First bike a monster 696?!?

[velocipede]

I'd say go for a 620, too.  They can be had for $3000-$4000, ridden and maintained for a while, and then sold for just about the same price.  Plus, much cheaper to fix if you do drop it at some point.  620s have plenty of power for any road you'll ride, too.

[duclvr]

I'd say go for it. I'm sure I've told this story here before, but here goes.

Never so much as rode a mini-bike before moving to FL. from CT. over 2-1/2 yrs ago. My agenda after moving to Florida was to own a Ducati. So I took the MSF course and the next week i bought a 696. Currently over 10k on the clock.  If you can afford it and you are confident in your ability,  the bike should a great beginner and beyond bike. Just my opinion.
Some of the factors that made it the perfect bike for me was the lower seat height and the lower weight.

[Goat_Herder]

my vote goes to used 620/695.  It's much more affordable and used parts are allover the place.  Not to mention it's one good looking bike!

[ChrisH]

The 696 is my first motorcycle. I've ridden a very modified Honda Ruckus for the last 3 years, and took the MSF last year, but just got my Monster about 4 weeks ago. I'm not sure how good an idea it is at 21, I know I was far braver then I should have been when I was 21  but as long as you can respect the bike and take it easy it would be fine IMHO.

[DucofWestwood]

i'm sure you could handle the power of a 696 without too much difficulty, but i agree with others ... go used for your 1st bike.  particularly if cash is tight.  i'll sell you my M620!  it was my learner bike and has been great!

[GLantern]

Used 620/695 is my vote especially since you have only been driving for 2 years.  That is barely any experience on the road at all.  Do you have any dirtbike experience? 

Only reason i am voting for the 620/695 is because of cost, you will more than likely drop the bike with such limited road experience in general.  Do it to something you can afford to fix.  If you buy used you won't lose much on the resale value anyways.   I always wish i bought my bike's used it would have been a better choice financially.

[Venom51]

First, spend the money and take a motorcycle safety class. That is an investment well worth it.

[ChrisH]

First, spend the money and take a motorcycle safety class. That is an investment well worth it.

QFMFT! The msf course is very helpful, and give you an idea of what riding is like and whether you will like it.

[redxblack]

I have to add one to the consensus of a M600-M750. If you can find one with a rebuilt salvage title, all the better. If you wreck, you could part it out and likely break even. If you don't wreck and continue to save, you could sell it for what you paid as long as you maintained it.

My first bike was a M750 i.e. It was too much bike for a first bike in all likelihood, but all that means is I only rode to my limits and not the bike's limits.

And +1 to the MSF class! It's a great program.

[icyhotduc]

My first and only bike so far is a 696.  I say if you dig it then go for it.  I have never felt like the bike was too much for me to handle. As far as cost/repairs go, you know going into it that it will cost you some proper coin to repair/replace anything on it.  If you are cool with that then take the MSF, buy some gear, and pull the trigger.

[DonJuanit0]

You've been really helpful guys! I think I'll just go for a M620 dark and see how it goes, I'm still young so I have time to go for my M696 later on...

Thanks for help!!

[spolic]

Don't ride with out insurance.  And don't forget to get properly fitting gear.

[datdude]

Regardless of what anyone said, it's all going to come down to your maturity level.  I don't know how mature you are at 21, but I would of killed myself riding a motorcycle at 21.

That being said, my first motorcycle, first time riding a motorcycle (other than the one at the MSF course) is a 696.  I'm 36 and even at this age, there are times that I've caught myself twisting the throttle a bit too much.  I've got almost two years under my belt without any incident (knock on wood). 

So be honest with yourself, know your limit, wear proper gears, and enjoy the Ducati life style.

[seevtsaab]

Wise to buy used based on experience level and finances.

If you want a Ducati, (no one here can blame you) 620 or is plenty.

Easy to mod, fix, find parts (wide range of Monsters for donor parts).

And hell yes it's fast enough.

I understand the desire for a particular bike, but the older Monsters have a pretty classic appeal IMO - won't go out of style until I'm dead and gone.

Good luck!

[positivecarry]

My 620 is my first bike.  Got a good deal on it (it did indeed come with a tank ding and scratched up levers) and it is plenty of bike, plenty of fun and plenty of style.  Plus it didn't break the bank and I don't worry about how much of a financial disaster it'll be if I mess it up.  696 is nice...but for the additional cost and worry, I don't think its worth the premium over a 620 or any of the other cheaper used alternatives.