Buying a Ducati very soon and I have many questions..

[JTO112]

Well, first I guess a hello is in order. First post here. Anyways, I have been wanting a motorcycle since I was like 12 years old and am about to turn 21, I had decided not to buy a motorcycle due to the dangers involved and some people I know being seriously injured.

BUT, then I saw one of the newer Ducati monsters at a car dealership the other day and I am feeling the pressure. I actually had a dream last night about a Ducati.. that can't be right can it?

Right now I am looking at a 2009 Monster 696 with like 200 miles on it and I have a ton of questions before I take a plunge into debt.

1) I rode dirt bikes a little bit when I was younger. I had a CR250 2 stroke for a year or so. Is the 696 too big of a bike to start with? It's really the first bike that I have gone "Wow... that bike is sexier than sex" I really do not want to get something else to start with haha.

2) I do not own a car right now(yes i drive my parents car) and live in Colorado(in the mountains of course) so I will of course have to buy some $500 junker for the winter, but is it bad to use a Monster as a daily commuter? I work nights from 10pm to 7am about 20 miles away and I go to school 3 days a week during the evenings and that's about 18 miles away. I would LOVE to drive it as my daily driver but just wonder if this is a bad idea. If it is can you give me some reasons?

3) What does a street bike require to maintain? I would like to do things myself, such as oil changes and whatever else it needs. Are there guides on this stuff somewhere? All I really know about is oil changes.. but I have heard the word valve a lot what's that all about? lol

4) I want a pair of Mivv Suono exhausts super bad.. If you don't know what I am refering to check out
Ducati Monster 696 Mivv Suono
My question is does anyone know a place to get these in America besides the store that says they are available in NJ or on Ebay. I don't trust ebay and I am not driving from Colorado to NJ lol. And when you order these for a 696 for $1070 or whatever for carbon fiber ones will it come with two or do I need to order it twice? Cuz $2000+ seems spendy for a pair of slip on exhausts. Also, DB killers. Are they easy to remove and put back in by yourself?

5) How dangerous is riding really? I know it is a lot more dangerous than driving a car and all but how dangerous is it really? I want to ride.. but I would prefer not to die haha.

Well thanks for the answers everyone. Ill upload a pic of the bike I think I am going to buy below. Cheers  



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[bikepilot]

1.  The 696 is a really easy to ride bike.  Don't be a complete idiot and you'll do fine on it.  Do make sure to do as much training as you can.  a MSF-type course at the least and ideally an advanced rider course after that.

2.  No problem daily commuting.  I've been commuting on a sporty-bike of some sort for the past decade.  Good fun, I recomend it.  Colorado is my favorite state in the US for riding!

3.  Most street bikes need an oil change every 3k miles, chain lube every once in a while (rarely if ridden in good weather, frequently if ridden in the rain a lot), air filter maybe every 15-20k miles (depends on how dusty your area is) and tires anywhere from 1k-20k depending on what sort of rubber you run and your specific riding style/conditions etc.  Most bikes also have scheduled valve clearance inspection periods.  On most bikes this is in the 16-26k mile range (and that's conservative, most street bikes you could go 100k and not have to touch the valves).

Note this is just inspection - pretty easy in most cases.  If they need adjusting (rare in my experience on most bikes), its more work.  Now on a ducati things are a bit more involved.  Plan on timing belts every 2 years and valve inspections (and often adjustments) ever 7k miles or so.  Also, the valve adjustment is way more involved on a ducati than most any other 4-stroke I can think of.  Its not terrible, just a lot more involved than everything else.  If you do your own work its just the occasional Saturday and a moderate amount of $$ in parts ($80 for belts, a full kit to do all you might wanna do with the valves and have all sizes on hand so you don't have downtime is about $450, but that'll last forever).

Stock chain and sprockets are usually good for about 20k miles if well maintained, quality aftermarket stuff is good for 40k + miles.

Then there's other stuff that's no different from a car - bleed the brakes from time to time, change the plugs occasionally - that sort of thing.

So bottom line, if you will be doing big miles on any bike, you've got a bit more work than a car to keep it going.  On a ducati you've got a bit more work than most bikes to keep them going.  They are an awesome bike to ride though and worth the extra hassle in most cases.  Only caviate would be if you are on a semi-tight budget, expect to rack up huge miles and will be paying a dealer for  your servicing.  Then a lower-maintenance Japanese bike like a Kawasaki ER6n/Ninija 650R/Versys or Suzuki SV650 or Gladius will save you a bunch of cash and are still a blast to ride.

Have fun!


