Buying 2003 Monster 620, questions & Tips

[mysticbluex3]

What is the difference between a monster 620 and a Multistrada 620?

[ODrides]

What is the difference between a monster 620 and a Multistrada 620?

Is this a trick question?  They are different models.  Like a Camry and a Corolla.

[DucofWestwood]

i can't believe no one has mentioned the infamous red key yet!  do a search for "red key" and you'll find plenty of info and debate.  anyway, make sure the seller has it; if not, there's your biggest negotiating point.

i have an '03 620 with about the same mileage as the one you're looking at.  it's got a tail-chop, CRG LS mirrors, termi slip-ons, and a couple other bits.  however i don't have the red key (i didn't know about it when i bought it), so if and when i sell, i would reduce my asking price for that fact.  still i think $2500-3000 would be fair.

assuming the seller has the red key, i think your deal sounds like a reasonable price.  you could maybe use the tank dent to negotiate down a little.  again, as someone else said, it's definitely a buyers' market right now.

overall, you'll love the bike.  i use mine for daily commuting in city traffic.  i only get about 40 MPG ... possibly b/c i'm harder on the throttle than others, possibly b/c of some mechanical issues that i'm too lazy to look into.  either way, it's better than most cars. 

when i'm off the bike, browsing the web, i want an S2R1k; when i'm on the bike riding thru traffic, all i can think is, this is the perfect bike for what i need.

[ducrider45]

Thanks.  Noob question.  Can you post a picture showing where the rear base gasket and rear cylinder is?  Thanks.

Here you go, Sorry this is the best pic I have

[Buckethead]

i can't believe no one has mentioned the infamous red key yet!  do a search for "red key" and you'll find plenty of info and debate. 

Holy balls! Can't believe I forgot about that.

Simply put, from the factory, bikes came with 1 red and 2 black keys. The black keys are your everyday riding around keys. The red key is the master key that the shop needs in order to be able to program a new black key.

Less of an issue with the more prevalent availability of key cloners and ECU re-flash software, but still a good bargaining chip.

What is the difference between a monster 620 and a Multistrada 620?

Different bike, same engine.

[KrakHor9]

Did you pick it up yet???

[normalcyispasse]

Not a bad deal if you're willing to deal with maintenance.

[mysticbluex3]

Did you pick it up yet???

No, not yet.  I was going for a test ride today but it rained all day.  Going to do it tomorrow.  I'm going to try to bargain it down from $2700 to $2500.   Right now I'm trying to decide if I want a monster or a R6.  I had an R6 for a few years and loved it.  Thought I would go with something different.  But something about the R6 keeps trying to get me back on one.  I know they are two totally different bikes.

[mysticbluex3]

Is this a trick question?  They are different models.  Like a Camry and a Corolla.

I know they are different models.  What i meant was what is the difference between the two in terms of how they ride, seating position, etc...  wondering if anyone had the pleasure of riding both and can compare.

[justinrhenry]

here's a negative on the 620.  my starter just went out and it's going to cost me $700 bones to replace.  over $500 for a starter. 

[Scooter Montgomery]

Can yours be rebuilt? I believe they can be and its like $50 to rebuild.

620s are light easier to push start, that is a plus. Also push starting it allows you to participate in the "get fit thread".

[Buckethead]

Quick search of ebay turned up no fewer than 8 starter motors, ranging in price from $50-300.

Pretty sure if you asked around, someone here has one sitting around that they'd sell you for A LOT less than $500.

[justinrhenry]

thanks for the tips!

[seevtsaab]

If the bike is equipted with an immobilizer - you'll want the code to override that - believe the red key should be supplied with a code card.

I've been without a code 1+ years, I know there's a reflash option available to remove that 'feature'.

[Loyalizer]

What i meant was what is the difference between the two in terms of how they ride, seating position, etc...

The Multistrada is more of a touring type of bike. Something you are more likely to see with side cases and or a traveling trunk. It sits very upright. The front of the bike looks like that spaceship from the movie 2001... However, a Supersport 620 is kinda cool, they only made those in 2003.

The Monster has more of a forward lean, but not sportbike lean. I have two Monster 620's both are 2006. Absolutely adore the bikes. One has over 39k and the other over 10k.  Considering he dropped it, I'd walk over with $2500 in cash. My bikes have 6 gears, I believe the 03's have only 5. You should have two brake disc's in the front. The 02's only had one, some 03's also but not common. The bike should be fuel Injected, that started back in 2002.

The 620 is an awesome bike, and their are a myriad of ways to personalize them...

Good Luck