Considering a Monster

[Izzy]

I have always loved motorcycles and particularly the Monster but sadly, have never owned a bike. What is the average cost of ownership annually, fuel excluded? What kind of annual maintenance should I be expecting and are they items I can do myself (fairly compitent amateur mechanic) or are they specialty items?
Thanks in advance,

Izzy
WA state

[Speeddog]

It's going to depend a good bit on which monster you want to get, and how many miles you'll be riding per year.

Probably should exclude insurance too, as that varies quite a bit.

Riding gear will also be a significant expense, keep that in mind as well.

Ballpark, for a 2-valve monster ridden 6k miles per year so a set of tires, a 6k service, half of a chain and sprockets... maybe $1500 per year.
You can cut that down a bit by doing work yourself.

Others here would have more concrete $ figures, let's see what they say.

[Ducatista]

Asking how much owning a Monster will cost is kind of like asking how much you'll pay for housing.  It all depends.  It can be very expensive or not expensive at all.  It all depends on what you want, where you are, your riding habits, and how much work you're willing to do. 

[slyfox]

Don't even consider the Monster ......... Just get one

[Izzy]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I would be commuting about 10 miles to work each way, plus weekend riding. In the PNW, it is pretty wet in the winter, but I figure a set of rain gear takes care of that as long as it won't significantly wear on the bike. I figure the only weather that would keep me off is snow/ice. As far as year, there are 99 and 00 6's for around 5K in my area.

[slyfox]

....... it is pretty wet in the winter, but I figure a set of rain gear takes care of that as long as it won't significantly wear on the bike.

Just make sure you maintain the spark plug well ...... seal the one at the front cylinder if you have to. Otherwise, water could have easily sips in there ......

[Bun-bun]

Here are a few things you might want to consider:
My 6k service just ran me $425(Yorktown VA)
plugs and oil change every 2k miles(probably too often on the plugs, but I'm anal that way) $30/change.
Tires $3-500 per pair
Riding gear (helmet, boots, jacket, etc.,) $250 to well over $1k

That said, consider that the monsters went to fuel injection as of the 02 models. Much less tuning, and more HP.

I bought my '02 620 on fleabay for under $3k in '07. Spent $150 for a helmet, $100 on a Joe Rocket jacket, and wear my steel toed work boots.
But I'm cheap as well as anal.

[LA]

maybe $1500 per year

S*#t Dog, mods alone are more than that.

LA

[Juan]

What can I say other than just get the bike if that is what you want. With any form of transportation there are always expenses, and with a Monster you will have to set priorities and manage your mod expenses accordingly, the bike is sweet all by it self any way, take your time there is no rush. Maintenance on the other hand, is something you can't go with out and will have to bite the bullet per say. If you take it to have it done professionally you will pay $$$ if you work on it your self, you will save some too. Gear is very important, protect your self, don't fall, but dress for it, and be prepared.
All of this will be with any bike you get, but if you decide for the Monster, I believe this board will help you with an abundant amount of information.
Enjoy your bike man, and ride safe. 

[bulldogs2k]

Just do it!  It is cheap if you do the oil and valve checks on your own.  From what I hear, it is not too hard, and if anything, you can always have a friend help you out!  There is a video on "how to" for the valve checks, maybe some one can post it up since I would like to get it as well. 
A

[mitt]

assume 4000mi/year

1 set of tires / year = 300/yr

2 oil changes and filter / year = 50/yr

1 chain and sprockets every 3rd year = 240/3 = 80/yr

belts every 3rd year = 180/3 = 60/yr

valve check every 2 years = 300/2 = 150/yr

rough guesstimate = $650 a year for 4000 miles annually.

mitt

[Speeddog]

maybe $1500 per year

S*#t Dog, mods alone are more than that.

LA

Hush!

I was trying to get him to take the bait the same way we did. 

[rgramjet]

Come on in, the waters fine....