Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Monster for first big bike?

[Thomo]

Hi guys

Ive recently sold my first step into 2 wheel motoring which was a classic vespa, and now im thinking about my next possible step.

Which of the monsters would be a good first bike? 620, 750, etc
I know next to nothing mechanically about motorbikes but alot about cars.
Would a later monster be better than an earlier one?
Im thinking of spending £2500ish on one.

My other concern is servicing and repairs. What is involved and when? Would it have to go to a dealership or can independant places sort it?

Im in Preston lancashire

I also like the later supersports with the full faring. But I'd be worried about insurance

I hope to do my full bike test this summer.

ANy advice greatfully appreciated

[Edited on 27-4-2006 by Thomo]

[skidlids]

If you like the later Supersport bikes try getting a Insurance quote on a 750SSie as the bikes are fairly cheap to pickup and offer reasonable performance (around 64bhp as standard)

if going for a Monster you couldn't go far wrong with a M620Sie

[Jools]

Monster would make a good bike for a first big bike and I would say that a 620 would be the best choice on your budget.

As with most things, get the latest one you can afford - the 620 with the APTC clutch, introduced about a year or so ago has a much lighter clutch action than the earlier bikes clutch so could be a good choice, if they are within budget (although I suspect they'll be upwards of £3K).

Whatever bike you get, make sure it's been serviced properly and remember that higher mileage on a well maintained bike is not a bad thing. In fact it's better than a bike that has been sitting around.

Make sure the cam belts are within their service life, they should be replaced every 12K miles or every 2 years.

As far as servicing goes, with a £2.5K bike the chances are it'll be more than 2 years old and out of manufacturers warranty, so a good independant will be fine

[ziggi]

You'll certainly get a nice 750 monster or 750SSie for £2500. Don't think you'll get anything much newer than a 2000 model bike though. The 750SSie was introduced around 1999 and I can't remember the monster ie cross-over date.

Either one would be a great first "big-bike" and introduction to Ducati.

[phoenix n max]

I'm biased towards my 600 monster however a I hear the 620's are a great bike too.

As for it being your first big bike - My son is 19, he rode a scooter for a year and gs 125 for a year, now he has a Monster 600 and loves it to bits.

He found no problem moving from a small to larger bike and he's built like a string bean!

I've never been tempted to change from my 600 for something more powerful on the road - but thats just me

[wogger]

What about a 620 Multistrada ? might be a bit more to spend, but an absolutley brilliant bike to ride.

[Thomo]

Cheers for the replies guys. Im not keen on the look of the multistrada.

What does the IE part of the name mean?

Also what is difference between a dark and a non-dark...? apart from the colour!

[Twinfan]

I think Dark's get s single front brake disc and a steel swingarm. The Non-Dark's get twin disks and an alloy swinger...

[phillc]

Originally posted by Thomo
What does the IE part of the name mean?

The IE bit means it's an injected engine and controlled by a computer ECU unit, rather than carburetteurs.

The newer bikes are all IE models.

Don't know about Monsters, but with the Supersports, 1999 saw the introduction of the new shape fairings, for 750 and 900 models, and it was also the year of computer controlled injection. Older SS bikes are all carb models, and with the slab side fairing shape.

[Thomo]

are these rare?

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...00615231322447

As a 620ss is better for insurance for me