ATOT motorcycle riders: Thoughs on the Ducati Monster 620

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RGUN
Get whatever you want, nobody ever listens to good advice from experienced riders like get a 500cc or smaller bike...

Go ahead and get the Duc and pose with it, as long as you can ride the straights to the local coffee shop you will be ok... you will have far higher skill after owning a smaller bike.

FYI, I had more fun on my little Ninja 500R than my GSXR1000

you do know that the Duc is comparable (extremely) to the SV650, which is the bike i was recommended, and will also be looking at.

both are low on power, and have a consistant power that isnt any peak anywhere surprising.

My argument has very little to do with power, Ducs are not beginners bikes, and an SV650 is a great beginners bike.

 

[MikeMike]

i am going to look at the SV650S tomorrow on my way home from school.

definately need to figure out a nice helmet, leathers though.

 

[VanTheMan]

The SV650 is a good beginner bike. My friend had one and I rode it several times. It has PLENTY of power for a beginner. I would have no trouble pulling the front wheel off the ground on it. Don't waste your money on a Ducati. It will lose all it's resale value when you drop it. Notice I said "when" you drop it, not "if." Anybody who can afford a Ducati will not buy one that's been dropped. All costs in general will be lower on the SV650. I currently ride a 94 Honda Magna that I love.

 

[SophalotJack]

Originally posted by: notfred
I wouldn't buy an Italian *anything* as a first *anything*. Not a car, not a suit, not a motorcycle.

Even a cure for smug?

 

[The Stigenator]

actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

i am pretty sure the 250, and the 500 are slightly to small for me.

im 6'3 190 which gives me an issue with some bikes and their sizes.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Two wheels bad, four wheels good.

 

[BreakApart]

The GS500 is one of the all-time best beginner bikes ever made. (average size male)
The ninja250 is an excellent beginner bike for the average size female. (I've known a couple girls just tear up the corners on these bikes, and some guys)

Every rider I've met has at least a couple beginner stories where they got in over their head, very easy to do (following friends that ride above your ability, cocky friends that push you too fast too soon, etc, etc) Simple fact...the faster the bike the worse the outcome potential.

You can get a new/used GS500 and resell it a year or (2) later and lose very little.(low cost, easy to resell) Repair bills when you break something GS500 beats Ducati easy.

Now with that said the SV650/SV650S are in a whole other league than the Ducati 620. Ducati had to change the Monster750 engine and increase the displacement from 750 to 803cc because of the SV bikes, they call them Ducati S2R now. They used to compare the SV650 directly against the monster750 and the SV would win everytime.(power, handling, price, maintenance...it was sad)

The SV bikes are great, they have to be some of the best stop light to stop light bikes I've ever ridden. In stop and go traffic you can't beat a V-Twin all the power is right there at the bottom of the rpm band, no need to wind it out like a rice rocket.

I own a 92 ZX6 and a 2001 SV650, the SV650 is my favorite bike to ride. The Ninja always wants to go faster and faster, easy to look down and see 90+ on the speedo. The SV has much better speed control, with so much of its power at lower rpms you don't find yourself twisting the throttle as hard.

If you can keep your head screwed on straight the SV will last you a long time, but if you want to save some cash and learn the right way get yourself a GS500 or smaller for at least a year or (2).

 

[CombatChuk]

A bike that might fit you better could be the Honda Nighthawk 750

Text

Before everyone gets on my case for recommending a 750 know that this engine dates back to the '70's . It's ultra reliable it has ZERO valve maintenence, the engine produces about 65 hp and has and has a smooth power curve (Not peaky like sport bikes that get people in trouble)

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

LOL stock SVs are as tame as they come.. we have put 4 girls now onto them as first bikes..
they do not wheelie easy at all.. you can dump the clutch on a 650 and it wont be able to lift up..
it does not power wheelie...

its riding position is the exact same as the GS standard and straight up...

I enduranced raced a 2002 SV650 for 2 seasons... and this is one of the tamest good riding bikes in thw world..
it is far superior to a inline 4 as a beginner bike as the curve is much more nuetral.
you post makes me feel that you have never ridden a SV at all or maybe only the 1000 version..
which I have not ridden so I cannot comment on.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: BreakApart
The GS500 is one of the all-time best beginner bikes ever made. (average size male)
The ninja250 is an excellent beginner bike for the average size female. (I've known a couple girls just tear up the corners on these bikes, and some guys)

Every rider I've met has at least a couple beginner stories where they got in over their head, very easy to do (following friends that ride above your ability, cocky friends that push you too fast too soon, etc, etc) Simple fact...the faster the bike the worse the outcome potential.

