Second Bike - Upgrade Advice

[DRC]

Since taking the MSF course, I have been riding around on a 250 for the past year.  It is time for me to upgrade.  I did a lot of research before purchasing my first bike, which is why I ultimately spent my first year on a 250 -- many people, forums, and experienced riders imploring new riders not to go big for their first bikes.  Now that it’s time to upgrade, I find there is not so much info on what to look for in a good second bike, which is why I am here.

I have my heart set on a Ducati, and I’ve looked at models ranging from Monsters to the 999, though I’m definitely leaning towards the sport bikes.  I’d like to eventually put in some track days and take Pridemore’s Star school when it comes back to the High Plains Raceway in the spring. 

I’m generally a very technical rider (doesn’t mean I have less fun), and put a lot of thought into my decisions.  It seems the advice for beginner bikes mostly boils down to, “start on a 250 or 500, and then get whatever you want.”  The thing is, I don’t want to get too much bike for my second bike and get overwhelmed and potentially be unsafe.  At the same time, I don’t want to spend several thousand on a second bike and then within a couple months feel like I should have gone for more. 

This seems like an awesome community, so I certainly appreciate your advice.

[Kev M]

I've been riding for going on 20 years now.

I've seen TONS of idiots get their licenses and start out on SS's or superbikes of some sort. And plenty more who suggest that based on the anectodal evidence of those idiots that survived such a thing.

YOU SEEM TO HAVE YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT.

A year on a 250 is enough to build a lot of good experience and skill.

Sure you'll still have a learning curve on a modern sportbike, but you've approached this the right way and if you continue to do so, I suspect you'll be fine.

At this point I'd say GET WHATEVER YOU WANT - with one cautionary statement - don't let down your guard.

Most newer riders run into a problem (crash, drop, near miss) around the 12-16 month range, because they think they've "got it" and ease off the caution a little too much (truthfully that's the same circumstance that probably gets a lot of long term riders too).

If you want some specific advice about the next bike, let us know more about what you want out of a bike - speed, cornering, lightness, comfort, convenience etc. How do you plan to use it - twisties on the weekends, commutting, touring etc?


BEST OF LUCK and RIDE SAFE!

[Slide Panda]

So what sort of riding do you most want to do? 75-100 mile jaunts through the twisties and call it a day? 250 mile runs of twisties and then some?

All arounder bike?
Very sporty?
Need to carry a passenger?
need to carry stuff?
Budget?

Can you give some insights on the bike you'd like to have?

[Triple J]

How about an 848 or 749? Both are plenty powerful for the street, and do very well on the track.

Keep in mind...sportbikes aren't very comfortable on the street...in my opinion, I'm sure someone will disagree.

[WetDuc]

I don't have any experience with Ducati sportbikes, just monsters, so here's my opinion on those:
I would recommend a used 695 or new/used 696 as a step up from a 250cc.  Not crazy tons of power, but light, fun, FAST, and totally awesome looking.  Plus is relatively easy to find parts for reasonable prices on those bikes.
If you want to take a bit bigger step up, maybe a used S2R800 or new/used 796.
If you bump up to an S2R1000 or 1100, they are big boys, but REALLY NICE BIKES.
I highly doubt you will ever feel the need for a bigger powerplant if you make the full jump to a water cooled 4 valver (S4RS/T or streetfighter), but parts and maintenance is more expensive than on the smaller monsters.

[sbrguy]

i'd say get m1100 if i had to do it again, instead of my second bike being a monster 620 i would have gotten a monster 1000 instead.  but good luck either way.

[ducatiz]

Check out an S2R800 or S2R1000.  The 1000 has a bigger engine and nicer brakes and suspension and a dry clutch, but for many people the 800 model is enough for general use and they are fairly cheap on the used market so you can put money into upgrading them.

[DRC]

Thanks for the excellent replies.

I'll be using the bike for twisties on the weekends (my favorite route is highway 67 between Sedalia and Deckers), and my wife would probably want to come along every once in a while too, so ability to carry a passenger is a plus.  As I said, occasional track days, and I'll be commuting about 30 minutes both ways a couple times a week on surface streets weather permitting.

I should also mention, I'm generally looking for "is this a good idea" advice, though bike suggestions are certainly welcome  

[ducatiz]

None of these bikes is going to be comfy for a passenger unless she is about 5'4 max and under 120 lbs.  My wife is 5'5 and 115 and was not comfortable.  The pegs are too high for anyone much taller than that and the cushion is non existent. 

[Slide Panda]

Is it a good idea? It's probably a fine idea. You've started off more reasonably that a lot of folks. Many people hop right on a gixer 600 right out of the MSF... which isn't always wise. You've taken time to build base skills that a lot don't. So no reason why a bigger bike would be a worse idea than the a fore mentions set up.

As noted - just keep that head. There is a nasty period where folks have some, but not a lot of, experience and tend to get in over their head and crash.

[El Matador]

S2R1000 definitely. Maybe one set up a little sportier. Maybe like one that's in the monsters for sale section?

No but seriously, S2R1000 seems like a good fit for you. I think that anything bigger (4V) is too much.  You can get a nice one for a damn good price, with all the mods already done. It's an awesome 2up bike and is damn near bulletproof. 

[Kev M]

I should also mention, I'm generally looking for "is this a good idea" advice, though bike suggestions are certainly welcome  
[/quote]

Well, yeah, that part I coverd in my first reply. 

[Meerkat]

Since it's not mine, I hope it's OK to whore this bike out: http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=48226.0

Phenomenal bike that has been super well taken care of and has more performance upgrades than you can shake a stick at. If I didn't already have an S2R1K, I'd be on this like stink on shit!

Talk to Gene (twolanefun) and he can tell you all about it.

Oh, yeah..I highly recommend any S2R1K! Fun bikes and you won't get bored any time soon.

[zooom]

check insurance rates on anything you are looking at....full fairings usually mean higher rates!

[Cher]

I went from a 620 Monster to a 999.  I had taken the Monster to the track once or twice  and found I really enjoyed track days so eventually I started thinking about a superbike.  Ended up with a 999.  I've had that bike now for five years.

I found the transition from the Monster's 60hp to the 120hp of the 999 manageable.  The SBK chassis and brakes are well up to the task plus the twin cylinder motor makes its power in a linear, progressive way so you're not going to be surprised by sudden bursts of power higher up the rev range like you might find on a large displacement in-line four.  Low rev, stump-pulling torque is where it's at on a Duc.  And once you've been there, there's no coming back  

So, if you like technical riding and want to do track days, I'd for sure recommend a used Ducati superbike; they're very rewarding to ride and won't let you down on the track as you improve as a rider.

Go for it!