Introduction/Looking for a Monster

[Real Recognize Real]

Hi CAM,

Just wanted to so hi and I'm very excited about making my first bike purchase. I've signed up for an MSF course and have appropriate gear. That said, I'm searching for a Monster 750 or 900 and I have a chance to purchase '01 M750 for $3200 and an '94 M900 for $4200. I could use some direction concerning my 1st purchase so I'm all ears. I'd appreciate it if the DMF community could be on the look out for a suitable machine.

Thanks in advance!

[The Mad King Pepe']

Both are good solid bikes, the engine is simple as mud and tends to be very reliable 100K+ miles with basic maintenance.

I have a 2001 M750 as a daily commuter and it's a great bike. Good mileage, enough power for weekend shenanigans and I even track it at Summit Point (Shenandoah course - lots and lots of turns). The only negative part is the (lack of) power, once you get used to it, you find yourself wanting a bit more and that's when you need to upgrade to a bigger bike. I will easily cost you 2-3 thousand dollars to get a bit more power out of the engine and it just isn't worth it. I know because I thought about it and did some research.

I also have/had (it's complicated) a '95 M900 and I enjoy the engine much much more: it's got more power and much better torque. The only issue with it is that the wires are old and tend to fray (crack and break), so it requires a trip or two to Autozone (or advance auto, or wherever you need) to get some new (and thicker wires) to put in place of the old ones.

If you post a link to the bikes we can give you our opinion about them. We tend to post stuff in the craigslist crack addicts section here: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=40309.0

Ciao e benvenuto!

[Autohag]

Welcome! Pepe' knows best when it comes to comparing these 2 bikes.

Just looking at the technical specs online, it seems you'd really be deciding on power/torque if you go with the 900. Otherwise these are close in weight and the seat height is identical.

If the intertubes are correct, the 900 is a 4-valve engine. You'll save a few dollars on maintenance with the 750, which is a 2-valve engine.

[tocino]

I believe the 4 valve Monsters came out in 2001 with the S4, so the '94 should also be a 2 valve.

[The Bearded Duc]

I believe the 4 valve Monsters came out in 2001 with the S4, so the '94 should also be a 2 valve.

Correct.

All M900 motors are 2v's

[Real Recognize Real]

Ok, here are the two links:

'94 M900
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/2360739644.html

'01 M750
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/mcy/2388209728.html

I've noticed that people are listing their bikes above the KBB suggested retail value. Is this normal and is it reasonable to expect to pay a price between the KBB retail and trade-in value?

Thanks again!

[zooom]

ummm...that 94 M900 is a GOOD deal at that price with those wheels on it!...jump on it if that is the bike for you...not that the 750 is a bad deal...not at that price IMHO....

just an intial question...what did you previously ride if anything?....you may not want the more rawness of the 900 for your 1st bike and the 750 is a GREAT machine for getting your feet wet for sure...

[Real Recognize Real]

I do like the Yellow Monster, but I wasn't sure if the price was reasonable - the price was the only thing holding me back.

Whatever bike that I purchase will be my 1st bike and I have signed up for a MSF course.

[The Mad King Pepe']

If the intertubes are correct, the 900 is a 4-valve engine.

[CITATION NEEDED]

I've noticed that people are listing their bikes above the KBB suggested retail value. Is this normal and is it reasonable to expect to pay a price between the KBB retail and trade-in value?

Thanks again!

Retail value, is what you can expect when buying from a dealer under the assumption that they've taken the time to throroughly check over the bike (fixing it if necessary) so that it is safe to drive and will pass inspection without a glitch. Trade-in value is what you would get if you sell to a dealer who will then have to spend money & time to inspect the bike. For a stock bike in good condition I think the average of the two prices is a good starting point.

Having bought and sold over craigslist I can tell you that people tend to price higher for two main reasons:

• haggling space (the seller wont lose by giving you $200 off a $400 overpriced bike)
• mods - the M900 is a case in point with mag wheels - people love to have fun modding their bikes and then want the buyer to pay for them when they get tired of it.