PS, protective gear is really critical on the street.  Budget for boots, pants, jacket, gloves and a good lid 

[JTO112]

Neat, thanks for the quick answer that helps a lot. And I am on a fairly tight budget and actually plan to finance a good chunk of the bike, but I feel like if I buy ANY bike besides a Ducati I will regret it later. So I might as well go big and get the 696 I guess haha.

[Slide Panda]

1) I rode dirt bikes a little bit when I was younger. I had a CR250 2 stroke for a year or so. Is the 696 too big of a bike to start with? It's really the first bike that I have gone "Wow... that bike is sexier than sex" I really do not want to get something else to start with haha.

A 250 2-smoker is pretty powerful. While a 696 has got more, it does have more mass. If you're smart about it, I'd say no it's not to big. But I've got some other thoughts on getting started below.

2) I do not own a car right now(yes i drive my parents car) and live in Colorado(in the mountains of course) so I will of course have to buy some $500 junker for the winter, but is it bad to use a Monster as a daily commuter? I work nights from 10pm to 7am about 20 miles away and I go to school 3 days a week during the evenings and that's about 18 miles away. I would LOVE to drive it as my daily driver but just wonder if this is a bad idea. If it is can you give me some reasons?

It's fine as a commuter, but that's not the primary design decision for Ducs. There's plenty of bikes that would make better pure commuters. But it'd commute fine.

3) What does a street bike require to maintain? I would like to do things myself, such as oil changes and whatever else it needs. Are there guides on this stuff somewhere? All I really know about is oil changes.. but I have heard the word valve a lot what's that all about? lol

All bikes are more needy than a car. Pilot hit the big points. Remember a set of tires will run $3-400 for a set. Of course there's quite a possible range. Also there's lots of different tires that will last longer. Generally, it's a trade between life and stickyness of the tires - but most modern tires abilty to stick, even in the more endurance minded ones exceed most mortals ability to ride.

For chain lube - I love love love Dupont multi use spray teflon. It's $5 at the hardware store, works amazingly well and stays where it's put.

As noted, Ducati valves need to be checked on more often than something like a Japanese inline 4. IF you take it to a shop, expect $2-300 for it. If you do the work, and theve valves are in spec it's only about $20 and your time. But, it does take sufficient mechanical skills for the DIY.

4) I want a pair of Mivv Suono exhausts super bad.. If you don't know what I am refering to check out
My question is does anyone know a place to get these in America besides the store that says they are available in NJ or on Ebay. I don't trust ebay and I am not driving from Colorado to NJ lol. And when you order these for a 696 for $1070 or whatever for carbon fiber ones will it come with two or do I need to order it twice? Cuz $2000+ seems spendy for a pair of slip on exhausts. Also, DB killers. Are they easy to remove and put back in by yourself?

Pjsparts.com, motowheels.com and probably a few others.
And that price should be for a set.
DB killers should be pretty easy to remove. They might have a rivet that would need to be drilled, but that's usually an easy job.

5) How dangerous is riding really? I know it is a lot more dangerous than driving a car and all but how dangerous is it really? I want to ride.. but I would prefer not to die haha.

Well this varies a lot.. but mroe than a car. Car's don't see you as much, so you have to deal with that. But the majority of bike accidents are single vehicle - meaning it was the rider who did it to themselves. If you take it easy, build your skills, read, take classes and ride mindfully you can go a long way without accident.

To that end and with your budget comment in mind I've a suggestion. I know it's no duc, but have a look at a used SV650. You should be able to find one in good shape, for a fraction of the cost of the 696. They are good, solid bikes, near impossible to kill and you'll be albe to sell it in a year for what, or near what you paid.

Going that route saves you money, saves you heart ache if you drop the SV (and dropping your first bike isn't uncommon) and lets you cut your teeth on something that close to, but not as spunky as that Monster.

After your learner year, sell off the SV and look towards a 796 or even an 1100. Though again I'd say look at used. All my bikes have been used and all been good values. Yeah they didn't have the new bike smell - but I saved a shit ton of money.

And as pilot mentioned - safety gear is important. I know CO is a no helmet law state (used to live in the mountains) but don't get suckered. If nothing else, ride a helmet. But I and you find this is a ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) group. Though it'll take some inital outlay, leather is way cheaper than skin grafts. We've a gear section and folks can help you find good stuff, on a tight budget.

And don't forget to call an insurance company and get a notion of that cost. You'll find that won't be an inconsequential cost. And I bet you'll find a marked price different between rates on a new 696 and a SV650 with a few years on it.

So if you've got more questons - obviously we're looking in here, but avail yourself of the other board sections. There's plenty of helpful folks here.

