Your thoughts on the 750/800 line of Monsters?

[Mike Qube]

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!

When I was looking for my first bike, I was thinking about an SV650 after reading reviews, getting advice from people, ect. I tested a couple and then I tried a Monster. I didn't buy the first Monster I looked at, it had some issues. But I decided that I wouldn't be happy with an SV and would be wishing I got a Monster the whole time. I did test one more SV after that and then got my 97 M750 the next day.

[ghostface]

I had an 03 M800 (new) and it was a lemon. I rode the make the beast with two backs out of it for 18k miles but I had major issues. Bad ECU, bad gauges, bad oil cooler, and it dropped a valve into the piston. Loved it before and after the fixes tho.

The M800 is a nice intro motor when it works accordingly.

[junior varsity]

Gadzooks, that's a true lemon, and not indicative of the bike.

OP, you should see Kopfjager's "800" heheh

[kingbaby]

OP, you should see Kopfjager's "800" heheh

People better be sittin' down when he does post it. 

[dctex]

When I was looking for my first bike, I was thinking about an SV650 after reading reviews, getting advice from people, ect. I tested a couple and then I tried a Monster. I didn't buy the first Monster I looked at, it had some issues. But I decided that I wouldn't be happy with an SV and would be wishing I got a Monster the whole time. I did test one more SV after that and then got my 97 M750 the next day.

Thanks for the post.  What was it that made you decide to choose the Monster over the SV?  Looks?  Handling?  Motor?  How does the M750 feel power-wise compared to the SV (and power-wise in general)?  With several folks suggesting the M900 (over the M750), I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should keep the M750 on my list.  Thoughts?

[Raux]

with your bike experieince with a japanese 4... the 900 is a better fit for you.

[triangleforge]

Thanks for the post.  What was it that made you decide to choose the Monster over the SV?  Looks?  Handling?  Motor?  How does the M750 feel power-wise compared to the SV (and power-wise in general)?  With several folks suggesting the M900 (over the M750), I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should keep the M750 on my list.  Thoughts?

I've only ridden two SVs and I suspect my experiences were outliers, but both felt extremely vague & unnerving in turns. Both were test rides for a friend who was looking at used ones for a first bike.

Turn-in on both of them was abrupt -- not crisp like a well-sorted sportbike, but more like countersteer, countersteer, c'mon, TURN dammit, counterst... WHOA!!! Then keeping the bike on line in a turn demanded way too much attention that would be better paid up the road. It was a significant contrast to the nuthin' fancy Monster 600 Dark I was used to at the time (and a different planet than the ST2 I'm now riding with a sorted suspension, but that's another story) -- even with the base, non-adjustable suspension twisties are a real pleasure -- set a good entry speed, countersteer, look through the turn, twist the throttle out. Smile a bit and get set up for the next curve -- no drama, just control.

Like I said, I strongly suspect something was wrong with both of the SVs I rode, because I know they make very fine track bikes on a budget, so if one pops up on Craigslist or elsewhere and you get a chance to ride it, don't pass it up.

As for the M900 vs. the M750, it probably depends on how long you're willing to wait, how far you're willing to travel and (of course) how much you're willing to pay for the right bike. I was shopping for similar bikes in the DC market for a few months, and while there are usually a few Ducs of various sorts for sale in & around the Beltway at any given time, you may end up waiting a while if you've got your sights fixed on a particular model. While I would agree that the 900 likely would be a better fit, ride a 750 if one comes available and see what you think.

[Blackout]

I don't think there is much difference in power between the 800 and the 900. In fact I read somewhere that the 800 motor was actually slightly more powerful. I would not be surprised if the 696 is in the same ball park power-wise as the 800/900.
My 800 has been almost without flaws (40K+ later). I did have to fix/replace the steel tank because it wept gas from a faulty weld. It has been a great bike for me. Still have it although it doesn't get ridden much because of the Speed Triple I bought.

[kopfjäger]

http://www.bikeboy.org/800monster.html


http://www.bikeboy.org/comp2vmodels.html

[Mike Qube]

Thanks for the post.  What was it that made you decide to choose the Monster over the SV?  Looks?  Handling?  Motor?  How does the M750 feel power-wise compared to the SV (and power-wise in general)?  With several folks suggesting the M900 (over the M750), I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should keep the M750 on my list.  Thoughts?

The handling was the biggest reason why I chose the monster, the way it felt when I say on it was another reason. The SV was ok, but just ok. If you have the chance to do so, test out both.

[caboteria]

Turn-in on both of them was abrupt -- not crisp like a well-sorted sportbike, but more like countersteer, countersteer, c'mon, TURN dammit, counterst... WHOA!!!

Probably tires that had been worn flat in the middle.

[ute]

http://www.bikeboy.org/800monster.html


http://www.bikeboy.org/comp2vmodels.html

great links

thanks

[the_Journeyman]

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.

I'll second this comment.  I've had excellent service from my 750, and it's got 33,000 miles on it.  My 900SS seems the same way, but I'm only had it a few months and only tossed a couple thousand miles on the odometer.  The 750 has lived a rough by well maintained life ~

JM

[Nekkid Tim]

I had a '92 750SS (carbureted, 5-speed, wet clutch, stock dynoed at 57 rwhp) that I converted to an upright roadster and then into a CCS lightweight racer (41mm Flatside CR's, race exhaust, ported and polished heads, performance chip, hi-comp pistons dynoed at 74hp).  Old style cylinder heads.

I currently have 2 6-speed F.I. 800SS Moto_ST racebikes (2003 and 2005); have ridden them both with oem wet clutches and with DucPond's dry clutch conversion. They make just under 72hp with the Ducati performance chip and race exhaust systems; stock otherwise.  Modern cylinder heads.

I also have a 2000 750SSie (injected, 5-speed, wet clutch) that is stock motor-wise but has all 1000SS suspension and brakes.  Haven't dynoed this one, but would guess that it is actually LESS than 57hp.  Old style cylinder heads.

I also have a 347 pound 1000SS track bike (6-speed, f.i.) that makes 87 rwhp.  Modern cylinder heads.

I sold my 2003 620SS (f.i., 5-speed) that had the modern cylinder heads and fuel injection and felt STRONGER on the track and on the street than my current 2000 750SSie.

My advice is to get a 6-speed, modern cylinder head model, and select the 695, 800 or 1000 based on your particular preferences for power and styling.   I would not recommend any 900 - the 800 is, imo, a better bike in every respect.  I would not recommend the dry clutch unless you - like many others - LIKE the jangle and noise of the clutch and don't mind that it is bother grabbier and more finicky than a wet clutch.   If I could convert my 1000SS to a wet clutch (from the oem dry clutch) I would.  I would never have converted my 800's to dry clutches if we hadn't needed to for endurance racing needs.

The dual spark 1000 (and 1100) 2v engines, fuel injected, with the modern cylinder heads, are REMARKABLE motors, and an absolute JOY to ride.  The difference between the 800 and the 1000 is not so much power (if you can ride, you can keep up with anyone on the street on the 800) as it is bottom end torque.  The 1000 is noticeably torquier than the 800 from the get-go.   As people have described the differences between the 750 and 900, so is the difference between the 800 and the 1000.  In terms of "revability" and perceived lightness, the 800 is hard to beat.  It is just a sweet, sweet, engine.

Good luck with your choice; maybe we'll meet one day.  I'm in Herndon, VA.

Tim

[kopfjäger]

^^^ We need some pics of these bikes.