Ducati Monster Forum

Since taking the MSF course, I have been riding around on a 250 for the past year.  It is time for me to upgrade.  I did a lot of research before purchasing my first bike, which is why I ultimately spent my first year on a 250 -- many people, forums, and experienced riders imploring new riders not to go big for their first bikes.  Now that it’s time to upgrade, I find there is not so much info on what to look for in a good second bike, which is why I am here.

I have my heart set on a Ducati, and I’ve looked at models ranging from Monsters to the 999, though I’m definitely leaning towards the sport bikes.  I’d like to eventually put in some track days and take Pridemore’s Star school when it comes back to the High Plains Raceway in the spring. 

I’m generally a very technical rider (doesn’t mean I have less fun), and put a lot of thought into my decisions.  It seems the advice for beginner bikes mostly boils down to, “start on a 250 or 500, and then get whatever you want.”  The thing is, I don’t want to get too much bike for my second bike and get overwhelmed and potentially be unsafe.  At the same time, I don’t want to spend several thousand on a second bike and then within a couple months feel like I should have gone for more. 

This seems like an awesome community, so I certainly appreciate your advice.

I've been riding for going on 20 years now.

I've seen TONS of idiots get their licenses and start out on SS's or superbikes of some sort. And plenty more who suggest that based on the anectodal evidence of those idiots that survived such a thing.

YOU SEEM TO HAVE YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT.

A year on a 250 is enough to build a lot of good experience and skill.

Sure you'll still have a learning curve on a modern sportbike, but you've approached this the right way and if you continue to do so, I suspect you'll be fine.

At this point I'd say GET WHATEVER YOU WANT - with one cautionary statement - don't let down your guard.

Most newer riders run into a problem (crash, drop, near miss) around the 12-16 month range, because they think they've "got it" and ease off the caution a little too much (truthfully that's the same circumstance that probably gets a lot of long term riders too).

If you want some specific advice about the next bike, let us know more about what you want out of a bike - speed, cornering, lightness, comfort, convenience etc. How do you plan to use it - twisties on the weekends, commutting, touring etc?


BEST OF LUCK and RIDE SAFE!

So what sort of riding do you most want to do? 75-100 mile jaunts through the twisties and call it a day? 250 mile runs of twisties and then some?

All arounder bike?
Very sporty?
Need to carry a passenger?
need to carry stuff?
Budget?

Can you give some insights on the bike you'd like to have?

How about an 848 or 749? Both are plenty powerful for the street, and do very well on the track.

Keep in mind...sportbikes aren't very comfortable on the street...in my opinion, I'm sure someone will disagree.

I don't have any experience with Ducati sportbikes, just monsters, so here's my opinion on those:
I would recommend a used 695 or new/used 696 as a step up from a 250cc.  Not crazy tons of power, but light, fun, FAST, and totally awesome looking.  Plus is relatively easy to find parts for reasonable prices on those bikes.
If you want to take a bit bigger step up, maybe a used S2R800 or new/used 796.
If you bump up to an S2R1000 or 1100, they are big boys, but REALLY NICE BIKES.
I highly doubt you will ever feel the need for a bigger powerplant if you make the full jump to a water cooled 4 valver (S4RS/T or streetfighter), but parts and maintenance is more expensive than on the smaller monsters.

i'd say get m1100 if i had to do it again, instead of my second bike being a monster 620 i would have gotten a monster 1000 instead.  but good luck either way.

Check out an S2R800 or S2R1000.  The 1000 has a bigger engine and nicer brakes and suspension and a dry clutch, but for many people the 800 model is enough for general use and they are fairly cheap on the used market so you can put money into upgrading them.

Thanks for the excellent replies.

I'll be using the bike for twisties on the weekends (my favorite route is highway 67 between Sedalia and Deckers), and my wife would probably want to come along every once in a while too, so ability to carry a passenger is a plus.  As I said, occasional track days, and I'll be commuting about 30 minutes both ways a couple times a week on surface streets weather permitting.

I should also mention, I'm generally looking for "is this a good idea" advice, though bike suggestions are certainly welcome :) 

None of these bikes is going to be comfy for a passenger unless she is about 5'4 max and under 120 lbs.  My wife is 5'5 and 115 and was not comfortable.  The pegs are too high for anyone much taller than that and the cushion is non existent. 

