Hypothetically speaking... a new bike for da 'Belle

[gojira]

Any thoughts on this bike?   
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10681.0

That's a nice bike.

Slight threadjack: Can you buy a bike but not register or license it upon delivery because you wanna store it or display it for a while? And if you do delay its licensing, does it become a hassle or boost the cost at the licensing office down the road after this time in storage? Also, does this bring up any issues with insuring the thing?

Enquiring minds wanna know!

[mostrobelle]

if you don't mind i would like to put a tentative dibbs on the 944 kit you have installed. thank you.

It might be up for grabs.  My bike isn't dead yet, so you gotta wait for that.  And then my hubby is also eyeing the 944, but that's not a sure thing either.  I can vouch for it being one of the very best mods ever done to a motorcycle evarrrrr.... 

  I"m pretty sure that everyone here would agree that the Suzuki Bergman is the bike for you. Well at least Adrian and Michael Moore would. It's cool looking, has only one gear and has a really big seat. Perfect. It's my choice for driving from my house to the harbor in Kona. You don't need to wear a helmet or shoes either. Just filp flops and a plastic Jesus on the dash. Perfect.

                                                                                                                                              FE

I haven't had a pedicure in months and I'm an atheist so I think that the Bergman is not going to work out.   

[mostrobelle]

That's a nice bike.

Slight threadjack: Can you buy a bike but not register or license it upon delivery because you wanna store it or display it for a while? And if you do delay its licensing, does it become a hassle or boost the cost at the licensing office down the road after this time in storage? Also, does this bring up any issues with insuring the thing?

Enquiring minds wanna know!

I don't know if there's a time issue on registering a bike, but I believe that there's a mileage cut-off.  Something about 7,000 miles comes to mind.  We registered Enzo's out-of-state bike and it was a cake-walk.  He had to give the CHP officer a reach-around, but he wouldda done that regardless.   

[mostrobelle]

OK sportsfans...

Went for two demo rides today.  696 and 848 were on my list. 

I walked into the shop convinced that a Monster is for me and was very excited about trying out a 696.  Haven't heard anything but positive feedback on it, noticed a lot of the gals here on the board own 695's and at least a half a dozen people have said that the 696 is probably the best Monster to come out in a while.  I decided to also try out an 848 just because it's effing sex on wheels and I'm realistic enough to know that a 1098 is just crazy.  An 848 is close enough. 

Sat on both bikes on the showroom floor.  696 felt pretty good.  848 was uncomfortable.  The 1098 actually felt better than the 848.  I got geared up and headed out for a short loop of freeway, city and twisties.  Here are my initial impressions...

696

The 696 instantly felt "wrong."  I was way over the tank and felt squished on top and that my legs were too stretched out.  I had a hard time controlling the bike with my lower body.  I needed the pegs to be higher up.  I struggled to keep my weight off the bars for some reason and it wasn't just nerves.  The instrument cluster felt like it was under my boobs and looking at it was challenging.  The seat makes the rider more "in" the bike rather than on top of it.  It works out really well for shorter riders, but my legs aren't that short, so this new "perk" is lost on me.  The bike simply didn't work for me as it was set up.  I'd get new pegs, possibly bars and do something about the seat.  The demo had an aftermarket seat.  I was disappointed because I'd heard so much praise for the new ergos.  The upside about the new set up was that it tipped in very easily.  That might also have to do with the much lighter weight of the bike from the older versions.

The 696 comes with a slipper clutch.  It in a word, sucked.  The friction point was nearly at the end of the lever and my hands could barely reach it.  So much for appealing to smaller riders--you can reach the ground with the new seat but you can't actually operate the clutch.  The bike had factory gearing of course so half my time was spent fighting this odd clutch set up.  The clutch was extremely smooth--almost too smooth.  I couldn't tell when I was in gear.  It didn't have that nice meaty feel that I'm used to.  However, I think I could get used to the ease of the pull if the point of engagement could be addressed. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of power the little guy pooped out.  The power didn't come on very evenly, however, and it did NOT have the torque that was promised.  The bike had plenty of oomph with just me on it, but I could tell that it didn't have the grunt that I was used to.  I think if I could learn to work with this though.  The brakes were good.  Very good.  Liked 'em a lot. 

Overall I wasn't wow'ed by the looks of the bike (but who cares...)  It still is a handsome ride.  Ducati knows how to grow 'em.  In terms of performance I felt that the motorcycle was flimsy and a bit sloppy.  I eagerly got off halfway through my demo ride to switch to the 848. 

848

So I hop onto the 848 thinking that this is just going to be my little fun break back to the shop.  I was depressed that the 696 didn't behave like I expected it to and tried to forget that "new" doesn't mean "bad" and that just because it's different from my current bike that I shouldn't dislike it.  And while I'm thinking this I'm noticing that I'm having a hell of a lot of fun on this 848.  It feels natural for some reason.  The discomfort I felt on the showroom floor was gone.  I was negotiating the same set of twisties that I'd been on with the 696 only moments before in first gear--and I was already clicking up to 2nd and contemplating 3rd.  The power was smooth, and there was lots and lots more of it.  It felt crisp and solid. 

