Ducati Monster Forum

There's a guy in my apartment complex that has 3 bikes. I see him come out and turn them all on at the same time and just sit in the parking lot with them. I asked him what he does with them all and he said he used them all daily and evenly but I've never seen any of them move.  [roll]

I don't have the money now but I've been thinking about what I would want a second bike for. I'm on a maintenance streak with my old monster so I'm starting to worry a bit if he's gonna give out on me. I'm also wishing I had a 2nd bike for when the monster goes down but I'm not sure what I would use it for other than as a backup. I'd like to keep using the monster as my daily but I can't ride it in heavy rain (engine floods  [roll]) so I'd also use a secondary bike for winter/ rain riding.

So what are your other bikes used for? I guess dirt would land in the other category but I'm mostly looking at street legal bikes.

My second is a DRZ 400  [evil]

Lets go with the tagged bikes in my garage:

`06 Monster -- whenever, where-ever.
`72 R5 -- vintage two stroke. you can't really say no to that.
`74 MT125 -- vintage two stroke, learning bike for the girlfriend and any friends who want to ride
`76 GL1000 Goldwing -- grocery getter. work hog.

This doesn't include the dirtbikes. And guess what -- I'm always looking for something else. I'd like a more daily driver than the monster that is more reliable than the goldwing. Thinking maybe a VFR or something. If the GF gets ready to step up onto the street maybe a Ninja 250, or a SV or something. Ninja 250 I could race... hmmm. I don't have a big nasty cruiser, but that could always change.

I can never have enough bikes. And I really stopped needing a justification, or purpose (as my girlfriend calls it). I just get them when I want / afford them. Hey, she has more shoes than days of the week -- my thing is bikes.

I'd like to get another ST that doesnt have short maintance cycles like my ST4s. Something like a clean low mileage BMW RT would be perfect for the moto marshalling of bicycle races that I do. Then I could sell the ST4s and get a 1098.

Get a dual-sport, either a DRZ-400S w/ a back up set of street rims for hooligan action when need be or find a nice DR650 or XR650L for adventure duties etc.

JM

The MTS is my primary bike...the 848 is my second bike.

It is primarily a track toy for me, but either my wife or I ride it on nice days also. I planned on riding it more on the street, but it sucks in most public road situations compared to the MTS.  :-\

Monster is for the street, 996 is for the track. Hurricane is for fun.

I've been itching to get me a ST3 or some other sport tourer, and also a 600 for the track.... Aaargh.

I try to use my two bike evenly.  Doesn't really work out that way.

I ride the ST about 70% of the time and the 749 the other 30%.

This will change when the 749 starts going to the track next summer.   [evil]

i have 2 bikes and use them exclusively. generally this is because when one is working the other breaks. [bang]


i love the dualsport(xr650l) for when it snows or rains, but it's not great for distance or even commuting in the cold. the stator doesn't put out enough juice to keep my gear heated and the abttery charged so i am constantly trying to find the fine line between warm enough and killing the battery. however, it will run with a dead battery so i won't be completely stranded unless i shut off the bike.


i would liekt o get a sport tourer (sprint st is the main one right now)

I wouldn't mind having a big Beemer, use as a ADV/touring bike, and a full on dirt bike again... I miss being able to jump, on the Monster there is only one place I can do that on my commute.

Quote from: WannaDucBad on October 06, 2008, 12:01:41 PM
I miss being able to jump, on the Monster there is only one place I can do that on my commute.

You just aren't trying hard enough. [evil]

Dodge Tomahawk [evil]

My second is a BMW F650 which I purchase to do gravel road/tarmac/MC camping.  It has turned out to be a fine commuter as well.  It saves wear and tear on the monster and gets about 50 mpg.  Riding her is about as thrilling as a kiss from your sister, but I do enjoy her on gravel.   

Quote from: akmnstr on October 06, 2008, 12:40:41 PM
My second is a BMW F650 which I purchase to do gravel road/tarmac/MC camping.  It has turn out to be a fine commuter as well.  It saves wear and tear on the monster and gets about 50 mpg.  Riding her is about as thrilling as a kiss from your sister, but I do enjoy her on gravel.   

i disagree. i had more fun kissing my sister. :-*

my second (and 3rd) are ongoing project bikes....

1977 CB750 which is (slowly) being turned into a cafe racer
1970 Trail 90... basketcase that i have all but given up on

Long time Yamaha rider.  The FJR was missing something around town.  Bought the Monster for the work commute and <200 mile jaunts.  Still go back to the FJR for foul weather and touring, but for short trip grins and giggles, the Monster has it in spades.

The SRX6, well if I have to explain it......

