ducati Monster series?

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.

 

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

 

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.......

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

 

Here's a "cafe racer" made from a Duc 916: The company's site is http://www.acmerocketbike.com/01roadsters.html
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Here are some inartful images of my 750 Monster:
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Here is a Cycle World review of the Monster, Buell, MV in PDF

http://www.mvagustausa.com/web-mvagusta/Media/CycleWorld/CW-12-03.pdf

From the MV website www.mvagusta.com

 

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.

 

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