Monster as a first bike??

Started by redtydefx, June 03, 2008, 07:27:07 PM

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redtydefx

hey y'all.... im totally a noobie in Los Angeles and was wondering whether this bike, any year or model, with mods or without would be a good first bike...    i would not buy one new, ive looked at everything else thats out there and I really like the way this one looks to the eye. As for feel and comparisons to what a noobie rider should be riding around on, i have no clue   any advice would be greatly appreciated

webspoke

An older (98) 750 monster was my first street bike - it was by accident, just happened to be in my price range.  It proved to be great, light weight, low seat, docile powerband, great sound, a great ride.  It was my wife's first as well.  If you find one that has been taken care of, they are reliable, fun, and cool, I would pick one again in a heartbeat.
Streetfighter 1098S

Popeye the Sailor

If the state had not cut funding for the mental institutions, this project could never have happened.

mossimo

You started at the right place!   [thumbsup]

A few things you should know about the monster to start before you purchase.

It is not a Japanese rice burner.  It is a fine Italian piece of machinery that should be treated as such.  To clarify, you may have less major maintenance on a ninja, but you will have a lot of minor maintenance that the Ducati does not have.  Most people are scared away by the 6K maintenance, overall the maintenance costs average out fairly close though. 

For new rider-ability it is excellent.  You will find yourself feeling stable and a comfortable riding position.  The fairly low seat height also lends to a comfortable feel at stops for the less than coordinated. 

Overall I feel it is a great starter bike.  The 620 or 695 (newer version of the 620) are both great for starting and can be found for reasonable prices. 

Most of all you get a 24 hour service department always willing to help with even the oddest questions, located right here.  This group is amazing and always willing to help.

Good luck on finding a new ride and we want pictures and donuts when you get one!  [beer]
"Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."  Will Rogers.

somegirl

I think the smaller Monsters are good 2nd bikes.  Get something small and used to learn on and drop a bit

You will build your confidence and become a better rider quicker that way. 

Nobody ever has trouble selling a good used beginning bike, and then you will have a better idea of what you want in your next bike.
Need help posting pictures?  Check out the photo FAQ.

dzraduzit

S2r800 was my first bike, and if I could go back and pick a diffrent bike, I wouldn't.  I still love it.

jdubbs32584

#6
If you don't mind dropping your fine italian beauty, then go for it. As a noob, you're gonna drop your first bike. My suggestion would be to get an old beater ninja, learn the ins and outs of riding, then move to a Monster 695 or so.

Edited to fix spelling. I no speel gud.

Popeye the Sailor

Quote from: JBubble on June 03, 2008, 08:20:14 PM
If you don't mind dropping you're fine italian beauty, then go for it. As a noob, you're gonna drop your first bike. My suggestion would be to get an old beater ninja, learn the ins and outs of riding, then move to a Monster 695 or so.

+11tybillion.


Also the beater is cheaper to fix, and far less upsetting when you drop your $800 special.
If the state had not cut funding for the mental institutions, this project could never have happened.

mossimo

Quote from: someguy on June 03, 2008, 08:21:16 PM
+11tybillion.


Also the beater is cheaper to fix, and far less upsetting when you drop your $800 special.

Started out with a brand new 620, to damned scared to drop it... Still hasn't happened ;D
"Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."  Will Rogers.

somegirl

Quote from: mossimo on June 03, 2008, 08:25:15 PM
Started out with a brand new 620, to damned scared to drop it... Still hasn't happened ;D

Starting out with a little beater you would be more likely to be having fun instead of being scared ;)
Need help posting pictures?  Check out the photo FAQ.

mossimo

Scared was a side effect of fun, but I see where you are going. ;)
"Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."  Will Rogers.

Scottish

Power wise I think they are good beginner bikes. The problem is repair and maintainence is kinda on the high end for a first bike. 1st bikes do tend to see quite a bit of abuse.

You can thank a soldier today, just click the link...
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Randimus Maximus

Yes.  An '01 S4 was first bike.  [thumbsup]

mattyvas

I bought a 620 here in Oz about 18 months ago.....
At the time I was also in charge of my brothers road/trail Kwaka.
Spent more time on the Kwaka for the first 3 months then moved onto my Monster once I felt more comfortable.

It was a good step using the other bike just gave you time to get used to being on the road...

Cheers
Matty...

desmo_dude

Sure!  My first bike is a Monster 800.  I got the frame sliders so my baby isn't hurt too badly when (if) I drop it.  The main problem is if you dent the tank with the handlebars - it is the most common problem I see on used monsters and the tanks are quite expensive to replace.  The extra cc's are not a problem as the power delivery is fairly linear with the L-twin as opposed to a 4cyl bike which revs much higher and power comes on suddenly.
'03 Ducati Monster 800Sie (street)
'01 Suzuki DRZ400e (dual-sport)