The old DT 250, I am the second owner, what can I say.  All the other stuff just sorta happened.  It's time to offload a couple and generate some space for something "different".

No, the SRX is NOT for sale, she's a keeper.

Quote from: akmnstr on October 06, 2008, 12:40:41 PM
  Riding her is about as thrilling as a kiss from your sister 

Nice way to find out who's kissing your sister. [cheeky]

Well, I´m doing a bit of spring cleaning in the garage so after mid October it will have something else inside  ;D..

At the moment the 749 is for track days and the occasional race, GSXR750.. I don´t know why I still have it, I just like old bikes, Vespa 160GT to make my shed look nice
and the GS1200ADV for commuting, weekend rides, carrying refrigerators, towing cars etc.  8)

No 'Scooter' category?

We have a Vino 125, and it's a perfect grocery getter / errand runner.  

The next bike will be a dual-sport or SuperMoto...   [evil]   [thumbsup]

Quote from: KnightofNi on October 06, 2008, 12:47:21 PM
i disagree. i had more fun kissing my sister. :-*

Pics of sister, please.  ;D

My vote is SuperMoto also. That's what I'm getting next.  [thumbsup]

I had the Monster first and use it as my commuter, daily driver, etc. It's great on gas and has been a lot of fun to modify.

The Supersport just sort of fell into my lap. It belonged to someone I knew and the price was right. I've always liked the design and the Hunter S. Thompson article fueled the desire to own one, so I pulled the trigger and bought it.

I still commute on the Monster since I don't want to leave the SS sitting in the corporate parking lot. It's made it 13 years without a scratch and I would really cry if anything happened to it, so I ride it on weekends.

I want to get an MTS or ST as a touring bike though since neither machine is especially pleasant to think about going out of state for the weekend on.

QuotePics of sister, please.

:-* :-*

To be honest, I never had a sister.  But if I was kissing this particular sister in question, I might of had more fun too.

Pics are definitely needed here [popcorn] [popcorn]

 

Quote from: Speedbag on October 06, 2008, 03:13:36 PM
Pics of sister, please.  ;D

My vote is SuperMoto also. That's what I'm getting next.  [thumbsup]

urban assault vehicle!

My second bike is a R1 used for the track only [thumbsup]

My second bike is an 03 Triumph Daytona 955i. Nice smooth, even powerband. The torque curve must be flat as Kansas

I have a friend with a Daytona 955i.  He loves it took, it's got some serious mileage as well ~

JM

Don't have a 2nd at this point but when money permits I'm planning on a sport touring to make it easier to get away for the weekend w/ the girlfriend and not have to use a backpack or large tank bag.

Quote from: FatguyRacer on October 06, 2008, 07:47:06 AM
I'd like to get another ST that doesnt have short maintance cycles like my ST4s. Something like a clean low mileage BMW RT would be perfect for the moto marshalling of bicycle races that I do. Then I could sell the ST4s and get a 1098.

BMW maintenance intervals are 6k too. Just a lot cheaper than Ducati 6k & 12k services.

Quote from: akmnstr on October 06, 2008, 12:40:41 PM
My second is a BMW F650 which I purchase to do gravel road/tarmac/MC camping.  It has turned out to be a fine commuter as well.  It saves wear and tear on the monster and gets about 50 mpg.  Riding her is about as thrilling as a kiss from your sister, but I do enjoy her on gravel.   

The new F650 is a lot more fun than the old one. More like kissing your hot cousin.  [laugh]

Quote from: ducatania on October 07, 2008, 08:51:30 AM
The new F650 is a lot more fun than the old one. More like kissing your hot cousin.  [laugh]

[clap] [clap]
I'd upgrade the F650 to the new 800gs if I had no money limitations.  That could be like kissing
... (I'll have to think about this one) :-* :-* :-*

I'm up to 4 bikes.  It's stupid. 


I've got the M750 which is the tourer
I've got the M900 which is the poser
I've got the Indiana which is a freak but handles so well
I've got a baby Ninja that I bought because it was cheap and they're fun.
I still want a dual sport/motard. 

I have two bikes.
The monster and the KTM (supermoto).

Loads of fun, and sometimes it's hard to make a decision of which bike to ride. But when one of them is down for whatever reason (mechanical, etc...) there's always a backup. :D

Just got the 2nd bike, an '86 Yamaha FZ600 that will be rebuilt over the winter as a track only bike.
I had wanted the second to be a dualsport but this came along for practically nothing.

