Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys,

So I might not actually own a Duc yet  :P However I'm looking for one and figured this would be a good place to post up. I want either a monster 620 or S2R. I found an 04 yellow 800ie on Ebay that is located in Frisco I was interested in but I just want to know what y'all think. This will be my first street bike. I've grown up on dirt bikes which I'm aware are nothing like being on the road with idiots in cars that will take you out. I just state that so you know that I know how a bike works as far as clutch and gears and all that good stuff. Just looking for a bike to ride with friends and take with me to college so I can get some decent gas mileage.

Thanks,
Randy

And just for fun here is my DD (hence the need better gas mileage)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0412.jpg)

Welcome Randy!

Just my $.02, I think you are going in the right direction with an air-cooled Duc (620, S2r, etc.).  [thumbsup]

...Sit tight, Dax will post up a hundred bikes for sale that fit your category.  ;)

Good luck with the hunt.

Welcome! I agree with cj and not just because mine fits your wants. Dont forget about the 695 though. There are a few on craiglist i know of. They arent too fast but they are a blast to throw around.

I knew I was forgetting some details, as of now I'm only looking to spend 4,000. I know it's low but I don't need or want a new/perfect bike. This will be my first bike and I will more than likely drop it. As far as size goes, I want a bike that can get me around without me feeling like I'm hammering it. I'm 6'2" and 245lbs, would a 620 get me around ok?

There was someone in our group a while back who used to "tour" 2-up on a 620. There are also some on this board who used to ride 620's. Maybe they will chime in.

In the meantime, here's a good thread http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39903.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39903.0)

I'm sure there are similar threads in the "General Monster Forum" as well about the 620.  

I heavily suggest looking for an M800ie or an S2R 800. One is a DSS and one is a SSS. The guys are correct, an air cooled bike is the way to go, especially at your age, experience, and likely budget (college). Maintenance is lower overall on the air-cooled models.

I'm not sure if you have addressed it yet, but you must take a course in Texas in order to get your M endorsement on your license. Do that before you purchase a bike, it may change your mind as to what type of riding you are interested in doing.

What is SSS and DSS?

SSS= single-sided swingarm--lies along one side of the rear wheel

DSS = double-sided swingarm--lies along both sides of the rear wheel

After dual sport riding, I started with a 695 which
I still have and like. It has enough power to have
fun on and keep up on group rides.
Chris leads the Hico Run on his 695 and does very
well [thumbsup]

Is there an advantage to SSS over DSS or vise versa

So tight I'll find you a bike when I return to the hotel ;D

Sounds good

Style decision mostly. Also, it's easier to pull the rear wheel off for tire changes if you get the tool and rear wheel stand.

here's a start
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1853881860.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1853881860.html)
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1853251221.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1853251221.html) - I would offer $5100 max but you may go lower because it needs the 6k service  [evil]
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/1846619294.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/1846619294.html) - room to bargain and check the for sale section and parts wanted for the stuff it needs.  How needy is he will determine if it's a bargain.  [thumbsup]
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1843164922.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1843164922.html) - looks good but check with Josh at AMS for the "ignition" thing he's talking about
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1840225639.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1840225639.html) - a classic
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1831218144.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1831218144.html) - OBO and no need for immediate service.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1821427912.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1821427912.html) - this one has been out there for a while....how desperate is he?  catch is the title issue he's got going on.  make him get it or low ball the shit out of him if you want to deal with that but it this add smells funny IMO

hell, this is just in Dallas.   ;D  Have fun and post up results.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1806389127.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1806389127.html)

one hell of a dent but I believe that's a metal tank so maybe a simple fix.  of course he's willing to listen to offers - can't beat that.

good luck.  I'm tired and need to get some work done.

how much would a tank repair/replacement be?

don't know but if the paint is cracked then a paint job is order.  I know some folks that do a good job and fairly cheap but the prep is the expensive part.  I'll bet Louis can fix that dent easily.  I'm going to guess 300 to $600 to fix.  Someone else chime in.

Just got back from vacation with the family to Colorado Springs. TONS of bikes headed up to sturgis and lots of great riding rode up in the mountains. Wish I would have already had my bike  :-[. Signed up for the MSC this weekend and then serious searching after that. Just need to find some inexpensive gear.

MSC = moto cert course?
If so, where?

Yes Motorcycle Safety Course,

And I'm either going to do it at Tarrant County College, or Burleson High School, as I live right up the road from the school

you live in burleson! check out www.dfwducati.com (http://) we have dinners in tarrant county all the time. also check out www.motorcyclecloseouts.com (http://), www.motorcyclesuperstore.com (http://), www.compacc.com (http://) or www.ironpony.com (http://) for your gear. they all have reasonable pricing.

and www.newenough.com (http://), too!  [thumbsup]

Pretty much spot on. When I lived in Nashville I had to have my tank repaired - the dent from a high-side was ghastly. I shipped it to California to Speedzone Paint & Bodyworks (Brad Diez) who did a fantastic job going off of my suggestions and sketches.

Before:
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/TFmENNcbXuI/AAAAAAAAFww/qhv7S-Ti_GM/s800/Untitled-12.jpg)

After:
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/SxcxFuCR_5I/AAAAAAAAEwA/qdgOW5io_ic/s800/CIMG1370.JPG)

Then the make the beast with two backsing SportClassic line came out with the same damn logos, ruining my creativity!

What do y'all think about this?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/mcy/1883211498.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/mcy/1883211498.html)

pretty much spot on. decent price, in your budget, looks clean and well kept. plus it black!!!! and if you want i got some sick homemade exhaust ideas for ya. food for thought ......after you purchase it you may run it over to stuart and have him give it a once over for ya.


maybe we will meet you on the hico run, westie dinner or h/c trip!

Sounds awesome! Where is Stuarts shop, and how much would it run me to have it looked over? I'm gonna be real tight on having enough money for the bike, safety course and gear. So not sure how much extra I'll have right off the back

Stuart is in Mansfield, his website is "rustrestoreonline" with a dot com on the end... his contact info is there.
At 11,000 miles, if it's not bent and someone at some point has done an oil change on it that's about all it would have needed.
It's coming up on a belt change, but that is not a biggie.

You'll be suprised how little it takes to keep an air cooled Duc running good.

being a 750 it will be due belts and valves at 12000 wouldn't it?

+1 on bringing it to Stuart.  He's awesome.  [thumbsup]

Yep, belt change/valve inspection at 12K.

...I would als consider replacing the plugs at 12K (just cuz' for $1.99 they are cheap at O'reilies)

Stu would be the way to go if you've got some money to do that (he is not expensive, but he is not free either)
Hell, it's only Cleburn.
-If you give us a heads-up, odds are someone knowledgeable could at least give it a once-over with you.
After riding one awhile you get to know where to look.

ask josh what he thinks about 750's sometime...   [roll]

FWIW i had an 01 M750 that i bought used, in really good condition (though not a garage queen), and i had a base gasket on the vertical cylinder go out on me very suddenly (running over the case and on the exhaust below... about $700ish later AMS had it all fixed up and good to go  :(  ran great after that.  also had an 01 M600 that did the same thing to me, except that one the leak was more gradual and just pooled up on the case.  so, it's something to look for.

I'd look for an S2R 800 unless the budget doesn't allow it.  The 750 is underpowered IMO.  Good luck!

I'm trying to get this settled away before I go to college in 2 weeks. If this isn't a good deal I don't mind waiting but this seemed ok. Is the 750 really not that great? By the way, I'm going to look at it on Tuesday.

We never had problems with ours but I've heard others have, they will chime in.  For me though, it was not a Ducati or at least not what I expected.  Ride it, it may be just right for you.

something else to consider http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1883352304.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1883352304.html)

If you like the 750 then get it. All bikes will have issues. Every make every model. Dont let someone else decide the bike you want. The bike doesnt make the rider. Rider makes the bike. Alot guys have bad ass bikes that cant keep up with a 695. Get what u want and ride the piss out of it.

+1  [moto]

I'm gonna go look at the bike Tuesday, Get my Class M license Monday. Today was my first day of the Course. BORING  [puke] class room was done 7 am to noon. came back at 1:30 till 4:45 for riding. Riding wasn't fun at all. 105 degrees + learning to use a clutch? [bang] [bang] Hopefully tomorrow will be semi-entertaining. They said we would be doing some more advanced stuff.

The second day was more fun for me... More time on the bike.   [moto]  Two peeps did hit the pavement, though.  I think only three out of ten passed the class.

No one has hist the pavement yet. However 2 women dropped out because of the heat. There's still 11 of us. 3 of them have riding experience and have to retake the test to renew their license. The other 7 are all completely new. I fit in quite well with the riders as I know how to operate a bike from riding dirt bikes. And that's all we did today was work on releasing the clutch smoothly and braking before corners.

Officially graduate  [evil]

Today was much more fun and pretty challenging. All 10 of us a passed. However I am proud to say that I'm the only one that got a perfect score on the riding test. The guys that had riding experience were in shock.  [cheeky]

On 750s.

