Want a monster as first bike

[ColtSAA]

So I am 22 and really want a monster as my first bike. I guess it's not totally true that it's my first bike. I have a project bike which is a '72 Honda CL350 I am working on, but it's a long way out before that's working. Anyways, I am still in college, but have a good paying engineering job this summer and want a smaller ducati really bad. I am thinking of a mid 2000's 620 or a 696. I found an '02 620 on CL for $1800 asking, but it sold quickly. I think I want something a bit newer anyway. Another guy has a used 696 which I am more interested in but is asking $4k and it has 15k miles on it. The guy has had it serviced by a dealer with paperwork so it is likely in pretty good shape. What should I look for on a used Ducati? I am an engineer so am fairly good with mechanical stuff.

[ducpainter]

The biggest thing to look at is condition, and service records, with service being the most important.

Ducati's are not inexpensive to fix, and maintenance costs are higher than the average.

[koko64]

Any of the wet clutch 600-750 models would be good first bikes if you have skills from a dirt riding background and are able to handle a 350-400 lb bike. For total newbs there are little 250's around that are even easier to manage.

[Düb Lüv]

95 monster 900 was my first. I don't think I would have wanted it any other way. Plenty of power that i didn't get board with.

[koko64]

 

[The ModFather]

My 2005 Monster 620 Dark is a great first Monster. I've babied it and modded extensively it over the years and am considering selling. PM me if you would like to see pics.

[Privateer]

what year did the plastic tanks start?  05?  I'd be wary of anything in that vintage, 695/696 until... 2015? due to the swelling tank problems.

[Duck-Stew]

what year did the plastic tanks start?  05?  I'd be wary of anything in that vintage, 695/696 until... 2015? due to the swelling tank problems.

Mid-year production change in 2005.  Early bikes were steel, of course.

[koko64]

So, what did you end up gettting? Any ride impressions?

[Privateer]

Mid-year production change in 2005.  Early bikes were steel, of course.

ah, so some early 695's would still have steel tank?  and then when did the plastic tanks phase out?  when the 1200 came out?

[Duck-Stew]

ah, so some early 695's would still have steel tank?  and then when did the plastic tanks phase out?  when the 1200 came out?

620's ran until the end of 2006 when it was replaced by 695 so the steel tanks were gone by then.  Yes, the 821/1200 saw the return of steel tanks.