So, i would most likely not try and repeat the monster, unless i could find one that was in as good condition as my one was. Always wanted a race bike(was going to be second bike), obviously 848 and 1098(both would be second hand) are on the list although i'd prefer the 1098 just for the dry clutch. The other option is a second hand MV Agusta F4. I've ridden one before, but not that informed about the MV world. 

Any thoughts?

I test rode an 848 last week. Obviously very different riding position to the monster and a different experience really. But that might be what your after. MV's are inline 4's so not the low end power of a 1098 I suspect.

Lets hope you get your monster back first.

for sure about the monster. Having a meeting with my stations boss tomorrow morning about some things.....

Reason for thinking in the direction of a race bike is more that i don't believe i can find another monster that has been looked after as well. Just can't replace the one i had....

Yeah I'd agree with that, finding another Monster like your own is always difficult when replacing a stolen one.
An MV is a pretty nice bike, they are quite well priced on the 2nd hand market.
I do know from other owners and one or two people on here entertaining the idea of an MV that parts are not cheap.
And we're not talking Ducati expensive we're talking even more than that.

Well if that's the story Matty, i think i may stick with Ducs. The secondhand market for MV's is cheap, but I would prefer to have a Duc anyway.

Yeah Melvin looked at swapping his about a year ago for a Brutale.
Then he looked at CF and others parts, he said his eyes were watering like he had just peeled a dozen onions.

ah, good things come to those with patience.....I lost a black Monster with 25,000k'ms on it and got another black monster, with bling and 25,000k's. same engine, same forks, same mileage, same price...and this one got to continue were the other one left off!

you never know!

we do know that the 992 engine is the best engine out there obviously, cause they keep getting nicked!!!!

OK, I'm going to add a SC1000 to the mix, preferably an 06 (and even more preferably, a Paul Smart)

The DS engine, more aggressive ergos, and a real bling machine.
Not without it's issues as stock (like most ducs) - needs new tyres and rims, a zard exhaust (as these are the most awesome aftermarket zorts for the SC's) and a brake upgrade, but (the smart) does come with o-o-ohlins and the engine you know and love....

Yep I'd agree with all of that.
I think an SC turns more heads than many.
We all know that when the Paul Smart comes out of Dock's garage it gets  everywhere it goes.
I know it's one bike I'd love to have parked in the garage.

yeah saw a nice sc1000 last Friday on the way to work - the guy was wearing an open face and had old school jacket - termis on the back, but nice bike!

so you guys saying something like this?

Ducati SC 1000 - Arrow full exhaust

like this!

Zards

and a nice techo write up as usual from mr brad black

http://www.bikeboy.org/sport1000zard.html

or if the SC is too rich and new, perhaps a 1000SS? Again, more agressive pos, same 1000DS engine

linky link

It's funny you guys have mentioned the Sc1000.  Last night i was surfing around and remembered the SC. When i purchased the monster, the other bike i was throwing around was one of these. After watching those Vids i think you almost have me sold. Especially loved the sound of the yellow one.

On another note: can you ever make a 1098 sound like an angry Duc? (like the yellow SC)

Not at low or idle rpm.
The 4V engine's only really sound good at 6thou+ IMO
Having run both types, the 2V engines always give me a woody when you hear them down low.
But the 4V engine sounds  when opened up.