(And 748s.)

they are all dogs. Doesn't mean they aren't fun, but they are definitely slow. Newer gen 695/696 and 800s/796 are much easier to ride, lighter, and not asthmatic. They are all worthwhile starter bikes.


The 748 superbike is granny slow in comparison to *any* other middleweight superbike from Ducati.

I'm on a strict $3000 limit right now. And in all of texas the 750 is the only thing I can really find.

I've seen lots of 620's but you will have to travel outside DFW

I must not be looking under the right thing, I'm looking at Waco, College Station, Houston and Dallas. Wouldn't a 620 be worse than a 750?

Not if it was between a 750 (carbed) and a 620.

Look for an older 900.


Also, the black bike pictured in this thread has been down, though the ad does not state it. There's rash on the muffler and that's why people get 'em repainted. Not that its a problem, think of it as a bargaining chip.

Any place to look besides craigslist? Also what else should I search? I just look up "Ducati" and put a price of 3000

use crazedlist to search multiple craigslist's at once.

Meanwhile, keep saving your pennies. If you can get up to $4,500 you can find yourself into a really great bike.

My mom offered to let me use our Jetski's as a bargaining chip. She want's $5000 for them. I'd just pay her back slowly. However I'd have to find someone willing to trade.

And you should be searching these additional cities:

Austin
San Antonio
Tyler
Waco
Lubbock
Houston
Fort Worth
Dallas
Texarkana
Little Rock
Texoma
Oklahoma City
Albuquerque

And I'd also be searching the following states (and cities therein):
Georgia
Tennessee
Alabama
Ohio
North/South Carolina
(These states have Ducati dealerships and good duc communities and are in "driving distance"...kinda)

Going to be a tough move in this economy and this time of the year.

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1881027799.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1881027799.html)

Guy sounds like an idiot in his post. Not to mention the caps. Decent bike?

Multistrada 620 (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).  I came thiiiiiis close to buying one a few years back.   I like 'em.   [thumbsup]  I'd be kinda leery that he doesn't seem to know much about it...  and he claims to have bought it and then realized he didn't have a license?  I wonder if he has a title for it... 

I've had both 750 and 620 and in my opinion the 620 was better.  Try them both and pick what you like, not trying to steer you away from the 750 just offering my opinion.  Like CalsCrazy said some of "us" can't keep up with 695's.............or choose not to  8)

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet on buying a used Duc; make sure you get the RED key.

There was certain years that had a red key that is used incase the immobilizer gets activated or if you need to have a new key made.  It is very important to get that key (or the bike should be heavily discounted to help pay for the new ECU if you so need it)

I can't remember which years had the RED key...  (I think it stopped in '08)

All you Duc historians can chime in to fill in the pieces this Triumph rider missed...   [cheeky]

My 08. 695 has a red key.  It's fast enough.

wow, didn't realize this thread was going on...

rando, I own a 750 and love it, but I can tell you that a 620 feels a whole hell of a lot lighter when moving it around off-bike.  If you're looking at a carb 750 vs 620, it definitely feels different too, but not worse or better, just depends on what you're looking for. 

If you find a bike that needs a look-see in Houston, feel free to pm me, I'd be happy to go take a look for you.  [moto]

I'm not too far from Dallas, 7 hours and I'd meet you half-way. :)

2000  M750 (Dark) w/some suspension tweaks (749S forks, Ohlins rear shock) not much bling/bling - wasted the money on suspension stuff in lieu of carbon fiber.  I guess I've got a carbon fiber front screen and a rear tray, but neither is installed.

http://monsterducati750.blogspot.com (http://monsterducati750.blogspot.com)

Mike

suspension ain't wasted money, mike!


that multi above is a 620 Dark - looks good and has arrow pipes. I think they are a lot of fun to ride. Ask Cleaven about his ride opinions of his Multistrada - he rides his every day.

I was trying to be a bit facetious, or something.  ;D

that would be the #1 thing to spend money on in my book. and lightweight wheels. and on your bike, eventually some FCR39's.

Decided I'm gonna go look at the bike in Cleburne tomorrow. Not sure I'm going to buy it, but I'm going to go look.

cool, keep us updated  [moto]


wish I could afford FCR's, shoot, it's been at least 5 years and still no money for that  :'(

He does not have the red key. Is that a big deal or what?

Yes.  Although there are work arounds the cheapest fix is about 400 to 600 bucks

Which year / model bike is it?

Older ducatis (carb'ed bikes, for example) will not have a red key. New models will have a "code" card rather than a red key. The 'tweeners' require a red key.

If you ever lose your keys and need new ones made, without a red key, you will be in for a very expensive re-keying to have it done "right". It requires new ECU, Dash, and Ignition. Parts alone can run up to or exceed $1.5k

The work-arounds do "ok", but some are at the risk of ghetto-rigging, while others are not Ducati-supported (such as flashing ecus)

It's a carbed bike. so it doesn't have a red key?

No red key on carbies

Yup - no red key. You can get spare keys cut at any good locksmith or bypass the ignition with a simple on/off toggle switch.

ok sweet. I'm getting excited! Got my class M today. Anybody know where I can find some cheap insurance for it?

also what are some common mods for these bikes? any link that has a list or a site where you can buy the stuff for them? I know I want to do a tail chop. I read the DIY thread and it looks pretty simple

Ride the damn thing. Really learn to ride it first. then worry about modifications. Your preferences might change after a few thousand miles. If you are skimping on the bike's initial budget in hopes to use extra dough to modify, you are doin' it wrong (imo). There's lots of info in the FAQ section of this website. Come by the shop (AMS in downtown Dallas) and pull me aside in person sometime and we can point out all the difference areas if you are unfamiliar with anything on the bike.

Prioritize your spending in this way:

1. Comfort
  a. Suspension (shock, forks, damper)
  b. Ergonomics (seat, bars, rearsets)
2. Everything else
  a. Aesthetics (Mirrors, Turn Signals, Carbon Fiber / Billet)
  b. Motor (If carbed: Dyna Coils, Keihin FCR Carbs, Lightweight slipons)

If its a 750, you really don't want to put a lot of money into the motor - its money thrown away when HP is far cheaper in a different motor (you can always do a motor swap). You can make the electronics/fueling side of the motor more robust - the better carbs, the bigger coils.

The suspension is the biggest difference maker on any bike. (followed by wheels) You'll want to have sag set (which may require respringing front and rear suspension). After you have t
he front and rear sorted, you'd want to look into the addition of a damper. The rotory kind looks neat, but I've seen two that have exploded mid-tankslapper recently (one in person and pictures from another dealership of one). So go with standard push/pull style as its a proven design. If the bike you purchase does not have adjustable forks, upgrading to an adjustable set is a great move. Typically these come from superbikes and require boring/shimming of the triple clamps (boring the top from 50mm to 53mm, and shimming the bottom from 54mm to 53). If you are interested in this swap, I have a great supplier in Italy (IMA) who can make a billet set of triples (top and bottom) in the diameters you would be interested in (50/54, 53/53, 53/56) on a great budget price.

For aesthetics, if you are keeping the stock carbs, you can delete those heinous gray vent pods and run the hoses up into a "still/stagnant" air space. Likewise, you can delete the emissions canister if not already done, since we aren't in CA.

The tail chop is pretty common but is a terrible idea if you are going to frequently ride in the rain. Nobody likes swampass.

Digging into the motor, a lightweight flywheel is nice.

LED blinkers and taillight for visibility.

Raising the rear ride height slightly.

+ about a billion  [thumbsup]

Insurance is going to vary wildly depending on your age, credit history, home town, driving record, marital staus, blah blah blah...  My DR-Z is $160 per year for full coverage with Progressive, my Hyper is $600 per year for full coverage with Geico.  I'm old, married, have a home, etc, etc...

Dairyland has always been fair to me

suspension is obviously important but some of us will never use our stock stuff to its limit.....and yes that includes me.  Although I did use my BREMBOS (shitty as they are they stopped the bike ASAP) in Arkansas when a suicide deer tried to outrun a red hardley.   SO, when considering your upgrades make sure you decide what's important to you and the use you'll get out of it.  My opinion is that all Ducs should have that beautiful sound so look into pipes then onto more mods when you get some additional cash flow. 

That deer was probably prompted into doing that by the Turkey Mafia. It's a well known fact that they possess a powerfull psychological influence and mind control over most woodland creatures. Think of it as an animal hillbilly Jedi mind thingy. ;D Just glad your shitty Brembos got the job done. [thumbsup]

It wasnt the brembos.....it was his deep knowledge of animal husbandry from years of practice that told him the deer was headed for him. Besides many props to the deer for trying to take one for the team and keep the rest of the forest safe.

