another second bike question

[Laura]

So as the weather is getting colder and wetter, and I am spending less time riding, I am spending more time lusting over bikes I could own in the future. I am very seriously considering buying a new bike in the spring. I'll keep my GS, partly because it is a fun little bike, but also because I plan on trying some track days on it next year. Also, I ride year around, so if I bought a nicer bike I could winterize that one and ride the GS during the winter and early spring. In addition, I doubt I would be able to get much for the trusty GS. But when I bought it, I only planned on keeping it a season. I wanted to see if I really enjoyed riding, and I also wanted a good learner bike. Well, I love riding. And I've had it a year and a half. Now, I know my abilities haven't surpassed the GS's abilities, but I really would like to own a brand new bike that is under warranty. And I think I can handle a little more power without killing myself. So here is what I was thinking:

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2005/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=monster&modelName=MS2RD-05

I'm pretty sure I want a mid-sized, naked twin. And I have been wanting a Monster since I took the MSF course. I think they are gorgeous. They are the epitome of what I think motorcycles should look like. (Yes, I know, most people probably disagree.) And I can afford it. But everyone raves about the SV650. Personally, I think they are ugly. And I'm an artsy, stylish kind of girl. But once I'm on the bike and riding, I probably won't care about the looks. If I would have more fun on an SV650, then that's what I would get. I know the Ducati is a lot of money. But, if I can afford it, and I really like the style of the Monster, will I be able to have as much fun on the Monster as I could on the SV? Basically, performance and handling-wise, do you think the Monster is as good as the SV? Or is the SV the superior bike?

Weigh in, please!

Laura

[70 Cam Guy]

The 2 valve Ducati motors are really supposed to be pretty reliable.  If you don't mind the somewhat frequent check-ups, then I'm sure you'd love a Monster.  Also since you plan on keeping the GS, parts on the slow boat from Italy won't be tough to wait for.

If a Monster is really what you're lusting after I doubt you'll ever be really happy with an SV even though it will probably be fun to ride.  The Monster needs no justification.  Its a sweet bike with loads of style front to back.  I bet once you see a standard S2R next to the S2R Dark there'll be a tough decision

Try to get a ride on both if you can.  I know Ducati offers test rides and you can probably find a friend that will let you try out an SV.

Be sure your local Ducati dealer is a good one because a bad dealer can seriously ruin the experience.

[The Buddha]

Well for a totally italian experience - Moto guzzi - that breva looks sweet, though heavier than the monster... anyway I also have a soft corner for a laverda ... the air cooled ghost ... drool... there was rollin668 here that had one... PM him. Also well its too much like a GS but... try a MZ 660 skorpion.
Cool.
Srinath.

[pantablo]

Cycle World recently did a 1/2 page write up on that bike within the context of an italian alternative to the sv650 et al smaller bikes. They liked it and rated it highly but it has a heavy clutch that isnt adjustable for smaller hands (read women's hands). Not that big a deal if you dont do much city traffic riding but if you do it could be annoying. Also heavier than the SV. Also, the major maintenance (valves) is still 3x as frequent I think than the suzuki so not only is there additional cost for the purchase of the bike and quite possibly the insurance but also higher and more frequent maintenance costs...

But like 70 Cam Guy says, all this doesnt really matter if thats what you had your heart set on. You'll usually overlook these things. Buy what makes your heart race when you arent riding it.

[Gisser]

Make sure you do your research before you buy...even if you can afford to make mistakes.  

Cycle World notes that the Duc Monster's long reach to the bars has the potential to spoil the fun.  A short reach to the bars is now considered state-of-the-art with respect to ergonomics while being stretched out over the tank is a mark of an dated chassis.  By the numbers, the 620 spots the SV650 15 ponies [58/73] and 10 ft lbs torq [37/47].  Of course, they good things to say about the Duc as well.  You might like a version of the Buell XB9R.  Isn't that a product of Wisconsin?

[Cal Price]

Laura, choice of bikes etc, I will leave alone but I'm with you on the winter riding, winterise the rider not the bike wherever possible. New bike for summer and GS for winter,  the concept of a "winter-hack" is quite common here and GS's tend to feature as the latter. Mind the ice!

[Laura]

Well for a totally italian experience - Moto guzzi - that breva looks sweet, though heavier than the monster... anyway I also have a soft corner for a laverda ... the air cooled ghost ... drool... there was rollin668 here that had one... PM him. Also well its too much like a GS but... try a MZ 660 skorpion.

Yeah, I kind of like the Breva, too. I'm a little wary of Moto Guzzis because we only have one dealer around here. So if I had a problem with the service department I wouldn't have any other alternative. But if they are good, that wouldn't matter. And I don't know anything about the Laverda, but I just googled it and it looks sweet. They don't make them anymore, do they?

They liked it and rated it highly but it has a heavy clutch that isnt adjustable for smaller hands (read women's hands). Not that big a deal if you dont do much city traffic riding but if you do it could be annoying.

Yeah, that is a concern because I do have small hands. But the Ducati website says that the clutch is adjustable. And it also has a slipper clutch. I know they put a slipper clutch on the 620 this year, and that the clutch is a lot lighter this year. Now, I don't know if that has anything to do with the slipper clutch, or if they did something else to make it lighter. I should get that issue of Cycle World.

Cycle World notes that the Duc Monster's long reach to the bars has the potential to spoil the fun. A short reach to the bars is now considered state-of-the-art with respect to ergonomics while being stretched out over the tank is a mark of an dated chassis. By the numbers, the 620 spots the SV650 15 ponies [58/73] and 10 ft lbs torq [37/47]. Of course, they good things to say about the Duc as well. You might like a version of the Buell XB9R. Isn't that a product of Wisconsin?

