Ducati Monster 620 as a first bike

Xyloft · 06-12-2007, 11:02 PM

now, that should get some flamers in here....

so before you guys go "you should buy a 500" i did some research:

Ninja 500 - 60 HP
Ducati Monster 620 - 63 HP

and from what people say the ducati handles AMAZING. its used, and i'm getting a great deal on it. Less than a new Ninja500 or Suzuki 500.

obviously as a first bike i may drop it. thats crossed my mind. but in ohio, used bikes are few and far between, unless i wan to start on a drag prepped Gsx-r1000 or some other nonsense.

i havent seen it yet, but i think it looks something like this:

nig · 06-12-2007, 11:27 PM

You could do worse. It probably won't be the cheapest ownership experience though.

cookhj · 06-12-2007, 11:29 PM

i'm gonna say what most will probably tell you:

take the MSF

be careful

Xyloft · 06-12-2007, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookhj

i'm gonna say what most will probably tell you:

take the MSF

be careful

yeah no worries there. i'm about to take the MSF. and i've already picked out a helmet, boots, and have narrowed down a few jackets, and gloves.

besides insurance (which i've already got quoted) what else would be expensive on that bike? parts? mods? i dont have a mod bug anymore, thats what I have my subaru STI for.

nig · 06-12-2007, 11:40 PM

Yes--parts, maintenance, reliability. Typically Ducati is not as painless as the Japanese brands. But they're pretty, exclusive and have "character," whatever that means. It's not going to fall apart daily or anything.

cookhj · 06-13-2007, 01:42 AM

yeah, you might want to go to a ducati shop and ask how much they charge for services. they're good bikes but are a lot more expensive in the maintenance dept than your typical jap bike. not saying don't get it, i just want you to check out all the angles before you commit to that particular bike.

Keyboard Ninja · 06-13-2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xyloft

now, that should get some flamers in here....

so before you guys go "you should buy a 500" i did some research:

Ninja 500 - 60 HP
Ducati Monster 620 - 63 HP

and from what people say the ducati handles AMAZING. its used, and i'm getting a great deal on it. Less than a new Ninja500 or Suzuki 500.

obviously as a first bike i may drop it. thats crossed my mind. but in ohio, used bikes are few and far between, unless i wan to start on a drag prepped Gsx-r1000 or some other nonsense.

i havent seen it yet, but i think it looks something like this:

Looks kinda like this suzuki 650?

Hagios · 06-13-2007, 02:30 AM

Where are you getting your figures? A stock EX500 makes right near 50bhp. I don't think it makes 60 at the crank, let alone at the wheel.

MAD_CAT · 06-13-2007, 05:56 AM

main reason that it wouldn't be a good first bike is the cost of ownership.

Freshgrease · 06-13-2007, 09:48 AM

I got a friend with a Duc 748 and he says maintenance costs a bitch. Then again, he's coming from a ninja 250.

Jonny Thrice · 06-13-2007, 10:51 AM

I've heard the smaller monsters make pretty good beginner bikes. Theyre small, light, low seat height and not too powerful...63hp aint much.....my Bandit 400 makes 60hp (actually looks like a Monster too!).

Like everyone said, the maintence costs will kill you, as Ducatis need a valve adjustment every 3000 miles or something...as opposed to Jap bikes, which are double....

dsfiss · 06-13-2007, 01:58 PM

"If you want to PLAY ducati, you have to PAY ducati!" Seriously, I didn't make that line up!

Aside from that, I think the monster 620 is a sound choice for a first bike. I love the handling on this bike and I think the powerband is very manageable. (Disclaimer: I'm in my third year of riding, and I also ride a suzuki 650 and used to own a yamaha fz6.) My monster needs valve checks every 6000 miles, and from what I've read in other forums (e.g. ducatimonster.org), typically REQUIRES valve adjustments every 12000 miles. So find out how old your bike is, as this may be the case with yours also. I'm expecting the cost for my 6000 mile tune-up to be from $150-$200. I'm not "rollin' in dough", but I am at a point in my life where the difference in cost of ownership is negligible compared to the riding experience BETWEEN tune ups. One thing I have read that may stand true however is that a duc will work as good as its mechanic. So be sure check out your local dealership, try to get objective opinions about the place, and ask them how much they charge to work on your bike. Good luck in your decision, and ride safe.

bush · 06-13-2007, 04:28 PM

I won't own Ducati due to cost of ownership.

Aside from that, there's plenty of beginner bikes that are better suited to a new rider.

sigmanugary · 06-13-2007, 05:34 PM

WHAT!

You have the NERVE to try and start out on a bike bigger than a Ninja 250...20 lashings!!

J/K A buddy of mine has one and loves it but he does say that service is expensive (I dunno how much). Coming from the persepctive of a newb who has a more powerful bike I think that the bike should work for you. Like the quote above about "Ducs you have to pay to play" if you can afford it rock out. For me, the ease of owning a jap bike just seemed to make sense for a first bike (less hassle, less frequent service, etc).

Xyloft · 06-13-2007, 05:53 PM

yeah. thats why i posted up. i'm looking for low cost of ownership, but i'm cross shopping as many bikes as possible. its an 06 with barely any miles so i doubt it needs valve adjustments. i like the sv650S but at 75hp, i think its a bit to big for me.

I got the ninja 500 hp numbers here:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod..._500r%2006.htm

as i flipped through some other pages, i saw there were a few pages quoting anywhere from 49.5 - 60 hp.

thanks for the imput though guys, i think i'm back to looking for a GS500F or hyosung 250