The pegs are in the right position for me on this bike--my legs are folded up under me and I could use the strength of my quads to toss the bike around, not that I needed to do much.  We came down the hill back into city traffic.  Although I felt like a retard crouched over this bike like an eagle over a kill riding next to Volvos and Saabs at the stoplight it still didn't feel bad.  I felt my stomach muscles doing more work to hold me up than I did on the Monster, and I wondered how that would feel after a couple hours of riding.  I'd probably get new bars for this bike if for no other reason than to avoid back trouble down the road. 

I got onto the freeway and saw Enzo blast past me on the 696.  Our friend, Mark, gave chase on his 695.  Noting a clear lane ahead of me, I decided to just crack open the throttle a bit to catch the boys.  I hit three digits accidentally and very quickly.  I decided to knock that sh*t off since I had just signed a piece of paper in 17 places promising my firstborn if I so much as scratched the bike on my little trial run.  You can't see anything--and I mean ZERO--in the mirrors on the 848 so I didn't want a visit from a cop that I couldn't see coming up on me.  I have to say that I'm still sporting the grin from that little run.  I pulled into the shop gushing over the 848 and saddened that I hadn't asked to stay out longer, but legitimately concerned about those mirrors.   

OVERALL

What I took away from this was that you can't trust what you think you feel on the showroom floor.  I'm going to be doing a ton of test rides over the next two weeks.  I haven't given up on the 696 and am going to go to another shop to see if a different set-up makes a difference.  I'm now seriously considering the 848.  A Monster is a smarter choice for me, but I can't ignore the fact that my motorcycle is my "fun ride" and I keep a car for being responsible.  My bike should be practical, but not too practical.  The 848 is a lot more money though and it's 4 valves.  The initial and maintenance costs will hurt more than on a 2 valve Monster.  I think that no matter what model I get that I will be looking at a larger displacement bike.  It seems that the bigger engines have nicer parts and are simply better machines than their smaller counterparts.  I've noticed this on the older model bikes that I've ridden as well. 

So my big concern now is that the used bike that I'm looking at won't be a good fit ergonomically for me if I get it.  I'm hoping that the geometry of it is not like the new Monsters.  I'm going to try to ride something close to it to get a feel for it. 

Next on the test ride list:  Another 696 and a Hypermotard.  I'm excited to see about this 1100 motor.  I'm going to try both a Speed Triple and a Street Triple after that to get a feel for other nakeds.  And then I'm going to see about a Honda 600RR and a 1098 to rule out or narrow down the super-sport field.  Apparently the Monster 1100 test models will be out in early January. 

[MendoDave]

My impression from siting on a 696 was that it had a "dirtbike," over the bars feel to it. Much more so than my monster or the S2R. That is not necessarily  a bad thing, it's just different. Kind of like driving a car where you cant see the hood.

If you are going to test a 600RR Climb on a CRF250 while your in there. From that seating position you should be looking at the front of the fender of the CRF. That is your standard off road, racebike seating position. This position gets most of your weight over the front wheel, that's where you want it on that sort of bike. I'm guessing that the Monster is supposed to be a hooligan bike, meant to beat around on the narrow streets of Italy, or the streets of S.F. for that matter, and not be too cruiser like. Maybe that why I had to Jump mine a couple of times.      You will probably find the same sort of seating position on the Hyper.

Since you are used to a bigger bike, like a 944, do ride that 1100 and tell us how it is.

[desmoquattro]

The 696 seat certainly pushes you towards the tank...but I sat on one with an aftermarket (DP) seat, and it felt much better. Still, nothing beats that impression you get while riding and I never got one out on the street.

[mostrobelle]

You're probably right about the reasoning behind the new position on the Monster.  I just didn't like it.  I don't ride every bike well--I'm one of "those" people.  If something is off in my mind I struggle with it.  Better riders can ride anything reasonably well.  Not me.   

Mendo - I'll see about the CRF.  This is the first time I've heard of one.  I'm trying to avoid buying a superbike, but the field of possibilities opened up a lot after having ridden that 848.  I'm really trying hard not to like it as much as I did.  It's not a smart buy for me but my brain isn't running the show right now.   

[Spidey]

MB, are you really contemplating buying a $14k bike or is that just wishful thinkin'?  I'm actually wondering, cuz it would seriously open up your options.  For that price, you could buy that set-up '05 M1000 AND pick up a 916.  Or alternatively, you could buy that '05 M1000, get a fully pimped trackbike and buy a dozen more trackdays next year. 

[mostrobelle]

MB, are you really contemplating buying a $14k bike or is that just wishful thinkin'?  I'm actually wondering, cuz it would seriously open up your options.  For that price, you could buy that set-up '05 M1000 AND pick up a 916.  Or alternatively, you could buy that '05 M1000, get a fully pimped trackbike and buy a dozen more trackdays next year. 

