Advice needed for potential Monster buyer

[KIKH400]

I'm 53, and getting back into street riding.  I raced MX and street rode Kawi triples years ago.  I got my license again about a year ago, and have been riding another Kawi triple for the past year--fun little bike.

I'm looking to get a newer bike.  I use my bike for joy rides--I live in a suburban/rural area.  I want something fun.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to a used "naked" type bike.  Haven't had an opportunity to ride them, but was thinking about a Buell XB9 Lightning or Ducati Monster.  After talking to a few Buell guys, the out of production, parts availabiity potential problems has me thinking Monster.  Plus, the Monster seems like it'd really work for me.

So, I've been reading about Monsters.  I want to stay small and used, and from what I've read the the 696 or 695 seemed like a great fit.  Then I started reading about tank problems.  Having been through this on a boat, I'm not going through this again. 

I think I'm back to looking at 600s, 620s, or maybe the older 750s.  Make sense?  From what I've read, the 620 seems like it has noticeably more power than the 600.  How about the 750?

I'm just learning here, and any advice would be great.

[Johnny5]

I have not ever ridden a 750, but I remember an '06 620 with a 14t sprocket and high mount termi exhaust being a fun ride.  Still kick myself for not buying it when I had the chance actually.  I'm betting you'd be happy with any of the air-cooled Monsters that are 620cc and above.  I'm not sure they have the tank problems with '09 and later bikes (i.e. 696).

[mmakay]

Be aware that the steel tanks have issues with leaks at the hinge.  (No free lunch ... but it's fixable.)

Don't rule out a 900.  You're mature and experienced, so the extra power might be appreciated.   

[ab]

620cc is underpowered but I love mine and have a blast.  Ideally a bigger monster is the way to go.

[duke8]

I reckon go for a 900! You'll wish you had after riding a smaller monster for a while...my 620 is good fun, but I felt like I needed more power after the first couple of days.

If you're set on a smaller monster, id go a 620, the models up to 2004 all have metal tanks....2005+2006 = plastic.

Good luck on the search 

[muskrat]

any 4 valve up to an 06 has a steel tank.  Unless it's been wrecked your hinge should be ok but just know it's the weak point in the gas tank assembly.  I've had no issues with my S4r.  I've had a 620, 750, currently an m900 (fun and torquey as hell) and WILL NOT go back from my S4r; just my opinion. 

[kopfjäger]

03 800. 

[polivo]

even though the 696 has a plastic tank, how is it an issue? Isnt the issue merely cosmetic.. and since the 696 /796/110 have "skins" , youd never see this supposed bubble?

[somegirl]

even though the 696 has a plastic tank, how is it an issue? Isnt the issue merely cosmetic.. and since the 696 /796/110 have "skins" , youd never see this supposed bubble?

I don't know about the 696, but the issue is not merely cosmetic on other models.  Read the long thread.

[pitbull]

I've been riding my 01 900 for 10 years and I don't see me ever outgrowing it. I did pick up a Triumph sprint a few years back, but sold it as everytime I was on it I was wishing I had taken the monster instead.


As for the hinge issue, goop some JB weld around the hinge plate and the issue of a potential leak is solved. I also have a 2000 900 I bought crashed and rebuilt. Both bikes have experienced tank hinge leaks and both were repaired by different welders brazing the area. Both leaked again, but neither have leaked since JB weld and one was done 7 years ago and the other 3 years ago.

[Howie]

Though the hinge is a problem area they can go a long time with proper care and even longer or forever with reinforcement like ducpainter does when he does a tank repair.  12 years, 63+K mostly bad pavement miles, no hinge problem (knocking wood).  Not stressing the tank by overtightening the clasp, lifting the tank from both sides and not stretching it back further than it wants to go helps.

[krolik]

03 800. 

Same here. My bike has 27K on it and no problems with the tank hinge.

[SDRider]

What type of riding do you intend to do? 

Canyon carving on the weekends with friends is the Monster's nitch.  Stop and go in rush hour traffic... not so much.

[El-Twin]

Canyon carving on the weekends with friends is the Monster's nitch.  Stop and go in rush hour traffic... not so much.

I approve of this message. 

[bdub]

I started and still have a 900. Sometimes I'd like more but mine is still more than I need.