Does a short reach make it handle better, or is it more a comfort issue? I do have to stretch out a bit on the Monster. And the foot peg postion seems a little odd. I don't know if the ergonomics are the same on the old 800 (which is what I sat on) as they will be on the new S2R.

I actually looked at the Buell, but man, talk about a heavy clutch. I'd have to ice my  hands after riding that bike. They even have a version that is lowered, presumably for women. (I have really long legs, so height isn't an issue for me) I don't know if they did anything with the clutch on the "women's" version. If not, I can't imagine they are going to sell many of those. It is MUCH heavier than the Ducati's clutch.

I know the SV650 is the more sensible choice, and I may still go with that. But I sure like the looks of the Monster. I'll have to ride one in the spring!

Laura

[dgyver]

...And it also has a slipper clutch. I know they put a slipper clutch on the 620 this year, and that the clutch is a lot lighter this year. Now, I don't know if that has anything to do with the slipper clutch, or if they did something else to make it lighter.....

A slipper clutch is designed to limit the amount of rear wheel lock-up and over revving the engine when down shifting. A problem associated with larger bore twins. Even with one, the rear end will feel loose if you down shift to much and dump the clutch. It is actually kind of fun at times.

[octane]

I love the Ducati Laura, I've always been a Duc fan. The main thing that would make me think twice about actually getting one though is the frequent and sometimes pricey maintenance. As far as handling and power, the Duc will probably make you as happy as a SV...and since you really don't like the SV it makes the call a little easier. Plus, the Duc is just sexy!!

[octane]

[octane]

Not to hijack your thread or nothin'...but I couldn't resist sharing this one too.

[Gofer]

Cagiva Raptors look pretty nice, and they've got that whole "Suzuki reliability" thing going for them as well.  

[pantablo]

Cycle World recently did a 1/2 page write up on that bike within the context of an italian alternative to the sv650

My bad. It was Sport Rider. They said it wasnt good for new riders or smaller riders because the levers are far to reach and non adjustable(maybe the SR2 has adjustability? brake is stil an issue though), the seat height is low but the handlebars are are a long reach.  The reach to the handlebars is a comfort issue mainly but also a steering/handling issue to a degree.

Why get the sensible option? Get what stirs your soul.

[70 Cam Guy]

Why get the sensible option? Get what stirs your soul.

Pablo, I could not agree more

[Laura]

I took a demo ride on a 2004 800 Monster today. It was FUN! I loved it. The clutch is heavier than I'm used to, but it wasn't bad. The ergonomics seemed a little strange when I was just sitting on the bike, but once I was riding it felt great. And I loved how responsive the bike felt. My GS is kind of wimpy until I get the revs up. The Monster seemed strong right away. And it felt really smooth and tight. My (stock) GS often feels floppy when turning. And it sounded SWEET!! I loved it I loved it I loved it. And I put a deposit down for a black one with a red stripe, which is supposed to come in February!

They were selling the demo at a good price, but I don't really want another yellow bike. Also, I don't know how important it is to run in a bike properly, but I'm sure that bike has been ridden pretty aggressively. I rode it more aggressively than I would have ridden a bike I owned that was in it's break-in period.

I considered waiting until the bikes actually arrived, but supposedly if the dealers sell the bikes before Thanksgiving they can order more, but after that there is a possibility that they won't be able to order more. So I thought I might have a little easier time getting a reasonable deal now, since it is pretty much risk-free for the dealer. And the dealer was actually pleasant to do business with. Hopefully the red stripe doesn't turn out to be ugly in real life!

Anyway, I'm excited. I hope this curtails the amount of time I waste looking at motorcycles on the internet!

And thanks for all your opinions. I didn't even ride an SV, but with the look and sound of the Ducati, and how much fun I had riding it, I can't think I would have liked the SV as much.

Laura

[pantablo]

I hope this curtails the amount of time I waste looking at motorcycles on the internet!

YEAH RIGHT.

... but with the look and sound of the Ducati

YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD WITH THAT COMMENT. YOU'LL LOVE IT. IT WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY WAITING FOR IT! CONGRATULATIONS.

[Mk1inCali]

Congrats!!  Glad you didn't go with the "sensible" choice!!!

[bikenut]

Laura,

There was never any doubt that you would end up with the Duke.  You love it and you'd never be satisfied with anything else.  Even if you bought some other bike, and was happy with it, you'd still be lusting after the Duke.

As long as you'll be keeping your GS, you can take it whenever you need to be comfy.  Also, you'll find that the GS is much easier to ride.

I bought a new GS in July and after 2,500 miles, I wanted more power, and I found a 2003 ZRX for a great price 2 weeks ago.  I've been riding the REX since then, but brought it in for new tires and some other minor things.  Started riding my GS again and it is much easier to ride smoothly.

Congrats on your Duke !!  Don't go crazy and stay safe. :lol:

[Hi-T]

Ducatis are definately sexy...  Women riders are sexy....  I guess that makes you... ummm... like....  4 times more sexy.

There's nothing sensible about ducatis- That's why I had to go the sv650 route...

[Mk1inCali]

Laura, just a FYI, my dad has a 2000 Duc ST2 sport tour-er, and he's been reading up on maintenance issue, seems some of the higher-mileage guys (50K and above) on ST2's have been going to 12K miles for their valve check/timing belt replacement interval with no noticed ill effects.  Might want to look into that before you start plunking down the cash for your second valve check (I personally would check it out on time the first time, then start stretching it out some.)

That grey/red&white striped Monster Octane posted is HOT!