I'm contemplating *financing* a 14K bike.  I don't have that kind of cash, so it's not like I'm sitting on an extra 10K that's burning a hole in my pocket.  Trust me, if I did I'd be at the track right now.    I also know that I don't want a 916.  It's gorgeous, but it's stupid.  If I'm feeling exasperated with a Monster, a 916 will make me suicidal when it starts to act up.  I ride too much and don't know enough about wrenching to justify one.  The price of the 848 is really what's holding me back.  It's too much money and I know it.  I'm desperately looking for a reason not to buy it.  I have a test ride set up on Michael Moore's bike to see what it's like.  It's the closest comparison to the Maryland bike that I can think of.  If I like his bike, then I'm probably going to get the used Monster--unless Desmoto comes up with a Christmas miracle on my current Monster.   

[Spidey]

I'm contemplating *financing* a 14K bike.  I don't have that kind of cash, so it's not like I'm sitting on an extra 10K that's burning a hole in my pocket.  Trust me, if I did I'd be at the track right now.    I also know that I don't want a 916.  It's gorgeous, but it's stupid.  If I'm feeling exasperated with a Monster, a 916 will make me suicidal when it starts to act up.  I ride too much and don't know enough about wrenching to justify one.  The price of the 848 is really what's holding me back.  It's too much money and I know it.  I'm desperately looking for a reason not to buy it.  I have a test ride set up on Michael Moore's bike to see what it's like.  It's the closest comparison to the Maryland bike that I can think of.  If I like his bike, then I'm probably going to get the used Monster--unless Desmoto comes up with a Christmas miracle on my current Monster.   

I wasn't suggesting the 916 in particular.  I was just trying to put the cost of an 848 in perspective.  Can't you get a bank loan to finance a used bike?

Michael's bike is a good example for you of what a good suspension will feel like (his is soooo plush), of the power of a FI bike, and of those CC rearsets.  But you really should see if you can get on Juan's or cloudseeker's 1000 (who else has one?) to feel the ST-based frame and the 1000 engine.  The 1000 has a more oomph than the 900.  Tigre's kitted FI 944 and my re-geared but otherwise stock 1000 felt similar in terms of power. 

[desmoquattro]

Michael's bike is a good example for you of what a good suspension will feel like (his is soooo plush), of the power of a FI bike, and of those CC rearsets.  But you really should see if you can get on Juan's or cloudseeker's 1000 (who else has one?) to feel the ST-based frame and the 1000 engine.  The 1000 has a more oomph than the 900.  Tigre's kitted FI 944 and my re-geared but otherwise stock 1000 felt similar in terms of power. 

+1. You should ride MOBsters' bikes to get a good sampling...not only of the various models & engine types, but also of the variations within those types. Spidey's M1000 probably rides very different from Juan's. And my S4R probably rides very different from DATV's or MrIncredible's (burning parts aside). And goodness knows that Itasickness' 695 rides very differently from somegirl's.

[datv]

FWIW, There was a 450mile salvage title (but in perfect shape) white 848 at Munroe's last week for a bit over $10k.  I'm not entirely sure how it works, but it is definitely possible to get it plated.  The ticket said cosmetic damage...

[Desmostro]

uno:
It shouldn't be surprising how different people interpret different rides, everyone having such different bodies. It's like comparing shoes.  

due: IMHO
There is something about a new bike other than that new bike smell. (which is certainly delectable)
Let the word, NEW, sink in for a minute. 3 year warranty + free roadside assistance anywhere = No more problems (that are yours.)
That's worth a lot of money + peace of mind.

tre:
If you get on the Hypermotard, try sitting hips forward, chest back, way more than you're used to. Instead of sitting straight backed like on a street bike, you let your back arch a bit. It's basically a big dirt bike. You're going to get all over that long seat hoping curbs-n-sheit. Having grown up on bikes like that, it seems too heavy for what I'm used to doing on a bike like that, but that's me. It's a mighty fun bike if that's your thing. Pulls like a tractor.

quattro:
848 mirror cure: Forearms flat horizontal, spine straight, head forward, lift an elbo a couple inches. There's everything behind you in your mirror. ( I can see everything I need with just the left one.)

If'n you wants more torque: 14 tooth front sprocket. $25.00 ish bucks. You're now in touch with your low end torque; you got 134 hp and only 360 pounds.
You on top will make it 370lbs.  

[MendoDave]

CRF 250 or CRF 450.

This is what your looking for in the showroom. Not street legal, these are race bikes only. But the seating position is why I mentioned them.
This is about as dirtbike as it gets.

[mostrobelle]

CRF 250 or CRF 450.

This is what your looking for in the showroom. Not street legal, these are race bikes only. But the seating position is why I mentioned them.
This is about as dirtbike as it gets.

Ick.  Me no likey.  I'll try sitting on one though, assuming my butt-cheeks aren't repelled by it.