Is it a good idea? It's probably a fine idea. You've started off more reasonably that a lot of folks. Many people hop right on a gixer 600 right out of the MSF... which isn't always wise. You've taken time to build base skills that a lot don't. So no reason why a bigger bike would be a worse idea than the a fore mentions set up.

As noted - just keep that head. There is a nasty period where folks have some, but not a lot of, experience and tend to get in over their head and crash.

S2R1000 definitely. Maybe one set up a little sportier. Maybe like one that's in the monsters for sale section? ;)

No but seriously, S2R1000 seems like a good fit for you. I think that anything bigger (4V) is too much.  You can get a nice one for a damn good price, with all the mods already done. It's an awesome 2up bike and is damn near bulletproof. 

I should also mention, I'm generally looking for "is this a good idea" advice, though bike suggestions are certainly welcome :) 
[/quote]

Well, yeah, that part I coverd in my first reply.  [thumbsup]

Since it's not mine, I hope it's OK to whore this bike out: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=48226.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=48226.0)

Phenomenal bike that has been super well taken care of and has more performance upgrades than you can shake a stick at. If I didn't already have an S2R1K, I'd be on this like stink on shit!

Talk to Gene (twolanefun) and he can tell you all about it.

Oh, yeah..I highly recommend any S2R1K! Fun bikes and you won't get bored any time soon.

check insurance rates on anything you are looking at....full fairings usually mean higher rates!

I went from a 620 Monster to a 999.  I had taken the Monster to the track once or twice  and found I really enjoyed track days so eventually I started thinking about a superbike.  Ended up with a 999.  I've had that bike now for five years.

I found the transition from the Monster's 60hp to the 120hp of the 999 manageable.  The SBK chassis and brakes are well up to the task plus the twin cylinder motor makes its power in a linear, progressive way so you're not going to be surprised by sudden bursts of power higher up the rev range like you might find on a large displacement in-line four.  Low rev, stump-pulling torque is where it's at on a Duc.  And once you've been there, there's no coming back  [evil]

So, if you like technical riding and want to do track days, I'd for sure recommend a used Ducati superbike; they're very rewarding to ride and won't let you down on the track as you improve as a rider.

Go for it!

And one more thing, there's a very definite negative to a full-fairing Ducati that's already been mentioned; there are no "little" drops, or tip overs.  Bodywork is crazy money (even on ebay).  Don't ask me how I know  [bang]

+1

Thanks for all the excellent replies.  Awesome community. 

For those interested, fairings add $435/yr to my rates :/

I would never have more than one bike. [roll] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

but at 3 bikes or more, you get a discount on your insurance!!!

You have no idea!

Can't go wrong with a Monster, older S2R's or the new Evo 1100 sure looks like a great machine

Dig Hwy 67 (except for the off camber turn near the Sprucewood)

I bought an '06 S2R 800 as my second bike, coming from an '81 Suzuki GS650.  I have never been let down by the power of this bike, never been left wanting more.  I even "downgraded" (less HP/Torque, more weight) for my latest bike, an '01 Kawi W650.  I have upgraded the forks, brakes, wheels, etc. on the Monster.  

I'd say take a good look at what you want from your bike, I'm the kind of guy to do some 75-100 mile twisties on the weekends and commute during the week.  The monster has been great for this.  I got the W650 to do some longer touring (also its a beautiful bike), I plan to add bags and change gearing.  

I have never been on a trackday on the Monster, someday I will.  

Look at your options, a Monster might suit you better as an everyday commuter.  You also might do good with a 999 or 848 if you're leaning towards more track stuff.

Although that is a big damn hit on Insurance for a faired bike...fack!  

*edit-  And yes, like you said in your original post, this is a Great Community!   

Don't get monster 695 or 696 or 620.  You will regret the under-power.  Trust me.  As much as I like my 620 and wont give her up, the triumph speed triple opened a whole world to me and love that bike on twisty and ease of flicking and the power. The litter bikes have lot more high speed against it but its a cornerning machine and the riding posture is not hard on the body.
Anyhow, if I had money - i would do a street fighter or 848.  That's still my dream for next bike.