Should you pay asking price? No! (Unless the bike is a steal at that price.)

Should you pay more for service records? Not really, it's the seller's responsability to properly maintain the bike. However I will admit that I would be willing to pay more for a well serviced bike at a good location...

Should you do your homework and post on the forum about bikes you find? F**K YEA! The M900 is a bit hard to price due to all the parts it has, so I think it comes down to how much you want/like the bike. For the M750 the KBB is between $3,085 and $2,180 so avg is about 2,600. Low miles + new tires + ohlins steering damper + cf hugger do make it worth a bit more. I would point out that he's asking much more than retail and that trade in is 2K and work him down to about 2,800 - 3,000.

just an intial question...what did you previously ride if anything?....you may not want the more rawness of the 900 for your 1st bike and the 750 is a GREAT machine for getting your feet wet for sure...

Very good and important point I forgot about and I agree 100% with what zooom (aka "El SuperFarto" -- don't ask, just be prepared) says. 

[Slide Panda]

I've noticed that people are listing their bikes above the KBB suggested retail value. Is this normal and is it reasonable to expect to pay a price between the KBB retail and trade-in value?

Thanks again!

KBB and the like don't take into account mods and the like. They reflect what you'd expect for a bone factory stock bike, with an assumed amount of miles per year. Mods, less miles, etc will effect teh price.

I've got a 2000 900S which KBB says the retail for an 'excellent' one is $4600 - but that's not an accurate valuation of *my* bike by a long shot.

So, KBB is a nice guide, but usually you have to look at them individually.

If you're new to riding, I'd say look at the carby 750 (pre 2002) 620 or 695. I started off after my MSF on a 620 and it's a great bike. As noted, now I've got a 900 and I don't think that first year might have gone so well on the 900. It's got a lot more punch than the smaller monsters, especially in the low RPMs which can make it a bit harsh feeling and I'd say that it would have spooked the shit out of me as a freshly minted rider.

As bonus the 620 and 695 have an APTC clutch - this clutch has a very easy pull at the lever and some slipper effects which helps prevent rear wheel hopping or lock up if one down shifts too aggressively for the speed/engine RPMs

[zooom]

also...in regards to the 750, he doesn't mention it, but those look like Staintune pipes...nice quality and sound...and the fact that it is MD State Inspected, is a nice bonus if it is something that was done within the last 30 days for to make 1 less expendature and step for you in registering it, if you are a MD resident...for ME, that is a value in time...it may not be for you...

[Real Recognize Real]

pointed noted zooom however I live in NoVA. btw i saw these two ads...

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/2335666567.html

http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2003-DUCATI-M620ie--98622642

I guess right now, I'm leaning towards the yellow M900, but I'd appreciate opinions for these two bikes.

[zooom]

pointed noted zooom however I live in NoVA. btw i saw these two ads...

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/2335666567.html

http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2003-DUCATI-M620ie--98622642

I guess right now, I'm leaning towards the yellow M900, but I'd appreciate opinions for these two bikes.

I still think the 900 is going to be a bit of a handful for a 1st bike....rookie mistakes of being accidentally hamfisted on the throttle can and usually will occur which could result in some things happening that you may not be ready for in terms of loss of control...just my .02 FWIW...

now...having said that...the 900 here, the seller says it is a Termi exhaust, and it looks to me like a Forza exhaust ( which I like better, along with SilMotor-but that is another story)...that and I am not a big fan of Corbin seats, but that is my own personal opinion...but it isn't hateful what he is asking...I think high 3's is a much more reasonable figure...

on the 620, which is a much better machine suited to your needs IMHO, is also priced a bit on the higher side....knowing it is a dealership, I would walk in with the idea of trying to be out the door for $4150-ish with all things said and done...

[Meerkat]

For reference: I sold my 03 620 with 11k miles and termi slipons for $3500 in less than 24 hours via the craigslist.

[The Mad King Pepe']

I think this might just work for you: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-MOTO-GUZZI-ELDORADO-850-GT-TWIN-/250825009355?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3a6655e8cb