Called the guy to tell him I was headed his way $3000 in hand and he tells me he has someone thats 10 mins away to look at it   ??? SO, I told him to text me when he leaves. 45 mins go by so I sent him a text and he tells me he sold it...  [bang] [bang] [bang] [bang] (seemed kinda shady to me as I had been emailing him throught the day, got his address and told him I'd be coming later and he never once mentioned someone else)

So pissed.

Moving on what about this
http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1877404945.html (http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1877404945.html)
Salvage title scares me

nice suspension set up makes the bike slow down better, dax. [thumbsup]

That bike looks rough IMO.  I'll help you look, addicted to CL 



Dear Josh,  I don't run 130 mph so I don't care. I've crashed enough to know it hurts baaaaad.  Oh if stock stuff sucked so much why does DNA sell it?  [coffee]

And for the record I did have my 9 mm with hollow points and upon stopping got it out but the little punk was gone.  My wife chewed my ass because I wanted to kill Bambi.  >:(


Now let's help this guy find a bike!

That's bullshit. Suspension helps at 3mph through 130mph. Suspension on a budget is why its equipped as it is - Monsters got non-adjustable forks for the lower displacement models so they came in at a lower price. You're the same negative-nancy who complains about pricing.

Quit giving excuses as to why you are slow, its becoming tedious to read.

He asked about mods, I gave him the run down from my experience.

You are wasting your time

I'm done hijacking this thread.  You can read my reply to you on TOB. 

The guy wants a budget bike so stick to that! 

how about this? http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1881027799.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1881027799.html)

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1851546964.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1851546964.html)

looks fishy but why the hell not, may be a lotto winner http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/1870273937.html (http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/1870273937.html)  :-\

but for salvage titles this might look better http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1818113595.html (http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1818113595.html)

whatever you do take it and get it inspected to be sure. 

 I would rather you hit him with the bike instead of wasting the ammo!




Btw dallas craigslist there is a 600 that needs carb work. Plenty could help with that plus you low ball him and could have cash left over.

This one?: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1856206279.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1856206279.html)


I wonder if it has a white custom paint job....

Just so y'all know. I'm moving to College station next week. I quit my current job because of this so I'm on a STRICT $3000 budget. Once I move down and get another job my budget will rise. So I might just wait it out and see if I can't build up to a $4-5 budget

Take a look at Yosso's blog it's on page 4. He's willing to meet half way. Y'all think it's a good deal? He says he'd take off the rear spring and I could have it for $2900

Only one way to find out  [thumbsup]

I say wait a bit, more $ and cooler temps [thumbsup]

+1

TPO guys are in your future neck of the woods. They don't have a store-front, per se, but they are there and love them some Ducati.


It does, the bike is nice, has rearsets, custom powercoating, no lying about the extras all over it, or that it needs a full carb rebuild. Bike will not start without gun-shot backfiring. He needed it fixed quickly, and some of those carb parts were out of stock, so he towed it away, sad - bike looked great - and now he's got to sell it.  I would buy that up as a great first bike / learner, after it gets sorted out properly. Its not a day job kind of event either, its going to need some tinkering, the small bore carb bikes are a little more finicky. They look really really really clean with a pod filter kit installed (and carbs tuned therefore).


He asked about mods, I gave him info on mods. suck it.  ;D

I've decided I'm just going to get a cheapish beginner bike. Then next year when I begin my internship out in the oilfields and can start raking in the $$$ I'll buy a new or slightly used bigger CC monster  [evil]

That's a good plan too [thumbsup]

Hmm, did it look like one of the bikes in this pic?

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2875668879_bcb16a9880_z.jpg)

I agree, good plan.  You're also close enough to check out that Multi for sale near Houston.  ;D

How much would the new carb and such be on the white Ducati

I agree you've got a good plan going!  always great to see a young person come in with a good head on his shoulders  [thumbsup]

Carb work would depend on what's needed, but I assume needle jets and a jet kit would probably be the easiest way out, so ~$150 for parts, then a carb sync, general cleaning and tune is just time.  The only thing I'd caution is that if you're going into it not knowing exactly what's wrong, it can be a slippery slope and you could end up having to fix a lot of things you didn't realize needed fixing until you got in there..

Its that exact bike, has rearsets now also. Looked cool imo.

Those carbs are going to need jets needles and every possible o-ring replaced. they were gummed up and unused for quite sometime.

Its very do-able, even for the diy'er.


this is a really good idea. [thumbsup]


the multi, like the one muskrat is suggesting, is very comfortable to ride - especially for commuting.

Yup, thought so when I read the CL ad. Some of the folks in this group helped with those mods!  ;D



The tail *chop* in progress:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2793589093_10da9b5731_z.jpg)

I remember grabbing a few beers and doin' mine. make the beast with two backsin' scary for a first timer (but what isn't?!) har har

lyndy's old bike was looking/sounding pretty rough last time i saw it... hopefully someone fixed it up since then...though for 2250 it doesn't really sound like it.

So for 2250. Would the repairs fit in my $3000 budget?

if it ends up being just carb work, you could almost afford to buy a set of FCRs for the bike and be right at 3k.  But with 750 to play with, I'd say you'd well within your budget assuming nothing catastrophic

+1. iirc bike also needs tires. (160 rears are cheap, fronts are pretty uniform in price)

Call stuart at rust restoration. Tell him what you are looking and the probs the guy is having. Ask him for a rough estimate to repair if carb work. Take that plus price of two new tire offer the guy 2grand. If its less than 3 ur in

(somebody tells me that the current owner was given the address to stu's and must have chosen not to follow through with it)

Mom picked up a Honda Shadow 1100cc been riding it around. It's fun just to  [moto] but it handles like a TANK. Still lots of fun and has some decent get up and go for a cruiser

I'm back. Got settled in down in College Station. Got about $3500 right now. been craigslisting but can't really make up my mind on whats worth my time. Not sure I want a 620 because from what I've picked up they seem to be underpowered.  ??? Any of y'all craigslist guru's want to search again for me  [cheeky] Anything around College station but Houston or Austin would work too I suppose.

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1885188292.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1885188292.html)

What do y'all think? did they even have ST4 in 2000?

The STs are nice, but really heavy compared to other ducs (which isn't saying much, they are still lighter than many other "ST" genre motorcycles).

looks nice.  I wouldn't worry about the weight just yet, buy what feels right. if you rode that 1100 this ST will feel light as hell

if you can talk this guy down and scrape up some extra dough this might fit too
http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1945799883.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1945799883.html)

or
http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1917395751.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1917395751.html) for a different look.  most here don't like that one but I like it personally.

and finally this one http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1939894431.html (http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1939894431.html)
leaves extra cash to buy more goodies for the ole girl. 

I live right around the corner from pasadena if you want someone to look at it. 

I started riding on a 750SS, so I like the newer SS bikes too

first 2500 on that SS?? I'd take it.

I'm in college station so all of these are a bit of a drive. I'll have to take some trips this weekend to go look I suppose.

The 600+ Monsters are fast enough to have a great
time IMHO. S4Rs can be a humbling experience but
an awesome bike as well  [moto]

I'm headed back up to ft. worth next weekend. Want to look at these two. What do y'all think?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1945201085.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1945201085.html)
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1902087835.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1902087835.html)

no substantial differences between 99 and 00. both are carbd - unless you like tinkering a bit, go for a fuelie.

FYI, you may outgrow the 750 quickly.  Just my opinion from having owned one but if you're not a very aggressive rider then you should be just fine, they are nice bikes and handle very well.

hmmm guess I'm not clear on what to look for then. 900 ss? or is there a bigger monster than the 750?

The 750's are fine, try it out for size and see if you like them. You asked for opinions of course so prepare for them to be all over the board.  In the end................whatever puts a smile on your face shall be yours!
did you check into that ST in Houston?

Monsters come in lots of varieties - if you are looking at a 750, get a 750ie, or a 750Sie (upgraded suspension). Pre-2002 M750's will be carbd. Look elsewhere unless you are in to hopping the carbs up with Keihin's.

The Monster 800 (M800) is fantastic. All fuel injected.
The Monster S2R 800 is fantastic. All fuel injected. Single Sided Swingarm.
The Monster 900 (M900) is fantastic - the M900S is better, the M900Sie is better still. Pre-2000 (non-IE) are carb'd and may be down on power depending on the heads (V or W stamped) - the IE models have hotter cams from the factory.
The Monster 1000 (M1000) is fantastic (M1000S is better). All fuel injected.
The Monster S2R 1000 is fantastic. All fuel injected. Single Sided Swingarm.
The Monster 1100 (M1100) is fantastic and lighter than predecessors. The ABS version is neat, the M1100S is better still. All fuel injected. Single Sided Swingarm.

