ducati Monster series? | FerrariChat

ducati Monster series?

Discussion in 'Motorcycles & Boats' started by bostonmini, Aug 22, 2004.

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  1. bostonmini

    bostonmini Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,890
    anyone have any thoughts, experiences/opinions? what is the main purpose of these bikes over one of the true super bikes, clearly its not quite as sporty, but is it just an entry level toy or does it have a distinctly different purpose? I think it's really good looking at any rate...looking forward to feedback.
     
  2. Ducman491

    Ducman491 Formula 3

    Apr 9, 2004
    1,591
    Mentor OH
    Full Name:
    Jason
    I would say the Monster is more of an all around type of bike. They are far more comfortable than my 748 for long distances but still capable enough for twistys when you get there as well as a great commuter. Also, some people want the Ducati technology and legend with out the stigma of the sport bike squid factor. They do tend to be entry level though due to a lower price.
     
  3. bostonmini

    bostonmini Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,890
    haha, i want one. looks fun for around town. and THEN get the 749!!! Am still just learning to ride though, so I think the monster is maybe fun enough, and more classy than a 600 CC japanese bike, but thats just me...
     
  4. PSk

    PSk F1 World Champ

    Nov 20, 2002
    17,673
    Tauranga, NZ
    Full Name:
    Pete
    Before buying a Ducati please make yourself aware of the unbelievably bad build quality and support from the factory for the every 2nd lemon they build.

    Please refer to this site before purchasing: http://speedzilla.zeroforum.com/

    I was lusting after one not long ago, but now I am scared way off them ... such a shame 'cause they sure a beautiful, but when you read that it has taken them 20 years to solve a plug working loose in their crankshafts ... one realises that they should be bought as though they are a kit set. Then completely dismantled and assembled properly ... after correcting any machining errors that also crept in ;)

    The same lack of pride in work effics of Italians worked hard at killing Alfa Romeo 20 years ago, and forced FIAT to become the most robotic car assembler in Europe.

    Pete
     
  5. L8Braker

    L8Braker Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,567
    Asheville NC
    Full Name:
    Jeremy Stafford
    I had a 99 M750 Dark for a while and loved it......it made me want an even sportier Ducati! The Monster is a great all around bike, it isn't the best in any category, but it certainly isn't a slouch either! Throw an exhaust system on it and listen to it rumble!

    Check out http://www.ducatimonster.org/ great resource.......
     
  6. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
    Honorary Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 5, 2001
    6,554
    Austin, TX
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    William Maxwell Hart
    The Monster is a so-called "naked" streetfighter. If you believe the hype, it was the first of a type that is now a distinct class or category: no fairings, light and highly maneuverable like a sportsbike, but meant for more prosaic riding, in urban settings, etc.
    I have a 2001 750 Sie; no problems to speak of. Thing runs fine, just change the oil and filter. I bought it new from a reputable dealer- BCM in Laconia which is exclusively Ducati and does alot of custom racing work- and felt that i was able to get whatever i needed. I did not do extensive performance mods to the bike, other than to change the exhaust system, the intake filter and the rear sprocket, but i did spend some time and money deplacticizing it, getting rid of extraneous junk on the bike, so it looks very stripped down. Its a very good bike for moderate jaunts; for long distance, or hiway cruising, its still a bit of a beating. It is a classic. The purists favor the air-cooled 900 (which i guess is now a 1000). The bigger s4 has alot more power and torque and is really closer to a superbike.
    As to factory support, if you've owned a Harley, anything is better: at least the Ducati dealers i've encountered are better than order-takers. And, you get a huge amount of bike for the money, with Brembo brakes, and great suspension parts, stock.
    I know there are alot on this board and others that think the Ducati Monster is fairly tame, and that the Ducatis in general are not as performance oriented as other Italian sportsbikes today, but i've been pretty impressed with this product. As far as build quality goes, it ain't bad either.
    By the way, the Monster was my first bike, and because of its size and maneuverability, it is a good choice to begin on. You still have to adopt a slightly scrunched riding position, if like me, you are big, but it's nowhere near as aggressive a riding position as a 748.
     
