Formalities-
Name- Dave
Location- Brisbane Queensland
Bike(s) (if any) Suzuki GS500 (don't laugh. we all have to start somewhere lol)
How long you've been riding- Just over a year now
Anything else you'd like to share
Joined here as I was interested in getting a Monster as my next bike. I have been lurking reading posts getting clued up on everything Monster related [thumbsup]
hi Dave,
My second bike was a GS550E (many years ago) and it stands out in my mind as one of the better bikes I've owned (well it was a million times better than the Honda 250N I had before it). You wont regret buying a Monster though. I have been riding for over 40 years, on many different bikes, and I can't believe how far I can lean a Monster over round the bends. It just wants to play all the time, great fun.
That's a nice Monster you got there Paulel. Red Monsters are lurvely. How do you find your 900? I am looking at getting either a 900ie or 1000ie.
Thanks Dave, I really like the red but wouldn't say no to black! I only have experience of the 900 so I can't compare it to others, all I can say is that I love it. I know we all love whatever we are currently riding but I can honestly say this is a great bike. It's not the fastest but it can hit 200 kph, which is more than fast enough on a naked bike. Speaking of naked, the wind protection from that small screen is amazing. I bought mine from an English guy and he brought it over to Calais for me so my first ride on it was the 500 kilometers from there to my home, no neck ache, no ass ache and no numbness from vibration. Mine is the S version and I would definitely recommend you go for that as it has Ohlins suspension. You should try and test ride a few but remember, Ducati's are very different to Jap 4s. You need to make sure you keep the revs up when taking sharp bends and roundabouts or the bike will 'bog down'. Some people change the sprockets but you get used to it by the second or third bend.
Hi Dave, I forgot to mention that the first thing I did when I got my bike was to change the worn tyres for some Michelin Pilot Road2 and they completely changed the feel of the bike. The ride was much smoother and cornering amazing. I can push the bike to my limit with a confidence I've never felt before.
Hi Dave, That's a lot of water you've got down there! You managing to stay dry?
Thanks Paul. Almost got wet here but survived unscathed.
Ended up getting a 1000ie. I notice what you mean about going around corners and roundabouts. I have to use 1st gear! It sounds nice, has DP Remus exhuast and a few other bits and bobs like a DP comfort seat and mirrors as well. So far very happy.
pix pix pix pix pix pix!!!!!!!!!!!!
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/IMG_0149.jpg?t=1295859007)
Picture was taken in PO's garage.
I had to put the original clutch cover back on as I am in a block of units. It is already loud enough with the pipes. Got some billet reservoir covers and frame sliders coming for it. Gonna try to do an oil,filter and plug change on her soon as she is near 30k kms. Was also advised to get the belts changed and valves checked by a mech. Trying to get a roadworthy certificate so I can transfer the rego to my name but a lot of the mechs here went under in the flood so I may have to travel to get one. She is definitely a head turner. I live up the road from a Honda dealer and when I transported the bike home I went there to use there delivery dock to get the bike off. All the sales guys were like "Ooooh a Ducati." Even more came out when I started it and gawked as I rode off on her. Gotta love it.
Oh and the bike already had the Michellin Pilot tyres on it already.
That's a nice bike! I'm surprised the open clutch cover makes so much more noise. I know this is sacrilege for a Ducati owner to say but I really don't like that rattily clutch sound, although I do like to open clutch look. I'm thinking of buying a EVR Anti-Clank Vented Pressure Plate when I can afford it. DEFINITELY get the belts and valves done if don't have proof they've been done. What about the ugly back end?!?!?!?!? Hope you get it it on the road soon and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Welcome Dave.
Glad to hear you're ok up there.
Nice bike. Looks like a good buy, with much of the gear on it already.
Cheers from tropical Melbourne!
Quote from: paulel on January 24, 2011, 03:53:09 AM
That's a nice bike! I'm surprised the open clutch cover makes so much more noise. I know this is sacrilege for a Ducati owner to say but I really don't like that rattily clutch sound, although I do like to open clutch look. I'm thinking of buying a EVR Anti-Clank Vented Pressure Plate when I can afford it. DEFINITELY get the belts and valves done if don't have proof they've been done. What about the ugly back end?!?!?!?!? Hope you get it it on the road soon and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Yeh have to keep the rear end on to keep it legal. Will not pass a roadworthy without one. I don't mind it actually as I chopped the fender on my previous bike and didn't realize how much spray they stop. My bike is usually a mess if the roads are wet after a ride. And as for the clutch cover it is way louder open. Cheers for the advice and happy riding.
Quote from: koko64 on January 24, 2011, 01:06:40 PM
Welcome Dave.
Glad to hear you're ok up there.
Nice bike. Looks like a good buy, with much of the gear on it already.
Cheers from tropical Melbourne!
Thanks Koko.
Happy Australian Day to you and all Australians!