Note that the new M696 is lighter than previous generation 800's while making the same power. The 796 is like a 696 with an extra helping of good stuff (Good stuff being horsepower and style).

hey now, I still have my 750 monster from the very beginning and still find it a wonderful change of pace from the 748!  I ride both pretty much the same amount of time and it's a great powerplant with no issues at all!  Great city bike and does just fine on the track too  ;)

btw, I'm 6'0" 210lbs, and the 750 does just fine  [moto]

I think they are still a ton of fun to jump on, and a lot of that has to do with the responsive chassis

got to be a lot more comfortable than your 748 for casual riding (meaning riding where one might have to stop for a minute without dismounting)

I'm going to look at the ST this weekend. Any tips on getting a bike in and out of a truck bed?

Be careful  ;D

Be very careful!   ;D  (I once watched a salesman try to ride a just-purchased '05 Monster up a ramp into a truck bed...  He lost momentum halfway up, pinned it while falling to his left, and launched the bike sideways.  He ended up in a heap under the bike, which ended up half on and half off the tailgate.) 

Friends.

Use a long ramp - I do not "run a bike" up the ramp: The bike is off - I do physically get some momentum going by getting it rolling via me running it up to the ramp. Use a hill to your advantage: Park vehicle at low point, so the ramp coming out is against the hill and thus at a less steep angle, use gravity to help you come down the hill onto the ramp and into the truck.

Use a Canyon Dancer / Soft-Ties / Bar Harness and gently compress forks - you want it very firm, but not fully compressed, lest you like replacing fork seals. Two more ties go to frame points and to the truck's sides.

look, I loaded my old Roadstar by myself on several occassions and it weighted some 700 lbs.  get lots of momentum and don't FREAKIN stop half way up the ramp.  Once you're committed you are going to make it or you will be regretful.  [evil]

Get a ride there and ride it home. If you are not experienced at loading bikes in pick up beds borrow a trailer. Better still ride it home if you buy it. [thumbsup] How bad would you feel if you crash your new bike off a ramp and you haven't even ridden it yet? 40 years experience loading bikes says you should ride it, borrow a trailer or get lots of help. [thumbsup] Just saying.

yeah it's just a 2+ hour drive and my room mates aren't very understanding... they don't understand Ducati > homework/studying [roll]

Get new room mates. ;D

worth considering http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/1951966776.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/1951966776.html)

if you need help loading post up, I'm sure someone will be around.

Talked to this guy today ^^^

34,000 miles. He wrecked it and has fairings for it but they need to be patched and are mis-matching colors. Said he would come down on the price though. Said it runs great still just the fairings and mirrors and the tail light is all that needs to be fixed... He said he'd send me some pics tomorrow I'll post them up

ouch, I take it back.

i'm not a fan of that body style SS personally, so I would pass on it regardless of price. Well. Unless it was under 2K and mechanically fine. He would have to provide papers showing that the frame was straight though (and nobody wants to go through that hassle for "maybe" two thousand bones). The 98 and older ones are the sexy ones in my book - check out RichD's!

Keep looking, chief - there's a bike out there for you.

Just buy what you like. If you take advice you'll never decide

Ok I'm going to look at the 2000 M750 this weekend. My first question of a bajillion is, is it possible and if it is logical to change a carb'd bike to fuel injection? Or is a carb'd bike really not that big of a deal unless you're taking long trips in different elevations?

no. keep a carb'd bike carb'd. if you want to spruce it up, put keihin FCR 39's on it. Then look into upgrading to an M800/S2R800, or newer

I'm getting pretty excited about looking at this bike. I know the first thing I'm gonna save up for is a jacket and gloves. But I was wondering what some common mods are to these bikes? I know I like the look of the tail chop and would like to do that. I also read about the throttle tamer and gel grips. What else do people do to these to make them more unique/better performing?

Which model? Older models benefit greatly from DynaCoils, carb models benefit greatly from Keihin Flatslide carbs, lots of folks through clipons and rearsets on for a sportier ride (then again, a superbike is better for getting really sporty, so don't try to make the Monster into something it aint... etc etc)

Putting some dollars into suspension is money well spent. Damper is a big deal. If your bike has non-adj forks, getting a set of superbike forks and doing the appropriate mods for that makes a world of difference. Shocks are replaced with Ohlins and Penske (though there are other brands occasionally used).

Mirrors are often switched out to CRG or Rizoma, etc.

I removed the sidepanels (under the seat, on sides of bike) and relocated the wiring that was back there to show more frame.

the guy has a budget  ;)

dynacoils smooth out the running and run about 200 bones.

flatslides are a grand, are worth it for carb bikes, but should be factored against the price of a fuelie, weighing upfront costs, estimated duration of ownership, and ownership costs.

crg mirrors - pair for under 150

damper... 3-500 bones

rear shock 8-1200 bones

sidepanel removal: free
tail chop: free-ish

I'm the type of guy that holds on to things forever. I've had 3 trucks and still have 2 of them only sold one because I NEEDED money and wasn't driving it as much. Wouldn't have sold it if I wasn't pressured by my parents. I'll hold on to this bike for a long while.

Also I don't mind you naming off upgrades. I have a budget for the initial purchase. I'll have more money down the road to upgrade and that's what I'm interested in getting ideas.

happiness is a carb'd 900 with flatslides and dynacoils, suspension set up to suit you. You can do it on a budget, the bikes are available, less expensive, and there's lots of "know-how" going about.

RichD can vouch, the 900 motor is excellent.


That said, if you can find a 900ie in your range, grab that. Or an 800 (there all "IE"), or a 1000 (also all IE). Phenomenal motorcycles for the long haul. The 800, however, does not have a dry clutch, and for some people that's a plus, others will find that a minus.

Is there any way to change the instrument cluster out on these? The one I'm looking at doesn't have a tach and was wondering if there was someway I could add one or something

no tach?  :-\

The 750s didn't come with a tach standard *shrug*


I just wired an aftermarket integrated speedo/tach for one of the local guys on a 750, pretty messy endeavor, but doable.

our old 750, 2001 to be exact, had a tach.

New Winner! http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1965646924.html (http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/1965646924.html)

even has termis already! Going tonight to pick it up!

What is the service at 6/7k miles?

My 99 900 did not come with a tach, it was common to only have idiot lights and a speedo on late 90's models.

I got a DP carbon gauge cluster with tachometer on mine. No Longer Available, unfortunately.

If you want it, a person could persuade me to sell it. Possibly

service is at 6K.  I'll bet you need new belts and valve check/adjustment, the latter may not be necessary but some techy will chime in here.

how much does that cost?

1200 +/- 200 based on parts needed to be replaced

bikes typically feel like brand new, mechanically, after a full service.

service includes belts, valve/shim clearance checked, plugs, oil change, chain/sprocket inspection/clean/lube, tps etc reset on fuelies, yadda yadda yadda

i always pretend any bike that i'm looking at "used" needs a service regardless of mileage and owner history, because its been out of my control. belts should be replaced upon purchase of new bike, as well as an oil change. That gives a second set of eyes on the bike besides the new owner, who may have overlooked something... especially something big, like a cracked motor mount, abnormal stresses in triple clamp, etc that may indicate the bike has been down before.

So how many miles could I safely get over 6k before service. It's gonna be a month or two before I can save up another grand over this.

Has the owner had it serviced at all?  He might have a documented history for ya...  [thumbsup]

1200+ for a 750?  I didn't pay that much and Jordan did the work.   [coffee]

most of the time it is less, but i would rather say too-high rather than too-low and have a bad surprise.


A person could go over the 6,000mi service and only experience the adverse effects of slowly degrading performance - the services at earlier mileages are more important than the ones at higher mileage - as the motor gets lots of heat cycles, things change less.

keeping the belts fresh is VERY important though, a failed belt doesn't lead to degraded performance, it leads to grenaded performance.

the most expensive insurance is none at all.......belts are cheap to replace.

Proud new owner of a 2000 Ducati M750 Dark. I'll post up pictures tomorrow when I'm in the light!

287 mile round trip! Any tricks to getting bugs off the helmet? Found alot of those :P

congrats.  [beer]
there is bug cleaner you can buy at Auto Zone or the like BUT you better make sure it doesn't strip the wax.  Some of those solvents are very strong.  Personally I use a microfiber towel that's wet and ring it out before wiping, then your choice of gloss enhancer like McGuires.  If the bugs are really bad then just lay the cloth over the area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.  Come back and wipe off.  That's the easiest method.

so is windex a no go because it will destroy the wax? Also is there anyway to get a digital gauge setup on this bad boy?

no to windex.


i use wet microfiber or plexus+microfiber.


digital gauge: Yes. There are cheaper alternatives, and then there is the MotoGadget (http://www.spieglerusa.com/motogadget/ (http://www.spieglerusa.com/motogadget/)). Its the one I'll eventually purchase and put on my Monster and the project bike

Congrats!  And totally agree with the damp-towel-on-the-helmet method.    [thumbsup]

yeah, windex sucks IMO.  Plexus or the spirit cleaner they sell at Honda dealers is great.  If you have a cycle gear near by go there as well.

How hard is it to take off the god awful mirrors?

easy as hell

One is reverse thread, if I recall (maybe the left?).