  7. F308 MAN

    F308 MAN F1 Rookie

    Jan 19, 2004
    2,907
    Isle of Man
    Full Name:
    Dave S
    Interesting comment pete.....i have been fortunate enough to be able to buy many bikes new.....i have also heard many horror stories relative to motorcycles falling apart.....the last ducati i had was a 996 sps, a beautiful bike, but the thing began to fall to bits.
    I stripped the almost new bike into small pieces and then began to rebuild the thing completely and correctly.
    Over the last few years I have converted to honda, and despite the dramatic increase in build quality (from ducati), i still undergo the rebuild procees as a form of habit.
    We are fortunate to spend most of our riding time at over 100 mph here on Gods' Island....so i'm afraid the lesser the odds, the better.
    cheers, d
     
  8. tubeguy

    tubeguy Formula 3

    May 21, 2003
    1,041
    Upland California
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    Kevin Deal
    I was looking for the same thing. A bike that has "pop", but not an extreme riding position. I like the Ducati, though the Monster is "OK" looking...not 100% to my tasting.

    I bought an MV Agusta Brutale S. You ride one once and you will be hooked. I have ridden since I was a kid, and owned some nifty stuff...this is the ****.

    It redlines at 13k rpm. The design and apparent build quality and finish is beyond reproach. It's Italian (which means it may break anyway). Ducati owners gather to look at it at cafes.

    Downside? Not for tall guys. Short bike...good for those under 6 feet. Same with the Buell.

    My picture does not do it justice. You have to see one. Retail is $13900
    Click the link.

    http://www.mvagustausa.com/web-mvagusta/BrutaleS.html
     
  9. tubeguy

    tubeguy Formula 3

    May 21, 2003
    1,041
    Upland California
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    Kevin Deal
  10. wfo900

    wfo900 Formula Junior

    Aug 19, 2003
    530
    Annapolis
    Full Name:
    Rich C
    Horsefeathers! I have had a 900 Monster since 1994. It gets ridden hard and maintained casually. It even lived outdoors for 2 years. In the entire time I have owned the only thing it has needed is tires and oil. One service a winter and you are good to go. Ducatis have come a very long way and the aircooled twins especially are very reliable. If you want one go for it!
     
  11. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
    3,470
    Montreal, Canada
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    Julien
    I'd be curious to know how the Monster compared to the Buells. I finally decided to get my bike license (been motocrossing for years though) and was looking at that category of bikes. Torquey, instinctive to ride and cool.
     
  12. tubeguy

    tubeguy Formula 3

    May 21, 2003
    1,041
    Upland California
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    Kevin Deal
    There was a great writeup comparing the Buell, Ducati, MV in a mag recently. Shoot...can't remember the name.

    The Buell has a seating position like the MV...and great if you are not a huge guy. It will have more grunt being a twin, but not wind out the way the MV does.

    Here is a Buell for ya...they have some deals out there I think

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2487590156&category=49985
     
  13. sjb509

    sjb509 Guest

    The Buell will vibrate so badly at idle that it actually will fatigue parts (like muffler brackets & motor mounts) and actually break parts of the bike. I test rode a 2004 XB12R and absolutely hated it. The Sportster motor is completely unsuitable for a sportbike. Too much weight, too much vibration, and way too much rotating inertia for fast gear changes. Test ride one, redline it in first and shift to second, feel how the massive spinning chunks of iron inside the engine have to now slow down to match the road speed in second gear. You'll feel a sudden surge of acceleration for an instant (even off-throttle) as these whirring bits feed their kinetic energy to the back wheel. Scary.

    The 2V Monsters are pretty reliable with only a few well-known weak points. The engine has been around nearly 25 years, they have most of the bugs worked out. The new dual-spark 1000 is a great engine for a bike like this if you don't want the complexity of water cooling. The 4V (desmoquattro) Monsters may have a few more problems such as poor quality chrome on the desmo valve rockers, along with the common electrical problems of all Ducatis. It seems random, though, so you may have 30,000 trouble-free miles. The new Monster S4R is the bike they should have built in the first place, but even the older Monsters still look and perform well.
     
  14. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
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    Dec 5, 2001
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    William Maxwell Hart
    #14 whart, Aug 25, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
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    Dec 5, 2001
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    #15 whart, Aug 25, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. tubeguy

    tubeguy Formula 3

    May 21, 2003
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    Upland California
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    Kevin Deal
  17. mrdigital

    mrdigital Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    515
    Nashville
    I had a 2001 750 monster and had no problems with it.
    I now have a 2002 s4 monster and love it.
    It has the 916 superbike motor which gives you
    plenty of torque & power.
    I like it better than the aprilias.
    Go to your dealer and take one for a spin.
     
  18. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
    3,470
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Julien
    Pretty neat. I like the concept.

    Great articles on the Buells. Love the looks ... but doesn't really sound like what I'm after for a first bike (light and agile) ... will have to test one. And no way I'm getting a Blast! LOL
     

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