Your thoughts on the 750/800 line of Monsters?

[ducpainter]

Hey, thanks for the prompt response, folks.  I thought about the 900/1000 as well.  My initial thought was that I'd trade the extra power for lighter weight (900/1000 versus 750/800).  The best thing about the R6 is being able to "throw" it anywhere in the corners since it's so light (something like 357 pounds dry).  

But now that folks have mentioned the 900/1000 (and now that I've done some more research), there isn't that much of a weight difference, is there?

But in terms of power, on paper, it's a difference of just 16 hp and 7 ft.lbs (if I've read the specs correctly).  Is there really that much of a power difference from a "seat of the pants" standpoint?

750/800 is only about 15 lbs lighter than a 900...not sure on the 1K.

You need to be careful trying to translate hp/torque numbers from older to newer models.

The 750 and 900 were rear wheel (real world) numbers. The 800/1K are crank numbers.

Yes...you will absolutely feel the difference on the larger bore bikes.

[the_Journeyman]

I'm a '99 M750 owner.  It has some very nice things about it.  The motor seems to pull from low down to the redline very smoothly.  I really enjoy riding it in the twisties.  I live in the Smokey Mountains, so I am surrounded by ample twisty roads.  I also have a 900SS, same basic motor as an M900.  The FI 900 compared to the carbed 750 is a night and day difference. The 900 is super responsive and has gobs of torque everywhere.  It's not as smooth across the revs as my 750 is though.  On the *really* tight roads, I'm more at home on the 750, but the 900 still plays very nicely.  You might really want to check out a Monster 900.

JM

[dctex]

All right.  I'll add the 900 to my list. 

So going back to the clutch question -- is there much difference in clutch stiffness between the wet clutch of the 750 and the dry clutch of the 900?

I've been reading here (and on other websites) that the reliability of the 750/900 is relatively good (another reason why I'm looking at them)--especially given the simplicity of the engines.  Any nagging issues with either model that y'all have come across?

Thanks again, folks.

[dctex]

P.S. - Is the turn radius of the 750/900 as bad as I've read for slow turns (e.g., U-turns)?  I can't imagine that it would be any worse than a sportbike with clip-ons (and it's not that big of a deal in the end), but I was just curious. 

[ducpainter]

P.S. - Is the turn radius of the 750/900 as bad as I've read for slow turns (e.g., U-turns)?  I can't imagine that it would be any worse than a sportbike with clip-ons (and it's not that big of a deal in the end), but I was just curious. 

Most Ducs require a 6 point (or more) turn.

There isn't much difference in the lever stiffness between the wet and dry clutches except for the APTC wet clutch which is easier by far. I believe that was available on the S2R but not the M800. I could be wrong about that.

[Raux]

the new monsters can turn great... except when a guardrail gets in the way.

but the clutch issues can be solved with new slave cylinders (i personally haven't done it)

with my old 900... and i'm a weak dude  i had no problem.

[somegirl]

P.S. - Is the turn radius of the 750/900 as bad as I've read for slow turns (e.g., U-turns)?  I can't imagine that it would be any worse than a sportbike with clip-ons (and it's not that big of a deal in the end), but I was just curious. 

You should be fine for a U-turn but doing a very tight pattern as for a riding test might be a little more challenging.

[dctex]

You should be fine for a U-turn but doing a very tight pattern as for a riding test might be a little more challenging.

Thankfully, the days of the DMV riding test are well behind me.   [moto]

After having low-set clip-ons (standard) on my past three bikes, I figured that the Monsters couldn't possibly be worse than them in terms of tight, low-speed turns.

Just out of curiosity since it's in the mix, have folks had experience on the SV650, as well as with their 750/900 Monsters?  If so, what was your take re: both bikes and how they felt/rode?

And a minor question - the Monsters' metal gas tank covers went to plastic when?  2003?

Thanks, folks!

[teddy037.2]

And a minor question - the Monsters' metal gas tank covers went to plastic when?  2003?

iirc, the S*R bikes all have them (plastic).

normal monsters were through 2005

[Spidey]

And a minor question - the Monsters' metal gas tank covers went to plastic when?  2003?

They're not covers.  They're actually the tank.  Only the new 696 and 1100 have tank covers.  

IIRC, '04 (mebbe '05?) was the switch for the plastic tanks.  IT's not that easy though.  For example, some of the '04 620s had either plastic or metal tanks depending on when they were actually built.  The s2r (800) tanks were all plastic IIRC.  The 750 tanks are all metal.

[teddy037.2]

the 620's changed during '05... mine's an early '05 with steel tank

[ute]

a buddy of mine has a SV650 ..we have traded quite a bit ...the zuki is well boring ...nice enough to ride but no ...soul ...its got a little less seat of the pants power not as much torque it carves better than the Duc .....it also feels small

funny thing is he feels about the same ...but is always saying about  Ducati  price on repairs ..he's the type that takes it to the dealer for a oil change

its funny i looked at the Thruxton as well when i got my s2r so close either way ...sure glad i went Duc ..you won't regret it


with an R6 ( now ) you will always regret the sv650 

[1KDS]

snip
Just out of curiosity since it's in the mix, have folks had experience on the SV650, as well as with their 750/900 Monsters?  If so, what was your take re: both bikes and how they felt/rode?

My first bike was a first gen SV650s then R6 now S2R, the sv riding position is pretty similar to the monster both a lot more upright than the R6.  Going from the R6 to a sv will be a disappointment in power and handling and you will definitely wish you wouldn't have, maybe the newer 1000 is better but I haven't ridden one.  Bottom line is buy the bike that moves you.

[redial]

2002 750(fi), ridden my friends 99 750 (carb) a lot too.

loooove them

WANT a 1k(or 900) monster. if you have the funds, just get the 1k bike, youll want one before long  

[junior varsity]

I also have a 900SS, same basic motor as an M900.  

Same motor for the same year --> 99 M900 = 99 900SS, as far as my research has shown me. Same displacement, same cams (except for W head 900's, for shame!), Same flywheel, same everything.

I've been reading here (and on other websites) that the reliability of the 750/900 is relatively good

Bulletproof. The Chevy 350 of Duc Engines. Easy as pie to work on. I love my M900, and I plan on getting a 900SS to add to the stable.