Quote from: lethe on October 07, 2008, 04:28:34 PM
Just got the 2nd bike, an '86 Yamaha FZ600 that will be rebuilt over the winter as a track only bike.
I had wanted the second to be a dualsport but this came along for practically nothing.

you can throw some knobbies on it and see what happens. ;D

Bike for the track, bike for the street, and I probably need a bike for touring... cause the 848 is not very comfy for a passenger.  ;D

Dual sport sounds like it could be fun but then I gotta buy a new set of gear for riding in the dirt (if I ever make my way to the dirt).  [roll] How much do dual sports run? I'd kinda wanted the next bike to be new (my first "large" purchase w/ my own money... I still haven't paid my parents back for the monster yet  [roll])

Quote from: erkishhorde on October 08, 2008, 06:01:40 PM
Dual sport sounds like it could be fun but then I gotta buy a new set of gear for riding in the dirt (if I ever make my way to the dirt).  [roll] How much do dual sports run? I'd kinda wanted the next bike to be new (my first "large" purchase w/ my own money... I still haven't paid my parents back for the monster yet  [roll])

The answer is, it depends?  A BMW 1200GS Adventure is in the price range of a 1098S.  But a Kaw KLR or Suzuki DR650 or DRZ400 will cost you 5K and change.  Since you already have a street bike, a smaller single cylinder bike might be what you need.  A 650 single will take you on adventures on local fire roads or take you all the way to Alaska where you can drop in and see Sarah (not Palin) and me [cheeky] [clap].  There is gear specific for dual sport riding but your road gear would do ya for a while.  I find covering my leathers with mud to be a minor problem, so I prefer textile gear.  Your helmet should be fine.  Road boots will work for you until you get aggressive. 

So... on the dual sport types how's seat height? I've noticed they usually have higher seat heights. Are the suspensions softer so a shorty can still touch the floor?

Quote from: erkishhorde on October 09, 2008, 03:04:54 PM
So... on the dual sport types how's seat height? I've noticed they usually have higher seat heights. Are the suspensions softer so a shorty can still touch the floor?

Well, I can flat foot my monster, barely.

If my KTM is any indicator (of similar dual sports), the suspension does sag quite a bit but not as much as a dual sport. However, the seat height is at 35.8", my inseam is 30". Umm... At first I was a little apprehensive, but after sitting on it and being able to tip toe both sides, I felt better. But I have to slide off the saddle to get on foot on so I can have the ball of my foot on the ground. You'll get used to it.

Quote from: erkishhorde on October 09, 2008, 03:04:54 PM
So... on the dual sport types how's seat height? I've noticed they usually have higher seat heights. Are the suspensions softer so a shorty can still touch the floor?

Again the answer is, it depends.  Bikes like the KTM Adventurer and BMW GS1200 Adventure are tall enough to give you a nose bleed.  BMW has made lowered versions of their 650 singles.  My wife, who is 5'4" has a Suzuki DR650.  It can be lowered easily by following factory instructions and then lowered further by purchasing an aftermarket (or suzuki gel) seat.  You can also purchase lowering links for KLRs.  The Yamaha 250 dual sport comes quite low.  When you read the spec sheets on these bikes you also need to keep in mind that the static sag is greater than for street bikes.  My wife's DR has a seat height of about 32" and she could never ride such a tall street bike.  As you said, it has to do with softer suspensions and longer suspension travel. 

the seat height on my XR is 37"  :o my inseam in 36" and with the sag i can flat foot it easily. the suspension is really soft too.

you can buy lowering links for it and shorter saddles too.

one of the guys i ride with is about leprachaun height and rides a drz400. he has to mount by stepping on the peg and swinging a leg over (kinda like getting on a horse). at stop lights he tiptoes. i don't think i have ever seen him get off without using the curb  [laugh]
another guy who is about the same height as him has a drz and lowered it and softneed up the suspension a lot. i rode it and it felt like it sank 6 inches when i sat on it.

IIRC, a DRZ400S is 33 or 34 inches, a DRZ400SM is 31.5 or something like that.  The Yamaha 250 dualsport/SM looks even taller than the DRZ.  The 650 dualsports are actually a bit lower ~

JM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 10, 2008, 07:21:21 AM
IIRC, a DRZ400S is 33 or 34 inches, a DRZ400SM is 31.5 or something like that.  The Yamaha 250 dualsport/SM looks even taller than the DRZ.  The 650 dualsports are actually a bit lower ~

JM

hmmm, maybe the ones i have seen were lowered, but the yamahas don't look that high to me.

i thought the 650 and the 400 were the same height. DOH!
time to look up numbers

I've got three. It really doesn't make any sense to keep them all, but I can't bring myself to sell any. Makes for a nice atmosphere out in the shed, though.