Satisfied Monster owner lusting after a Sport Classic...

[Artful]

Let's start off saying that I absolutely love my 695. It does everything I want it to and I love the ride. That being said, when I bought it I really wanted a Sport Classic. Funds were tighter then and fingers crossed I've weathered this economic meltdown better than most and am doing just fine.

Now I'm starting to look at Sport Classics again and the love is definitely still there. What I've always loved about the Monster was the retro bare bones looks and the sport standard riding position. The Classics take that one step further and it just stirs parts of me that I would have to pay good money to have stirred in other ways. It has nothing to do with the 695 not being fast enough, my only power gripe is that riding two up can be a little luggy (and the girlfriend is only about a buck ten, so it isn't fatty syndrome)

So, any Monster owners go to a Sport Classic? What was your experience? Would you do it again? Anyone have any horror stories that I should be aware of in terms of maintenance, reliability, or riding headaches? A good riding buddy of mine actually died on a Sport 1000 and that hasn't scared me off of them, so you can see how deep the tingles go. That however is a story for another day.

I appreciate any response.

[velocipede]

I went from a Monster 620 to a GT1000, and I loved it, but there are some trade-offs.  If you ride 2-up and/or in the city a good bit, the GT would probably be better, since it's a bit more upright and designed more for a passenger.  I was drawn to the looks of SC line as well, and, like you, consider the line more of a retro Monster line.  The engine is great, but the suspension (and, on a GT, wheels) need upgrading.  I've switched my wheels out for 5-spoke Marchesinis, and handling and acceleration are much improved.  I'm happy I made the choice.  18,000+ miles so far, and no problems.  I did a 2,000 mile round-trip to Lake Placid, NY last year and ride to the Dragon this summer. 
As far as $$, that line has taken a depreciation hit, and low-mileage SC/GTs can be found for $6500-$8000, depending on mods (got an incredible deal on mine last year, $6200 w/ less than 800 miles!).  A lot of bike for the $$, I think, and I get comments on mine from Harley guys, sports bike riders, etc.

[Wonked]

Artful, I am in the exact same camp as you (I read your post and thought I'd written it in some blacked-out drunken stupor). I love my 695 too, and also agree that it is plenty powerful enough. I lust for a sportclassic, but not the GT.

I test drove one, and found it akin to a horizontal crucifixion. Still hasn't made the lust abate, however. Let me know if you find a cure.

[77south]

I have both a monster 620d and a sport 1000s.  The riding position on the S is, as stated above, kinda like a horizontal crucifixion. However, it does get more bearable with practice.  I get 4-5 comfortable riding hours on my monster before I am done for the day.  On the Sport 1000S, i get like 2 hours comfortable hours before I am done.  Lighter wheels would make the bike handle better as would better suspension. Sadly I cannot afford either right now.  I won't sell my Sport 1000s anytime soon, but if circumstances dictated me owning only one bike, i would keep the monster.

[redxblack]

I went from a M750ie to a M900ie, but that was a compromise decision. I was looking for a GT1000 for around $6000 and found nothing. I'll try again in about 2 years. I love everything about the GT1000, but if I can't get one in my price range by then, I think I'll get a Triumph Bonneville.

[Grappa]

Lots of Sport Classics on eBay and craigslist lately.  I think the SC would be a horrible choice for two up riding.  The 2006 was a monoposto only, so you wouldn't even have a choice there.  I ride with a guy who has a GT 1000, and before I ever met him I saw him ride by me a few times on the highway and wasn't sure what kind of Ducati he even had.  What I'm saying is that he modded it a good bit in tasteful ways, and it looks like a cross between an SC and a GT, looks really sharp.  I have read that the SC can suffer from tank expansion and problems with the rectifier.  I think the rectifier problem is easily fixed by relocating in another location so that it can cool more effectively.  Stock it is located under the seat.  I have heard the stock suspension is kinda meh, probably especially for two up riding, but I've got no first hand experience.  I too am lusting for a Sport Classic, and have let two beautiful examples with less than 500 miles in the $6500 range slip through my fingers.       They usually seem to be listed for $7000-$8000, although I don't actually know what they go for.

[the_Journeyman]

I would say it would be a nice upgrade, especially if you like the looks and it fits your budget.  It's still the air-cooled 2V motor, so it's nice to work on.  I started with an M750 (less HP, slightly better torque over the 695) and went to a 900SS and the power difference is very noticeable.  Part of that is seat-of-the-pants feel from the upgrade from carbs to FI.  The SC can be a very capable bike IMO.  If the looks for it for you, got for it.

JM

[DRKWNG]

Ted, come on down to one of our local weekly meets on Tuesday.  Throw enough money at me and I MIGHT sell you this one. 



 

[fastwin]

You're thinking of selling your SC1000?? No shit? You just got those hot as hell BSTs for it!! Have you lost the love or have you lost your mind??

OP, I have a few scooters and two of them are a S2R1000 and an '06 SC1000 like DRKWNG's (no BSTs) but with Ohlins upgrades at both ends. Since the motor is the same the performance is the same. Just a different ride and look. You'd like the extra oomph of the DS1000 motor for 2 up riding. I went for the taller DP "comfort" bars due to broken neck issues but the stock bars are pretty damn low even for those without fused necks. Lots of dealers put on the taller bars and installed Termi slip-ons in hopes to help move them off the floor. Hope you find one set up like that. Neat scooters and I too love the retro look... that's why I have one. [moto]

[DRKWNG]

Throw enough money at me and I MIGHT sell you this one. 

Key phrase right there.   

Actually, with both bikes being completely stock, the DS in the S2R will make a touch more power than the Sport1K due to the monster's larger air box. 

[fastwin]

Mine both have Termis/open box/DP ECUs and to me they're kinda equal. Yeah, stock could be a difference but either would still be a power upgrade for two up riding. But two up excludes the '06 SC1000/Paul Smarts. I had a friend that had (he moved so I think he still has it) an '06 GT1000 and he complained about the limp suspension. He is pretty tall and heavier than me so I'm sure he really felt it. If I remember right he did a fork spring and rear shock swap out and liked the results. Can't recall what the upgraded shocks were.

I don't know of any local Sport Classic owners that have had any cronic problems... other than not having enough time to ride them!

[velocipede]

If you're looking for a good all-arounder that's got that retro look, I'd really recommend the GT, or an 07 or later SC with either risers or regular bars swapped out for the clip-ons.  The stock clip-ons can be uncomfortable for city riding and/or touring.  Personally, I think the GT with a lighter wheelset (and otherwise stock) is a great bike, but maybe that's because I've ridden 19,000 miles on one . The motor is awesome, if a bit rough at low RPMs, but either a Fat Duck or 14 tooth sprocket change should address that.  I've still got the stock gearing, though, so obviously it's something that works fine as-is.  Lighter wheels will not only make the bike handle better, but also help the stock suspension.  Just in case I'm not clear, I love mine!