+1 I wouldn't go to the 695 or 620 with the way you are learning you sound similar to myself.  I had bought a 695 as my 2nd bike and ended up selling it less then a year later for a 1098 as I was hitting the limits of the 695 rather quickly.  An 848/999 would be a good choice for a sportbike if you want a monster I suggest the S2R1000 or the new 1100Evo.  But yes you can handle it and should do it just remember to respect the bike and you will have many fun miles!

Good idea? Sure, you know your limits better than we do! Now that that's out of the way, let's help you choose a bike...  ;D

Okay so I just went through the 999/748/Monster debate on my own very recently. I started on a 250 Ninja (one summer), then progressed to a 600 Katana (fast, looked good, but heavy... I honestly bought it with the intention of preparing myself for a Monster). I rode the Kat for about 1.5 years... dropped her once, layed her down once... soooo glad it wasn't a Duc when that happened. Anyway, I finally picked up a 620 Monster as my third bike and really fell in love. I owned that 620 for about 2.5 years with no real complaints (other than being envious of everyone doing power wheelies around me). Last year, a move to a new home increased my commute from 10 to 30 miles. The new commute was also all highway driving with no curves. Suddenly the little 620 wasn't so much fun. It was just a little buzzy for me, and frankly a bit boring in a straight line.

I got the Superbike bug HARD. I rode about 3 999's, a 748 and an 848. I was set on a 999R. After some convincing of the wife, I made the trip to the local Ducati dealer with cash in hand for a deposit on a pristine, modded, low mile 999. I sat on that thing in the showroom, looked down at all the pretty fairings and carbon fiber and it hit me: I would never have fun on this thing because I would ALWAYS BE PARANOID. Also, would I really be comfortable on this thing as a daily? I left the dealership with my money that night a little confused. The next morning an equally pristine S4R came up for sale on craigslist and I snapped it up. Haven't looked back whatsoever.

IMO the S-series bikes are the best of both worlds: SBK technology and power in a Monster wrapper. As a bonus (and as you mentioned above), insurance on the naked bike is much more affordable. That's mod money in your pocket! ;)

I would love to check out an S-series monster.  Unfortunately, the local Craigslist isn't exactly plush with them :/

That's not necessarily a bad thing...
Keep an eye out in nearby cities that are within driving distance, then you'll be one of the few (if not the only) local to have one ;)

You need a 2007 dark 1098. I'll toss in a free putbull stand and one free Reg Pridmore ClassRides date at Laguna Seca. ;)

^^^

[drool]

Now I just need a way to get out to the Bay Area to pick it up.  And money.  Yeah money's probably important.

Rob a bank..... I'll take tainted money.  [evil]



 ;D

May go and see  this bike (http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/2513191001.html) this weekend.  He's asking $4200, which seems reasonable given the low mileage.  Encouragement/discouragement welcome. 

Paid 5500$ for a pristen 900 three years ago. Go bigger   go dry clutch

just sayin"

Oh and after I wrecked had a bunch of stuff done to it. It's purrfect now.

If you're set on a 620/695, I'd suggest a 2004 or 2005. 2003 and prior had a 5 speed transmission, and there were definitely times when I wished I had that extra gear.

Or, if it's still available, you could come up to FoCo and go bigger.

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/mcy/2575999811.html (http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/mcy/2575999811.html)

Let me just resay what has already been said a ton of times here. I started off like you on a ninja 250 for about a year after the MSF course. I live in NYC so that bike was actually pretty good in city traffic, it was light & nimble. Plus it kept me out of trouble, it could do 85mph if I was riding downhill with the wind on my back.
I upgraded to a 4yr old pampered 620ie for 4 grand. I've had that bike going on 5 years and this bike has been a tank and for 75% of my riding it is more than up to the task. It's that 25% that has me wanting a S2R1000.
If you go with a monster bump up to the S2R1000 over the 800. Used prices are close enough to warrant the extra cash. Like it's been mentioned you get better suspension, brakes, dry clutch and you won't regret it everytime one goes by and you're sitting on your 800. As far as the S4R remember the extra maintenance cost, big power bump, more expensive to buy and for a second bike probably over kill. Plus the 2v Monsters look better ( ;) )

Thanks for the helpful suggestions.  I think I'll hold off on buying for now, and check out a few different bikes this weekend.