New Member - Which Monster?

[Eillo]

Hi Everyone,

I've Been a bit of a lurker on this site (and the old board) for quite a while now. I've been riding dirt Bikes since I was a young tacker and have been riding a on the road for a while now (VTR250 - mini jap Monster).I 'm almost off my restrictions and now looking to step up to larger bike.

I fell in love/lust with Monsters after a visit to Bologna a couple of years ago and they were the whole reason I decided to get my road licence.

I 'm looking to buy second hand, I'm thinking a S2R 800 looks the goods but I havn't quite got my head around all the various model incarnations and the Pros and Cons of each, has anyone got a link or info on what the all the various models have been over the years when they switched to Fuel Injection etc etc.

Thanks

[techno]

Welcome.

Sounds like a S2R800 would be a good choice for you. I've got one and love it.

Not sure whether anyone has collated the info your looking for. You might just have to keep reading the forums and pick it up.

[Betty]

You could try something like this:

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/service/archive.jhtml

Doesn't have every year ... will generally be FI on that list (back to 2001) but I think only the biggies were FI then?? The littler Monsters went FI in 2002 I think.

If you are looking at a S2R800 it will be FI. Can't say I have had any problems with mine, apparently the 800 engine had been around a while before the S2R came into being ... but it does have the little kiddy brakes (2 piston calipers).

S'pose it would be a nice step up and the wet APTC (clutch) would be more user friendly than those noise dry clutches. It is my first bike, you may even feel comfortable on something bigger if that is your preference.

[Dannog]

My first monster was a M900ie which came out in 2000. It was the first of the FI Monsters. The M900 was available with FI in 00 to 01, S2R and S4R came out until 02. I loved my M900ie, it was the first bike I purchased when I got my unrestricted licence. It was the best monster of the time and had awesome power take up and brakes. I commutted on it every day for 4 years putting on 15,000km/yr. You'll also likely get one with Termi pipes and mods that the owners have done.

The best thing is that you'll pick up a 900ie for around $8.5K with low Km's. They're a lot cheaper than an S2R800.

Regardles the trick is to look for bikes that haven't had too many owners, full service history and been garaged. You can tell this by looking at the motor air cool fins, triple claps and any other alloy parts. If they're pitted, splotchy or generally look weathered then the bikes not been loved as much as it should have.

Your best bet is to get out there and ride some monsters!
Check out these links:
http://bikepoint.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=2985069&TabID=3424
http://bikesales.com.au/as/search/s.do?currentPage=1&page=0&selectedMakeIndex=25&selectedModelIndex=62&minPrice=&maxPrice=&makeID=21&modelID=382&keywords=&state=&x=55&y=15&categoryID=&minReleaseYear=&maxReleaseYear=&minKilometres=&maxKilometres=&minEngineSize=&maxEngineSize=&numCylinders=&transmissionID=

[goldFiSh]

If you are looking at a S2R800 it will be FI. Can't say I have had any problems with mine, apparently the 800 engine had been around a while before the S2R came into being ... but it does have the little kiddy brakes (2 piston calipers).

S'pose it would be a nice step up and the wet APTC (clutch) would be more user friendly than those noise dry clutches. It is my first bike, you may even feel comfortable on something bigger if that is your preference.

Yeah I've had two M800's the same engine as the S2R but classic monster dual swingarm...

from memory 2003 was the year they changed from
600 - 750 - 900 in the 2V to
620 - 800 - 1000.

FI is more a grey area - there were "early" FI bikes in the M750 and M900 (as dannog has said)
These were earlier ECU's, no immobiliser etc

The 03 and 04 620 and 800 had goldline brakes, but cheap suspension
There are "s" variants which early only change the swingarm from steel to aluminium.

Basically these are very good bikes to learn roadcraft on - wet clutches, enough power but not too much, OK suspension (esp if you're more the size of an average Italian than me!) and very good brakes.

No dry clutch, so no bling, integrated coffin style masters with non adjustable levers (which can be changed)

In 05, the 620 got the cheaper brakes, and the S2R was released to replace the M800.

someone should write a FAQ (again!)

hope this helps!

[Betty]

from memory 2003 was the year they changed from
600 - 750 - 900 in the 2V to
620 - 800 - 1000.

Jukie is a 2002 620ie, so close.

[Eillo]

Wow..sounds like there is quite a few more models and model variations within the Monster ranks than I realised 

jedit : just found this link which answers some of my questions

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Ducati/M696/Lineage.htm

[heatherp]

Wow..sounds like there is quite a few more models and model variations within the Monster ranks than I realised 

jedit : just found this link which answers some of my questions

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Ducati/M696/Lineage.htm

Good find Eillo and welcome to the madhouse.

I have a 2005 1000s DS.  I get totally confused with the diversity of monsters -  no blonde female quips allowed!  It would be really helpful if someone did catalogue all monster models.

And of course I think mine is the best just like everyone else thinks their bike is  the best.  All you can really do is testride whatever you can and make up your own mind.  Budget and body size will also help determine what you will end up with.

Good luck with the shopping.

[nuggethead]

Hi heatherp,

If you want to know more about the workings of a Duc try this site:

http://www.ducatisuite.com/home.html

Nugget Head

[heatherp]

Thanks  Nugget Head looks like a good site.   Lots to read tho.  Will take some wading through. 

[nuggethead]

Heatherp

Yeh lots to read mate but it helps to be in the know when owning a Duc.

I love my M620ie (2003) and ride everyday. This i now understand requires a lot more maintenence and care than your weekend bike. Unlike Jap bikes Ducs are more expensive to maintain but I am keen to learn the hows and whys of it all - very time consuming.

I am f?*en pissed off. My baby has been knocked over twice in the last month by my housemates in thier 4WD. What? and they give me a case of beer and an apology - Jesus!

Damaged tank - dent , leaking fuel (hair line fracture on mounting hinge), broken brace clip, busted side panel and shatterd pride in my Bike.

Riding around at the moment with a limp.

Why I mention you may ask.? Well  $4000 for a new tank. Off course repair is the prefered option but I had no freakin idea I would be up for that - this is pretty standard across all ducati parts and accessories range.

The short story is be prepared to spend a little more when owning a Duc. Apart from my little rant I have enjoyed every second and kilometer on my baby and I would not hesitate in buying another.

The guys/gals on this forum are great. Honest and reliable sources of all types of info regarding the Monsters.

Good luck Champ!

[nuggethead]

Ah? This was the page I was to post initially... Happy reading

http://www.ducatisuite.com/needtoknow.html


Nugget Head.

[heatherp]

  Good post Nugget Head.

Yes you will get lots of help from the people on this forum both local and from our US cousins.

BTW I think you should get new housemates.  The current ones seem like regular spoonheads. 

Cheers
H

[DosVerde]

I am f?*en pissed off. My baby has been knocked over twice in the last month by my housemates in thier 4WD. What? and they give me a case of beer and an apology - Jesus!

Are non of you insured? I'd make them pay, then maybe find new housemates..... dam 4WD'ers (runs and ducks for cover.....)

Hey Eillo, another way of doing research on the various models of monsters is looking at web sites like bikepoint, bikesales and redbook. They will list all models and you'll get familiar with them.

[Jukie]

welcome Eillo