop on those jap bikes and think you can out run the light illuminating out of your head lamp... not a good idea.... especially in LA.
get a monster or sv something of the sort... take a safety class... enjoy the rides... and stay safe.
hey thanks for the info you guys, its really helping... so about how much do you think minor maintenance is for a ducati with reasonable commuter use in a given year?
Quote from: redtydefx on June 05, 2008, 04:49:21 PM
hey thanks for the info you guys, its really helping... so about how much do you think minor maintenance is for a ducati with reasonable commuter use in a given year?
That's a good question actually. I'm thinking of asking the dealer to include the first service or two with my purchase... See if you can do that aswell.