Monster in my dreams. Need assistance choosing.

[Dondo]

From the moment I saw Celli's bike I've been hooked. I want a Monster. I'm a new rider, 6'0." Need suggestions on what to get. I don't want to knock on a 1k's door off the jump since this'll be my first bike. I also don't want to get on a 600 - 620 and feel inadequate or undewhelmed. Something mid-range around $5k.

Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Raux]

The older bikes... maybe an S2R800. lots can be done with it and it's not overwhelming on power. Plus being under 1000cc insurance is lower.
and similar to Celli's

Newer bike. a 696 has decent power, but you'll be hard pressed to get one in the 5k range

[Slide Panda]

Hello,

So how new is new? This your first bike?

I'd say look at a 620, perhaps the S2R 800. A 600 would be hard to find, and yeah will be underwhelming. The 600 is/was a carby model, and the carb'd bikes loose out to their Fuel Injected brothers. Also... they have carbs and are therefore powered by black magic.

The 620 and S2R 800 both have Adler Power Torque Converter (APTC) clutches. Which helps during hard down shifts if the engine RPMs aren't matched or the clutch is slipped by the rider during the transition. So for a new rider it can take a thing or two off your mind while learning.

I started off on a 620, and they are quicker than one might think - especially when the gearing is made a little shorter via a smaller (14 tooth) front sprocket or a larger (+2-3) rear. They are light, with enough power to be fun and the APTC does make it an easier ride. The S2R800 has a lot of similarities to the 620, but obviously a bigger plant. You didn't mention a 695 that'd be one to consider as well

Larger bikes require more skill to ride. Throttle control is more important and the normal clutch require more attention.

[Dondo]

It seems I have two votes for the S2R 800. Wasn't of fan of ye ol' carb on my '73 Datsun. Probably why I sold it. So fuel injection is a plus. 

Sad Panda: Cheer up...and yes, first bike, new rider.

Raux: I am indeed fond of the of the 696 but I brainwashed myself into not spending over $3k...and then $5k. So until the next lobotomy...

Thanks for the input. This forum will be my Gospel before long. Church!

[$Lindz$]

I'll add in another vote for an S2R 800 1000. Ok, ok, 800 will be good for first bike, but the price isn't that much different and a 1000 is worth the tiny price increase. The DS1000 engine isn't gonna shoot you to the moon, it's got 80 hp and it's really straight-forward.

Plus the S2R1k has better suspension and that Duc-only dry clutch. All over the show it's a better bike and the price is worth it over the 800.

My first road bike was an S2R1k, it wasn't unruly. Follow-up question: have you taken any rider education/safety courses?

[bikepilot]

I don't think you'll find a 620 underpowered for a long time.  I ride one from time to time and enjoy it and certainly don't have problems keeping up with traffic or friends (I've been riding for almost two decades so not new).  The 1000/1100 isn't all that fast outright, but its power down low is quite a bit more and the throttle response much quicker.  This could make it a bit of a handful for a new rider.  Not impossible, but it'll require a bit more ginger approach where a 620-800 would be considerably more forgiving.  They all sound and look great as well.  I'd suggest you find one that suits you (i.e., if you really like the single sided swingarm look get a S2R) and is well kept and maintained.  Be sure to save plenty of $$$ for proper riding gear as it very important - much more so than getting a newer or bigger cc bike - and can be a bit expensive.  Also be aware that if you aren't mechanically inclined ducatis can be a bit expensive to maintain.  In general its best to assume a used bike needs new tires ($300-$400), belts ($70) and valve adjustment ($350 for a shim kit that'll last you a while) (prices parts only, labor is considerable for the valves) unless you have absolutely conclusive proof to the contrary.

[$Lindz$]

^All very true. I personally don't think learning on an S2R1k is bad, and given the price vs. benefits over an S2R (800) I would suggest the 1k any day.

But something can definitely be said for buying an older Monster (not S*R) and using the price difference for some good gear/leathers and learn how to ride for real.

[Raux]

plus the 1k puts you in a higher insurance bracket