New to Riding from Plano, TX =)

[calscrazy]

more local
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/2265974390.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bar/2263537362.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/2246219119.html

just a few to ponder!!

[muskrat]

the 800!

[Cher]

Welcome to the Ducati madness, Jasens Deli.  My best advice to you is to turn back now - it's not too late  And for godssake - who steered you over to AMS?!?  Kid in a candy store for sure... Just kiss all your cash goodbye   Don't ask me how I know 

Seriously, glad you've decided on a Duc.  And I'd have to agree with everyone else - it would be hard to go wrong on one of the air-cooled bikes.  Monsters rock; very light, linear power (no weird surge of mega-power higher in the rev range) and the handling will keep you involved and entertained for a long time.  And because the motor is air-cooled, the maintenance costs are reasonable (odd seeing "reasonable" and "maintenance" together in a Ducati thread, I know...   )

At any rate, good luck with your search  

Lisa

[Jasens Deli]

Thanks to everyone for helping me search for a preowned Monster!  So many choices...

@Muskrat: You're truly an advocate for the S2R and I think you're starting to sway me.    I really like both of the black S2R's (the 800 & 1000) in Austin!  I'm still really worried that that just might be too much bike for me.  Is an S2R as forgiving as say a 695 or a 696?  Also, what value would you put on each of these bikes?  They both seem to be very well taken care of from the naked eye and have the proper documentation (all service docs, clear title, red key (do all pre-696's have red keys?)).  I'd love to hear from you experts as to what you believe a great deal as well as a fair price is on these two bikes based on their model year, the way they are configured, and the condition they're in.

Thanks in advance!

- Jasen

[Jester]

The S2R is fantastic.  I had one before moving on to the sbk.  I'm personally a big fan of the dual shotgun exhaust and single sided swingarm on that bike.  Its much more sexy than the dual swingarm bikes and the view from the right side is hot.  ( no offense to you 695/696er's ).  Plus tire changes are faster and its easier to clean.

I'm not a flyweight rider so someone lighter might have a different opinion, but the 1000 will pull up the front end fairly easy if you whack open the throttle.  The 800 will not.  However, the S2R 1000 has adjustable front forks and better brakes, where the 800 does not, so /shrug its up to you.  The 1000 is the better bike and what I would have done if I could do it all over again.

I think both are great bikes, the 1000 will give you a little more growing room, but neither will disappoint.  In reality, any bike will chuck you on the ground with hamfisted riding techniques, so as long as you're smooth, you can control whatever you buy.  Good luck with your decisions!   

[Jester]

Also, I believe they stopped the red key after 2008 models.  Earlier models should come with it.

[calscrazy]

Get what u want that is within ur budget otherwise u will not be happy.  Just make sure u r adult enough to understand ur limitations so u dont hurt urself or the bike.

[system error]

Get what u want that is within ur budget otherwise u will not be happy.

Keeping in mind that buying the bike is the cheapest part.  Soon comes the gear, insurnace, maintenance, upgrades, tickets  (my fault), and if you are like muskrat, the ducati coffee maker, coffee cups, t-shirts, mouse pad, alarm clock, pjs, toothbrush....

[CajunR]

Keeping in mind that buying the bike is the cheapest part.  Soon comes the gear, insurnace, maintenance, upgrades, tickets  (my fault), and if you are like muskrat, the ducati coffee maker, coffee cups, t-shirts, mouse pad, alarm clock, pjs, toothbrush....

 

[Mhanis]

Keeping in mind that buying the bike is the cheapest part.  Soon comes the gear, insurnace, maintenance, upgrades, tickets  (my fault), and if you are like muskrat, the ducati coffee maker, coffee cups, t-shirts, mouse pad, alarm clock, pjs, toothbrush....

He didn't tell you about his underwear?

[calscrazy]

Pretty sure those say harley. That way if he craps in them its no big deal!!

[CajunR]

 

Couple more places for gear:
newenough.com - now http://www.motorcyclegear.com/
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/

Both have good prices... and enough of a selection to make your head spin. 

[muskrat]

Jester summarized it perfectly for me.  The S2R 800 is a great bike and almost identical in power and torque as the 695/696.  I really miss mine but I don't regret getting the S4R of course.  Frankly you wont be overwhelmed by the S2R 800.  And when you're done with the purchase hide the credit cards and savings account information because you will be sick like the rest of us here. 

[CajunR]

And when you're done with the purchase hide the credit cards and savings account information because you will be sick like the rest of us here. 

Or have a couple of kids...   

[muskrat]

Keeping in mind that buying the bike is the cheapest part.  Soon comes the gear, insurnace, maintenance, upgrades, tickets  (my fault), and if you are like muskrat, the ducati coffee maker, coffee cups, t-shirts, mouse pad, alarm clock, pjs, toothbrush....

they don't make underwear, I checked.  And besides the carbon might be itchy.