Ducati Monster Forum

 Looking at a 400 Monster for my kids. Here's a couple I'm checking out.

(http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/tonykokonis/gc5483067271877166341_zpspvvy6elj.jpg)

(http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/tonykokonis/gc5544719800198300303_zps2yucrffw.jpg)

98 M400 and 2001 M400, similar kms (29000), both carbed and within 500 bucks of each other. The later version has the 25mm front axel and forks, 3 phase alternator, later cases and later styling with the 900 type slave cylinder actuation of the clutch. Pros and cons of the respective models?

If the earlier bike has the slave in the r/h cover, like an early 750, I'd go with the later bike.

Otherwise we had no exposure to the 400 motors on this side.

The later one has the three phase cases and slave on the LHS like the later 600/750s. 👍

I'd go with the later bike for those two reasons alone.

I think they also might be the stronger cases Eric has mentioned.
Throw in a big axel front end, 43mm forks and lighter wheels (a little) and it would be the pick.

I believe you're right, but I seriously doubt the cases would be an issue as a 400. They usually didn't become a problem until you leaned on a 750.

I would fit a 900 motor in time. I like the 900 style clutch actuation better too. It is in much better shape than the 98 model. The 98 looks quite neglected in comparison. I do like the older style better as do my kids. Well see how well I can haggle.

Aesthetically, the older one IMO.  Practically, well, gotta agree with Nate.  I wonder what a built 400 would be like.

Still slow. ;D

Well, they're both yellow, so obviously either one would be at faster than *at least* a red 600 or 620 Monster, and *probably* ANY red Monster smaller than a 900.

 All 30-40hp of it. 8)

Safety yellow.  :D

Yup. Im sure slow as a wet week.  [laugh] I'll keep it stock while I build a 900 motor. It will be at least two years untill they can ride a big bore.

My vote is for the newer one.

It should have the 12mm engine mounts as well.

Newer one . . .

Newer for sure! 👍🏻👍🏻
2001 was a good year for Monsters! 😉

Also looking at M600s as strangely they are less popular than the M400s. Who knew. :-\

Ok. Minor update.
Daughter No1 wants a 400/600 Supersport (and most likely a VFR400 or CBR400 track bike). Daughter No2 wants a 400/600 Monster.

I'd say that daughters wanting different road bikes would constitute a major update! Lol!

Looks like you need two bikes! Good thing you know a half decent mechanic, or it could get expensive maintaining two Ducatis  ;)

One kid likes sport bikes and fast fours (WRX, Skylines) the other likes classic muscle cars and naked bikes. They're buying for their own tastes which is good. I'll supply the dirt bike for them to hone their skills and experiment with.
Its better this way, judging from how argue over borrowed clothes. ;)