Hi from Portland

[ttime4four]

Hi just wanted to introduce myself as I'm in the market for a Ducati and seriously looking at Monsters:

Name:  John Z
Location:  Portland Oregon
Bikes History:  Yamaha Radian, Suzuki GS550, Harley 1200 Sport [all sold]

I'm 5'10" - 220lbs and since I'm new to the L-Twin riding of a Ducati, I don't know what size to get -- 620, 750, S2R1K, S4R, etc...

Assuming they all have similar handling characteristics and riding position - should I stay away from the smaller displacement versions?  I looked at a S2R1K with a full Termi setup and it looked and sounded awsome.  There is another Monster S2R800 in my state and with Quat-D Ex-Box exhaust that just looks sick.

As I'm new to all this, I think it is safe to say - I can mod any Monster to fit me, but is there anything about the basic powerplant and year differences that I need to pay attention to?  I'm really only going to consider newer bikes with few miles.

Thanks,
~John

[JBubble]

Welcome! Come say hi in our local Northwest section here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=27.0

I don't have any suggestions for you as far as finding the right bike but an S2R 1000 with a full Termi setup would be my dream bike. 

[somegirl]

Welcome John, and good luck with your bike search.

Hmmm, that S2R1000 does sound good to me.   However, what kind of riding are you planning to do?  What are you looking for compared to your previous bikes?

You will probably get a lot more suggestions if you post up your questions in the General Monster Forum.

[ttime4four]

I'm looking for a loud bike - thus the Ducati.  I liked that about my Harley, but not so much about the riding postion / comfort with forward controls.  My other bikes - the Yamaha was kinda like a monster - sport bike without the fairing.  I liked that bike a lot, but it was underpowered.  A good "starter bike" for me.  The Suzuki was just college transportation. 

Riding - well - most likely 60% twisty roads around Portland [probably with the MotoCorsa crowd], 20% commuting to work [15 miles] on the best days and 20% trackdays at Portland International Raceway.

[GAAN]

welcome

If you can afford it go ahead with the 1000

[somegirl]

I agree, I think you would really enjoy that S2R1000.

[BumbleB]

I agree, I think you would really enjoy that S2R1000.

+1!

[ttime4four]

Test rode the S2R1000 yesterday - wow, what a kick.  I've never ridden a bike with so much torque.  Almost scary as it hits so hard.  I also role a Hyper S which was a lot of fun (nimble / easier to ride) but the power didn't come on as fast (which is probably a good thing).  [moto]

I really like the look of the S2R, but like the ride of the Hyper better -- ugh the dilemma!  The dealer won't budge much on the price so I may not go with the S2R. 

Next I'm going to look at a 2006 S4R with 6K miles - and all the right mods.

[somegirl]

 

[GAAN]

I'm a closet S4R fan

radiator and all

good luck on your decision

[Funs]

Hello John,

How did you like the Yamaha Radian?
I still have one from 1986 and it is running very well.
When its bad weather I use it to go to work.
It never let me down.
And when its not raining I use The Duc.

With regards,
                   Funs

[numbskull]

Hi John,

I highly recommend the S2R1K, but I'm biased since I have the same one. I wouldn't bother with the S2R800 only because of it's lack of suspension for your weight. You can make changes obviously, just need to open your wallet. What year is the S2R1000 you rode? Keep this in mind: model year 2007 and newer bikes have their maintenance schedules stretched out so you will save some $$. Also, the air-cooled Monsters are a little simpler to maintain than the 4 valve water-cooled S4R. Just my 2 cents.