Get a 696, they fall off.

To get the mirrors off do you just slide the little rubber cover up and loosen that nut or what?

The bike has 6,800 miles on it and the previous owner said it needed a new chain pretty quick... Doesn't look bad to me but I don't know much about chains.  Do you think it'll be ok on a 165 mile ride home back to the DFW? Where is the shop you guys use up there?

yes

if the chain is rusted or has lots of slack you may be in for changing it before you leave, just about any bike shop can help with that...I think.
The shop most use below but call first to make sure someone's there to do the service you want:

 Advanced Motorsports Ducati Alvarado
11550 E. FM 917 Alvarado, TX 76009
Phone (817) 790-0200
Fax (817) 783-8883
 
Tuesday-Friday - 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday, Monday - Closed 
 
sales@advancedmotorsports.com
 
Advanced Motorsports Ducati Dallas
1318 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207

Phone (214) 466-6540
Fax (214) 466-6545

Tuesday-Friday - 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday, Monday - Closed
 
sales@advancedmotorsports.com

How long does servicing them take?

Depends what you need.  Call them

why not do the work yourself?  It's a good opportunity to learn about the bike and save yourself some good money

And to give you an idea of what's possible, here's what my bike started with and is now:

Before:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SuzDgINowFU/TJrpUdAEdmI/AAAAAAAASCY/2sdWm17ZL6M/s400/IMG_0088.JPG)

After:
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_SuzDgINowFU/SCphssDwmhI/AAAAAAAAB3k/yfzYBlIQRZM/s400/IMG_2003.jpg)

+1. doing it yourself is part of the fun

before:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/SbwBpM9fcoI/AAAAAAAAC00/XzhhmVQ1QPw/s800/il%20mostro.jpg)

after:
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_4iYlZ1m8UEM/S-CtKaDf5HI/AAAAAAAAFn4/vSuK93H6gKY/s400/IMG_2299_5_6_7_8.jpg)

Hiero I really like how the back of your bike is plastic and not seat. Is that a whole new rear piece?

Also I'd LOVE to do it all on my own! I just need to know what I need/Best place to get the parts and how to do it.

And as promised here are some pics!
First off:
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0503.jpg)

Night I got her
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0502.jpg)

Morning after (next to my roomie's Yamaha YZF600 I think  :P):
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0504.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0506.jpg)

And finally with the mirrors gone!
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0509.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0508.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0510.jpg)

Looks nice

looks like you're starting off with a better slate than what we did!

The seat cowl is the same as a m has on his, just had it painted to match my 748

+1

You can order carbon or standard plastic cowl, the two brackets that screw into the cowl, and two thumb screws to attach it to the seat.

Also, nice pipes!

Nice bike! Monsters look great with belly fairing [thumbsup]

just an idea:  take that clear windscreen and spray paint it black from the underside in layers.  regular rattle can rustoleum will do just fine.  I did on mine and saved me $80 from buying a dark one.

+1 - looks great that way

Love the bike and the pipes! I like the windscreen idea but I'd like to see a finished product before I do it. Anyone willing to give me the run down on the service? I've done an engine swap on my blazer so I do have some wrenching know how. A list of parts would be awesome and maybe some links. Also tools needed as I'm in an apartment and don't have many tools with me here. My tool box is at home and I could pick up the necessary tools this weekend.

You need belts, oil cartridge, crush washer, 15W50 or 20W50 full synthetic motorcycle oil (don't use car oil!).

To check valve clearance, you need feeler gauges, engine turning tool, gaskets for valve covers (don't reuse the ones on there, they are prone to leak if reused)

If you ever need anything, you can call the shop and we can ship it to you. You must replace the crush washer at every oil change. They are only $0.99.

To tension belts you'll need, at the bare minimum, a guitar tuner and you'll pluck to tension.

Oops, you are supposed to replace those?  ???

And it'll run me 1200 for you to do that?!

That's not a full valve job

Yeah, you are supposed to. They "crush" correctly only once. If you want to heat it up and anneal it to remove stresses, you could reuse them. Or, for .99, you can avoid the chances of burning yourself

What, and miss a chance to play with fire?  [evil]

Alright I'll probably come by on Saturday. Just bring what cash I can scrounge up and see what I can't work out

And it begins  :'(

First ticket today with 3 citations. 2 for unsafe lane changes and one for no insurance.  [bang] [bang] [bang]

I tried to explain that I was going home this weekend so my mom could get the title changed over to my name and get it insured.

As far as the lane changes go. I was in the far left lane at a red light. It turned green I got a good 2 car lengths in front of the middle lane car and moved over to the middle lane. This is when the car in right lane decides to move into the middle lane so I swerve to the outside lane again. I get pulled over and get the ticket for avoiding an accident.... I guess it's because I wasn't quick enough to throw on my blinkers.

now you are properly baptized.  guess the mods will wait just a little longer. 

yeah mods get to wait on service, which now waits on citations.  [roll]

look towards the bottom and you will be my red S4R with the blacked out screen like I mentioned you should look into http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=4859.240 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=4859.240)

They give tickets if you don't get run over... [evil]

I like the blacked out windscreen!

and next time I'll just fall over that way I don't get a ticket  [thumbsup]

Two Questions.

Anyone have ballpark estimate of my ticket? two unsignaled lane changes and no insurance.

And secondly, is painting the exhaust a good idea? I'd love to paint em black I think it'd look awesome!

Painted mine before going with the Sil's:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2252261535_c472a1ec61.jpg)

will rattle can rustoleum work or will it melt off?

I used Dupli-color engine enamel (ceramic, 500-degree, gloss): I prepped by cleaning with thinner and sanding with 200. I used steel wool between 4 coats.

This is the second set I painted, and both held up well. The cans the pic were chopped as well as painted.

I crossed a flare line at a freeway accident for $280 [evil]

Passing in a no pass zone on the Talimena Scenic Drive will set you back $254!! :P Actually the whole 52 mile drive is a double stripe/no passing zone. Who knew? [laugh]

Magnesium burns at 1,166 °F, and rubber can melt as low as 208.4 °F

Had you hit one of the flares, the burning portion could have stuck to the tire and burned a hole into it, causing rapid deflation of the tire.  You would have likely ended up on your ass in front of some very irate  [leo]

That would have been fail blog worthy  [bow_down]

Another noobie question, I see lane splitting brought up alot around here. Is that just riding inbetween lanes/cars or is it weaving in and out of traffic? Is it illegal to ride the line inbetween lanes and cars?

I hear CA law allows bikes to ride between lanes in traffic
jams. Likely applied I think it means passing
without much room between cages. Dangerous
and I've never done it 8).
Wait for others input

lane splitting in TX is not specifically addressed but it is considered "reckless" driving when you get pulled over.  I wouldn't do it here because there are too many idiots who switch lanes randomly.  When I lived in Cali it was fun but I couldn't fit my Roadstar through half the shit so I drove down the emergency lane and BAM another ticket.  Never rode my sportbike during traffic, waited for the weekend and hit Ortega hwy.....BAM more tickets.  come to think of it I hate CA. 

Ok so the fact is you DON'T want to do it here, especially being new and getting comfortable with another bike.

+1 on what he said.  It comes up in the state legislature every so often, but it hasn't passed yet.  I followed it pretty closely last year... it made it out of the Senate but died in its House committee.

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB506 (http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB506)

yeah i had hope for it last time around; wasn't it only allowing speeds up to like 15 mph, but only if traffic was moving at 10mph or less?  i forget the details now...  but i'm not sure why it has such a tough time passing.  do they think if they legalize this, then we'll see a drastic increase in idiots weaving around traffic at 100+?

Alright, I'm a dork for still having these links  :-\, but here's the proposed law from last year:

http://lanesharing.forum-motion.com/lane-sharing-texas-sb506-f5/sb506-bill-text-link-t3.htm (http://lanesharing.forum-motion.com/lane-sharing-texas-sb506-f5/sb506-bill-text-link-t3.htm)

I think it was just a victim of apathy.  It was just buried on the committee's docket somewhere, and they didn't care.  I think there would have to be a budget for an ad campaign to get public awareness up if it did pass, lest motorists would be losing their minds and starting fights with bikers at intersections on a daily basis.

I split a line of about 30 cars a few weeks back because the heat was just too awful.  Traffic was at a dead stop, and both left lanes were waiting to turn left at the light (6 lane road).  Nobody was moving, and there were no gaps for cars to swap lanes.  I crawled to the front and got in front of a monster dually that couldn't make the shift to the left close to the light.  I ended up occupying empty space, and I was through the intersection before the dually could get out of first, so I inconvenienced no one.  And I lost track of the angry honks.  [roll]

I'm going to take care of my ticket tomorrow and I'll let y'all know how much it's gonna cost. Then I'm gonna save up some money to get the maintenance taken care of. However I'm already looking forward to Christmas and looking at a tailchop kit. When I do it I want to get new tail light and blinkers and was wondering what a good website for parts like that would be?

i filter regularly in traffic. yeah, a bunch of assholes will notice you coming and try to squeeze you out, sour grapes.

filtering is walking/idling the bike up between cars to the front of the intersection when traffic has come to a stop.