You can get a new/used GS500 and resell it a year or (2) later and lose very little.(low cost, easy to resell) Repair bills when you break something GS500 beats Ducati easy.

Now with that said the SV650/SV650S are in a whole other league than the Ducati 620. Ducati had to change the Monster750 engine and increase the displacement from 750 to 803cc because of the SV bikes, they call them Ducati S2R now. They used to compare the SV650 directly against the monster750 and the SV would win everytime.(power, handling, price, maintenance...it was sad)

The SV bikes are great, they have to be some of the best stop light to stop light bikes I've ever ridden. In stop and go traffic you can't beat a V-Twin all the power is right there at the bottom of the rpm band, no need to wind it out like a rice rocket.

I own a 92 ZX6 and a 2001 SV650, the SV650 is my favorite bike to ride. The Ninja always wants to go faster and faster, easy to look down and see 90+ on the speedo. The SV has much better speed control, with so much of its power at lower rpms you don't find yourself twisting the throttle as hard.

If you can keep your head screwed on straight the SV will last you a long time, but if you want to save some cash and learn the right way get yourself a GS500 or smaller for at least a year or (2).

see, i will be using it for cruising, and commuting. that is why i feel the 650 would be very useful.

i typically keep my head screwed on straight no matter what im doing. ive seen numerous ppl get hurt.

also, i dont have any friends who have crotch rockets, so it would typically be myself riding and im not gunna do something just because someone else does, i never have done tht.

 

[CTweak]

Originally posted by: theprodigalrebel
Ducati Monster 620
Power 44,3 kW - 60 HP @ 9500 rpm
Torque 53,3 Nm - 5,4 Kgm @ 6750 rpm

I would say that might be a little too powerful for a first bike. Be prepared for lots of unintentional wheelies.

Haha! Have you ever ridden one of these? I have - several times. Trust me, there will be no unintentional wheelies. It's not a bad starter bike. Yes, a bit expensive on the parts, etc, but fun enough he won't want to be selling it in 3 months like he would a Ninja 250. There are trade offs to every bike. A tiny bike like the 250 is a great starter bike, but a larger person will be uncofortable on it quickly.

Now, get into the Duc 900 / 1000SS line and talk to me about wheelies

 

[Abel007]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Baked
Why even make a thread about what you should buy? You're not gonna buy anything anyway. Go take the bus.

Originally posted by: Abel007
Weren't you buying a Charger last week or something along those lines? I see we've moved to bikes. Next week?

That about sums it up. And it was a GTO, not a charger

:laugh:

I can't keep up.

 

[halik]

the monster 620 is relatively underpowered, so I'd it would make a decent starter bike. It should have a good amount of torque too, making it fun for riding around town. Save $$$ for repairs, though an aircooled duc is less hassle.

An SV650 is a good choice though, so long you're not a tiny/lanky guy. The late SVs have gotten pretty beefy (friend of mine has one), so it might be little too much for someone thats ~140lbs

Edit: You're ~200 lbs... I wouldn't consider ninja 250 or a 500. You'd look rediculous on a 250 to begin with
I'd shoot for a new-ish SV650, they look and ride great and you can get the lower fairings and clipons to make it look faster

 

[zixxer]

without making a huge drawn out post:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=1889015

look at my comments on there.


As far as beginner bikes go - a duc 620 is fine (as long as you're 5'10+ 170lb+..) EXCEPT that they ARE less reliable and DO require more maintainence. A very good friend of mine is selling his 05 999 due to constant reliability issues - every ride he would worry about whether it would start at the gas pump.. whether it was going to die at the red light.. etc etc. This isn't even getting into $$$$ WHEN you fall over in a parking lot or stopping at a red light.

This is stuff you don't want to have to worry about - an sv650 is a comparable bike other than 1) it's not a duc 2) much cheaper to buy, ride, and fix, insure, and maintain 3) less likely to get stolen



If money is no object then go for it, as long as you're not short/small. If you are, get your bearings on a gs500 (preferred, since it wasn't faired until 04) or ninja 500. If you're really small - a ninja 250.