[bikepilot]

I'll second the SV.  Ducatis are wonderful, but they aren't a magical leap ahead of most other stuff.  The SV is also a 90 deg twin and the sound and feel of the motor is very similar.  The SV lacks the Italian styling to be sure, but riding them back to back I'd be surprised if you found the 696 a dramatic improvement over the 696 - the SV might even make a couple more HP.  The Suzuki Gladius looks just a little bit like a 696 and is basically an SV650 (same motor, different frame, but same basic idea).  If you wanna impress your friends, especially those causally aware of bikes, but not really into them the ducati name has a whole lot more gravitas.    

All that said when my wife wanted a 650-ish street bike I got her a Monster 'cause its prettier than the others and I think she digs the extra attention it draws.  Also, i kinda wanted a desmo to play with in the garage 

As for danger, yep way more than a car and I think more than off road riding, but still manageable.  Wear all the quality protective gear, get good training, build your skills in safe environments (training, track days) and don't be too stupid on the street and your chances of survival are really pretty good 

One more thing that just occurred to me - I haven't ridden a 696 at CO-altitude, but I'd imagine they are a bit lethargic there.  It really saps the power and the 620/695/696 isn't a fast bike to start with.  As a rough guess a 796 in the front range is probably making about the same power as a 696 at sea level. (for example, my CR250R in the front range feels like a KTM200 does in VA).  If you wanted a 796 I don't think you'd be in over your head with one at all, esp in co.

[JTO112]

The SV650 looks good but I have just really had my mind set on a Ducati. And I will NEVER be stunt riding or anything, doubt ill ever even try a wheelie lol, so I am not too worried about laying it down.. Just cruising around the canyons and going to school/work. Stunt riding looks like a recipe for disaster in my opinion lol. I decided today that I am going to wait until around July to make a purchase decision though. I could save more money up by then so I won't have finance as much of the bike, and right now I am really running on impulse and that usually leads to hurt wallets haha.

Also, what are track days? And what is a squid? I heard someone yell at the top of his lungs and call another biker driving through downtown a squid.

And yeah the elevation could mess with the bike but I am really not looking for a racing bike or anything so it shouldnt bother me too much. I would consider a 796 if i can find one for a decent price used. The 696 I found is only $6000 with 200 miles on it. I also drove a friend's Honda CBR600 last year and honestly I thought I was going to die lol. I would hit the throttle a little too hard and be going waaaaaaay over the speed limit. I'm not sure if it was stock or whatnot but that thing was insanely fast and I would prefer something to start with that won't get away from me as easily.

[bikepilot]

Sounds like the 696 would be perfect for you then.  The 600RR makes approximately 2x the hp of the 696 (but only at very high rpms).  The 696, even at your altitude will accelerate quite briskly.

A squid is a really lousy motorcycle rider, most typically in shorts and a t-shirt and exhibiting an extreme lack of judgment and skill.  You'll see lots of them about when the weather is good.

A track day is where you go to a local race track and ride around (not in a race).  Its a great way to get to know your bike and build your skill in a safe environment.  IMI is near Denver and does track days on its kart/SM track for $35 (or did when I was out there last).  It'd be an awesome way to get comfortable on your bike.  Its a fairly tight track which is great for building skill with minimal risk.

[JTO112]

Awesome thanks for the info. A track day sounds like a lot of fun.. And yeah that makes sense because the guy who was called a squid was doing wheelies through downtown without a shirt on. So, I guess that fits your description.

Also, I have one more question. How much does it generally cost for a full set of leathers and boots and what not? I have already looked at helmet so I know what they run for but I havent really looked at other protective gear.

[Slide Panda]

Yep, that guy was a total squid. Other typical squid stuff is doing 120 on the highway in nothing but what that guy was wearing... riding super fast in a straight line and then clamping on the brakes to park it (go very slowly) though a turn because they really have no skill. Other squidly hallmarks are riding with arms locked out at the elbow and mile wide chicken strips (the unscrubbed shoulders of a moto tire)

Gear, even helmets can vary a lot. Jackets can run from the high $100s to near on $1000. But it depends on what you need, you want and your ability flex. I suggest you start a thread in the gear section. Let folks know you're serious about getting kitted out head to toe, and are on a budget. You'll get plenty of suggestions.

As for helmets, most expensive doesn't always = best. One of the most important factors for a helmet, probably the most is a proper fit. Each manufactures fit will be a little different, even within different lines from the same folks. Having a $200 helmet that fits you perfectly will be better for you noodle in a crash than a $700 that doesn't fit a bit. Hit up a local shop or two and start testing things out and take some notes. They should have someone on hand who can assist - it's a common mistake for folks to buy their 1st helmet too large.

So start up that thread. And if you want to do some more reading - I like http://www.webbikeworld.com/ for their reviews. They put a lot of detail in, including much info about the internal shape regarding fit.