New to pavement

[Jackk819]

Hey guys hows it goin? I am new here and thought I would post and ask for some suggestions. I am 19 and have been racing motocross for 8 years and currently race at a pro level. I am going to getting out of motocross due to injuries and still wanna stick to 2 wheels somehow. So I am interested in a monster, I have read a little about them and they seem like a good started bike. Im not your typical "Yeah im 18 and want a 1000cc motorcycle, I can handle it." haha. I have about $5500 to spend on a bike, will this get me a decent bike? What years and models should I look at?

Thank you!

[He Man]

I think an S2R800 would suite you well. though the least smartest finacial move when i was 18 was to buy my first monster. but i dont regret it one bit. Ate top ramen noodles alot back then. :p (im only 22 now)

[krolik]

You could get a good, low milage S2R for that $.

[He Man]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/mcy/1845329887.html

[Jackk819]

I looked around here at S2R's and they are right around my spending area! Thanks guys! Now for my real worry... :/ how much is the insurance going to be a year? Is it possible to have my father as the primary even if he doesnt have a motorcycle license? Im sure that would make things MUCH cheaper.

[He Man]

in my state (NY), they do not require you to have a MC license to insure it.
at age 18, it might be costly ,.it might not. depends on who you use and what they consider the bike as and where you live.

At 18, i paid $550 for liability only a year. thats in NYC that is with both Progressive and Dairyland. at 22 i pay $360 a year.

[muskrat]

The monster is cheaper than you think.  Call the above mentioned companies along with Geico and your local Duc dealer.  In my opinion get an s2r 1000 or an s4r.  I came from 450 dirt bikes many years ago and quickly outgrew the 800cc
Just my opinion

[Spidey]

Depending on what you like--in terms of looks--I'd also look at an M1000 ('03-05).  Better brakes than an s2r 800, better suspension (adjustable front forks), better engine and dry clutch.  I don't know if you'll swing an S2r 1000 for $5500 (which has all the good stuff from the M1000), but I haven't looked at the market lately.   

Downsides:  ground clearance is worse, there's no single sided swingarm and your insurance will be more (cuz they'll see 992cc and think its a GSXR).

I've seen the older model S4r with the 996 motor go for around $5500.  If you like the water cooled look (radiator), that's a great bike. I'd normally NEVER recommend that as a starter bike, but if you're a moto-X racer, you'll be fine with most anything. 

This might help a bit:  http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25126.0

[Triple J]

+1 to Spidey.

You could also look for a 2000/2001 Monster 900...some have adjustable suspension, and they have steel tanks...which is a huge plus IMO. No single sided swingarm, but the S models have an aluminum dual sided which is nice as well.

[DoubleEagle]

Welcome to the DMF.

Hope you enjoy this wonderful Forum .

Dolph       

[Jackk819]

Oh man all this has me excited haha. So I have a few other questions, how often do you do maintance? New tires? Chain, Sprokets? And are these bikes fairly easy to customize? I have seen some of these bikes I love and some I hate 
Im really suprised how many I could find for sale in my area.

[muskrat]

Customizing will drain your bank account fast, ask anyone 
I'll say that my s4r gives me a woody when I open the throttle though.  Ride a few but for that price you can get an s2r 1000 and have loads of fun and air cooled too

[Raux]

welcome to the sickness 

[R0CKETMAN]

The monster is cheaper than you think. 

or more expensive than you ever imagined.....



I wouldn't buy a Monster without first riding a Hypermotard. With your background I bet it's the perfect fit.

[muskrat]

   didn't think about the hyper - good suggestion.

there are endless mods, just look around.