I like that you use "filtering" lane splitting sounds aggressive.

When I had my bike lessons back in old blighty, yes lessons start in a car park to learn controls and then on the road for a couple of hours each week until the instructor believes you are proficient and safe enough for your test, I was taught to filter at lights, roundabouts etc. 

I still use my training here when traffic is stationary, busy intersections, accidents on the tollway etc.

Air cooled bikes need to move. Just sayin...

yeah, that's what i don't understand is what's to be mad about?  i don't split very much, but when i have i've been honked at, and swerved at many many times.  why would people be that malicious?  i'm not harming them in any way, nor am i impeding in their travel time.... i just can't wrap my head around how vindictive people in cars can be, especially when they're going 1mph...and i'm doing like 5...

Went to the courthouse today... Lets just say the bike will be sitting in the garage for a few months untill I can get some money together.

Unsignaled Lane Change 1 - $120 (Court Fees) + $50 (Defensive Driving Course + 6 hours of my time)
Unsignaled Lane Change 2 - $185 (Court Fees) + 10 Hours Community Service
No Insurance - $400 (Court Fees) + 25 Hours Community Service

Total $755 + 35 Hours Community Service + 6 Months unsupervised probation

Guess that's a pretty good Welcoming to the club  [roll]

You got screwed!

Holy cow!!!  That really blows [thumbsdown]

No joke....

Only the first Unsignaled Lane Change is for sure right now though. So I've already payed $120 and I'm gonna sign up for defensive driving. The other two still have to be sent to the judge and the receptionist told me that was what was going to happen.

Do you have other tickets or do they hate bikes in college station?

First ticket ever. The insurance is what really screwed me over. But when you have a new bike it's impossible to not want to ride it :(

U should be able to get it reduced being your first time.  Tell them you were going to get insurance at least

I did and I do have insurance and showed them the proof. However I don't get to talk to the judge. The paper work gets given to him and he just signs off on it. Hindsight I probably should have plead not-guilty and talked to him. But they talked me into pleading no-contest

Sounds like you have learned a valuable lesson here.  It is usually worth the $$ to have an attorney when you are getting hit with that many charges.  You could have come out in far less trouble and with less $$ out of pocket.

i call ahead when i'm going to buy a bike and get insurance on the spot

So over on the general forum I hear everyone bragging about how loud their bikes are. My monster has termis and it sounds good but it's not anywhere close to what I would call loud. It could be loud I just might not know what "loud" is for a motorcycle as I'm used to a Big block 454 with open headers loud. And my room mates YZF-600 with D&D Exhaust is obnoxiously loud. I don't want my bike to sound obnoxious maybe just a bit louder. Any ideas?

D&D pipes are crazy loud.

Not sure this is what you would want to be concerned with currently...given your legal maladies.


But, a person could open the airbox if not already done, and disassemble pipes to remove baffling.

I run open headers on my blazer and haven't had any problem with the 5-0. But It'd probably be smart to wait until my probation is over.

i Run D&D's and yes they are loud!!!  I love 'em

Termis sound great, but I have yet to hear Alans
pipes

They're loud.  The other "half" of Little Yellow Duck is BLQ (Big Loud Quack)

 ;D

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/5104879770_30aa201a2c.jpg)

Nothing like hearing them in-person:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21858840@N03/5104160738/#secret678e1be778in/set-72157625090162845/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21858840@N03/5104160738/#secret678e1be778in/set-72157625090162845/)

Hey guys, I'm about to do my first maintenance on the bike. Gonna change the oil. Just wondering if there is anyway to get the two crush washers I need from anywhere other than a ducati dealrship... I'm not near any down here in College station which really stinks. Also can I just pick up oil/oil filter at an auto store or will I have to go to a motorcycle dealership? I'm also gonna have to by the 10mm hex head and all the other goodies. Any and all help is appreciated.

P.S. I did watch the video on changing oil and I've seen a video on how to get the oil screen out... Any thoughts on cleaning the screen with out the use of brake or carb cleaner?

You can call the dealership and they'll mail it to you. I'm sure Jordan or Marty at AMS will have no problems putting those two crush washers in an envelope and sticking a stamp on it.

The drain plug crush washer for shallow sumps (big drain plug) is 22032083A. the other is 8525...damn. i forgot the rest.

the oil filter from K&N is KN153 - available from any powersports dealer though most do not stock it, takes a day or so to get it in. the ducati part is just as easily mailed to you in college station (takes 1 day even using UPS Ground) to receive it. The Ducati part # is 44440034A or 44440035A (same thing)

advantage to K&N is the nut on the bottom. its not fool proof though, i think it is a marginal advantage. price is about the same, i think its maybe a dollar or three cheaper.

You can use either brake or carb cleaner on the oil screen. Just don't stick it back in dripping of carb/brake cleaner - i usually just pull it to inspect, brush any shavings off and shove it back in.

while you are poking around on the motor, look for leaks at the crankcase breather.


don't put anything but moto-specific synthetic oil in your duc. 15/50 or 20/50 is great. Mobil1 v-twin is fine, motul is good, etc. you can get this from your local powersports dealer.

Sweet deal thanks for the informative post.

22032055A is the drain screen washer.


EDIT: whoops... superceded to 78710091A

noticed today that on the ride to work that if i let the clutch out ANY at all and I mean like barely a hair it will start to roll the bike forward. also shifting has gotten rougher. Almost as if the clutch isn't engaging unless its pulled COMPLETELY back. Could this be the clutch going out or something that could be adjusted?

Have you bled the clutch? Could be old fluid, or air bubbles...

I've done nothing to the clutch

Classic symptoms of a clutch needing to be bled.  I usually don't get much out of the slave cylinder (by the engine) but get quite a bit from the master cylinder (on the handlebar).  Very easy, and should fix you right up.

How would I go about bleeding the master cylinder?

There should be a little hex-headed nipple up there somewhere to stick a hose on.  That's where mine is, but it's likely different on various models.  If you don't see that, you can probably back off the banjo bolt where the hose attaches to the master, and catch the fluid with a rag.

Like most things, it's simple once you know how to do it. Basically you add fresh fluid at the top of the system, & release the old fluid & air bubbles at the bottom. The stuff that comes out is caustic & yucky. If you don't want to have a Pro do it for you, at least ask for assistance from someone experienced the 1st time... A 6-pack might do it ;D [beer]

All about learning to wrench on it myself. No offense but I hate paying people to do things I can do myself. That being said I do like to be shown how to do things the proper way and dont mind compensating for help  [drink]. However I don't think any of you guys are in the College station area.  :-\ I will be bringing the bike home this summer but I can't wait that long

supply beer and cigars and some of us can probably find a "reason" to ride.  8)
I'm a mechanical wizard.......wait, idiot, but I'll drink your beer.  [beer]

Just curious, do you have the only Duc in Bryan/CS?
When I've ridden mine to Jacksonvile I'm the only one.

Yup, thought it was cool at first but now I'm starting to second guess myself  :-\

If you make sure to be patient, remind yourself that you don't know anything and take advice w a grain of salt you will be fine. If you charge in headstrong and impatiently work, things will usually not work out well. Avoid bonehead advice and read a lot, You'll be fine. They aren't cheap to keep, but it's been worth it.

Been wrenching on my K5 blazer (mud toy) for 2 years now and I'm extremely hesitant with everything I do. I always make sure I know exactly what I'm doing. "Measure twice, cut once" I use that with everything I do.

Hell, I've had six in five years and don't think they are terribly expensive other than the valve service.  It's worth the price just to ride an Italian IMO

Tried to take her around the block today, clutch isn't working at all now  :(

so it's always engaged now?  Could you take a 5mm allen and remove the slave cylinder from the engine real quick and see what the condition of the slave cylinder and inner piston is?  If the slave was leaking, that could happen. 
How much fluid is in the reservoir?

no as in the clutch will not engage at all. I pull it in all the way and it doesn't engage. Will pull the bike forward and makes shifting nearly impossible

sounds like a hydraulic failure.

did you check the fluid to see if any is in the reservoir yet?

???  I'm not sure I understand what's going on.  If the bike is pulling forward, the clutch is engaged.  Pulling the lever disengages the clutch...

I'm not trying to say you don't know what you're talking about, just trying to get a clear picture of the problem

No you'r right I had a brain fart. Caveman in me said "pulling lever is engaging clutch."  [bang] Yes the clutch will not disengage. And no I'm not with the bike wont be back till Sunday. Will check then to see if there is fluid in the resevoir

Alright I'm sorry in advance for my ignorance, but everyone has to start somewhere. Having never wrenched on a bike before makes me feel like I have no common sense. To check the fluid level in the reservoir do I take the lid off the reservoir? It impossible to see through the little glass.

that's a fine way to do it. i'm assuming you have coffin master cylinders.

careful with the screws, they can strip if the tops haven't been off recently or if they were tightened too much

Alright once again ignorance. I'm full of it. Is the clutch reservoir about the size of a film canister? Because what I think is the clutch reservoir is a clear film canister shaped thing and its good on fluid level right in between min and max and its located on the right side of the bike under the seat.

