Greetings.

[Count Zero]

Hey all.

My name's Charles (or Chuck...either is fine), and I'm from St. Louis, MO.

I've been riding bikes for almost 20 years, and admit that I'm a die-hard Harley guy.  I live & breathe Hogs and wouldn't dream of giving them up.

HOWEVER....I also love the idea of a simple, no-frills FUN bike that's got the power it needs but is still small (compared to my 750+ lbs beast).

Last year one of my best friends got an 07 Monster 625 and I was surprised at how much I liked it.  (I usually don't like sportbikes with all the fairing on it & such).
Visually, the Monster is exactly what I'd want "my" sportbike to look like.

And then a couple months ago I got spend a whole day riding around on it and just fell in love.

So here I am.
Got the wife's approval (who also rides, but also a die-hard Harley person) and am looking to get myself a Monster.

I don't need a brand new bike or a super-fast S4R, but even the basic 620 or 750 would be perfect for what I want.....the polar opposite of my Street Glide.
But I just can't bring myself to want a different bike, even another "naked" sportbike like a Triumph Street Triple.   (Guess I just can't let go of my love of V-Twins, eh?)

[Slide Panda]

Well even if you don't want the 'big' monster there's plenty of options in the 2v monster set. You might look at the 900, 1000 or S2R1000. Those models usually have better suspension components than the smaller displacement versions. Also, in mid 2005 the 620 and S2R800 got downed from 4 piston calipers on 320mm rotor is 2 pistons calipers on 300mm rotors - the 695 has the same.

Also look up the info on expanding gas tanks. In mid 2005 Ducati started to use plastic gas tanks. These have had problems due to the water inherent in ethanol causing them to expand.

Let's see... If you want injected the 900 picked it up in 2000 smaller displacement monsters in 02.

Other things to consider, the 900, 1000 and S2R1000 have a dry clutch. Smaller monsters have a wet clutch. In roughly 2005 the wet clutch monsters got an APTC clutch which gives a slipper like function helping prevent over rev or drive lock if you ham fist a down shift. The dry clutch is a normal clutch, no slip (unless is worn out). The dry clutch is a DIY maintainers dream as it takes 15 min to swap plates. A wet clutch need the engine to be opened up to service the clutch.

If you come across a bike you're interested in post it up in the General Monster section and you'll get plenty of opinions on it and any questions answered. Aaaand we do have  bike sale section - there's been some nice bikes up for sale as of late.

Oh yeah, welcome to the board

[Count Zero]

Now, didn't say I don't WANT the bigger ones (Local dealership has a real pretty 06 S2R1000), just saying that I'm trying to keep my budget small since it's not my main bike. 

Expanding tanks: Yea, my friend has an 07 and told me about those.
And not afraid of carbs, but will admit I like the reliability and predictability of fuel injection.

Got my eye out for deals, and fair bit of patience (ok, not much....but for ME, any patience is a lot).

Keeping my eye open here and other places like eBay and Cycletrader.

There's an 02 750 up in WI at a place called Road Track And Trail.....but they're 4100 out the door, despite it having a dent in the tank.  Pretty bike, but I'm not paying $650+ over NADA value on a stock bike with a dented tank.  *shrug*

[Slide Panda]

Nor should you. 750 isn't uncommon

[Count Zero]

Actually, I'm hoping to get Duck750's nice little cafe-racer styled 2001.....surprised me that it's set up pretty much exactly how I would mod whatever stock Monster I got.

[Count Zero]

To followup on my previous post....money sent & transport arrangements made!

Can't wait!

[Count Zero]

woot!
On its way from the City of Angles to St. Louie.

Here's hoping the nice weather we have here holds out.

[Slide Panda]

Congrats!