EDIT:

WTF repost

 

[Crucial]

Who the hell falls at a stop light or parking lot? My first bike was an FZ750 and I had absolutely no problems with it at all. I learned to ride on an old Yamaha 650 for about 2 weeks and jumped right on the FZ.

 

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: Crucial
Who the hell falls at a stop light or parking lot? My first bike was an FZ750 and I had absolutely no problems with it at all. I learned to ride on an old Yamaha 650 for about 2 weeks and jumped right on the FZ.

um, most of the time when a bike falls over it's not while you're riding at 60mph.. it's while trying to move around in a parking lot or stopping at an odd angle.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: zixxer

Originally posted by: Crucial
Who the hell falls at a stop light or parking lot? My first bike was an FZ750 and I had absolutely no problems with it at all. I learned to ride on an old Yamaha 650 for about 2 weeks and jumped right on the FZ.

um, most of the time when a bike falls over it's not while you're riding at 60mph.. it's while trying to move around in a parking lot or stopping at an odd angle.

i will prolly drop it when backing up or something, guaranteed, right in front of a group of friends.

 

[zixxer]

Originally posted by: CVSiN

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

LOL stock SVs are as tame as they come.. we have put 4 girls now onto them as first bikes..
they do not wheelie easy at all.. you can dump the clutch on a 650 and it wont be able to lift up..
it does not power wheelie...

its riding position is the exact same as the GS standard and straight up...

I enduranced raced a 2002 SV650 for 2 seasons... and this is one of the tamest good riding bikes in thw world..
it is far superior to a inline 4 as a beginner bike as the curve is much more nuetral.
you post makes me feel that you have never ridden a SV at all or maybe only the 1000 version..
which I have not ridden so I cannot comment on.

You are ridiculously wrong.

I had the 'most aggressive' gs500, one with clip-ons, and it was far more comfortable than my 03 sv650.

I can also power wheelie in first, and can clutch it up without any problems in 2nd.




One of the worst 'newbie' accidents I've seen was a guy on one of the older sv's, he accidentally dumped the clutch when he grabbed a handful of throttle while stopping.. he ended up hurt pretty bad..


An SV can throw you. It is mosy definetely NOT a first time bike unless you are >200lbs

 

[MikeMike]

i sat on the 650 and the 650S, the 650 was definately a lot more comfortable to my size.

a Ninja 250 was a joke.

the helmets were nice Arai's are freakin nice.
still need to figure out the jackets and stuff.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: zixxer

Originally posted by: CVSiN

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

LOL stock SVs are as tame as they come.. we have put 4 girls now onto them as first bikes..
they do not wheelie easy at all.. you can dump the clutch on a 650 and it wont be able to lift up..
it does not power wheelie...

its riding position is the exact same as the GS standard and straight up...

I enduranced raced a 2002 SV650 for 2 seasons... and this is one of the tamest good riding bikes in thw world..
it is far superior to a inline 4 as a beginner bike as the curve is much more nuetral.
you post makes me feel that you have never ridden a SV at all or maybe only the 1000 version..
which I have not ridden so I cannot comment on.

You are ridiculously wrong.

I had the 'most aggressive' gs500, one with clip-ons, and it was far more comfortable than my 03 sv650.

I can also power wheelie in first, and can clutch it up without any problems in 2nd.




One of the worst 'newbie' accidents I've seen was a guy on one of the older sv's, he accidentally dumped the clutch when he grabbed a handful of throttle while stopping.. he ended up hurt pretty bad..


An SV can throw you. It is mosy definetely NOT a first time bike unless you are >200lbs

Yea. Friend of mine picked up an 06 Sv650S. His riding position is more aggressive then my Yzf600r. Its true about the torque curve, making it more predictable, but its still not a "beginner friendly" bike. Its just not as unfriendly as the i4's.

 

[Mellman]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
still lookin, like the looks fo the "black" version, although it doesnt come with the dual rotors that the sport version does, i think it looks better, and supposedly it feels more nimble.

any ideas on how this bike will be as a first bike?

edit: will probably try on a few helmets as well tomorrow see which fit, and dont cause pressure points, etc. (full face of course)

full face of course? I kindof have to laugh, do you have other gear? FULL gear? not jeans? I dont want to see an RIP MIKEMIKE thread because you bought a $300 helmet and brand spankin new bike, but didnt buy a leather jacket(i dont care how hot it is) and pants/gloves/boots.