That's the rear brake reservoir. The clutch reservoir will be attached to the clutch master cylinder, which is what the lever you squeeze is connected to. Its literally no more than an inch from your left index finger when your hand is on the bar.

i think we need to get you to dallas for a beers, brats, and bikes session at somebody's house and go over the basics - make ownership headaches much less frequent

Thats what I originally thought. However it said only use brake fluid on the cap which threw me off.

hydraulic fluid is always labeled brake fluid because many motorcycle manufacturers use "cable" clutches instead of hydraulic clutches.

Check in there and see what you find. If you ever need to add fluid, you must use DOT 4. Or 5.1. NOT 5. (And 4 is better than 3 for all purposes from what i've read)

almost no fluid in the reservoir

Well you have a hydraulic leak on one end or the other. Almost always at the slave cylinder. (The o-rings that seal the piston inside the slave cylinder crap out).

You can pick up a used slave off somebody around here I'm sure, or off a place like Gotham Cycles, or order up a new one. There's also a stock piston replacment with multiple seals available from evoluzione (replaces only the piston and it's seals, sits in stock slave cylinder). For a few bucks more, you can get an aftermarket larger diameter piston slave cylinder, such as an evoluzione, stm, evr, yoyodyne, motowheels, oberon, dp, ncr, etc etc. They reduce lever effort slightly but even more importantly have redundant seals so they fail less often. Not that they don't still occasionally fail. You'll also need two new crush washers for installing the new or used slave (one on each side of the banjo fitting on the brake line) and fresh fluid. Then you bleed it. Its a slow, drawn out process, and its easy to get frustrated while doing it if its your first time. Just be patient and you'll be back out on the road in no time.

I know you're not looking to spend a lot of money, but a pneumatic brake fluid system like this (http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tools/specialty+tools/one-person+brake+bleeder.do?search=basic&keyword=brake&sortby=newArrivals&page=1) or if you don't have an air compressor handy, a mityvac, or something like this (http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/tools/specialty+tools/reverse+brake+bleeder+kit.do?search=basic&keyword=brake&sortby=newArrivals&page=1) makes bleeding brakes a 10 minute job.

I've seen similar tools to the griot's ones at harbor freight for super cheap, so worth a look.  I've never had any luck with mityvac for some reason, but lots of folks here have for sure. I use the one man bleeder and it's a super easy 5 minute job.  Takes longer to do my set up rather than the actual bleeding.

I believe most of us just changed the slave cylinder out completely, good investment really

agreed.

and i don't like my mightyvac. i want a pneumatic one. i do it manually (or the "old school" way)

It's refreshing to know someone else doesn't know everything
about wrenching. [thumbsup]

I've learned from my years on automotive boards that just like in real life, there are no "stupid" questions. If you have a question I guarantee someone has, has had or will have the same question. I look back at some of my first post on my other forum (for my blazer) and I can't believe how ignorant I was when I first started posting. Everyone starts somewhere, I just like to talk to people with first hand experience rather than the internet or text. I do appreciate y'all bearing with me. Most forums seem to be pretty understanding.

Anyways I'm trying to get a list of tools/parts I'm going to need. I want to change my oil at the same time. I'm also waiting for some warmer weather. Doesn't sound to bad of a deal, however I'm sure I'll have some more "newbie" questions

Well I woke up to a great surprise this morning. My bike had been knocked over. Broken blinkers front and
Back, cracked headlight, scuffed clutch cover, dented tank, snapped break lever, scuffed barend and who knows what else. This was at my apt. And I'm not sure what to do if I can do anything. I'll post up pics in a little bit. I do have property insurance through my apt. Which I'm going to talk to tomorrow. And I'll probably file a police report for criminal mischief. Any ideas or thoughts?

That bike is possessed.  Sorry for your bad luck and good luck on that claim, I'll bet the apartments won't cover it.  Check your contract just in case n if signs are posted in the lot read the fine print

:(

I dropped my Monster while riding and had less damage ???

park it inside if you can [thumbsup]

I have an extra lever that will fit your bike and prob can scrounge a blinker.  If you list parts i'm sure we can get you some, no charge of course  [thumbsup]

sorry to hear about the bike man, hopefully things will turn around

damn.... Just, DAMN :o

I always carry full coverage on my bikes. Sure hope it's not toooooo bad.

Ok well after a day I have a few thoughts and questions. The insurance held through my apartment does not cover motorized vehicles.....awesome. I'm going to file a police report. What are some common things to look for that could be wrong with a tip over? Also if this does get to insurance or something will it matter if I don't have slip on's on my exhaust? I'm just running open pipes right now. Here's a list of what I can find/think of right now.

Right Front Blinker
Front brake lever
Right bar grip
Rear break lever is bent (I don't know if this will effect anything or if it even needs to be messed with)
Tank is dented  [bang]
Also it tore the locking mechanism on the handle bars so they will no longer lock when the key is turned to lock they still move freely..
Clutch cover is scuffed pretty good
The tail light is loose and basically hanging by the wires. But I heard that was pretty common after riding two up on monsters so that might be from Previous Owner

(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0630.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0629.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0628.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/rsyerigan/IMG_0627.jpg)

That last pic is just plain sad.

man. i remember how mad i was when i walked out and saw mine like that once.  the disappointing part was i couldn't figure out who to point the gun at...

I miss my stolen Suzuki dual sport.  Drop it, wind knock it over, just pick it up a ride, after whackining the front wheel against a telephone pole or wall to straighten the steering alignment.  Maybe why they were called enduros [moto]

I have a bar end, three blinkers (need to paint) and possibly brake lever - not sure what bike it came from.  Send me a pm with your info and phone and I'll call u to set up shipping.  No payment necessary

yup, I've got a brake lever for sure, just send me a pm

Got the package from Muskrat today  [bow_down] [bow_down] [bow_down] [bow_down]

Thank you so much! I owe you a case of your favorite adult beverage [drink] [beer]

Nice one Dax! [thumbsup] [clap]

Johnny Walker blue label  :o 

Insurance is going to cover it. They are coming out on Friday to asses the damage. And supposedly write a check on spot. Should I have some prices and stuff printed out for leverage ?

make the beast with two backs. the price of a replacement tank is somewhere up around $1600.00. (BEWARE THEY TOTAL YOUR MOTORCYCLE)

however, dent repair / paint is as low as $400 at a reputable body shop.

clutch case is several hundred as well.


if it was me with some insurance money, i'd get a clutch 'cover' for the wet clutch bikes from SlingShot or a carbon vendor or SpeedyMoto to cover up the case rash. I'd get insurance to give me cash for the tank paint and get a CA-Cycleworks track tank.

note that it may not have been an accident. a friend here in Dallas has had his motorcycle 'attempted stolen', and later pushed over several times. Some elaborate steel cables to garage rafters at his apartment now prevent it from falling over either direction or being moved.

Well not looking good so far. Insurance guy just left. Looks like its gonna be a total. Luckily they said I could keep it if they total it and I'd get like 70% of value witch is like $19XX . It's valued at $2800. He has to get back with me though. But the Key is jammed it wont turn and unlock the bar lock. I bent my key trying to unlock it. Any ideas or tricks to fix this? also he said I need a new triple bracket. Because of the lock messing up. is that true?

I hate to mention it, but does this bike seem jinxed? Maybe a fresh start wouldn't be so bad...

Best wishes, either way [thumbsup]

Bikes totaled. So now I can either take 70% - deductible and keep the bike or just let them pay me out. Not positive on the numbers yet but looks like this

1. $1700 & Bike
2. $2800

A Total loss adjuster is going to call me next week with the actuall numbers but thats what the claims guy told me they would be around..

What to do what to do

I'm thinking about taking the money and running. Just keeping my eye open for another bike

for that price you can buy another one.  push them to $3k if you can but RUNNNNNNNNN.  that bike has been hijacked by evil spirits.

Finally, something the Musk & I agree upon  ;D

we agree?  [bang]
go eat granolas  [evil]

Seriously, take the money.  That bike is full of bad juju!   [evil]

Why the hell do I get stuck with the Haunted monster?  :'(

I just want a beautiful naked Italian icon. is that asking to much?  ??? Oh well I'll take what I can get, scram and try to pick up the pieces with a different bike.

I vote new bike. Park the new one inside if you are
on the first floor. Duce like that [thumbsup]

Ok, so I've  been thinking about this one and I think I'm of a dissenting opinion!  If this were me, I think I would keep the bike, take the 1700 and start modding away.

The engine, suspension, frame sound like they're still good.  That's a huge part of the battle and considering this wasn't a 'crash,' I'd say you're pretty safe to say things are probably still good. 

As for the ignition lock and top triple, I actually have my old top triple from when I replaced it with a cycle cat billet one.  You can have it.  (I'll have to remember where I put it, but once I find it, if you decide to keep the bike, I'll send that out to you as well)
Because you don't have one of the fancy new ignitions with the kill switch and all that, honestly, if the ignition lock is so gummed up that you can't lock/unlock and the keys are jacked up, just go on ebay and buy a new ignition lock with matching key!  The only thing you'd need to worry about is changing up the seat lock (or just removing it and making it a manual unlock, that's easy to do as well). 

As for the tank ding, live with it.  I have a tank ding from a stupid accident when I had my newly painted tank off on a stool and it fell.  It doesn't affect the operation of the bike and well, maybe it'll give you less bad juju. 

Everything else is just cosmetic and easy to live with when you've got a big smile on your face underneath that helmet  [moto]

Then that leaves 1700 bucks not only for a new slave cylinder, but for other really nice pieces that you couldn't afford before, plus some cash left to use on whatever other things in your life that may be necessary. 

Just something to think about.

Sorry to read about all of your troubles with this bike!  Cursed for sure.  But good Monsters CAN absolutely be had for not a lot of cash, just try and be patient.  Spring is around the corner so your choices will double.

On a semi-related note; I had an '05 Monster 620 (fuel injected) that never had a problem - put gas in it, change the oil and take care of the chain.  That was it.  Started up every time.  Think I had something like 28,000 miles on it when I sold it.

the color may not be your favorite but that can change with time
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=45838.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=45838.0)
also I came very close to picking this one up for the wife before I found one in Killeen
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=42476.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=42476.0) you can ship it here for about $400 door to door and he's a nice guy willing to deal BTW

I agree with hiero. Getting another used bike may put you in an even worse position as far as "problems." I'm not reading anything here to think that these are more than minor issues, considering. Heck, you can get a brand new bike with issues. Talk to folks who are on their 3rd or 4th ECU.

Oh, and as far as tank ding--I bought mine with a pre-dinged tank that's still on the bike.  ;D

those with ECU problems.......well, quit tinquering with the shit.  [evil]

Or 7th.

I've never had ECU probs.  I rely on AMS.  They gave me my new Monster tank for free because of swelling issues ;D

Psst--They didn't *give you a free one*; they replaced the defective one they sold you with another defective one....  ;)

-that coming from the guy who told me he got FREE shipping ...on his $1000 carburators.  [laugh]


 [popcorn]

 Good Point!

 [wine]

My "new one" looks factory fresh. That's all i know.  ???

Just to feed the fire a bit, this ebay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-900-M900-LOCK-SET-IGNITION-SWITCH-KEY-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1e6126459cQQitemZ130478917020QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ducati-Monster-900-M900-LOCK-SET-IGNITION-SWITCH-KEY-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1e6126459cQQitemZ130478917020QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

is everything you would need if you removed your ignition switch/lock...

Bike is not cursed at all! It was actually a blessing from the heavens  [bow_down]

Insurance got back with me today. $2700 and I get to keep the bike (boy howdy did I think about keeping it) however they said they would no longer insure it and that with a salvage title it would be hard to get insurance. Instead they're taking the demon and I'm getting $3570  ;D ;D ;D ;D

If my calculations are correct. I got roughly two months of riding and made almost a grand

now that's the deal of the century.

Does that include the tickets?  ;D
Joking aside, that is a pretty good deal.   [clap]

Very nice  [thumbsup]  I'm glad to hear this story has a happy ending.

Do you intend to buy another motorcycle?

+1 -- glad it worked out in your favor

...and you won't have to have "noob" in the title of your next thread announcing your new Duc!  [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Yes I do plan on getting another duc, very excited actually. I've already spent hours on craigslist but still waiting for something to come along.

And I didn't even think about the  [moto] [leo] incident. Way to rain on my parade. So I about broke even the bike paid for itself and the tickets.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/2148701824.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/2148701824.html) ?

That bike has been for sale for a while.  Could be a story or two involved but if it's got service records, both keys and The Red Key, I'd give it a look.

The ergos on that bike will be considerably different from your Monster.  There are after-market solutions to make the bike more comfortable but they ain't cheap (don't ask me how I know)  [laugh]

Anyway, that Duc is an air-cooled variant with after-market exhausts so it should sound fantastic.  Two valves per cylinder so the maintenance won't kill you... The only potential trouble spot in just reading the ad would be the wet to dry clutch conversion.  I know it can be done and done successfully but I'd really want to check that part of it out.  That and the usual areas on the frame that can be prone to rust.

Good luck!

I saw that in the ad also.  Didn't the 900 SS come with a dry clutch?
http://ducati.com/bikes/supersport/900/2001/tech_spec.do (http://ducati.com/bikes/supersport/900/2001/tech_spec.do)

I'm not aware of a wet-clutch 900....

Maybe the ad is talking about changing from a closed to an open clutch cover?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/2199399553.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/2199399553.html)
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/2199247646.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/2199247646.html)
http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2193877433.html (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2193877433.html)

I'd venture to guess you'll like the St4 better.  If you thought Ducati parts were hard to come by wait until you own an Aprilia.

Whats the difference between an ST2 and ST4?

The ST2 went the way of the dodo bird before the ST4 which soon followed and left just the ST3, also gone now.  Here is a link to Ducati's model year archive for all the tech specs on bikes back to 2001.  Also the ST4 has about 20 more hp despite a smaller displacement but also has four valves to the ST2's two valves.  

http://ducati.com/bikes/archive/index.do (http://ducati.com/bikes/archive/index.do)

Here are the specs on the 2002 ST2 you are looking at:
http://ducati.com/bikes/monster/st2/2002/tech_spec.do (http://ducati.com/bikes/monster/st2/2002/tech_spec.do)

Here are the specs on a same year ST4:
http://ducati.com/bikes/sporttouring/st4/2002/tech_spec.do (http://ducati.com/bikes/sporttouring/st4/2002/tech_spec.do)

All that said, your three last choices are all very different bikes which is kinda cool because now you can really play around and figure out if you want something more touring or sporty.  Not a bad position to be in.   [moto]  

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/2188766207.html (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/2188766207.html)   [evil]

Ummm, yeah.  Moto Guzzi V11  [bang]  [laugh] 

Just updating to let y'all know I'm still around. I'm really starting to look for a bike again now that gas is going to the moon. Hope everyone's doing ok and getting a little  [moto] in the warmer weather we had last week

Paging Mr. Muskrat.  Mr. Muskrat to the white Courtesy Phone, please   [evil]

He's busy buying accessories for his truck.  [popcorn]

hahaha


get a big ass cold air intake, headers + high flow cat + the rest of the full system, and a good computer tune on it and get not only mo' powa' but also some gas mileage improvements (not to mention an enhanced aural experience).   all for less than a set of termi slipons. (i preempted your comeback, ZING!)

what size motor did you get?

5.3, and first tires then cold air intake and exhaust.  still trying to schedule with Louis to do that shyat.

Cool man - the programming is what i read to be the most worthwhile - lotsa folks using "black bear performance" or black bear tuning, whatever, I'm sure louis can do the same thing and he's got a ton of experience. FYI, the 5.3L powerplant is a tank - mine has 210k+ and no problems.(not true of other parts of the vehicle after this many miles, but the engine itself is still fantastic)

had the same engine on my old Z71 with 128k trouble-free miles.  I hope this ole girl proves the same and then some.

It should certainly be able to.   I haven't really done a thing to mine other than regularly replacing the plugs/wires and putting the big ass air intake on it to get rid of all the plastic baffled OEM intake. If you do it a favor and do the long headers (ceramic coat them before putting them on if they don't come already done), you'll have not only more room to work down there, but it will also reduce temps in the engine compartment. The flow increase of the long-headers is a big plus, the aftermarket short headers don't do much more than stock, but do look a hell of a lot nicer and you can get the engine temp decrease bonus and additional room for your hands when working on it with 'em.

Getting rid of some of the flow-reducing Eco systems they put on the vehicles should help the ultimate longevity of the motor, even if you aren't after big power gains, the throatier sound, and whatnot. Everybody is a fan of better gas-mileage and throttle response though.

MSD does make a higher output ignition coil for those, and there are also bigger throttle bodies that can be put on (need mo' powa'!)

Uh... back on moto topic:



Be looking for a fuel injected 750, 900, or a 620/695/800. Those are not only affordable, but also great to ride. The 695 is a tremendous motorcycle, friendly for beginners but certainly not incapable for the experienced - ask calscrazy. revisit earlier suggestions about leaving ego at home when riding and not going fast in the straights before you really learn how to go around turns (that can take years for the stubborn... which includes almost all guys)

As much as you paid for that thing, seems like it should've come with tires... :o

the wrong tires  ;)