Also, as a new rider myself (2-3 months now) I'd reccomend the YZF600R as well. its a very forgiving bike, very comfortable (ive ridden for a 1700 mile road trip on a weekend) And the community is amazing over at the yzf forums.

but yeah, consider your skin, plan to spend about $1000-1300 on gear for yourself, in addition to the cost of your bike, dont be a squid...t-shirt,flip flops, shorts...wow, like their $600 arai will really make a difference...

ok sorry /rant

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Mellman

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
still lookin, like the looks fo the "black" version, although it doesnt come with the dual rotors that the sport version does, i think it looks better, and supposedly it feels more nimble.

any ideas on how this bike will be as a first bike?

edit: will probably try on a few helmets as well tomorrow see which fit, and dont cause pressure points, etc. (full face of course)

full face of course? I kindof have to laugh, do you have other gear? FULL gear? not jeans? I dont want to see an RIP MIKEMIKE thread because you bought a $300 helmet and brand spankin new bike, but didnt buy a leather jacket(i dont care how hot it is) and pants/gloves/boots.

Also, as a new rider myself (2-3 months now) I'd reccomend the YZF600R as well. its a very forgiving bike, very comfortable (ive ridden for a 1700 mile road trip on a weekend) And the community is amazing over at the yzf forums.

but yeah, consider your skin, plan to spend about $1000-1300 on gear for yourself, in addition to the cost of your bike, dont be a squid...t-shirt,flip flops, shorts...wow, like their $600 arai will really make a difference...

ok sorry /rant

trying on jackets is nothing like helmets though...

i know full leather, i was lookin at some of the jackets, and some of the padded mesh jackets.

i plan on full gear other than actual racing boots, i would just get decent protective shoes.
i was budgeting about $1k for outfit, and then the bike.

 

[Mellman]

Good deal then Hate to see squids riding around...

anyways, checkout the yzf600r. The monster was my buddy's first bike, then a jeep pulled out in front of him and totaled it, and his leg. but also make sure you get the MSF course out of the way, it is really worth the $120.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: zixxer

Originally posted by: CVSiN

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
actually as an experienced rider i will disagree.. teh SV650 IS NOT a beginner bike. I will not recommend it.

Here is why:

* it wheelies too easily
* the Vtwin engine while buttery smooth has a kick that can get a new rider into trouble really fast.
* its riding position isnt exactly fun for a new rider.

Stick with teh Suzuki GS500, Ninja 250 and 500 models.... trust me on this. Ppl who claim that can ride on a 600cc+ bikes (this includes teh SV650) have no idea that what tehy call riding is piss when tehy get their ass handed to tehm by a guy on a GS500.

LOL stock SVs are as tame as they come.. we have put 4 girls now onto them as first bikes..
they do not wheelie easy at all.. you can dump the clutch on a 650 and it wont be able to lift up..
it does not power wheelie...

its riding position is the exact same as the GS standard and straight up...

I enduranced raced a 2002 SV650 for 2 seasons... and this is one of the tamest good riding bikes in thw world..
it is far superior to a inline 4 as a beginner bike as the curve is much more nuetral.
you post makes me feel that you have never ridden a SV at all or maybe only the 1000 version..
which I have not ridden so I cannot comment on.

You are ridiculously wrong.

I had the 'most aggressive' gs500, one with clip-ons, and it was far more comfortable than my 03 sv650.

I can also power wheelie in first, and can clutch it up without any problems in 2nd.




One of the worst 'newbie' accidents I've seen was a guy on one of the older sv's, he accidentally dumped the clutch when he grabbed a handful of throttle while stopping.. he ended up hurt pretty bad..


An SV can throw you. It is mosy definetely NOT a first time bike unless you are >200lbs

Yea. Friend of mine picked up an 06 Sv650S. His riding position is more aggressive then my Yzf600r. Its true about the torque curve, making it more predictable, but its still not a "beginner friendly" bike. Its just not as unfriendly as the i4's.

pics of YZF600R (it's my dreambike - sporty, but practical )